GMC Sierra Headlights Are Dangerously Dim, Consumers Claim

Consumer complaints about too-dim GMC Sierra headlights have prompted legal action against the car makers, alleging that the headlights are dim enough that night driving is dangerous.

Consumer reports suggest that GMC Sierra headlights on numerous models may be defective and far too dim for safe driving. Hundreds of complaints have been filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) about the issue in a variety of vehicles including 2015 GMC Sierra trucks (1500, 2500, and 3500) and 2014 GMC Sierra light duty trucks (1500 only).

Owners of the affected vehicles say they have had to avoid driving at night due to the safety risks associated with dim GMC Sierra headlights. Other consumers have had to spend additional money upgrading their headlights to rectify these problems.

“The headlights are so dim the truck is dangerous to drive at night,” said one owner of a 2015 GMC Sierra 2500. “I drove in a snow storm last night and I couldnt [sic] see ahead of me.”

“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,” said another consumer.

Before the 2014 model, GMC Sierra headlights included three separate bulbs for low beams, high beams, and fog lights. However, starting with the 2014 model, the three light system was replaced.

Instead, the company switched to using one halogen single filament beam for both the high and low beams. This move was in contrast with other company who used one bulb for both high and low beams, but used at least dual filament bulbs.

The performance of the GMC Sierra headlights was tested and reportedly earned terrible ratings.

“The [Insurance Institute for Highway Safety] tested headlights on small and large 2016-2017 pickups and found the most expensive trucks are the vehicles that come equipped with the poorest headlights. And out of the four small pickups and seven large pickups tested, only one truck achieved a “good” rating for the headlights,” according to a 2016 Car Complaints article.

GMC is allegedly aware of the problem and, in March 2015, released a memo to dealers informing them of how to fix the problem. The technical service bulletin allegedly instructed dealers to recalibrate the unit that monitors and controls the lights in order to increase the voltage directed to the GMC Sierra headlights.

GMC faces legal action over their allegedly defective headlights, including a class action lawsuit filed in late 2015.

GM denies the allegations in the Sierra headlights class action. The company argues that plaintiffs have not made sufficient claims and failed to back up the risks for night driving with data. GM also argues that none of the legal action against them argues that the GMC Sierra headlights are defective.

However, GM’s arguments would not change the fact that countless of drivers allegedly paid a premium price for subpar GMC Sierra headlights. These drivers may be able to hold the company accountable, despite arguments to the contrary.

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.

Learn More