GMC Sierra 1500 Exterior Lighting Problems
Owners have filed 339 complaints with NHTSA about exterior lighting problems on the GMC Sierra 1500 across 25 model years. The 2014 model year has the most (148). The words owners use most often: “high beam” (10% of reports).
- 339exterior lighting complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 4mention a crash
- 0mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 39%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- High beam: mentioned in 34 of 339 complaints (10%)
- Headlights dim: mentioned in 28 of 339 complaints (8%)
- Low beams: mentioned in 21 of 339 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do exterior lighting problems happen?
Based on 229 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 339 complaints, 4 mention a crash, 1 a fire.
GMC Sierra 1500 exterior lighting complaints by model year
| Model year | Exterior Lighting complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Sierra 1500 | 3 | 3% | — |
| 2024 Sierra 1500 | 15 | 4% | — |
| 2023 Sierra 1500 | 11 | 2% | 1,000 |
| 2022 Sierra 1500 | 1 | 0% | — |
| 2021 Sierra 1500 | 2 | 0% | — |
| 2020 Sierra 1500 | 3 | 1% | 1,500 |
| 2019 Sierra 1500 | 11 | 2% | 3,200 |
| 2018 Sierra 1500 | 3 | 1% | 3,500 |
| 2017 Sierra 1500 | 9 | 3% | 13,000 |
| 2016 Sierra 1500 | 4 | 1% | 25,500 |
| 2015 Sierra 1500 | 93 | 13% | 1,469 |
| 2014 Sierra 1500 | 148 | 20% | 2,771 |
| 2013 Sierra 1500 | 3 | 3% | 18,300 |
| 2011 Sierra 1500 | 5 | 2% | 149,500 |
| 2010 Sierra 1500 | 2 | 1% | 50,000 |
| 2009 Sierra 1500 | 3 | 1% | — |
| 2008 Sierra 1500 | 2 | 1% | 66,000 |
| 2007 Sierra 1500 | 2 | 1% | 1,250 |
| 2006 Sierra 1500 | 5 | 3% | 109,000 |
| 2005 Sierra 1500 | 4 | 2% | 138,500 |
| 2004 Sierra 1500 | 3 | 1% | 69,000 |
| 2003 Sierra 1500 | 2 | 1% | 50,423 |
| 2002 Sierra 1500 | 3 | 2% | 52,577 |
| 1998 Sierra 1500 | 1 | 2% | 50,000 |
| 1997 Sierra 1500 | 1 | 1% | 60,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Exterior lighting:lighting control module:software
Model years: 2022, 2023
Problem: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: The body control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222386380. This recall expands previous recall number 22V-827.
Exterior lighting:brake lights
Model years: 2022
Problem: General Motors (GM) has decided that certain 2022 model year Chevrolet Silverado, and GMC Sierra vehicles equipped with an accessory sport bar. The accessory sport bar contains a high-mounted brake light that may not function. In addition, it may block the vehicle's existing high-mounted brake light. As such, these vehicles may fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Risk: An inoperative high-mounted brake light can reduce visibility to other drivers and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the installation of the accessory bar and provide the correct vehicle wiring, if necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters advising owners of the safety risk were mailed on August 10, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 27, 2023. Owners may contact GM's customer service on 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.. GM's recall number for this recall is N222368110.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Instrument panel is blank. Available for inspection. No speed, fuel or warning lights or directional lights are displayed. No vehicle inspection has been performed by service center.
1 - The Engine or something electrical, possibly the ECM, failed or malfunctioned, and yes, it is available for inspection. 2 - The vehicle lost power, reduced speed, was hard to steer, and I couldn't put the hazard lights on; this occurred twice while driving on the highway, once I was driving at…
The truck when put in parking it still roll forward a little bit. Back up camera canât not see during night time. Dealership stated they will not solve that problem and tell us to do manually by turn around look back. The suspension really bouncy but the tech stated that is normal. Spoke to other…
I am retired and have always bought GM vehicles which are taken care of with required oil changes etc. This one I have only owned 25,000 mi each year (I have owned two years). So, when purchased it has high 50,000 miles not sure of exact, and it has only been driven 2 years. When calling escalation…
While coasting down or under very light acceleration between 12-20 mph the vehicle has a shudder like driving over a highway rumble strip. While cruising on the highway at 65+ mph, the vehicle has a light shudder or vibration. Vehicle has been checked numerous times for wheel and tire…
Frequently asked questions
Do all GMC Sierra 1500s have exterior lighting problems?
No. NHTSA has 339 owner complaints about exterior lighting for the GMC Sierra 1500. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the GMC Sierra 1500 exterior lighting?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list exterior lighting. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about exterior lighting problems on the GMC Sierra 1500?
The most frequent phrase is “high beam”, in 34 of 339 complaints, followed by “headlights dim” (28).
Other GMC Sierra 1500 problems
- Engine problems (2,083)
- Power Train problems (1,343)
- Service Brakes problems (1,225)
- Electrical System problems (1,212)
- Air Bags problems (951)
- Steering problems (614)
- Structure problems (591)
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (475)
See all GMC Sierra 1500 problems.