My GMC Yukon’s Brake Light Went Out, I Thought It Would Be About $10, But Now the Dealer Tells Me It’s $1500 For Both Sides

"Why can't I just replace the burned-out brake light bulb in my GMC Yukon?"

That's what an owner asks his GMC dealer when she goes in to get her burned-out brake light fixed. While researching the GMC Yukon, I ran across this clip on TikTok from South Main Auto (@fansouthmainautollc). This tech explains why this owner can't believe the cost of replacing a broken brake light. 

I recently wrote a story about Kyle, who owns a 2000 Toyota Tacoma and had to replace a burned rear taillight bulb. How much did it cost him? He paid $6.49. It took him 20 minutes to run to the parts store, 3 minutes to install it, and he's done. He even installed it in the O'Reilly Auto Parts parking lot. 

Kyle says, "Look, there are some things on the new Tacomas that might be easy to fix, but this 2000 Tacoma I bought this thing because 90% of the stuff on this thing that it takes to maintain this truck I can do myself and save myself a lot of money."

Not So With the GMC Yukon

This GMC Yukon owner finds out she has a burned taillight after being pulled over by local law enforcement. She is warned politely that her brake light is on the driver's side. 

She thinks, "No problem, I'll run over to the GMC dealer on the way home, buy a new brake light bulb, and fix it when I get home." 

Imagine the shock of this GMC Yukon owner when she thought a simple brake light bulb replacement would cost $10, only to be told by the dealer that it's a whopping $1500 for both sides. The disparity in these figures is staggering and begs the question-why?

The service department tells her she should replace both sides simultaneously because the passenger side bulb will likely need to be replaced soon. So, the total for parts is $1,500. 

She can install it herself or have the dealer do it for another $200 labor. 

South Main Auto says, "Oh, it's time to replace a brake light. A young lady brought in her GMC Yukon and told me her brake light didn't work. It is a simple job; it won't take but a few minutes. You hang out here, and I'll finish it for you right now." 

"You would think replacing a brake light bulb will cost about $5 and $5 to put it in, something like that. However, it will cost about $750 in this case because I have to order it from General Motors."

"That's the only way you can do it. These are LED lights, and the only replaceable one is the one for the reverse light (which rarely burns out). However, other than that, you have to order a new assembly and send the other one back. They have a $50 core charge on it." 

"The good news is, there are only two of them, so when you do both of them, it's only going to set you back about $1500," he says, his tone dripping with sarcasm. 

Why Are the GMC Yukon Taillight Assembly So Expensive?

GMC Yukon taillight assemblies are expensive because they are often sealed, require precise manufacturing, and are designed to house features like rear sensors and blind-spot warnings, leading to specialized construction and potential for OEM markups. 

I recently wrote a report on a Ford F-150 rear taillight being stolen in Houston, Texas. Thieves target the F-150 because the Ford truck's taillights cost between $2,500 and $6,000.

The GMC Yukon taillights seem cheap compared with some F-150 taillight assemblies.

However, GMC Yukon brake lights have a known design flaw causing premature failure of the tail lamp assembly, including the LED circuit boards. 

Here's a more detailed explanation:

Known Design Flaw:

Some GMC Yukon models (specifically 2017-2019) have a design flaw in the tail lamp assembly where the alloy used in the circuit board cannot expand and contract properly, leading to cracks and circuit failures. 

• Condensation Issues: Moisture can also accumulate inside the sealed tail lamp assembly, causing corrosion and further damage to the circuit boards. 
• OEM Replacement Costs: When the tail lamp assembly fails, the cost of replacing it with an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) part can be high, potentially reaching $750 per tail light. 
• Class Action Lawsuit: A class action lawsuit alleges that the tail lamp assembly defect results from poor design and materials, potentially leading to premature failure. 

ClassAction says this about the lawsuit against GM, "The tail lamp assembly is a fully sealed unit and was not designed to be repaired," the case expounds. "If there is a problem, the lamp is replaced as a complete and very expensive unit." 

Are Their Cheaper Alternatives?

While OEM replacements are expensive, aftermarket options are available, but some have design flaws or quality issues. 

A user on Reddit asks, Alright, guys, I had the passenger side LED taillight on my GMC Yukon Denali go out (which doesn't often happen, apparently?) Our local mechanic looked at the manufacturer, and they were like $1,500.

A local junkyard had one for about $770. Amazon has 3rd party ones for about $260. Am I rolling the dice going with Amazon? I don't want to pay an arm & a leg for a stupid taillight. 

When you purchase a non-OEM part, you are always taking a risk. While the OEM GM parts are more expensive, they have a warranty. 

GM-certified tail light assemblies for the GMC Yukon typically come with a limited warranty covering manufacturing defects for 1 year from the date of purchase. 

Conclusion:

If you own a 2015 or 2016 GMC Yukon, General Motors will replace the tail light assembly under warranty. The special coverage adjustment offered:

• Free replacement of inoperative tail lights. 
• Reimbursement for owners who paid for repairs. 
• Coverage for tail light replacements extended for 6 years or 72,000 miles. 

It's important to note that the 2017-2019 Yukon class action lawsuit claimed that 2017-2019 Yukon SUVs had the same or similar tail light issues and that GM should have extended the special coverage to these model years. This lawsuit has since been dismissed. 

How About Your GMC Yukon?

Have you had a brake light or tail light fail in your GMC Yukon? How much did it cost, and have you succeeded with an aftermarket tail light assembly? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

Check out my GMC Yukon Denali story: I Bought My 2022 GMC Yukon Denali New, and 31K Miles In It’s At the Dealer Waiting For a New Engine, Thank Goodness For a Warranty

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl