Headlight complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2023 | 2 | 1% | — |
| 2022 | 2 | 1% | 5,000 miles |
| 2021 | 1 | 0% | — |
| 2019 | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2018 | 2 | 3% | — |
| 2017 | 49 | 24% | 54,000 miles |
| 2016 | 111 | 39% | 53,000 miles |
| 2015 | 308 | 51% | 60,000 miles |
| 2011 | 1 | 0% | 80,000 miles |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% | 0 miles |
| 2007 | 8 | 1% | 130,000 miles |
| 2006 | 2 | 4% | 64,000 miles |
| 2005 | 4 | 3% | 125,000 miles |
| 2004 | 6 | 2% | 73,000 miles |
| 2003 | 9 | 3% | 7,000 miles |
| 2002 | 3 | 2% | — |
| 2001 | 6 | 3% | 39,000 miles |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% | 100,000 miles |
| 1999 | 2 | 1% | — |
| 1996 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 1995 | 3 | 3% | — |
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 2017 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the driver's and passenger's side taillights failed to illuminate as designed. The contact called the dealer about the failure and was informed that there were no recalls or warranties on the vehicle associated with the failure. The contact was also informed that the repair would be an out-of-pocket expense. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that on several occasions while the vehicle was parked, the passenger's side rear taillight failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was determined that the full assembly light kit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon Denali. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the contact was notified by another driver that the rear taillights were inoperable. No warning light was illuminated. Neither a dealer nor an independent mechanic was contacted, and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall on the VIN related to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 104,000.
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, he was notified by other motorists that the brake lights were inoperable. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the brake lights were intermittently inoperable while depressing the brake pedal. The dealer was notified about the failure and scheduled an appointment. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, added pressure was needed before the vehicle came to a stop. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated or jumped before coming to a stop. Additionally, the contact stated the transmission was slipping. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled before self-correcting. The contact also stated that while idling at a stop light and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated, but gradually accelerated as needed. The contact stated that the rear taillight intermittently failed to illuminate. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The transmission fluid was flushed; however, the failure recurred. …
My vehicle is currently in the shop getting the motor worked on for a bad lifter. From the information the mechanic provided me this is a common issue with the vehicles that have the Active Fuel Management system. They are seeing many of these vehicles have to come in and have very expensive repairs. My first quote I received was $16, 000, they told me I needed a whole new motor and this assessment cost me $365 and a rental car while they looked at the truck. Now it is in the shop again and the estimate is $6000 to machine the cams as there are metal shavings in my oil. I had to again rent a rental vehicle and have not had my truck for a week. This is the third mechanic that has seen multiple of these motors have to be replaced or repaired due to this issue. I kept up on my oil changes and other recommended car maintenance and so did the owner before me. I had my last oil change approx. …
Daytime running lights and low-beam running lights suddenly became inoperable on 1/15/17 (est. ~150K miles). This was noticed during the day, so safety risk was minimized, but the vehicle is now inoperable during the evening (although high beams are still functional, as well as park/blinkers). Http://m.GM.oemdtc.com/recall/rcsb-15V519-4439.pdf there is a May 2016 GM issued recall affecting similar vehicles with years 2005-2009, but GM said my vehicle is not currently on the list. I requested information to evaluate my vehicle time for addition to the recall and they initiated a vehicle complaint # 8-2672247033 on their end. They also pointed me to this website to file with nhsp, so that I could file this notice to better determine if this recall should be expanded to other GMC models within 2005-2009. I need to verify if the pn# for my headlamp driver module (hdm) is also [13506836]. …
When opening the hatch or back of the vehicle, the lights will go on and off and the vehicle will not start up. You have to wait for 5 minutes sometimes longer for the engine to restart. The vehicle will be in stationary, I have to turn the vehicle off if I am going to open the back if I don't it messes up all the gages in front and will not operate.
Related recalls (2)
Exterior lighting › Lighting control module › Software
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.
Remedy: 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.
Exterior lighting › Lighting control module › Software
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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA investigations
HEADLIGHT
Based on the reports received by odi from consumers, failure of the headlight electrical circuit May occur in the subject vehicles, and May result from repeated adjustment ofthe tilt steering wheel in the subject vehicles.repeated adjustment of the steering wheel position May strain the wiring in the headlight circuit to the point of failure where they are attached to the multi-function switch, resulting in the…
HEADLIGHT
Frequently asked questions
Which GMC Yukon years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2015 (308), 2016 (111), 2017 (49), 2003 (9) and 2007 (8) model years. Headlight complaints make up 51% of all complaints for the 2015.
Is there a recall for GMC Yukon headlight problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 22V-903 (software, Dec 8, 2022); 22V-827 (software, Nov 3, 2022). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do GMC Yukon headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 59,000 miles; 36% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the headlights (14 mentions), followed by the brake lights (12).
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.