GMC Terrain Exterior Lighting Problems
Owners have filed 100 complaints with NHTSA about exterior lighting problems on the GMC Terrain across 11 model years. The 2015 model year has the most (24). The words owners use most often: “visibility exterior” (13% of reports).
- 100exterior lighting complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 2mention a crash
- 2mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 27%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.
- Visibility exterior: mentioned in 13 of 100 complaints (13%)
- Low beam: mentioned in 11 of 100 complaints (11%)
- Lighting contacted: mentioned in 8 of 100 complaints (8%)
At what mileage do exterior lighting problems happen?
Based on 39 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 100 complaints, 2 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 2 an injury.
GMC Terrain exterior lighting complaints by model year
| Model year | Exterior Lighting complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Terrain | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2019 Terrain | 5 | 3% | — |
| 2018 Terrain | 1 | 0% | — |
| 2017 Terrain | 7 | 5% | 37,000 |
| 2016 Terrain | 10 | 7% | 88,000 |
| 2015 Terrain | 24 | 8% | 48,474 |
| 2014 Terrain | 17 | 6% | 33,839 |
| 2013 Terrain | 10 | 3% | 47,000 |
| 2012 Terrain | 10 | 3% | 35,000 |
| 2011 Terrain | 7 | 2% | 130,000 |
| 2010 Terrain | 8 | 3% | 48,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Exterior lighting:headlights
Model years: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
Problem: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2017 GMC Terrain vehicles. A reflection caused by the headlight housings may illuminate areas above the vehicle and outside of the driver's view with excessively bright light. 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: The bright reflection may cause a glare for other drivers, reducing their visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will install headlamp appliques, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2022. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222363740.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
No warning before headlights gave up
I looked up my recall on my vehicle about my headlights being recall. Never received any information there was a recall.
Headlights flicker when auto stop releases and clicks back on to move the vehicle. This happens when it wants too but usually at the same time service parking brake will pop up, followed by steering is reduced, drive with care.. Lets see what else. Carplay no longer works. No sound. sd card error…
Back right tail light filling with water when it rains. Affecting electrical wires and water dripping into back cargo. No cracks or damage found on tail light.
The contact owns a 2014 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds at night, the headlight illumination was inadequate. The contact used the high-beam headlights while driving at night. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer…
Frequently asked questions
Do all GMC Terrains have exterior lighting problems?
No. NHTSA has 100 owner complaints about exterior lighting for the GMC Terrain. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the GMC Terrain exterior lighting?
Yes: 1 safety recall 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 Terrain?
The most frequent phrase is “visibility exterior”, in 13 of 100 complaints, followed by “low beam” (11).
Other GMC Terrain problems
- Engine problems (1,211)
- Power Train problems (473)
- Visibility/wiper problems (428)
- Electrical System problems (349)
- Service Brakes problems (266)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (227)
- Air Bags problems (167)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (100)
See all GMC Terrain problems.