2021 GMC Sierra 2500 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 17%of 52 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2021 GMC Sierra 2500, 17% of the 52 complaints for this model year.
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.
“The driver side headlamp stopped working, Condensate buildup may be a contributing factor. No accident and vehicle is meticulously maintained. No reason for lamp seals to be damaged or wear. Barely three years old and requires a replacement at $1400 for the part and another $1000 in labor. Outside of 36000 mile warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #11559776, filed 2023-12“Headlights and turn signals failed. Flickering of various lights (Daytime running lamp, low beam, high beam, turn signals) followed by total failure. 3700 dollar repair at dealer to replace both headlamp assemblies. Barely over miles of warranty, but still in the 3 year warranty time period. Not having forward lighting is of course a major safety issue. Vehicle should be recalled. Many others are having the issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11633825, filed 2025-01“Passenger headlight light fills up with moisture resulting in the HID module filling up with water and shorting out. The high beam starts flashing when you try to use your turn signal and eventually the headlights completely stop working. Is a known problem, but GM won’t do anything to help if you’re outside of the 3year/36,000 mile warranty. Currently unable to get a new headlight because of the on going strike.”
NHTSA complaint #11548799, filed 2023-10“On 11/21/24 noticed passenger headlight day light running light flickering. On 11/22/24 right turn indicator intermittent fast blink, dash message stated turn indicator failure. Once home, inspected passenger headlight assembly. Found DRL, turn signal, and low and high beam head lights were inoperative. On 11/25/24 went to GMC dealer/service. Staff seemed aware of issues and stated they are common, that they carry the $1,400 sealed assebly in stock. Vehicle is 4 months over warranty, but only has 29,000 miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #11627389, filed 2024-11“My right headlamp/ turn signal assembly began flashing at random intervals. The high beam would come on and off randomly. The entire assembly would randomly flash along with the turn signal. The headlamp would go on and off randomly. This included switching between setting. High beam, low beam, daytime running light, and completely off with no warning. This causes blinding conditions for oncoming drivers, loss of visibility for driver, and loss of visibility during inclement weather due to high beam coming on and off, then entire unit turning off. …”
NHTSA complaint #11709159, filed 2026-01Related 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…
- 11019325Apr 15, 2025This informational bulletin provides information on the turn signal stalk not cancelling and/or mis cancelling.
- 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.
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 7% |
| 2024 | 3 | 3% |
| 2022 | 2 | 4% |
| 2021 | 9 | 17% |
| 2020 | 2 | 3% |
| 2019 | 2 | 6% |
| 2018 | 4 | 11% |
| 2017 | 1 | 3% |
| 2016 | 2 | 3% |
| 2015 | 26 | 29% |
| 2014 | 1 | 3% |
| 2011 | 1 | 2% |
| 2005 | 2 | 2% |
| 2004 | 2 | 1% |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 1999 | 2 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2021 GMC Sierra 2500
13 complaintsEngine
8 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
4 complaintsForward collision avoidance
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
1 complaintsLane departure
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 GMC Sierra 2500
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