FaultScore

GMC Yukon headlight problems

466 of the 6,468 complaints filed about the GMC Yukon are about the lighting — 7% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2015.

466

Complaints

7%

Share of all complaints

2

Crashes

2

Fires

Lights complaints by model year

1994 Yukon 1 0.2%
1995 Yukon 3 0.6%
1996 Yukon 1 0.2%
1999 Yukon 1 0.2%
2000 Yukon 1 0.2%

Median failure at 100,000 miles

2001 Yukon 7 1.5%

Median failure at 39,000 miles

2002 Yukon 3 0.6%
2003 Yukon 5 1.1%

Median failure at 63,000 miles

2004 Yukon 2 0.4%

Median failure at 60 miles

2005 Yukon 1 0.2%
2006 Yukon 1 0.2%
2007 Yukon 6 1.3%

Median failure at 119,500 miles

2008 Yukon 1 0.2%

Median failure at 50 miles

2011 Yukon 1 0.2%

Median failure at 80,000 miles

2015 Yukon 269 57.7%

Median failure at 59,000 miles

2016 Yukon 105 22.5%

Median failure at 53,000 miles

2017 Yukon 49 10.5%

Median failure at 52,785 miles

2018 Yukon 2 0.4%
2019 Yukon 1 0.2%
2021 Yukon 1 0.2%
2022 Yukon 2 0.4%

Median failure at 5,000 miles

2023 Yukon 2 0.4%
2024 Yukon 1 0.2%

What owners said

2023 GMC Yukon Ashland, VA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The panoramic sunroof has a substantial leak, even though the 2023 vehicle only has 33,000 miles on it. The drain lines are clear but water continues to significantly leak out of the rear passenger seatbelt housing onto the seatbelt. There is also significant water drainage through the rear interior lights onto the upper legs of rear passengers (children in car seats), causing a severe electrical hazard. The leaking caused by the drainage defect affects the interior lighting, the seatbelts, and is a potential electric hazard. This seems to be a common occurrence and the manufacturer should repair their defective products. The drainage pipes are obviously either not assembled correctly or the materials don’t hold up. This should not be occurring in a $55,000 vehicle with 30,000 miles. I have multiple videos I can provide but the file sizes are too large to upload, so I took screenshots. I am going to pay for the repair but I should be reimbursed by GMC.

NHTSA complaint #11747070 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 GMC Yukon Kalamazoo, MI

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

We noticed the passenger side taillight was out. It’s not a simple bulb replacement but an entire assembly. It was put back in place and it lit up again. A few weeks later it wasn’t working. Pounded and tapped on it and it works again. We're guessing there is some sort of short so we asked for an estimate on getting an assembly replacement when it was in for a regular oil change. Shocked that a necessary part would cost $1,112.77!!! Whatever happened to changing a bulb for a few dollars?

NHTSA complaint #11699672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 GMC Yukon Wetumpka, AL

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The LED left turn signal and blind spot detection ( safety feature) on the left outside rear view mirror suddenly stopped working. The is a TSB for warranty for 2016-2018 GM YUKON (#10-08-64-002D) and it states that the bulletin has been revised to include 2016-2018 year models for this defect. I am starting this claim because I am told by GM that my VIN is not covered under this warranty, yet I am experiencing the same issue stated in the TSB listed above.

NHTSA complaint #11692277 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 GMC Yukon Wichita, KS

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

I am the owner of a 2024 GMC Yukon (VIN: [XXX] ), purchased from Hatchett Buick GMC on [XXX]. This vehicle was purchased at a high price with the expectation that it would provide reliability and keep my family safe. Unfortunately, that is clearly not happening. The Yukon continues to suffer from severe power loss that neither the dealership nor GM technicians have been able to diagnose or repair. In addition, this vehicle is subject to an unresolved engine recall, further undermining safety and confidence in the vehicle. Multiple times while driving I have had total power loss with no warning or indicators of this happening through lights or warnings on the vehicle. This is separate from the engine recall issues I am currently experiencing as well. While driving the Yukon will lose all electrical power. The vehicle is still currently at the dealership trying to be diagnosed. It has been 2 weeks. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11687041 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 GMC Yukon Clearwater, FL

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Rear tail lights go out intermittently caused by a defect in the vehicle manufacturer’s process in which the circuit board is broken in certain areas.

NHTSA complaint #11682392 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 GMC Yukon at 195,846 miles Shreveport, LA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, added pressure was needed before the vehicle came to a stop. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated or jumped before coming to a stop. Additionally, the contact stated the transmission was slipping. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled before self-correcting. The contact also stated that while idling at a stop light and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated, but gradually accelerated as needed. The contact stated that the rear taillight intermittently failed to illuminate. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The transmission fluid was flushed; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission was fractured, and the light bulbs needed to be replaced. The transmission was not repaired or replaced. The headlights were not replaced. The dealer confirmed that the brakes were included in NHTSA Campaign Number 19V645000 (Service Brake, Hydraulic) and the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was driven to the residence without further repairs. The contact stated that the vehicle had become inoperable. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 195,846.

NHTSA complaint #11666325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 GMC Yukon at 64,000 miles Bellmore, NY

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the driver’s and passenger’s side taillights failed to illuminate as designed. The contact called the dealer about the failure and was informed that there were no recalls or warranties on the vehicle associated with the failure. The contact was also informed that the repair would be an out-of-pocket expense. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.

NHTSA complaint #11638269 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 GMC Yukon Tomball, TX

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

My vehicle is currently in the shop getting the motor worked on for a bad lifter. From the information the mechanic provided me this is a common issue with the vehicles that have the Active Fuel Management system. They are seeing many of these vehicles have to come in and have very expensive repairs. My first quote I received was $16, 000, they told me I needed a whole new motor and this assessment cost me $365 and a rental car while they looked at the truck. Now it is in the shop again and the estimate is $6000 to machine the cams as there are metal shavings in my oil. I had to again rent a rental vehicle and have not had my truck for a week. This is the third mechanic that has seen multiple of these motors have to be replaced or repaired due to this issue. I kept up on my oil changes and other recommended car maintenance and so did the owner before me. I had my last oil change approx. a week before the loud ticking noise began, then my vehicle began to have a noticeable loss of power when driving and eventually began shuttering and my check engine light began to blink and I took it to the shop. A year ago I had to replace my tail lights. I was able to find where others were recalled by my VIN for some reason was not included in the recall. They started shorting out and working only part of the time which is very dangerous when stopping, especially at night. I had them replaced and paid almost $700 for the two back lights.

NHTSA complaint #11613936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 GMC Yukon Monclova, OH

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Both driver and passenger tail light/ brake light assemblies have failed. They started intermittently going out and then failed all together. There is a VERY common issue with these lights. They have been replaced at an approximate cost of $650.00 per light.

NHTSA complaint #11594367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 GMC Yukon at 104,000 miles Liberty, MS

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that the taillights were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who stated that the taillights needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was no longer covered under Special Coverage Adjustment: N182180270 (Tail Lamps Inoperative). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.

NHTSA complaint #11577149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 GMC Yukon Hudson, MA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Dealer install illuminated sill plates GM Part No.: 84667517 causing dangerous distracted driving since they do now turn off when the doors are shut and driving as advertised. Dealer double checked installation, but I feel GM installation need to be revised. See product description below from GM website: Product Information Help give your vehicle a customized appearance Water, UV and chemical resistant Designed for a precision fit Protect your door sills from scratches and scrapes Kit includes four hardwired door sill plates for the front and rear doors Features the Denali script Make your GMC shine with stylish soft lighting that creates a more upscale appearance Automatically illuminate when door is opened and turn off when door closes

NHTSA complaint #11577128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 GMC Yukon Whitmore Lake, MI

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Rear LED taillights circuit boards broken. Disabling both Stop tail lights causing serious safety hazard. We had no clue driving around and we didn't have any brake lights another driver had to tell us. So we googled this problem and it turns out that all of 2017 GMC Yukon have the same issue. There's even multiple websites to repair them as well as auto supply stores selling replacements for $1,000 and the dealership wants $1,500. This is a real problem and GM needs to make this right and recall all of these and replace them before somebody gets hurt if they haven't already.

NHTSA complaint #11577011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 GMC Yukon Lorena, TX

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The lighting on the entire interior infotainment area will randomly go bright and dim all by itself. I was almost in an accident on the interstate due to this. It was blinding and distracting to have the lighting dim and then go bright. It has been randomly doing this for about a month. I called GMC and they said they had no record of this happening on other vehicles, however when I searched for the issue with my vehicle, I realized other GMC owners have experienced the same issue. I was able to get a video of it happening one morning while waiting in my driveway to drop my kids off at the bus stop. I was in the parked position. There are no warning or messages when the lighting malfunctions, so I am not at all prepared when the car turns the lighting to MAX brightness. It poses a risk when driving by blinding the driver, causing the driver to loose focus while driving trying to adjust the lighting back to dim. It is an unnecessary distraction. The dealership couldn't confirm any malfunctions in my car. As previously stated, I have a video of the malfunction, but I am not able to upload it. I am willing to send via email.

NHTSA complaint #11569064 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 GMC Yukon Rogersville, TN

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Rear (Tail/Stop) lights on both sides, would work intermittently. Turns out it’s a known issue with the LED circuit boards. They consistently break in 2 places, leaving the vehicle with no tail lights/stip lights. GM knows of the issue , but since it’s NOT CONSIDERED a Safety Issue, they do nothing. It’s clearly a safety issue, as following drivers may not see lights, on the rear. Clearly, it is definitely a safety issue, as it can easily cause an accident, not knowing a car is there in the dark , or not knowing that the vehicle in front of them is on the brakes, and slowing.

NHTSA complaint #11567677 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 GMC Yukon Barneveld, WI

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Both tail lights fail. I just bought this vehicle at Ewald Automotive in Oconmowoc Wi a month ago with 100k and I know they were aware of the problem and so is GMC. I am not paying 900 bucks for each tail light. They are absolute junk. The left side someone already messed with it because there is electrical tape on it. Ewald laughed in my face.

NHTSA complaint #11559240 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 GMC Yukon Palisade, MN

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The rear taillights both went out due to a design issue with the LED circuit board - where the connections on the board crack and cause the lights to fail

NHTSA complaint #11541832 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 GMC Yukon Greenville, SC

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The rear taillight has gone out. The LED board has a crack in the soldering causing the entire unit to malfunction.

NHTSA complaint #11540473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 GMC Yukon Sevierville, TN

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

LED brake light works intermittently.

NHTSA complaint #11538991 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 GMC Yukon at 80,000 miles Angleton, TX

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that on several occasions while the vehicle was parked, the passenger’s side rear taillight failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was determined that the full assembly light kit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA complaint #11537752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 GMC Yukon Pittsburgh, PA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Rear brake lights fail due to an issue known by GMC - MULTIPLE GMC YUKON and YUKON XL have this issue. All within the same year. The metal connector in the Brake housing fails and requires it to be soldered or a complete replacement costing consumers $800+ for replacement. A severe safety issue as the Brake Lights quit working!!

NHTSA complaint #11533364 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other GMC Yukon problems