RoadVitals

2014 GMC Acadia Exterior lighting Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the exterior lighting system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Exterior lighting reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
20
Latest Mar 12, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
4%
of 461 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
0
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2014 GMC Acadia submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 20 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming exterior lighting

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

Exterior lighting
Filed Mar 12, 2026

The contact owns a 2014 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that for several years, the headlight bulbs were replaced several times. The contact used several different brands of headlight bulbs, but the bulbs failed prematurely. The contact stated that the headlight bulbs were dim while using the low beam or the high beam headlights. Additionally, the turn signals failed to properly operate while engaging the turn signal lever. The contact stated that the sound for the turn signals was occasionally inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the same independent mechanic, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

NHTSA ID
11723782
Incident
Mar 13, 2023
Mileage
135,000 mi
ElectricalFuel systemExterior lighting
Filed Apr 28, 2024

I have many problems with this vehicle, numerous times. Inaccurate Fuel Gauge Reading- It has resulted in my vehicle running out of fuel and stalling, while on road. I have 4 children who are at risk of danger while in vehicle.The fuel warning light has illuminated when the gauge needle says I still have more than plenty of amount (a quarter of a tank or more at times. It differs). It was diagnosed with an electrical and fuel system failure. Electrical shorts and problems- Having electrical shorts on and off. Check engine light comes on/off Vehicle randomly failed to start. My vehicle was difficult to start and would require several attempts before starting. Power lock/unlock key fob doesn't work, replaced battery multiple times.windows and sunroof power windows do no work. Radio and dash turn off and restart. Check airbag light has been coming on and off. Power Train intermittently, the transmission shifts with a loud thump, at various speeds. Vehicle starts shaking and jerking while shifting gears and going different speeds. My vehicle slows down, power reduce engine and steering difficult at times. Other/ water leak- Found water in all of my tail light assemblies, headlight assemblies, sunroof and windows leaking. There is no proper seal or has worn off, causing leaks in and repairs for many replacements, which are expensive temp fixes with no permanent solution. Causes accidents by not having necessary working equipment for driving conditions. Other:Hood doesn't latch and stay open so difficult to even check fluids properly alone. Multiple dealers have inspected problems, and needs to be fixed. There are recalls out for many of these problems and my vehicle needs to be on the list for serious safety issues.

NHTSA ID
11585691
Incident
Apr 28, 2024
Exterior lighting
Filed Apr 9, 2024

Low beams randomly stopped working. All other lights work.

NHTSA ID
11581903
Incident
Mar 28, 2024
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Jan 26, 2024

I have 2 concerns and issues with my vehicle. 1st is the rear turn signal bulb and housing, I have read forums and researched the issue and many others have had the same issues and concerns, water is getting into the housing and is causing the bulb to blow and can possibly be causing fire/electrical with the wiring. 2nd is the front headlights the plastic round covering that's in surrounding the the glass that the light sits behind is melting and is causing visibility issues as well as potential fire. I can imagine why the plastic would be installed so close to a glass covering that holds heat. I really think that GMC needs to evaluate these concerns not only for safety but also the expense of the turn signal bulb that has been designed and cost over $100 because it couldn't be a simple bulb like most others. Also I have been informed of a recall of the airbag and can't get it fixed because the dealerships haven't been sent the part! I would like to be notified that someone has aknowledged my concern. Thanks

NHTSA ID
11567976
Incident
Jan 19, 2024
Exterior lighting
Filed Jan 2, 2023

I noticed headlights not working low or high beam. LED lights around head lights worked and fog lights but no headlights. I normally keep it on auto, but I tried all positions and none of them worked.

NHTSA ID
11499750
Incident
Dec 28, 2022
Exterior lighting
Filed Dec 27, 2022

Head lights quit working. I had two children in the car with me and it was night time, and I could’ve collided with another car. This just happened tonight, so I have not taken it to the dealer yet or a certified mechanic. There were no warnings of any kind before this happened.

NHTSA ID
11499089
Incident
Dec 27, 2022
Exterior lighting
Filed Jul 24, 2022

My left rear turn signal is not working. It is GM part number 13582912. I have checked with several GM dealers who have. Confirmed there are none available. Just for the sake of it, 3 dealers have it on order but have no confirmed delivery date. Some parts stores say it’s is discontinued. There are no other aftermarket parts to substitute. This is a significant safety issue the GM needs to correct.

NHTSA ID
11475537
Incident
Jun 1, 2022
Exterior lighting
Filed Jul 21, 2021

Tail lights/brakes light/blinkers The light kit cover seals break allowing water into the light kit. Water collects and shorts out the bulbs causing a dangerous hazard when rear lights fail to work in the proper manner. I have called to several places and am being told, yes, GMC has a defect on their rear tail lights. Seals were not done very well and supply cannot keep up with demand. The lights are over 300 each which is absolutely ridiculous. A part that is necessary to keep one safe and be able to signal to other drivers should not be this expensive when the manufacturer did not build a good product.

NHTSA ID
11425851
Incident
Jul 9, 2021
AirbagsElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Feb 26, 2021

SERVICE SIDE BLIND DETECTION STARTED GOING OFF THEN THE SIDE BLIND DETECTION STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY. NOW THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING CORRECTLY AND WAS TOLD THE SIDE BLIND DETECTION MONITORS CAN CAUSE THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION.

NHTSA ID
11398065
Incident
Feb 24, 2021
Driver assistanceElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Jan 8, 2021

CAR SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. ALL ELECTRICAL WENT OUT. DOORS ALL LOCKED WHILE INSIDE, KEY STUCK IN IGNITION. STARTED WITH SIDE DETECTION WARNING AND WITHIN A FEW DAYS CAR COMPLETELY SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING! HUGE SAFETY ISSUE! WILL NOT RESTART AND STILL CAN'T GET KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. BATTERY IS FULLY CHARGED BUT NO POWER. COMPLETELY DEAD. THERE IS A KNOWN RECALL ON 2014 GMC ACADIAS FOR ELECTRONIC MODULE FAILURE BUT NOT OUR SPECIFIC VEHICLE THOUGH THIS SEEMS TO BE THE EXACT CAUSE OF OUR PROBLEMS. GMC SAID THEY COULD NOT HELP?!

NHTSA ID
11387107
Incident
Jan 8, 2021
Mileage
90,000 mi
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Jan 20, 2020

MY HEADLIGHTS STOPPED WORKING WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY. I PULLED OFF THE ROAD & THE DRL LED LIGHTS AROUND THE HEADLIGHTS WERE STILL ON, BUT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT. I TRIED TURNING THE LIGHTS OFF/ON, TRIED TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF/ON. MY HUSBAND CHECKED THE FUSES, RELAY, & SENSORS, AS WELL AS CHANGED BOTH BULBS AND THEY STILL WILL NOT WORK. IT WAS DARK WHILE I WAS DRIVING, WHICH POSED A DANGEROUS SITUATION. UPON RESEARCHING ONLINE, THERE SEEMS TO BE OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM.

NHTSA ID
11300567
Incident
Jan 7, 2020
Mileage
66,000 mi
ElectricalEngineExterior lighting
Filed Oct 15, 2019

THE GEARS SOMETIMES DOES A HARD PUSH WHEN CHANGING GEARS AUTOMATICALLY. THE DASHBOARD LIGHT KEEPS TURNING OFF AND DRIVER CAN NOT SEE THE SPEEDOMOTOR ETC.

NHTSA ID
11268723
Incident
Oct 8, 2019
Mileage
50,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Sep 13, 2019

VEHICLE HEADLIGHTS ABRUPTLY STOPPED WORKING. HEADLIGHTS ARE IN AUTO RUNNING LIGHTS POSITION, BUT WILL NOT TURN ON. NO HEADLIGHTS AVAILABLE, ONLY OPTION TO USE IS FOG LIGHTS. THIS OCCURRED AFTER 9 PM ON A HIGHWAY, CREATING A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. VEHICLE BROUGHT TO 3 DIFFERENT MECHANICS SHOPS AND NO PROBLEMS WITH HEADLIGHTS WERE DETECTED, NO PROBLEMS WITH FUSES, COMPUTER OR BATTERY DETECTED, NO LAMPS NEEDED REPLACEMENT. TWO MONTHS LATER NO SOLUTION FOUND. THE VEHICLE IS NOT OPERATIONAL DURING POOR WEATHER OR AFTER DARK.

NHTSA ID
11255329
Incident
Jun 29, 2019
Mileage
80,000 mi
ElectricalEngineExterior lighting
Filed Mar 8, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 GMC ACADIA. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE ENGINE POWER REDUCED, SERVICE STABILITRAK, AND TRACTION CONTROL OFF WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED THREE TIMES. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS HAD TO BE REPLACED EIGHT TIMES WITHIN ONE YEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000.

NHTSA ID
11185434
Incident
Nov 1, 2018
Mileage
77,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Sep 5, 2018

HEADLIGHT ILLUMINATION IS LIMITED AND PREVENTS DRIVER'S ABILITY TO SEE UPCOMING ROAD CONDITIONS, CURVES, ELEVATION, ANIMALS OR HUMANS IN THE ROAD AND HAZARDS. WITHOUT TURNING ON THE HIGH BEAMS. THERE IS A DISTINCT CUT OFF OF LIGHT AT THE TOP OF THE AREA ILLUMINATED THAT IS NOT COMMONLY SEEN IN OTHER VEHICLES AND THIS LIMITS HOW FAR AHEAD YOU ARE ABLE TO SEE.

NHTSA ID
11124559
Incident
Oct 20, 2017
Mileage
10,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Jun 7, 2018

I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE 2 MONTHS AGO AND HAVE HAD TO SEPARATE CHANGE THE HEADLIGHTS ON IT TWICE ALREADY. THERE IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM THAT MAKES THE HEADLIGHTS GO COMPLETELY OUT OR DIM WHILE DRIVING OR IN IDLE AT TIMES.

NHTSA ID
11100434
Incident
May 9, 2018
Mileage
120,000 mi
AirbagsElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Jun 1, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 GMC ACADIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. IN ADDITION, THE SERVICE AIR BAGS AND SERVICE FRONT CAMERA WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE HAZARD LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. ROGERS AUTO GROUP CHICAGO (2720 S MICHIGAN AVE, CHICAGO, IL) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 72,000.

NHTSA ID
11099120
Incident
May 1, 2018
Mileage
72,000 mi
ElectricalFuel systemExterior lighting
Filed Jan 21, 2016

BOUGHT CAR BRAND NEW 8-14. SINCE I HAVE TAKEN INTO DEALERSHIP OVER 5 TIMES REGARDING IT STALLING, AND COMPLETE SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING. FIRST CAR WOULD SHUT OFF WHEN IN REVERSE. CAR TURNED OFF COMPLETELY MULTIPLE TIMES SITTING AT RED LIGHTS. THEN WHILE I WAS DRIVING 35 MILES ON RESIDENTIAL STREET I HAD COMPLETE FAILURE, CAR TURNED OFF. WAS ABLE TO RESTART AND DRIVE. CAR TAKES A COUPLE SECONDS TO TURN OVER WHEN FIRST PUTTING KEY IN. NOTICED RECALL IN 10-14 FOR EXACT ISSUE BUT GMC DEALER IN CONCORD CA SAYS MY CAR IS NOT INCLUDED IN IT. INTERIOR LIGHTS GO ON AT RANDOM ALONG WITH HEADLIGHTS. GAS GAUGE IN "MILES" READING ON DASH LOWERS BY 20+ MILES EACH TIME I DROP KIDS OFF AT SCHOOL 5 MILES AWAY. EACH TIME I HAVE TAKEN IT TO DEALER, DEALER STATED THEY ARE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE EVENTS, NO WARNING CODES ARE SHOWING AND THEY CAN NOT FIND WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE CAR. SHOCKER. BRAND NEW CARS DO NOT OPERATE THIS WAY AND THESE ISSUES ARE VERY SERIOUS AS DEATHS COULD OCCUR WHEN CAR SHUTS DOWN WHILE DRIVING. TAKING IT TO DEALER AGAIN.

NHTSA ID
10821539
Incident
Nov 12, 2014
Mileage
10,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Dec 27, 2015

2014 GMC ACADIA HEADLIGHTS DO NOT SHINE OUT FAR ENOUGH TO SEE THE ROAD AHEAD OR TO EACH SIDE WHEN TURNING. I FEEL LIKE I HAVE A DARK HOOD OVER THE TOP PART OF MY EYES AND THIS HOOD "BOUNCES" AS YOU TRAVEL--VERY DISTRACTING, IRRITATING, AND UNSAFE. WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT, I ALWAYS HAVE MY FOG LIGHTS ON, BUT EVEN THAT DOES NOT HELP MUCH. WHEN DRIVING ON A HILLY, CURVY ROAD, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE THE ROAD AHEAD & SIDES--SCARES THE HECK OUT OF ME! I LOVE THIS ACADIA, BUT REFUSE TO DRIVE IT ON A TRIP WHEN I KNOW I WILL BE DRIVING AT NIGHT AND WOULD BE SCARED TO DEATH IF IT WOULD RAIN AT NIGHT--SO WE TAKE OUR OTHER VEHICLE ON MOST TRIPS. I HAVE FOUND OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE ACADIA HEADLIGHTS FOR THE 2013 AND 2015 MODELS. ALSO FOUND MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE 2014 GMC SIERRA 1500 PICKUPS THAT SOUND JUST LIKE MY CONCERNS. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO OUR LOCAL DEALERSHIP A COUPLE TIMES AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO. SURELY GMC WILL WAKE UP AND REALIZE THAT THESE HEADLIGHTS CREATE DANGEROUS NIGHTTIME DRIVING CONDITIONS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED!

NHTSA ID
10816346
Incident
Jan 8, 2014
Exterior lighting
Filed Dec 13, 2014

TWO SEPARATE WARRANTY CLAIMS. DEALER DID REPLACE ALL TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLIES- ONCE ON NORMAL WARRANTY CLAIM, THE SECOND INCIDENT (LHS ONLY) ON CUSTOMER SATISFACTION BASIS. ISSUE> REAR TAIL LIGHT LENS CLOUDS UP WITH CONDENSATION / WATER TO THE POINT THAT STOP LIGHT VISIBILITY IS AFFECTED. APPROX 50% OF THE LENS IS COVERED INTERNALLY WITH WATER DROPLETS AND CONDENSATION POTENTIALLY VIOLATING FMVSS SAFETY STANDARD FOR VISIBILITY. APPARENTLY THE LAMP ASSEMBLY IS NOT SEALED AND PERMITS WATER INTRUSION. CONDENSATION DOES NOT CLEAR UP ADEQUATELY- IN MY CASE AFTER 16 MILES OF DRIVING OR LEAVING THE SUV OUTSIDE OVERNIGHT. RESPONSE FROM DEALER: GM ISSUED A LETTER STATING WARRANTY CLAIMS WILL NOT BE HONORED FOR WATER CONDENSATION ON TAIL LIGHT LENS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10664050
Incident
Dec 13, 2014
Mileage
5,311 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Other components reported on this vehicle

Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .