9.2

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$400
Average Mileage:
8,400 miles
Total Complaints:
109 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (51 reports)
  2. recall for different style of headlights (19 reports)
  3. have gm install the 2016 headlight assy's (15 reports)
  4. higher quality light (6 reports)
  5. dealer replaced the bulbs and increased voltage (5 reports)
  6. upgrade headlights (5 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your GMC dealer.

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #49

Oct 232014

Sierra 1500 SLE 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 15,000 miles

Headlights are really bad and talk to dealership about how bad the headlights are and they said nothing can be done

- Michael S., 12428, NY, US

problem #48

Sep 162015

Sierra 1500 SLT 5.3L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 20,899 miles

Had complained about lights after buying truck, told that dealer could adjust lights up. Which made people flash their lights at me but could not see any better. In low beam the lighting is not bright enough to be safe and when you switch to high it was worse because you are looking for Raccoon's in the tree tops and on high your lighting gets fainter. Really hard to tell different between the l/h beams.

Got a tech recall on lights so was glad to bring in. Dealer said they replaced bulbs and upped computer. Said it would be brighter, they were wrong. High beams are still a faint light. You might see a reflected sign but side to side is not good for distance to be a night driver.

Very disappointed in GMC for not fixing this problem. Guessing Ford is next truck, have had GMC's for a long time maybe one too many!! Looking at the problem on the 2015 lights it seems that GMC is letting the problem keep going and will not admit that they can't fix it or don't want to!!!

- stanmn, MCGREGOR, MN, US

problem #47

Aug 192014

Sierra 1500 SLE 4.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65 miles

Headlights are just dim even on high. Have to use fog lights all the time at night and still not all that good.

- Raymond B., Springfield,, OH, US

problem #46

May 012014

Sierra 1500 SLT 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 2,000 miles

The headlight are bullsh... Did put a bar light, so I can see at night. $800

- Robert G., Bathurst, NB, Canada

problem #45

May 062014

Sierra 1500 WT 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1 miles

THE OEM HEADLIGHTS ARE SO DIM AS TO MAKE THIS TRUCK A DANGER FOR ALL, WHEN DRIVEN AT NIGHT.

- Steve B., Canaan, CT, US

problem #44

Jul 172013

Sierra 1500 SLE 5.3L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10 miles

Terrible Headlights, I could see better out of my 2009 GMC with tint on the windshield.

Update from Mar 30, 2016: Replaced bulbs and reprogrammed.

Still not as good as the 07-13 Bodystyle, but adequate.

- chuckq, Knifley, KY, US

problem #43

Jul 232014

Sierra 1500 SLT 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,300 miles

I would like to have my dealer update these lights to something much brighter, at GM's expense.

- Randall F., Fayetteville, GA, US

problem #42

Apr 152014

Sierra 1500 SLE 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 373 miles

Headlights were terrible. Put in a hid kit & had a lot of problems. Finally the dealer repaired the problem with much better bulbs at no cost. About one hour to repair. GM finally seen there mistake for faulty lights

Update from Jul 12, 2015: headlights were changed at dealer in Sydney Nova Scotia..made a large difference in night driving..excellent road side view & much brighter even on wet nights..dealer changes these lights under warranty in about one hour..see your dealer..

Update from Nov 10, 2015: had my gmc year 2014 headlights up graded in july/2014..the gm bulb #23342527.this is a gm #..the lights will have to be programmed in..they are much brighter..they are in the 2015 gmc trucks built later in the year..thanks

- hainey, Sydney, NS, Canada

problem #41

Jan 032014

Sierra 1500 SLE 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 7 miles

Brand new GMC Sierra truck that I am afraid to drive an night. First thought that my eyes suddenly were falling apart or my windshield was tinted, but these headlights are the worst I have ever seen (or more correctly, not seen) on a vehicle. Driving up through Missouri into Iowa on my first trip was a heart pounding adventure of not seeing the corners in the road, street signs, deer or other poor critters in the road. Looks like there have been hundreds of complaints on the net and various forums as well as here.

I am going to the dealer first, then if no satisfaction, there are several HID kits available for this issue. Shoulda bought a F-150.....

Update from Jun 23, 2015: GMC has an issue with the headlights on the 14 & 15 year trucks with projector headlights. Looking at all of the forums and complaints on the various web sites, I was not alone in being afraid to drive this truck at night. Last trip to Texas, I did not make it back to IA before dark and could not believe how poorly these lights illuminated the road. I discussed this concern with the friendly folks at the Green service department and they took the time to lookup the PIT data, research the issue and set-up the service appointment. According to the various forums, some folks at other dealerships waited 5 to 6 weeks "waiting" for the new bulbs but the Green service department got them in less than a week! Outstanding... After the service appointment, we test drove the truck out into the county roads at night and what a significant improvement! The road ahead is adequately illuminated and I am no longer afraid to drive at night. Thanks to the Green service department for restoring my faith in GM to identify an issue and to fix it correctly in a timely fashion. Tim Tompkins, Bettendorf, IA.

- Tim T., Bettendorf, IA, US

problem #40

Feb 112014

Sierra 1500 SLE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 150 miles

I have purchased several new G M vehicles ( cars & trucks) but these headlights are the worst on my 2014 Sierra. I had a 1951 Chevy with stronger beams than these. Driving at night is unsafe, the light beam is too narrow and too weak on low and high. When I had it in for service they said there was no fix. Maybe they should use the computer screen : it's too bright. Any way I will try again, if the factory doesn't fix the problem , I guess they want me to buy a Ford or Dodge. Damn shame at today's prices you can't see the road at night. OK,done bitch'n for now.

- davisgp, East Palestine, OH, US

problem #39

Sep 202014

Sierra 1500 SLE 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100 miles

Got the truck Sept. 2014. First time I drove it at night, I thought what the H is this. Took it back to the dealer, they adjusted the lights. Still no good. Had them adjusted again, still no good. Took it back they finally admitted that GM knows that there is a problem with the headlight bulbs so they installed brighter bulbs. It made a little difference but not much. Emailed them back and said still no good and that they have to get rid of that projection style light. Not heard a thing back. Don't want to drive it at night at all can't see!!! Even told them I might have to trade it in on a truck with real head lights.

- ilmari, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada

problem #38

Apr 132015

Sierra 1500

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles

LOVE everything about this truck, except the headlights are the worst I've ever experienced. When I drive my wife's car, it's like night and day (literally!). I constantly find myself checking to make sure my brights are on, only to sadly see that "yes" they are.

I really wanted to get a grill guard for this truck, but am afraid that it will make the headlight situation even worse if it blocks illumination at all.

So sad. I urge everyone to call GMC and register this complaint. 866-790-5600

- cyberbear, Brownwood, TX, US

problem #37

Apr 042014

Sierra 1500

  • Automatic transmission
  • 124 miles

Headlights were poor at best. Had them adjusted by the dealer and now on dims are so bad, I can only see 20 meters down the road and the brights are marginal. This truly puts the public in danger. GM must fix this issue. Talking to the customer care rep. and the standard line of "the headlight meet the government standards" is just a way to hide behind a bad design. Love the truck, my dealer is excellent. Headlights suck and are going to cause accidents. I have a 2013 Terrain and can see easily 5 times better than with the Sierra. In fact my dim lights are better than the Sierra bright lights.

Public beware you are in danger because if you are walking down a dark street and the driver of a 2014 Sierra is traveling at 50kms/hr with the dim lights on they WILL NOT see you.

- Larry R., Sparwood, BC, canada

problem #36

Jun 012014

Sierra 1500 SLE 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 12,600 miles

I own a 2014 GMC Crew Cab SLE crew cab 4x4 that has poor/terrible visibility issues at night. While driving with the low beams on during a typical night, the top 30% of the windshield is dark and the headlights don't shine more than 50 yds ahead of your travel path at all speeds. This can be extremely dangerous while driving on the expressway at night due to the need of more reaction time and visibility driving at higher speeds.

Very poor research and design GM, do the right thing and fix this issue.

- Jasen F., Okemos, MI, US

problem #35

Sep 012014

Sierra 1500 Denali 5.3L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,002 miles

THE HEADLIGHTS ON MY 2014 GMC DENALI 1500 ARE TERRIBLE. THE FIRST TIME I DROVE THE TRUCK AT NIGHT, I HAD TO PULL OVER TO SEE IF THE HEADLIGHTS WERE ON. THE LIGHTS WERE SO BAD I COULD NOT DRIVER OVER 45MPH.

I TOOK THE TRUCK TO THE DEALER AND THEY JUST SMILED AND SAID WE WILL SEE IF WE CAN ADJUST THEM, THEY DID AND THEY WERE JUST AS BAD, SO I RETURNED TO THE DEALER AND SAID THEY WOULD TRY AGAIN....STILL NO BETTER. I WENT TO ANOTHER GMC DEALER AND TALKED WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER AND HE TOLD ME THE HEADLIGHTS WERE JUST A POOR DESIGN AND THAT GM WOULD NOT RECOGNIZE THE PROBLEM. HE TOLD ME TO GO TO A CUSTOM TRUCK PARTS STORE AND FOR ABOUT $300 THEY COULD UPGRADE THE HEADLIGHTS, BUT IF I DID GET THE NEW HEADLIGHTS, THE TRUCK WOULD NOT PASS THE STATE INSPECTION.

I CALLED GM AND THEIR REP CLAIMS THEY ARE NOT AWARE OF ANY COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE HEADLIGHTS....HIS NAME AND NUMBER IS CALVIN @GMC CUSTOMER RELATIONS...866-790-5600, EXT 11180

I WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER GMC PRODUCT AGAIN

- Dave S., Pittsburg, TX, US

problem #34

Feb 242015

Sierra 1500 SLE 4.8L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 225 miles

I traded a 2009 GMC Sierra SLE 1500 for a 2014 Sierra SLE on 2/19/2015. We had a big snow storm, and I did not drive at night for a week or so. When I did, I could not believe the difference in the headlights. Then I drove to work in the dark on 2 consecutive mornings in a light rain/fog scenario. That was not a good experience! These lights are not only JUNK, but a DEFINITE SAFETY ISSUE FOR GM!!!!! On low beam I could see only good enough to go 45 mph, and on high beam on level grade, I thought I was coon hunting! I had to totally dim the interior dash lighting to have any visibility.

This issue must be addressed by GM and a recall for refitting headlight assembly seems to be the only solution. Wish I had my "09 Back! In the meantime, I am open for suggestions as to what a good fix may be. Hard to believe that kind of money for this issue!

- Bob S., Paducah, KY, canada

problem #33

Mar 102015

Sierra 1500 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 155 miles

The headlights are simply terrible. When driving at night on un-lit country roads, and when turning left or right, you cannot see what you are driving into because there is no light. When driving on hilly and curvy country roads, it is very scary as there is no light illuminated on up coming curves, either left or right. All there is is a ball of light shinning straight ahead. When going up hills the lights shine upwards and when going down you cannot see ahead right away as the lights are too focused on a small area of the road.

I have contacted GM concerning this serious problem but have not received any answer. This is SAFETY ISSUE and must repaired!! GM where are you?

- Ken S., Saskatoon, Sask, Canada

problem #32

Mar 102015

Sierra 1500 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 12,000 miles

The lights are the worst I have ever had on any truck previous. There is no light at all when turning left or right on unlit streets or country roads..when driving on hilly, curvy country roads. It is very scary. All you can see is a ball of light shining on the trees and there is no light on coming curves and no light on the down side of a hill.The lights on the 2014 GMC Sierra are NFG. This is a serious SAFETY ISSUE and must be corrected by GM!!! Does any know a fix for this problem? Is GM working on this serious problem? HELP!!

- Ken S., Saskatoon, Sask, Canada

problem #31

Dec 212013

Sierra 1500 SLE 4.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50 miles

I am in the same boat as many others who got stuck after buying this new GMC. Headlights are crap someone should make them replace or fix this problem. Someone will get killed . You can't see 50 feet on a clear night with a full moon. Won't ever buy another GMC product if this what they plan for the future.

- Stan G., Jackson, TN, US

problem #30

Sep 032014

Sierra 1500 LT 4.3L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1 miles

The headlights are terrible, low beams are absolutely useless and high beams are only slightly better,.

- jimmt, Melstone, MT, US

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