Headlight complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 7% | — |
| 2024 | 3 | 3% | 70,000 miles |
| 2022 | 2 | 5% | — |
| 2021 | 9 | 17% | — |
| 2020 | 2 | 3% | 0 miles |
| 2019 | 2 | 6% | 1,000 miles |
| 2018 | 4 | 11% | 18,000 miles |
| 2017 | 1 | 3% | 0 miles |
| 2016 | 2 | 3% | 30,000 miles |
| 2015 | 26 | 29% | 8,000 miles |
| 2014 | 1 | 3% | 0 miles |
| 2011 | 1 | 2% | 180,000 miles |
| 2010 | 1 | 10% | — |
| 2005 | 2 | 2% | 86,000 miles |
| 2004 | 2 | 1% | 40,000 miles |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% | 37,000 miles |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% | 165,000 miles |
| 1999 | 2 | 6% | 155,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2024 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that the taillights, brake lights, and turn signals, all failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who confirmed that the rear lights had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact decided not to have the dealer repair the vehicle because the dealer stated that the repair was not covered by the vehicle manufacturer. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, Terry Labonte Chevrolet (1401 Bridford Pkwy, Greensboro, NC 27407), who confirmed the failure and determined that the lights needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts not being in stock. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed the repair was not covered under warranty or recall. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
This vehicle exhibits the same failure described in NHTSA Recall N232426400 - spontaneous unlatching after rain due to water intrusion into the exterior tailgate release switch. I'm requesting a goodwill replacement under GM bulletin # N232426400 as the failure mechanism and part are identical. It has caused brake failure and nearly killed me because of battery drain while driving. All American Chevrolet of Midland Texas is refusing to solve the problem and says no recall is available.
On 11/21/24 noticed passenger headlight day light running light flickering. On 11/22/24 right turn indicator intermittent fast blink, dash message stated turn indicator failure. Once home, inspected passenger headlight assembly. Found DRL, turn signal, and low and high beam head lights were inoperative. On 11/25/24 went to GMC dealer/service. Staff seemed aware of issues and stated they are common, that they carry the $1,400 sealed assebly in stock. Vehicle is 4 months over warranty, but only has 29,000 miles. There is no visible damage to the assembly, but there is visible condensation inside the lens. GM has a published service bulletin, 01-08-42-001P, that specifically addresses this issue for my vehicle. The earliest date the issue could be diagnosed/service date is 12/10/24. A complete failure of this non-servicable headlight assembly is an absolute safety issue. …
The front left headlamp assembly low beam light unexpectedly began to flicker repetitively until the vehicle was turned off. In addition, the left front turn signal was failed, but an indication of the failed turn signal was not always present. The headlamp assembly was taken in for replacement at a local GMC dealership promptly due to safety concerns of operating the vehicle on public roadways with this condition. The safety of others was at risk due to the strobing effect of the flickering lights and not being able to drive the vehicle during conditions where headlights are necessary. The flickering/strobing condition of the headlamp was highly distractive and puts other drivers are risk. In addition, due to the natural height of the vehicle the cast of the beam is closer to the rear view mirror height of the majority of vehicles. …
I have a 2018 GMC Sierra Duramax Quad-Cab and when it is connected to either my boat, stock trailer, or cargo trailer the lights and electric trailer brakes on the trailers do not work. and the chime from the "Service Trailer Brake" indicator sounds and doesn't stop until I unplug my trailer harness from my truck making it a distraction and an unsafe situation when trying to navigate through traffic(changing lanes, stopping, and other functions needed when hauling trailers). The dealership said it was a module and specified which one and so I elected to replace it myself and it wasn't the issue. I choose to do the work myself as they quoted me a price of $700.00+ to repair the problem.
Headlights were about as bright as a candle while using high beams changed the bulbs and used a head light restoration kit and within a week headlight lenses were hazed over again high beams are no brighter than low beams
The low beam projector headlights are inadequate, especially in rural areas. There is a distinctive cutoff of light, call it a line when on low beam, and beyond that line their is no illumination whatsoever as you would be used to with other lighting designs. You can not see any signs, possible animals, or anything else as you are used to seeing in the light that typically extends beyond other low beam systems. I understand that GM has a TSB for the condition but it is not advertised and from what I can determine on the net does not work regardless and is only a band aid fix. These lights are a safety hazard. I believe this issue May have contributed to an accident I had. ..updated 01/04/17
Related recalls (1)
Interior lighting
Vehicle description: certain pickup trucks equipped with 6.6l diesel engines fail to comply with requirements of FMVSS no. 105, "hydraulic and electric brake systems." these vehicles have a brake system warning light in the instrument cluster that May not illuminate when the brake fluid is low.
Remedy: Dealers will change the location of a wire connection in the underhood bussed electrical center. Owner notification began July 9, 2001.
Frequently asked questions
Which GMC Sierra 2500 years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2015 (26) and 2021 (9) model years. Headlight complaints make up 29% of all complaints for the 2015.
Is there a recall for GMC Sierra 2500 headlight problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 01V-220 (interior lighting, Jun 26, 2001). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do GMC Sierra 2500 headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 39,000 miles; 80% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the brake lights (2 mentions), followed by the turn signal (1).
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.