Headlight complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 | 7% | — |
| 2024 | 6 | 10% | 1,000 miles |
| 2023 | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2022 | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2021 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2020 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2019 | 10 | 3% | 10,000 miles |
| 2018 | 2 | 1% | 1,000 miles |
| 2017 | 25 | 4% | 3,000 miles |
| 2016 | 3 | 1% | 0 miles |
| 2015 | 10 | 4% | 58,000 miles |
| 2014 | 20 | 4% | 72,000 miles |
| 2013 | 10 | 7% | 115,000 miles |
| 2012 | 21 | 7% | 71,000 miles |
| 2011 | 38 | 14% | 60,000 miles |
| 2010 | 24 | 7% | 60,000 miles |
| 2009 | 38 | 11% | 66,000 miles |
| 2008 | 47 | 6% | 87,000 miles |
| 2007 | 15 | 4% | 72,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The driver and infotainment center is so dim during the day that it is dangerous to drive the vehicle. I have taken the vehicle in to the dealer 3 times and each time the dealer indicates that there doesn't appear to be a problem, but at no time to my knowledge have they taken the vehicle out into the sunlight, There have been 2 Software updates at the dealer and one OTA update so far with no improvement. The screens are so dim that there is no way you can tell what icons are there. If you try to do anything while driving, you are taking way too much time trying to look at the screens and as a result a serious and unnecessary amount of distracted driving is occurring. There is no way you could wear sun glasses and view the screen because it appears black. Don't open the panoramic sunroof or the problem is worse. Anti glare screen protectors make the situation worse. …
This is ongoing from the purchase of the car. 1) Infotainment computer screen daytime illumination is so dark as to be a major safety issue as it causes too much time looking away from the road to operate the system. If you wear sunglasses you cannot see the screen at all. The dealer says nothing can be done to improve the problem. 2) Right rear tail light stopped working after 500 miles. Replacement requires dropping the rear bumper and quarter panel. The dealer actually damaged the body of the car while replacing the light. Where are the days of changing out a light bulb? 3) At 1200 miles the transmission torque converter is chattering and slipping on cruise control at 50 MPH. 4) Engine noise is very loud during acceleration. Seats seem flat with no bolsters and little cushioning.
The contact owns a 2024 GMC Acadia. The contact stated there was an abnormal squeaking sound coming from the vehicle while depressing the brake pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the brake pads were replaced; however, the failure returned several days later after the repair. In addition, the contact stated that transmission fluid was leaking from the vehicle. The contact also stated that both taillights had failed to operate as needed and the message "Check Left Rear Turn Lamp" and "Check Right Rear Turn Lamp" messages were displayed a day apart. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the mechanic confirmed that there was a transmission fluid leak due to defective bolts. The dealer also replaced the rear taillights. …
I experienced the brakes squeaking on and off for a few weeks this past summer. When at the dealership for an oil change, I was told the brakes pads were still good and the squeaking is common, especially during hot humid weather. Since then, I have lost the brakes twice. Both times, the pedal went all the way to the floor without resistance and after a few seconds, they came back like nothing happened. There was no warning at all. I have also experienced a complete blackout on my dashboard for about 30 minutes without known reason. On a separate occasion, the battery died for no reason. There have been times that a message is displayed on the dash to service rear turn signal lights. They flash fast as if they were out, then the next time I drive the car, they are completely normal. From what has been reported, there are some serious concerns with the 2024 Acadia. …
I just purchased this vehicle and within a day, it was already giving an alert that something was wrong. Says "action required, shift to park". My car was in park. It was not shutting off due to the notification, which leads your battery to drain. The next day, as I was driving with my kids, the headlights start flickering, and then shut off. It left us driving in the dark and nearly causing a wreck because someone didn't see us coming because it was too dark. The dealership said they look at it, so I don't know what will happen moving forward. It's definitely not safe unless the issue is addressed.
The headlights barely light up enough roadway to be of any use at night. Obviously can't drive with high beams constant. The only help is to use the fog/driving lights. However, that only lights up about 30 feet in front of the vehicle. Driving at night is hazardous to one's health as you cannot see far enough down the road to avoid anything that is imminent on the side of the road, you can not see to avoid anything on the side. PLEASE HELP. Also, the manual is explicit about not using aftermarket headlamp bulbs to try to correct the problem.
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact stated after parking and turning off the vehicle, the brake lights remained illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring. The dealer the vehicle was purchased from, was notified of the failure and informed the contact that she would be charged for the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact an unknown recall that was related to the failure had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the "Shift to Park" message was displayed on the instrument panel while attempting to park the vehicle. Additionally, there was a constant beeping alert coming from the vehicle during the failure. The contact later discovered that the rear brake lights and reverse lights were illuminated during the failure. A local dealer was contacted about the failure and made an appointment for a repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which GMC Acadia years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2008 (47), 2009 (38), 2011 (38), 2017 (25) and 2010 (24) model years. Headlight complaints make up 6% of all complaints for the 2008.
Is there a recall for GMC Acadia headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for any GMC Acadia model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do GMC Acadia headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 63,000 miles; 34% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the headlights (10 mentions), followed by the turn signal (2).
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.