5.7

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
$30
Average Mileage:
49,600 miles
Total Complaints:
6 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace bulb (4 reports)
  2. replace headlights (2 reports)
2011 GMC Sierra 1500 lights problems

lights problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2011 GMC Sierra 1500:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2011 GMC Sierra 1500 Owner Comments

problem #6

Sep 092016

Sierra 1500 Sierra V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 76,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Every 10 months- a blown low beam on driver's side. Vibration issue? Heat? Surely the engineers at GMC can come up with a solution.

- jamescrum, Amarillo, TX, US

problem #5

Jun 062016

Sierra 1500 SLE 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 74,000 miles

It appears with GM's daytime running light safety BS, they want you to change the headlights every 2-3 months, which in the older models would not be such a bad thing because the older models gave you easy access to change the bulbs. NOT the new vehicles. The access to the bulbs is through the front wheel wells and anyone not mechanically inclinded will cost you big bucks to have a dealer do it every 3 months. Even when replacing bulbs together, they go, and go and go. I have spoken with other GM owners who have the same year truck and others, This is a major Issue for this vehicle as well as many of the new ones. One small step I will be looking at when I buy my next vehicle from a different manufacturer. Very disappointed in GM.

- nywhish519, Gl, NY, US

problem #4

Apr 102012

Sierra 1500 SE 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 15,000 miles

Headlights have burnt out consistantly every year since I bought this vehicle new in '11. I have tried a few different kinds of bulbs, it hasn't seemed to matter, they all last about the same length. I use the grease to protect from moisture getting to the bulb.

- Matt R., Paradise, PA, US

problem #3

Jan 092014

Sierra 1500 SLT 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 32,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I'm not sure if the problem is with the truck or the bulbs but seems like they should last much longer. No other problems with the electrical system.

- Micah J., Oneonta, AL, US

problem #2

Oct 082015

Sierra 1500 SLT 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 67,500 miles

Ok, this is the 3rd bulb in the passenger side low beam. I'm sure the drivers side will blow very soon as it did before. I've had two low beams go out on both sides. Four bulbs consumed so far.

And I found the issue. These Sylvania H11 bulbs halve a life expectancy of 230 hrs. Really!!! The old style 9005/6 had a life exp. of 1000 or better! That's 13k mi at 60mph.Average in city and other and your probably down to 10K. Then factor in daytime running lights and your changing your headlamps constantly! It is also irritating that GM would use these. And if you get the Silverstar bulbs they have a life expectancy of about 125 hrs! Looks like I'm converting to LED!

- Micah J., Oneonta, AL, US

Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...

problem #1

Feb 122015

Sierra 1500 SLT 5.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 33,000 miles

Shortly after one side blows the other goes as well.

- Micah J., Oneonta, AL, US

Not what you are looking for?