Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 GMC Acadia owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the day time running lights failed on several occasions. The contact indicated that the sockets and housing failed to support the power for the lighting wattage, causing the components to prematurely melt. The bulbs were replaced more than twice. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who recommended that the housing be replaced for the day time running light assemblies. The failure recurred with both lights shorting. The dealer, per the contact's request, disconnected the day time running lights to prevent the failure from recurring. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and provided no remedy. In addition, the contact experienced the rear liftgate closing with force, which bruised his head. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the bulb gasket that holds the daytime running exterior lights melted without warning. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was serviced under an unknown recall related to the bulb gasket but the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 91,000.
Took 2009 Acadia slt to a dealership in feb 2015 for the gasket recall on the headlights. The dealership marked the recall as completed. Had the oil changed today, 9-25-15, at a non-GMC dealership and had the technician tell me that the daytime light was just hanging in the assembly. After looking, I could not believe my eyes. I immediately drove over to the GMC dealership to have this looked at. They told me that the recall was only for replacing the gasket. I have a hole in the head light assembly the size of texas on both the driver and passenger sides where the gasket was completely burned and the bulb melted the headlight assembly. And they will not fix it! Really?!!! I am not paying them to fix this. This is a safety issue for the simple fact that the melting headlight assembly could easily melt the wires. …
I own a GMC Acadia 2009. I purchased it in March of 2018 with 136,402 miles on it. First that went was the catalytic converters, second my stabliltrak system and traction system said my break was on when it wasn't, thrid was my right rear tire pressure was "low" and it was not and fourth my battery started going low while driving it. While I noticed all these major issues I noticed my radio doesn't work right, the left side of my car has no volume in the speakers and my lights aren't working right. One bulb on front is out and I noticed they would come on and go off whenever they wanted and then never again shortly after. The back on just filled with water for no reason and burnt my bulbs out before I realized it was filled to the top. I've owned it for 6 months and already have thousands worth of dollars in repairs.
The drivers side day running light continues to burn out. The dealer acknowledged an electrical issue because they have seen this before, but GMC will not file a recall. Dealer called GMC customer service who offered a discount to me for the costly repair of both headlights which I did not accept due to the expense. GMC knows there is a problem with the wiring based on their offer to me. Its a safety issue as the wiring runs hot and visibility can be reduced with one light out. It's an obvious engineering issue.
In very cold weather (under 20 degrees f) and in wet conditions (rain/carwash) the rear turn signals do not work and it appears the breaks pedal is engaged (lights are bright). Also in the same conditions, the back up camera images stays on for a minute or more even when the vehicle is traveling forward. When the temperature turns warm and the vehicle has a chance to dry the problems goes away. It started in winter 2016 and returned winter 2017.
I am so exhausted by replacing headlights on my 2009 Acadia. I have owned the car for 2 years and have replaced headlights, connectors, wiring, and more headlights. I have never had all working headlights at any one time. This clearly is a safety issue! Not to mention the cost involved....I do not have over $100 everytime one goes out so we have figured out how to replace them ourselves, which isn't easy either!
Driving down the road and notice a deer. Speed limit was 55, so we had slowed down to about 45. Deer crossing in front of us, and we almost come to a complete stop (about 10-15mph). We hit the deer on the passenger front. Get out of the car to assess the damage, and notice a fire under the grill and headlights. Air bags had deployed. Everyone evacuated the vehicle, and it was a total loss.
There was a recall at one time for the transmission linkage about it popping off, I am now having it pop off I have no clue how long it been this way seeing as it goes to the dealership and they never said anything but it had been that way for a while you can just lift it off. Head lights go out almost every 6 months on the dot! I have been caught twice with no low beams.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 GMC Acadia. While driving at approximately 65 MPH, the headlights completely shut off and failed to work. The failure recurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer and was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 64,900.
NHTSA investigations
Loss of Headlamp Illumination
As of July 16, 2014, out of a population of 248,453 subject vehicles, NHTSA received 473 consumer complaints of inoperative head lamp. Many of these complaints indicated that the head lamp harness suffered damage from overheating. After reviewing the complaints, ODI found: -69% (328) alleged that a single head lamp was inoperative. -18% (86) alleged that both head lamps were inoperative but not at the same time.
Headlight complaints in other Acadia years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2009 GMC Acadia?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the lights of the 2009 GMC Acadia, 11% of the model year's 331 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2009 GMC Acadia headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for the 2009 GMC Acadia, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2009 GMC Acadia headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 66,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 4 fires and 4 injuries to lights problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.