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Exterior lightingPart report

2017 GMC Acadia Exterior lighting Problems

Complaints
25about this part
Share
4%of 707 total for the year
Median mileage
3,000miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2017 GMC Acadia, 4% of the 707 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 3,000 miles.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“My 2017 Gmc Acadia has such poor headlight illumination that I cannot see adequately to drive at night. I can barely see to get up-and-down the hill to our driveway. Even on bright illumination, the headlights are inadequate. There should be a recall on the headlights. Otherwise, there will be accidents. People will get hurt or killed and there will be lawsuits.”

NHTSA complaint #11039546, filed 2017-10, 500 miles

“With my vehicle stationary and shifter in the park position, I turn my car off and the vehicle turns off but the instrument cluster says action required - shift to park . This message also does not allow the day time running lights to turn off and if the lights don't turn off the battery drains if parked for long stretches. I have to turn the car on/off several times before it engages and the message disappears.”

NHTSA complaint #11300291, filed 2020-01, 7,200 miles

“Night driving, has become dangerous. Headlights are either a poor technology or are not aimed properly. I am making this complaint in hopes that the many others will come forward to let GM know how serious this is. I know that I am not the only complaint. I am an experienced driver of many different vehicles. This is bad!”

NHTSA complaint #11024873, filed 2017-09, 50 miles

“I have new Gmc Acadia slt 2017 and head lights at not very bright at night at all, rainy night they are very dull, I was back to dealer 2 times and called Gmc directly 2 times to complain and they told me is they meet spects,, they sid thed would need recall to make corrections, not very happy about lights,, car is good.”

NHTSA complaint #10958720, filed 2017-03, 10 miles

“Slt-2 with halogen projector beam headlights. Very very poor high & low beam performance. The 6yr old equinox I traded in did a better job of lighting the road in front of you. Had the dealer checked them out and said they were ok. I had them adjust the low beam down to provide better road visibility but forward illumination distance is less. The sales & service department said there is nothing they can do but I could look into after market headlights. …”

NHTSA complaint #10967508, filed 2017-03, 500 miles

Related service bulletins

Exterior lighting: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202557%
2024610%
202312%
202212%
202111%
202011%
2019103%
201821%
2017254%
201631%
2015104%
2014204%
2013107%
2012217%
20113814%
2010247%
20093811%
2008476%
2007154%

Other parts of the 2017 GMC Acadia

Transmission and drivetrain
236 complaints
Electrical system
193 complaints
Other or unknown
171 complaints
Air bags
76 complaints
Engine
62 complaints
Brakes
36 complaints
Steering
35 complaints
Lane departure
17 complaints
Electronic stability control
13 complaints
Forward collision avoidance
13 complaints
Fuel system
13 complaints
Seat belts
13 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2017 GMC Acadia

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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