GMC Sierra Headlight Problems Make Night Driving Unsafe, Say Owners

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received complaints of GMC Sierra headlight problems from several hundred truck owners, who report that these headlights don’t shine adequately bright.

GMC began making Sierra headlights with a single-bulb bi-halogen headlight starting with its 2014 models. A shutter blocks part of the projected light for the low beam setting, and the shutter opens completely for the high beam setting. Previous headlights made use of two headlights on each side, one set for low beams and an additional set used for high beams.

Lawsuit Filed over GMC Sierra Headlight Problems

Two Sierra owners filed a lawsuit in 2015 regarding the new headlight system, saying they are unable to see well enough to drive at night. One of these plaintiffs says he was told the dealerships were not able to change the headlight assembly to fix the issue. As a result, he says he spent $500 for a new headlight assembly.

The other plaintiff said he traded in his 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 for a 2015 model, assuming the GMC Sierra headlight problems were fixed in the newer version. He said the headlight system is virtually the same and that he can see no better at night with his 2015 model.

The GMC Sierra headlight lawsuit alleges GM knew the redesigned headlight system with the shutter was inefficient, but customers were not informed of an issue until they bought the trucks and took them on a night drive. Many complaints allege the customers live in rural areas where roads are poorly lit, if lit at all, and the lack of sufficient headlamp power puts them at serious risk of an accident.

Despite receiving many complaints from customers directly to GM and through GM’s dealerships, GM chose to continue selling the poorly received headlight assembly by placing it in not only the 2015 GMC Sierra 1500, but also in the 2015 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500.

According to CarComplaints.com, customers have expressed how disappointed they are with the headlight assembly used in the 2014 and 2015 Sierras. Among the reported complaints, owners say:

• “Headlights are just dim even on high. Have to use fog lights all the time at night and still not all that good.”
• “I have purchased several new GM vehicles (cars & trucks) but these headlights are the worst on my 2014 Sierra. I had a 1951 Chevy with stronger beams than these. Damn shame at today’s prices you can’t see the road at night.”

The lawsuit regarding GMC Sierra headlight problems alleges the company violated California’s Consumer Legal Remedies Act, California’s Unfair Competition Law, Breach of Express Warranty pursuant to the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, Breach of Implied Warranty of Merchantability pursuant to the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, fraudulent concealment, and unjust enrichment.

Other truck owners and lessees may also have legal claims against GM. Those who purchased or leased a 2015 GMC Sierra truck in the 1500, 2500 or 3500 series or a 2014 GMC Sierra light-duty truck (1500 series only) may be eligible to participate in an ongoing GMC lawsuit investigation.

The GMC Sierra Headlight Problems Lawsuit is Becerra, et al. v. General Motors LLC, et al, Case No. 3:15-cv-02365 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California.

Join a Free GMC Sierra Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you own a 2014 or 2015 GMC Sierra with dim headlights, you may qualify to join this GMC Sierra class action lawsuit investigation.

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