A GM headlight warranty extension has been created to cover problems related to headlamp driver modules that cause the low-beam headlights and DRL to fail.
Vehicles affected by the headlight module program include various 2006–2008 models of Buick LaCrosse, Allure, and Rainier; Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, and Pontiac Grand Prix with persistent headlamp failure issues. The problem comes from the headlamp driver module melting from heat inside in the underhood electrical centre, causing the low-beam headlights and daytime running lights to fail.
In some cases the headlights fail and then come back on while other drivers say the headlight failure is permanent—but either way, there’s no warning before the headlamps suddenly go dark.
General Motors recalled more than 300,000 vehicles in 2014 to fix the problem, then in August 2015 expanded the headlight module recall to include another 180,000 vehicles. But the US NHTSA stepped in last month with 128 complaints from GM owners saying the problem’s still happening.
In what GM are calling a “special program”, they’ll provide owners with additional protection for problems related to the headlight modules: if the headlight problem occurs within 12 years of the date the vehicle was originally placed in service—or 150,000 miles, whichever occurs first—a GM dealer will fix the headlight module without charge if the low-beam headlights or DRL are not operating on both right and left sides of the vehicle at the same time. The program will not apply if only one side fails.
