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GMC Yukon XL headlights problems

18 of the 2,462 owner complaints about the GMC Yukon XL describe headlights failing or too dim, most of them for the 2015 model year.

owner complaints
18
worst model year
2015
typical mileage
75,000
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2026
    1
  • 2025
    1
  • 2024
    1
  • 2023
    1
  • 2022
    2
  • 2021
    1
  • 2015
    5
  • 2014
    1
  • 2007
    1
  • 2005
    1
  • 2003
    1
  • 2001
    2

What owners say

Filed Oct 22, 2026 · Lights · NY

The driver side head light developed a stress fracture on the first cold day we had in Long Island. It has been looked at by the dealer SuN gmc who are denying responsibility and claiming it was damaged by a rock. There is no visible damage to the outside of the light.

Filed Sep 21, 2026 · Lights, Visibility · FL

On September 17, 2026, and again on September 20, 2026 (three separate occurrences the same day), while operating my 2023 GMC Yukon XL in rain, the windshield wipers momentarily stopped functioning while set to Auto/Intermittent mode. On both dates the automatic headlights were active (ambient temperature in the low-to-mid 80s°F), and the headlights simultaneously flickered/dropped out during the wiper interruption. This is not an isolated event; it has recurred on multiple occasions under similar conditions (active rain, wipers in Auto or Intermittent mode). Loss of both wiper function and headlight illumination at the same moment, during active rainfall, creates an immediate visibility and safety hazard. GM has issued Technical Service Bulletin #23-NA-149 acknowledging intermittent windshield wiper failures on this vehicle platform, but has not provided a confirmed root-cause repair, and no safety recall has been issued for this condition.

Filed Sep 29, 2025 · FL

The rear view camera is not sufficient for full time use. The camera is positioned too low and during times of dawn/night/dusk if a truck of similar size pulls up behind you, your camera is completely blinded by headlights. Leaving you unable to see anything in the rear view camera. This is a serious safety concern as you are unable to see if anyone is approaching your vehicle to cause you harm. The low camera placement also does not allow for an acceptable/comparable view as using the rear view mirror. The zoom does not pull out far enough to see multiple lanes of traffic and even during the daylight, if someone is approaching the vehicle to cause you harm, it would not be visible. The camera placement only allows you to view the front grill or hood of the vehicle behind you.

Filed Sep 27, 2025 · Body, Electrical · TX

Windshield needs replacement – one side window installed incorrectly (huge gap) •Trim peeling (inside and outside) •Heavy rust in engine area •Sunroof seals need replacement •All window tints need replacement •Headlights not aligned – need new ones •Taillights not aligned – need new ones •Spoiler damaged – needs replacement •Dashboard feels loose – needs replacement •Door panel misaligned •Rubber gaskets/seals smushed •Seat covers smushed (from dealer) •Paint peeling (sunroof, edges near wheels) •Plastic components worn / damaged •Front bumper misaligned •Two front fenders need replacement •Tow hitch cover needs replacement •Cargo protector installed on exterior trunk sill •Check engine / transmission alert showed in app (vehicle displayed “check 4x4” while driving) •Bluetooth system not working Everything on this car is not aligned this is a huge safety hazard on everything electrical,engine,visibility they won’t take responsibility they said they don’t have no update on recall it’s 7 months and the NHSTA all won’t take responsibility I contacted them multiple times they just say contact GM for recall info 7 months

Filed Aug 28, 2025 · Electrical, Lights · OH

The driver-side headlight and turn signal on my 2022 GMC Yukon stopped functioning completely. This issue began before GM recall 22V‑903 and worsened immediately after the recall repair was performed. The recall repair required three separate dealership visits because it was initially performed improperly, yet the problem was never fully resolved. During interactions with GM and the dealership, I was told the repair might involve a $600 part, but they could not guarantee that replacing it would fix the issue. It is unreasonable and unsafe for me to be expected to cover the cost of repairs for a problem that was caused or worsened by a recall repair performed incorrectly. The malfunction creates a serious safety hazard, as oncoming drivers cannot see my turn signals, and I nearly had an accident because of it. The problem has been confirmed by the dealership and documented in GM Case #74327012. Prior to complete failure, the driver-side turn signal and daytime running lights occasionally stayed on after shutting off the vehicle which I was told that was caused by the recall. The vehicle has been inspected by authorized GM dealerships multiple times, but the defect persists. The component is available for inspection upon request.

Filed Mar 26, 2024 · Lights · 83,415 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger's side headlight failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the passenger's side taillight was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the front passenger's side headlight needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 83,415.

Filed Mar 15, 2023 · Lights · WI

2021 GMC Yukon Headlight condensation with no accidents or exterior factors. Fills up with water and causes light bulbs burnout and safety issues. Reports driver’s side headlight to dealer’s service department. Day light went out followed by headlight and signal. Now passenger side is also developing condensations. Called GMC, and dealer. No solution or explanation of why this happens to a year old car.

Filed Feb 14, 2022 · Airbags · PA

“Service safety restraint system” warning light message appears on dash. Airbag indicator light on indicating and advised airbags are inoperative due to faulty circuit. No power to roof console leading to inoperative sunroof, overhead lights, rear hatch operating button, and garage opener.

Filed May 26, 2020 · Brakes, Electrical · MI

I purchased by vehicle in the summer of 2015. It has been in the shop numerous times for various issues, mostly electrical involving the computer and software, or issues involving my tires or steering when turning the steering wheel.. My "driver assist" has malfunctioned many times and I have taken it to the shop to have it repaired on 3 separate occasions. Last summer my front and rear lights started flickering and stopped working. I spent $800 for the back passenger brake light and almost $1000 for the front driver head light assembly. I also had to get a new battery for this vehicle. My 2015 gmc yukon xl is now malfunctioning again and this time, I am told that the seat motor (that alerts you when you are near an obstacle has burned out.) about 4 days ago, I became aware of ticking noise while my car has been idle. I immediately scheduled a maintenance appointment. Today, I am also informed that my "lifters" are bad on the vehicle and my engine is going bad. I am told the air conditioning condenser has burned out, I am told the motor under my seat is burned out. I have performed routine maintenance, I get oil changes regularly and use high quality synthetic oils. I take my car to the shop at least 2x per year for problems and some major repair is always required. This is a car that I am going into the 5th year of ownership this summer. Originally. I was told that there was a recall for brakes, now I am told there is not, but I have taken my car in for various recalls at least 3x. This is an unsafe, defective vehicle. Every system fails. I am now in search of a new vehicle. I have driven other gm vehicles (grand am, hummer) and none have required so much repair costs. Today I am told that it will cost $6800 to repair my vehicle to make it safe. My repair records will show the repairs and service charges I have paid since purchase. This is a lemon.

Filed Feb 23, 2020 · Electrical, Lights · CO

Headlights as well as daytime running lights do not come on highbeams do however

Related recalls

Exterior lighting: lighting control module: softwareReported December 8, 2022 · 740,108 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk
DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1‑888‑988‑7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006. GM's number for this recall is N222386380. This recall expands previous recall number 22V‑827.

Recall number 22V903000 · Recall details

Exterior lighting: lighting control module: softwareReported November 3, 2022 · 338,735 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk
Daytime Running Lights that do not deactivate as intended may cause a glare, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1‑888‑988‑7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006. GM's number for this recall is N222382220.

Recall number 22V827000 · Recall details

Questions about the GMC Yukon XL headlights

Which GMC Yukon XL years have headlights failing or too dim problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2015 (5 complaints), 2001 (2 complaints) and 2022 (2 complaints).

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