2017 GMC Sierra 1500 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 3%of 355 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 13,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500, 3% of the 355 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 13,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“On screen display for backup camera. When putting the vehicle in reverse, the on screen display is so bright that you can't see out the windows, the rearview mirrors or the surrounding area. This display does not dim with the rest of the lights. This causes a severe safety hazard when trying to backup the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11268283, filed 2019-10, 13,000 miles“During night operation with the instrument cluster adjusted to proper brightness the intellilink screen is dangerously bright. The intellilink screen does not have an independent brightness control from the dimmer. When set to off in an attempt to mitigate the problem, the intellilink screen reactivates with subsystem adjustment, e.g. Temperature adjustment, absolutely destroying night vision of the driver. …”
NHTSA complaint #11065044, filed 2018-01, 27 miles“While making a quick left hand turn at low speed, steering wheel suddenly locked, all lights and electrical went out and engine died. This left me stuck in a busy intersection with no lights. I was able to restart engine after a minute or so. Error message appeared roll driver side window up, etc. Needless to say, no longer have confidence driving my truck not knowing when this situation may re-occur.”
NHTSA complaint #11492937, filed 2022-11“Total loss of power while in motion on highway going 70 when first happened, got video of problem for shop while going lower speeds. Truck will loose all power the dash will turn off and then turn back on sometimes the engine will cut out completely.”
NHTSA complaint #11655419, filed 2025-04“Fully enclosed LED tail light (turn and brake integrated into 1 LED strip ) with no visible moisture ingress/egress system showing retained moisture and no longer functional. Dash light for rear signal brake light failure appears. This rear light unit is NOT serviceable or repairable when a light goes out and is fully sealed aside from the reverse light (incandescent bulb and functions fine). LED's should have a lifespan that outlives the vehicle and a major incentive to have LED integration with lighting is the lifespan and reduced need for service. …”
NHTSA complaint #11507572, filed 2023-02Related service bulletins
- 11026022Jun 2, 2025This service bulletin provides technicians with information on available BCM calibrations to restore bulb outage detection on vehicles produced by a second stage manufacturer…
- 11017243Mar 25, 2025This service bulletin provides technicians with information on available BCM calibrations to restore bulb outage detection on vehicles produced by a second stage manufacturer…
- 11014170Jan 27, 2025This service bulletin provides information on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leak Information and Replacement Guidelines.
- 11000550May 3, 2024This service bulletin provides information about GM Accessories - Dealer-Installed, Repaired or Replaced During Warranty Coverage Period.
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 2% |
| 2024 | 15 | 4% |
| 2023 | 11 | 2% |
| 2022 | 1 | 0% |
| 2021 | 2 | 0% |
| 2020 | 3 | 1% |
| 2019 | 11 | 2% |
| 2018 | 3 | 1% |
| 2017 | 9 | 3% |
| 2016 | 4 | 1% |
| 2015 | 93 | 13% |
| 2014 | 148 | 20% |
| 2013 | 3 | 3% |
| 2011 | 5 | 2% |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% |
| 2009 | 3 | 1% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 2 | 1% |
| 2006 | 5 | 3% |
| 2005 | 4 | 2% |
| 2004 | 3 | 1% |
| 2003 | 2 | 1% |
| 2002 | 3 | 2% |
| 1998 | 1 | 2% |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500
118 complaintsBrakes
108 complaintsEngine
58 complaintsElectrical system
54 complaintsOther or unknown
35 complaintsSteering
25 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsSuspension
8 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsForward collision avoidance
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500
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