GMC Yukon XL Exterior Lighting Problems
Owners have filed 285 complaints with NHTSA about exterior lighting problems on the GMC Yukon XL across 16 model years. The 2015 model year has the most (140). The words owners use most often: “rear tail” (9% of reports).
- 285exterior lighting complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 0mention a crash
- 0mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- $1,050typical repair cost reported by owners
- 36%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.
- Rear tail: mentioned in 27 of 285 complaints (9%)
- LED brake: mentioned in 21 of 285 complaints (7%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical exterior lighting repair on the GMC Yukon XL at $1,050, and half of them between $910 and $1,150.
Based on 60 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2018–2025), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do exterior lighting problems happen?
Based on 185 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
None of the 285 complaints report a crash, fire or injury.
GMC Yukon XL exterior lighting complaints by model year
| Model year | Exterior Lighting complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Yukon XL | 4 | 6% | — |
| 2023 Yukon XL | 1 | 0% | — |
| 2022 Yukon XL | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2021 Yukon XL | 1 | 0% | — |
| 2020 Yukon XL | 2 | 4% | — |
| 2019 Yukon XL | 1 | 1% | 20,000 |
| 2017 Yukon XL | 39 | 27% | 58,050 |
| 2016 Yukon XL | 84 | 42% | 52,000 |
| 2015 Yukon XL | 140 | 45% | 70,000 |
| 2008 Yukon XL | 1 | 1% | 97,425 |
| 2007 Yukon XL | 2 | 2% | 69,500 |
| 2005 Yukon XL | 1 | 2% | 44,265 |
| 2004 Yukon XL | 2 | 2% | 173,060 |
| 2003 Yukon XL | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2002 Yukon XL | 1 | 1% | 16,471 |
| 2001 Yukon XL | 4 | 3% | 58,315 |
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:lighting control module:software
Model years: 2021
Problem: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, Cadillac Escalade, and Cadillac Escalade ESV 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: Daytime Running Lights that do not deactivate as intended may cause a glare, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will provide an over-the-air (OTA) update for the Body Control Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 15, 2022. Owners may contact GM 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 N222382220.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
On September 17, 2026, and again on September 20, 2026 (three separate occurrences the same day), while operating my 2023 GMC Yukon XL in rain, the windshield wipers momentarily stopped functioning while set to Auto/Intermittent mode. On both dates the automatic headlights were active (ambient…
The daylight running light in the rear do not work, which is needed for night time driving. At night when parked or driving the rear is completely dark, except the license plate lights. When I press the brakes they turn on, the signal lights work even the reverse lights. I've switched them to…
Yes, that case number would be 91762225 (With GM). You are most welcome. Thank you for contacting Chevrolet Customer Assistance and have a nice day! Please donât hesitate to reach out if you need anything else. VIN1GKS2HKC8FR165487 Special Coverage Adjustment N182180270 Tail Lamps Inoperative…
About 4 weeks ago my vehicle began shaking uncontrollably while driving. The check engine light illuminated and multiple warnings appeared including emissions system, variable valve timing system, engine and transmission failures shown on the GMC app. I contacted the selling dealership and was…
At stop light vehicle began to sputter, run rough, and make noise. I was less than a mile from my home, no check engine light on. I turned the vehicle off, used a scanner to have codes P0106 and P0506 show. I had vehicle towed to Complete Car Care. Misfire on multiple cylinders, 3 push rods bent…
Frequently asked questions
Do all GMC Yukon XLs have exterior lighting problems?
No. NHTSA has 285 owner complaints about exterior lighting for the GMC Yukon XL. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the GMC Yukon XL 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.
How much does it cost to fix exterior lighting problems on the GMC Yukon XL?
Owners report a typical cost of $1,050 (half paid between $910 and $1,150), from 60 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about exterior lighting problems on the GMC Yukon XL?
The most frequent phrase is “rear tail”, in 27 of 285 complaints, followed by “led brake” (21).
Other GMC Yukon XL problems
- Engine problems (688)
- Electrical System problems (340)
- Power Train problems (314)
- Service Brakes problems (236)
- Air Bags problems (196)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (103)
See all GMC Yukon XL problems.