GMC Acadia Complaints

5,595 consumer complaints on file.

#11697288November 3, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I own a 2020 GMC Acadia that has experienced multiple major mechanical failures within one year. In January 2025, at around 74,000 miles, the transmission failed completely with no warning or clear indication of what was wrong. The vehicle suddenly lost power while driving, creating a safety risk for me and my child. I was quoted around $12,000 for the transmission replacement initially before getting GM involved. GM covered all but approximately $3,600 out of pocket for me and also covered 100% of the timing cover replacement, which was found to be defective during the same repair. Now, at about 84,000 miles, the thermostat has failed, triggering the check engine light. This repair has not yet been completed and is estimated at around $1,500. My dealership informed me they keep thermostat parts in stock because this failure is so common on Acadias. There were no warning lamps or symptoms before any of these failures occurred. All repairs and diagnostics—including the current issue—were done at the same GMC dealership where I’ve always had my vehicle serviced on time. I’ve been a loyal customer and maintain my vehicle according to the recommended schedule. Despite that, I have faced repeated high-cost repairs on a 5-year-old vehicle with relatively low mileage, which has been financially and emotionally overwhelming—especially as a parent who recently lost employment. Having the transmission, timing cover, and now thermostat all fail in such a short time clearly raises concerns about the reliability, safety, and manufacturing quality of the 2020 GMC Acadia’s powertrain and engine systems. Given that GM has already covered most of the transmission and timing cover repairs and dealerships acknowledge frequent thermostat failures, this appears to be a systemic defect that warrants formal investigation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697295November 3, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Backup camera often does not have a clear picture. Very grainy and static.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697300November 3, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Ongoing issue with the 2019 GMC Acadia, "Shift to Park" shows on dashboard when vehicle is in park. Unable to turn the vehicle off.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697020November 2, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, STEERING
I was driving home and about 10 minutes into my drive I got a notification about my steering assistance being disabled. When I arrived home about 10 minutes or so later and went to shut my car off I noticed that a very loud fan sound from the hood of my vehicle began roaring. I restarted my car and it went away. I looked at my temperature gauge and it was all the way on C. I tried shutting my car off again and the loud electrical fan sound picked right back up again. I stayed in my vehicle while it was turned off waiting to see if it would stop while trying to call for answers. I couldn’t risk having a dead battery for work tomorrow morning. After what was about 6-7 minutes the electrical fan finally shut off. Turns out my aunt JUST had this exact same issue with her 2021 GMC Acadia as well. According to Reddit MANY people are having this issue yet there is still no recall for this problem. My car is only at 85K miles, has always been dealership maintained and has never had any issues like this until now. If this is a wide spread make and model issue a recall should have been issued.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11696740October 31, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Since we purchased this vehicle, we have continually had issues with our brakes to include dragging of the front brakes and brakes squealing when they are in use. We have brought the vehicle multiple times to the GMC dealership who is able to replicate the issue, but states that this is normal. I have filed a complaint with the GMC and they said that this is normal even though they admitted to fixing the problem in 2025 models. Per GMC, they will not be stand behind their product unless the national traffic safety issue administration tells them they need to. This is very frustrating as if you do a search online you will find many other consumers with the same vehicle and same issue with no resolution, this is a safety concern that the brakes are not functioning properly as well as the front brakes also caused an issue with a sensor in my car. They fixed the sensor are unable to fix the front brake issue Due to no recalls or issues given to them by the national traffic safety. GMC will not make any fixes as they consider this normal.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11696569October 30, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have owned this vehicle less than 5 years and it has had the "Shift to Park" error 3 times and has now been replaced 3 times. The 2nd time was in August 2023 and yesterday it had to be replaced again. I don't understand how a part can fail this rapidly when the vehicle is only being driven approximately 10,000 miles per year. It only has 82,445 miles. I would like for GM to issue a recall for this issue or advise who the manufacturer is of the Switch part number 84955381 and Harness part number 84733196. The parts are not that expensive but the labor to replace was $ 462.50 and total parts was $ 55.56 on the invoice yesterday. As this is an ongoing issue I would like reimbursement. I am widowed and living on one income.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11696632October 30, 2025
POWER TRAIN
URGENT SAFETY DEFECT — RECURRING “SHIFT TO PARK” — ROLLAWAY RISK Vehicle: GMC Acadia | ~99,684miles Same defect repaired FREE under GM goodwill in 2021 (shifter replacement, TSB 19-NA-206) after 4 failed attempts. Now FAILED AGAIN in 2025 — vehicle will not shut off, drains battery, risks unintended rollaway. GM dealer refuses repeat coverage despite prior admission of defect. This is a KNOWN DESIGN FLAW — thousands of complaints — NO RECALL. DEMAND IMMEDIATE SAFETY RECALL — this is a fire/rollaway hazard. Attached: 2019- 2021 repair order ($0), TSB 19-NA-206, prior NHTSA complaint, previous TAC CASE: 9-6623251184.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11696359October 29, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SHIFT TO PARK WARNING IS COMING ON WHEN CAR IS CLEARLY IN PARK. HAVE TO JIGGLE GEAR SHIFT TO GET IT TO GO OFF. IT IS JUST RANDOM. SOMETIMES STAYS ON. I AM READING THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL CAR. CALLED DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE GEAR SHIFT.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11696393October 29, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:BULBS
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the center taillight was inoperable. The halo light was working as designed and then ceased operating. The headlights also became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the bulbs and the headlight assembly. The rear signal light was blinking fast, and the light became inoperable. The message that the hood was ajar was displayed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there were no recalls on the VIN related to the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 196,448.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11696423October 29, 2025
STEERING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Recently took vehicle for alignment for a pull to the right. After 3 alignments at the dealership I was told the rack and pinion gear sensor shorted out causing the vehicle to pull to the right. Also the exhaust has a rattle in the resonator confirmed by 2 sources. I asked the dealer to fix years ago under bumper to bumper and tsb PIT5863. I was told not enough techs and not enough time so now the warranty is expired and the issue isn't fixed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11696304October 29, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
While driving vehicle, multiple warning codes appeared including: service traction control, ABS, service brake system and others. More importantly, the power brakes failed and a code was thrown to press hard on brakes to stop vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11695979October 28, 2025
POWER TRAIN
There is a continuing issue with the shifter causing a "Shift to Park" message that is resulting in the vehicle electrical system not turning off. This is causing the vehicle to drain the battery and not able to lock the vehicle while the "Shift to Park" message is displayed on the instrument panel. Concerned not only what is mentioned above but mainly concerned in not knowing if the vehicle is truly in park that may cause the vehicle to roll.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11695986October 28, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I do not have current recall on my vehicle, but my vehicle is experiencing the "Shift to Park" issue that many of the same year make and model mine is experiencing. I am unsure why my vehicle would not have one. It is messing up the transmission and I have only had this vehicle for a year from a dealership. I feel it is unsafe to drive as the vehicle does not always register that it is in park. I can feel the transmission slipping because of this. I would really appreciate some support for this. It is a 2019 GMC Acadia, which is also apart of the other vehicles that are apart of a lawsuit in Ohio and other states. This is a safety hazard for myself and my family.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11695871October 27, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and occupied, the shift to park message was displayed while the vehicle was in park. Neither an independent mechanic nor the dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number:17V516000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 113,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11695923October 27, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I have the little feature that will brake for me if it thinks ima get in a wreck. However it’s glitchy!! I can be the only vehicle on road in BOTH directions, cruise set at 60 when out of nowhere the car slams on the breaks. We go down to like 52 then like nothing ever happened we are back to 60. This has happened several times. I have brought the car into my dealership tomorrow have the software updated and the camera recalibrated. Even after these steps were made this issue is still occurring. Happens about one to two times a week, so pretty often. My worries that I will be rear ended one day if this is not corrected.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11695836October 27, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Brake sensor warning pops up that says brake pads need to be serviced. Brake pads still have between 80-92% wear left according to the dealership. There is a TSB out for this issue (#N242471431) but GMC refuses to repair at no cost. States that even though my vehicle is within the parameters of the TSB, it is VIN specific.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11695373October 24, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
GMC customer care representative & local GMC service department supervisor unable to help. 2017 Acadia Shift to Park message. It’s Difficult to turn the car off. The vehicle refuses to acknowledge the park position. Potential rollaway hazard. You may inspect. Took it to GMC service & confirmed it is a prevalent issue: Transmission control 13534320 = gearshift assembly & Jumper harness 84733196. This problem has been recurring for several years and I have problem solved how to shut the car off. GMC customer care rep said it’s an issue with all 2017 Acadias and tried to help. The system deemed it complicated case & escalated it to a Supervisor. She read a “customer care” script. After talking, she admitted that realistically GMC would not help. Yesterday, she advised me to file a complaint with NHTSA. I read that 2 other states Ohio & Tennessee won class action lawsuits because of the hazardous shift to park issue. If GMC issued recalls for 2017 Acadia shift to park then my 2017 GMC Acadia should have been included. I have been waiting for the recall for several years. GMC admits the problem is prevalent in 2017 GMC Acadias. Would you please issue a recall associated with this issue and link it to my VIN. Thank you.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11695403October 24, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The contact's boyfriend owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked abnormally while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure; however, the mechanic stated that the failure was related to the transmission. The contact called two local dealers about the failure, and both stated that the vehicle could not be serviced in the near future. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11695258October 23, 2025
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, POWER TRAIN, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate while attempting to shift gears. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked and made an abnormal sound, with the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated there was black and white smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission, cooling system, and fuel system failures. The dealer also determined that the engine was leaking oil. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle required several repairs. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 126,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11695262October 23, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
I'd like to report a safety issue related to the frequency of the adaptive cruise control system on my 2024 GMC Acadia. In multiple instances while traveling at highway speeds (55+ mph), the system will brake heavily when no vehicle or impediment is in visible range. This failure can cause safety issues due to sudden braking at highway speeds potentially leading to traffic accidents and/or fatalities. This failure has happened multiple times, but most recently on 7/21/25, 7/25/25, 10/9/25, 10/21/25, 10/22/25, and 10/23/25. The vehicle was taken a GM dealer on 8/1/25, 8/15/25, and 8/26/25 and they dealership failed to diagnose the problem or indicated all systems were working as intended. The vehicle does not provide any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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