2009 GMC Acadia Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 38about this part
- Share
- 11%of 331 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 66,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 38 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2009 GMC Acadia, 11% of the 331 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 66,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 4 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“There was a recall at one time for the transmission linkage about it popping off, I am now having it pop off I have no clue how long it been this way seeing as it goes to the dealership and they never said anything but it had been that way for a while you can just lift it off. Head lights go out almost every 6 months on the DOT! I have been caught twice with no low beams.”
NHTSA complaint #11327450, filed 2020-06, 180,000 miles“Low beam headlights going out at least 3 times in a year and a half. They do not both go out at once but both have been out at least 3 times. Tonight I was picking my daughter up from a football game and the deputy had me roll my window down and asked me if I knew my light was out? I looked at my husband and said really again!”
NHTSA complaint #11043148, filed 2017-11, 11,500 miles“I am so exhausted by replacing headlights on my 2009 Acadia. I have owned the car for 2 years and have replaced headlights, connectors, wiring, and more headlights. I have never had all working headlights at any one time. This clearly is a safety issue! Not to mention the cost involved....I do not have over $100 everytime one goes out so we have figured out how to replace them ourselves, which isn't easy either!”
NHTSA complaint #10861632, filed 2016-04, 44,000 miles“Driving down the road and notice a deer. Speed limit was 55, so we had slowed down to about 45. Deer crossing in front of us, and we almost come to a complete stop (about 10-15mph). We hit the deer on the passenger front. Get out of the car to assess the damage, and notice a fire under the grill and headlights. Air bags had deployed. Everyone evacuated the vehicle, and it was a total loss.”
NHTSA complaint #10573112, filed 2014-03, 75,000 miles“I own a Gmc Acadia 2009. I purchased it in march of 2018 with 136,402 miles on it. First that went was the catalytic converters, second my stabliltrak system and traction system said my break was on when it wasn't, thrid was my right rear tire pressure was low and it was not and fourth my battery started going low while driving it. While I noticed all these major issues I noticed my radio doesn't work right, the left side of my car has no volume in the speakers and my lights aren't working right. …”
NHTSA complaint #11129545, filed 2018-09, 141,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10249011Jan 12, 2024This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10246003Oct 16, 2023This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on. Technician will…
- 10232136Feb 15, 2023This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10200151Jun 21, 2021This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 | 7% |
| 2024 | 6 | 10% |
| 2023 | 1 | 2% |
| 2022 | 1 | 2% |
| 2021 | 1 | 1% |
| 2020 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 10 | 3% |
| 2018 | 2 | 1% |
| 2017 | 25 | 4% |
| 2016 | 3 | 1% |
| 2015 | 10 | 4% |
| 2014 | 20 | 4% |
| 2013 | 10 | 7% |
| 2012 | 21 | 7% |
| 2011 | 38 | 14% |
| 2010 | 24 | 7% |
| 2009 | 38 | 11% |
| 2008 | 47 | 6% |
| 2007 | 15 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2009 GMC Acadia
112 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
72 complaintsEngine
67 complaintsElectrical system
47 complaintsBody and structure
25 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaintsAir bags
15 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsElectronic stability control
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsSeat belts
10 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 GMC Acadia
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology