Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 GMC Acadia owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Daytime Running light bulb and housing failure. Some 2012 Acadia models recalled under now expired recall for bulbs and deformation of surrounding housing. Apparently the above recall was excluded from this recall and should have been included. Both DRL on this vehicle have failed and surrounding housing has been damaged . Subsequently replacing just bulbs is not possible. The housing melted on the bulb. Photo is available on request. This failure should be considered a fire hazard. GM customer service center stated to me that this vehicle was not included in recall after VIN search. Some 2012 Acadias were in fact included , this one was not. And should have been since the failure occurred as stated in the original recall.
I have had to replace the headlight bulb and the day light bulbs 4 times since January. Each time I replace one the other goes out and it does't last longer than a few weeks. This is very dangerous and stressful as the headlights went out on me as I was driving home two nights ago and the road that I take to get home is very dark. Also, I had to replace the multi function switch (windshield wiper switch due to it only working on high speed) in January. I've noticed multiple people with the same complaints. Please fix this problem as buying bulbs are becoming expensive as well as the time it takes to get them replaced can be lengthy.
The headlight assembly's are melted and headlights don't work. Seems this is an ongoing problem with GMC headlights in years past that they continue to not address. I am furious that despite reports and recalls on this issue from many years and many makes and models they have not addressed and continue to avoid recalling all vehicles with this garbage headlight assembly, that causes headlights to fail and increases risk of car fire. I want this repaired by this garbage company and something done to make them stop utilizing these unsafe and faulty assemblies.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced intermittent headlight failure without warning. The contact took the vehicle to gold star Buick GMC (1980 n davis rd, salinas, ca 93907) and was informed that the headlight failure was due to electrical connection. The contact was also informed that the VIN was not subjected to a recall. The manufacturer had not been notified of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that both of the low beam headlamps were inoperable. The contact changed the bulbs twice, but they kept going out. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to central GMC (2907 e parker rd, jonesboro, ar 72404), but they could not replicate the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 92,600.
I have had to replace my low beam headlights either the driver or passenger side every week for the last month. There was a special coverage adjustment #14823 released by GM on May 12, 2015 and I was told by GMC I needed to make a complaint to try to be eligible for special coverage. There is clearly an issue here and definitely a safety problem. I can't see having to spend over $1000 to replace the headlamp assemblies for a known problem
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the daytime running lights failed to illuminate. The contact mentioned that when replacing the light bulb, the base of the bulb and the plastic harness was burnt and melted. The contact stated that the bulbs were replaced on multiple occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000.
This complaint is in regard to the technical service bulletin 14823, special coverage adjustment running lamp inoperative (May 12, 2015). The running light melted in the housing (fire hazard) and had to be replaced twice at a cost in excess of $1,000 each time. Vehicle was stationary. I will not upload receipts as these contain personal information (name/address/ etc.). Can be provided upon request.
My low beam head lights keep blowing over the past two years, I have had to replace them 5 times on the driver side and 2 times on the passenger size. Also had my head light harness replaced oct due the blub breaking in multiple pieces. Jan of 2019, it rained and my turning signal blub broke again and the lighting component filled up with water and looked like a floating fish bowl.
I have owned this vehicle for a little over a year about every 2 months one of my low beam headlights burn out open investigating online I see there has been a lot of people with the same problem . I have not had any problems with high beams . It is very difficult and expensive to replace these bulbs as well as a safety hazard .
Headlight complaints in other Acadia years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2012 GMC Acadia?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the lights of the 2012 GMC Acadia, 7% of the model year's 296 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2012 GMC Acadia headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for the 2012 GMC Acadia, though it has 5 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 2012 GMC Acadia headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 71,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 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.