A long trip with your family in your GMC Acadia. There are mountains, fields, and a cool evening breeze hitting your car windows. You will have the most relaxing experience of your life.
However, it can be ruined if your car encounters a problem during the journey. Sadly, this has been the reality with the GMC Acadia. Since its launch in 2007, Acadia owners have been experiencing several major flaws in some of its model years.
These flaws ranged from minor inconveniences to significant safety concerns that can cost thousands of dollars. In this article, I’ll share with you a list of GMC Acadia model years to avoid. I’ll mention personal experiences of real owners so that you can have a better understanding of problems.
Next time, you decide to buy an SUV, the GMC Acadia could be the right choice only if you’re familiar with its reliable model years. Let’s find out.
GMC Acadia Red Flags: The Worst Years You Should Avoid
Year 2021
- Problematic Suspension
- Exhaust Muffler Issues
- Jerking and Clicking Noise
Year 2016
- Faulty Air Conditioning System
- Electrical System Malfunctioned
- Transmission Failure
Year 2018
- Leakage from the Top of the Rear Hatch Door
- Transmission Starts Hesitating and Clunking
- Engine Timing Belt Warning
- Air Conditioner Stopped Working
- Faulty Infotainment System
Year 2013
- Faulty Fuel Injectors
- Overheating Engine
- Aggressive Vibrations and Idling
- Damaged Fuel Pump
- Air Conditioner not Working Properly
2021 GMC Acadia: When Reliability Turns into Regret
1. Pricey Repairs
“I am soooo disappointed with my 2021 GMC Acadia.” I bought the car with an extended warranty. At 45,000 miles, I spent a big part of my hard-earned money covering parts and labor while replacing the suspension.
Later, at 58,000 miles, I started facing exhaust muffler issues in the car that cost me $2,300. Unfortunately, GMC and the extended warranty didn’t cover the repair costs. One sole reason for purchasing the 2021 Acadia was the ensured security during long trips.
But it became a nightmare for me. Now, I have decided to go back to Ford cars.
Ms. Veronica from Placerville, CA, shared the original review on cars.com
2. Everything Needs to be Replaced
“My 2021 GMC Acadia has always been in the garage for a repair.” The first issue I experienced in the car was Brake Assist constantly popping up. It ended up with the parts being replaced.
Later, my vehicle began jerking and making a clicking noise when driving at a low speed. I’m not happy with the 2021 Acadia, and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone.
Sam from Gulfport, MS, shared the original review on cars.com
2021 Model Specifications
| Engine Type | 2.5-liter Inline 4-cylinder |
| Base Engine Type | Gas |
| Valves | 16 |
| Horsepower | 193 hp at 6,300 rpm |
| Torque | 188 lb-ft at 4,400 rpm |
| Transmission | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Options | Front wheel drive |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.0 gallons |
| Mileage | 21/27 miles per gallon |
| Seating Capacity | 6 passengers |
| Cargo Capacity | 12.8 cubic feet behind rear seats |
| Front Legroom | 41.0 inches |
| Rear Legroom | 39.7 inches |
| Safety Features |
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| Infotainment and Connectivity |
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Nightmare on Wheels: Real Stories from 2018 GMC Acadia Owners
1. Leaking, Clunking, and Glitching
A few years ago, I bought a used 2018 GMC Acadia SLE with the 3.6L V6 engine, which had only driven under 37,000 miles. While on a trip, I found an engine timing belt warning.
It was happening every time I applied the brakes with force. During the same trip, I noticed water leaking from the top of the rear hatch door when it was raining outside. I fixed all these issues, having an oil change, replacing all the brake pads and rotors for $1,400.
After some time, the battery got replaced, which cost me around $180. With 65,500 miles on the odometer, the transmission started hesitating and clunking when shifting to second gear. I had to rebuild the transmission for $4,600.
After the repair, the shift to park warning was still happening. In December 2023, the air conditioner stopped working, the temperature gauge also stopped working, and the Engine light came on again.
I was fed up with all the things that were happening to my car, and now I want to get rid of it as soon as possible. After reading all the problems that other 2018 Acadia owners were also experiencing, I’m convinced that GM only makes crap vehicles.
Robert W. from Plymouth, IN, shared the original review on cars.com
2. Transmission Issues
My 2018 GMC Acadia Denali started experiencing shifting and transmission issues running just after a few miles. It had a delay in shifting and felt like a rough shudder while shifting from second to third gear.
I was shocked that an SUV that had been driven a few miles only was experiencing this type of issue. I searched all over the internet and found that I was not alone. There were many 2018 Acadia Denali owners facing the same problem.
I was wondering why there has been no recall issued by the company for this problem. I’m highly disappointed with the SUV and wouldn’t recommend it to anyone.
Michael from Weissport, PA, shared the original review on cars.com
3. Infotainment System Messed Up
I bought a used 2018 Acadia, with 52,000 miles on the odometer and already had all the electrical things messed up. The thermostat, the rear main seal has gone out, and the touch screen was all messed up.
While driving down the highway, the clock showed up on the screen automatically, and the touch screen was not acknowledging it.
AcadiaNOPE from Herington, KS, shared the original review on cars.com
2018 Model Specifications
| Engine Type | 3.6-liter V6 |
| Base Engine Type | Gas |
| Valves | 24 |
| Horsepower | 310 hp at 6,600 rpm |
| Torque | 271 lb-ft at 5,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Options | All wheel drive |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22.0 gallons |
| Mileage | 20 miles per gallon |
| Seating Capacity | 6 passengers |
| Cargo Capacity | 12.8 cubic feet behind rear seats |
| Front Legroom | 41.0 inches |
| Rear Legroom | 39.7 inches |
| Safety Features |
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| Infotainment and Connectivity |
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From AC Breakdowns to Transmission Failure: The Real Cost of Owning a 2016 GMC Acadia
1. Broken AC, Dead Lights, and Failed Transmission
After 70,000 miles, the AC breaks down in my 2016 GMC Acadia. As the car was out of warranty, it cost around $2,800 to fix the problem.
At the same time, the electrical system malfunctioned, causing the lights to turn on and off automatically. This made driving at night particularly scary. After accumulating 80,000 miles, the AC broke again, resulting in another $2,800 repair bill.
Later, at 81,000 miles, my car faced a transmission failure problem that cost me around $8,400. After spending a huge amount of money, I sold the car and got a Toyota and decided not to buy a GMC product again.
Paul from Highlands Ranch, CO, shared the original review on cars.com
2. 3 years of Trouble
“It had only been three years since I bought the car, and I’ve had to replace the entire steering column. The gas cap and brakes went out. At the same time, the lights started troubling me.”
I’ve had to replace them all. I took the vehicle to the mechanic, and they were clueless about what the issue was.
Shawna from WV shared the original review on cars.com
2016 Model Specifications
| Engine Type | 3.6-liter V6 |
| Base Engine Type | Gas |
| Valves | 24 |
| Horsepower | 288 hp at 6,300 rpm |
| Torque | 270 lb-ft at 3,400 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Options | All wheel drive |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22.0 gallons |
| Mileage | 17 miles per gallon |
| Seating Capacity | 7 passengers |
| Cargo Capacity | 24.1 cubic feet behind rear seats |
| Front Legroom | 41.3 inches |
| Rear Legroom | 36.8 inches |
| Safety Features |
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| Infotainment and Connectivity |
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The True Cost of Owning a 2013 GMC Acadia: Endless Repairs and Frustration
1. Problems! Problems! Problems!
I bought a brand new 2013 GMC Acadia. Now, it is five years old and has driven around 90,000 miles. Till this time, I’ve spent a lot of money on its repairs. Every year, my car used to visit the mechanic’s shop to reset the sensors in the tyres during the winter.
My car was not able to read the accurate pressure when it was cold outside. In 2015, it was being told that the fuel injectors need to be replaced to fix the issue that costs me around $2,000.
From that time, a smell of radiator fluid started coming inside the car. I took the car to the mechanic, and he said that there was nothing to worry about. Then, in 2017, the car started overheating, and again I had to visit the mechanic.
The mechanic said the water pump needs to be fixed for $1,000. It may also resolve the radiator fluid smell issue. While driving to the home, my wife noticed a vibration and could still smell the fluid.
After some time, the car began overheating again, and the vibration was uncontrollable. After inspecting for two days, the expert said there was a hole in the radiator, the motor mount struts had broken and a bad coil.
I got all these things fixed for $2,100. Everything was alright in the car after the fix. I started driving, and everything seemed to be normal, but after 30 minutes, it began to idle at 300 RPMs, then up to 900 and back down to 500.
The expert said it is now the high-pressure fuel pump—another $900 repair bill. I picked up the car from the garage and drove back home. It was 80 degrees outside, and I suddenly noticed the AC was not working.
The blower was blowing, but there was no cool air. Again, I took the car to the expert. They said now it is the problem with the hose, and it will cost you between $500-$1,500 to get it fixed.
I have spent over $6,000 on the car at 90,000 miles and now want to sell it as soon as possible.
Matt M shared the original review on Edmunds
2. Sunroof Leaks
It had only been three years since I bought the 2013 Acadia, and the sunroof was leaking. The water was leaking through one of the lights over the third row seats. I took the car to the mechanic to get the issue fixed.
Meanwhile, while searching on the internet, I found that the past Acadia model years also had leaking problems, and apparently, GMC has not fixed them yet.
bh1008 shared the original review on Edmunds
2013 Model Specifications
| Engine Type | 3.6-liter V6 |
| Base Engine Type | Gas |
| Valves | 24 |
| Horsepower | 288 hp at 6,300 rpm |
| Torque | 270 lb-ft at 3,400 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Options | Front wheel drive |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22.0 gallons |
| Mileage | 19 miles per gallon |
| Seating Capacity | 7 passengers |
| Cargo Capacity | 24.1 cubic feet behind rear seats |
| Front Legroom | 41.3 inches |
| Rear Legroom | 36.8 inches |
| Safety Features |
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| Infotainment and Connectivity |
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Are There any Recalls Issued for these GMC Acadia Vehicles?
Here are some recalls the automaker issued for these problematic GMC Acadia vehicles;
2021 GMC Acadia
- Faulty Fuel Lines: On June 3, 2021, General Motors recalled 2021 GMC Acadia vehicles for improperly attached and seated fuel supply lines. It may cause a fuel leak and increase the risk of fire.
- Failed Rearview Camera: On September 22, 2022, GM recalled 2021 Acadia vehicles for the rearview camera coaxial cable connectors crimped improperly, reducing the driver’s rear visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
2018 GMC Acadia
- Fractured Driveshaft: On August 22, 2017, GM recalled 2018 Acadia vehicles for a broken right front intermediate driveshaft. It may result in the car losing propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Damaged High-Pressure Fuel Line: On May 31, 2018, GM recalled 2018 GMC Acadia vehicles for the high-pressure fuel pump detaching from its mounting flange. It possibly results in the pump damaging the high-pressure fuel line, creating a fuel leak and increasing the risk of a fire.
2016 GMC Acadia
- Overheating Windshield Wiper Motor: On September 29, 2015, GM recalled 2016 GMC Acadia vehicles due to a manufacturing defect, causing the windshield wiper motor to overheat when used. A wiper motor that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
- Side Curtain Airbags Not Properly Attached: On April 4, 2021, the automaker issued a recall for not properly attached side curtain airbags. If airbags are not working properly, it increases the risk of injury.
- Manufacturing defect in Driver’s Airbags: On May 10, 2023, GM issued a recall for the risk that the driver’s airbag inflator may explode, due to a manufacturing defect, resulting in serious injury or death.
2013 GMC Acadia
- Side Impact Airbags not deploying properly: On March 17, 2014, GM issued a recall for 2008-2013 GMC Acadia vehicles due to driver and passenger seat-mounted side impact air bag (SIAB) wiring harnesses not deploying in the event of a crash. It increases the risk of injury to the driver and front seat occupant.
- Seatbelt not properly restrained: On May 20, 2014, the automaker issued a recall for GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured in 2008. In these vehicles, the steel cable that connects the seatbelt to the front outboard seating positions may separate over time, increasing the risk of an injury in a crash.
You can check out my dedicated Recalls page to get complete details on all the recalls issued for GMC vehicles.
From 2013 to 2021: GMC Acadia Generations Compared
| Specifications | 2013 | 2016 | 2018 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | 3.6-liter V6 | 3.6-liter V6 | 3.6-liter V6 | 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder |
| Base Engine Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| Valves | 24 | 24 | 24 | 16 |
| Horsepower | 288 hp at 6,300 rpm | 288 hp at 6,300 rpm | 310 hp at 6,600 rpm | 193 hp at 6,300 rpm |
| Torque | 270 lb-ft at 3,400 rpm | 270 lb-ft at 3,400 rpm | 271 lb-ft at 5,000 rpm | 188 lb-ft at 4,400 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Options | Front wheel drive | All wheel drive | All wheel drive | Front wheel drive |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22.0 gal | 22.0 gal | 22.0 gal | 19.0 gal |
| Mileage (MPG) | 17 city / 24 highway | 15 city / 22 highway | 25 city / 33 highway | 21 city / 27 highway |
What are the Most Reliable GMC Acadia Model Years?
The following GMC Acadia model years are considered the most reliable;
- 2025
- 2024
- 2023
- 2022
- 2020
- 2019
The 2020 to 2023 GMC Acadias are considered the most reliable, and that reputation has come from years of steady improvements in engineering and technology.
The 2020 comes with a big mid-cycle update, including a smoother 9-speed automatic transmission and a more stable infotainment system, essentially addressing most of the transmission and electronics problems that had plagued earlier models.
The 2019 Acadia leveraged a rock-solid base, with refined driving dynamics, solid safety equipment, and minimal driver gripes. By 2022 and 2023, most of the second-generation flaws had been resolved. These models featured solid engine choices, impressive build quality, and consistently great reliability ratings from drivers.
As 2024 and 2025 approached, GMC kept up its good work. These Acadias remained true to their mechanical heritage, staying away from any drastic overhauls.
Wrapping Up
I hope you’re satisfied with the article. You must get to know which GMC Acadia model years you need to avoid. I’ve mentioned the real problems drivers have faced in these models so that you can have a better understanding.
There have also been mentioned several recalls issued for these vehicles due to some serious problems. Knowing about all these things will help you make the right choice, and your long trips with your family may not be halted.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the Worst Years for the GMC Acadia?
The most commonly reported problematic model years for the GMC Acadia are 2021, 2018, 2016, and 2013. These models experienced issues with the transmission, electrical systems, engine, and air conditioning.
2. Why Should I Avoid the 2021 and 2018 GMC Acadia?
These early models suffered from serious suspension problems, exhaust muffler issues, leakage, faulty air conditioning system, and transmission problems. Repair costs are often high, making them unreliable long-term choices.
3. Is the 2013 GMC Acadia a good used SUV?
Not really. The 2013 Acadia had widespread complaints about faulty fuel injectors, overheating engine, and the air conditioner not working properly.
4. What is the Most Reliable GMC Acadia Year?
The 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, and 2019 GMC Acadia models are generally considered more reliable. GM addressed many past issues, and newer models benefit from improved technology and build quality.
5. How Many Miles can a GMC Acadia Last?
If well-maintained and from a reliable model year, a GMC Acadia can last around 200,000 miles or more. However, many owners have reported their vehicles reaching up to 315,000 miles.
6. Is the GMC Acadia Expensive to Maintain?
Maintenance costs are moderate to high, especially for problematic years. Frequent transmission and electrical repairs in certain model years can significantly raise ownership costs.
7. How can I Check If a Used GMC Acadia Has any Recalls?
You can visit the NHTSA recall website and enter the vehicle’s VIN to check for any recall notices or safety issues. However, you can also check out my Recall page to check for any notices.
