2011 GMC Acadia: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Apr 3, 2023 · Electrical · WI

DRLs melted into the housing, seems like this is possibly caused by cowls that are not properly sealed allowing moisture into headlight assembly. This is obviously a fire hazard and will be a costly repair. I am not sure if vehicle insurance covers this but I doubt it.

Filed Sep 27, 2020 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 75,000 miles · MA

This all began at about 75000 miles. It first started with the stabilization/traction light coming on while driving once this happened you could not accelerate the car. I once was on a highway in the middle lane when it happened I could not accelerate and had to try to get over to the break down lane. This happened several times but then turned into a completely different problem. While driving the battery would start to die with no warning. When this happens you can not jump the car you have to bring the battery to be charged on a charger. Although the car won't start the other things like lights, radio, etc will still work. This happened several times but once the weather was warm it ran perfect for 4 months. The first day it was extremely cold the battery died while driving. I also had a headlight go out on the drivers side and about 3 weeks later it came back on and stayed on. I have brought it to several places but nobody has been able to figure out the problem. I can't keep spending money to get it diagnosed with no results. After researching online it seems to be a very common problem in the acadia.

Filed Jul 15, 2020 · Lights · 110,572 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 gmc acadia. The contact stated that the headlights were melted and inoperable. The vehicle was taken to starling chevrolet buick gmc (1001 e irlo bronson memorial hwy, st cloud, fl 34769) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the headlight housings needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the headlights were previously repaired under warranty. The contact stated that he was informed on the first visit that a bracket needed to be installed to prevent future damages to the headlights. The bracket was installed however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,572.

Filed May 8, 2020 · Electrical, Lights · IA

In my 2011 gmc acadia slt1 the headlights specifically the low beams are very dim regardless of the bulb because I have tried all from the lowest priced to the most expensive. While using the high beams there appears to be a shadow in the shape of mickey mouse's head in the central area of vision.

Filed May 19, 2019 · Electrical, Lights · 137,400 miles · MN

2011 acadia denali, has hid headlights for night time driving, and traditional incandescent lights for daytime running lights (drl). I noticed the driver's side drl bulb was burned out approximately a week ago (so ~5/12/2019), when I when to remove it to see what size bulb was needed part of the projector housing broke off with the bulb. I then noticed that the bulb socket was partially melted, and the dust seal around the bulb is also partially melted (brown and starting to melt). I also looked at the passengers side and, without removing the bulb, you can see that the projector housing on that side is also starting to bubble/melt. The drivers side bulb is melted enough that I cannot remove the entire bulb from the socket, only the glass wants to pull free. I feel lucky it didn't start a fire.

Filed Aug 28, 2018 · Electrical, Engine · 98,000 miles · IA

Under 100k miles and engine just blew up with out warning only had the car for 3 yrs prior when we first got it we had issues with the dvd cd player had to replace it and after 1 yr it went out again. Had issues with headlight bulb being replaced then blowing out. The big problem now is the engine and the car not running

Filed Jul 24, 2018 · Electrical, Lights · 180,000 miles · HI

I have a 2011 gmc acadia slt. My car is equipped xenon high intensity discharge (hid tvd) low beams lamps. Both passenger and drivers side low beam light sockets have melted inside each head light assembly. The low beam lamp connectors and portions of each wiring harness have melted from the intense heat of the hid lamp. I contacted gmc customer assistance center to see if a recall has been initiated. No recall. I was given a case number and the contact information for my local customer experience manager. I was encouraged to schedule an appointment at the dealership so my light issue could be looked into by a gmc maintenance team. I was encouraged to resolve my lighting issue with my customer experience manager.

Filed Jun 19, 2018 · Lights · 98,000 miles · GA

Headlight bulb and assembly system completely melted! Went to replace the bulbs that I thought were just blown out but the bulbs exploded and melted everything. Took it to the local dealership to fix and they said it would cost $2500.00 to fix in ordering new assembly. They said they have seen this happen on acadias before. I went online and sure enough melted headlights and wiring were a common problem. When I called the headquarters customer service line to ask if a recall had been issued a foreign gentleman wrote down my information and said someone will get back with you but there should be no reason it melted unless someone or something happened to it. I've never been in a wreck ever. I asked the guy what it would take to get this fixed me or one of my kids dying in a wreck and is suing you to make sure we have a safe vehicle. I told him I didn't appreciate his I don't care attitude towards my feelings of having small children in a car that has a part that is common and known to melt and not get fixed.

Filed Mar 2, 2017 · Lights · 60,000 miles · MD · fire

Daytime running lights have overheated on both sides and have melted the plastic housing. The lights are extremely hot in a confined space and are in very close proximity to a flammable material. I noticed smoke coming out of the headlight and saw that it has melted the housing to the point where the bulb is now sitting directly on the melted plastic housing. These are the running lights....not the main headlights.

Filed Dec 23, 2016 · Lights · 116,000 miles · OH

I have a 2011 gmc acadia. I purchased this vehicle used in late 2013. This is the 6th time I have needed to replace my lowbeams. Last night heading home from work around dusk I was driving down the highway and someone pulled out in front of me and I had to swerve to avoid hitting him. I lost drivers side two days ago and lost the passengers headlight as I started up my vehicle leaving work. It was apparent that he did not see my vehicle as all the other vehicles had their lights on. This is clearly a design issue that if allowed to continue significantly increases the risk of an accident which puts my family in danger. Please address this increased risk to my family and other families that are on the road with these vehicles.

Filed Jun 17, 2016 · Lights · 69,520 miles · LA

We bought this car in feb. 2016 used with only 66,000 miles. About 2 months after we purchased it, the passenger low beam light went out. I purchased a bulb to replace, but it proved to be difficult. I had 3 open recalls so I brought car in to dealer. The night before bringing it in, driver low beam light went out. I asked dealer to replace bulbs while vehicle was there. Received a phone call from the dealer that the bulbs could not be replaced because headlight housing was melted!!!! This seems to be a recurring problem with acadias and a recall should be issued!!!!

Filed Feb 27, 2016 · Lights · 65,000 miles · OK

We bought this vehicle as a certified used vehicle on march 11, 2015. Since then I have had to replace the passenger side low beam headlamp twice and the drivers side once. I too have researched the internet and found the same issue with many of the same vehicles. The low beam headlamps are a safety item that is required to drive at night so there should be something done by gm. I would invite any of the customer care managers at gm to contact me.