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2013 GMC Acadia Problems & Owner Complaints

139 NHTSA owner complaints
5 crash 8 fire 4 injury

Age-normalised, this year draws ~9.9 complaints per year on the road — ranking 13 of 15 GMC Acadia years we track (1 = most complaints per year).

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What owners report

Electrical System is the most-reported problem area on the 2013 GMC Acadia, cited in 39 of 139 filed complaints (28%).

Air Bags is next (32 complaints, 23%), followed by Power Train (27), Engine (21), Exterior Lighting (10).

Across all complaints, 5 report a crash, 8 report a fire, 4 report injuries.

The most safety-critical cluster is Air Bags: 3 crash, 3 injury report(s).

Complaints by vehicle system

Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2013 GMC Acadia, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 139.

Electrical System 39 5 fire

“My 2013 GMC ACADIA started fire on April 9, 2024 around 11PM in the driveway of our home. The vehicle was parked and off. The vehicle wasn’t used during the day. The last day of use was on April 8, 2024 around 6PM. The fire department stated it was potentially an electrical fire within the engine of the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11582226, 2024 · fire

“Car had sat most of the day. By approximately 2:30CST, we decided to go do a little shopping. We drove about 1 mile and the dash displayed "check battery charging system". My husband assumed it was the alternator going out so we turned around swapped vehicles. Probably 45 mins after swapping vehicles I received a call stating my vehicle was up in flames.”
NHTSA complaint #11503507, 2023 · fire

“THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT FAILED TO PROPERLY REPAIR MY VEHICLE AND POSSIBLY SOLD MY VEHICLE TO ME WITH PRIOR KNOWLEDGE OF FAULTY "BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM". I WAS TOLD I JUST NEEDED A NEW BATTERY (WHICH WAS REPLACED TWICE WITHIN THE SAME WEEK). THIS PROCESS BEGAN ON 11/12/2016. I RECEIVED THE SAME ERROR ON MY DASH (BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM NEEDS SERVICING) AND MY BATTERY HAD TO BE JUMPED JUST LIKE BEFORE ON 4/12/2017. I CONTACTED ONSTAR AND MADE AN APPT.WITH THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT MCCARTHY MORSE CHEVROLET FOR THE NEXT MORNING (4/13/2017). HOWEVER I DIDN'T MAKE IT BECAUSE MY CAR WENT UP IN FLAMES…”
NHTSA complaint #11003735, 2017 · fire

Air Bags 32 3 crash 3 injury

“I was tboned January 9, 2023 the side impact airbags didn't deploy nor does it seem the seatbelts engaged. There were 2 side impacts to the passengers side ZERO airbags deployed. It WAS part of a recall AND recall work had been completed almost immediately in 2014 (GM website screenshots attached for your easy reference for the 2 recalls showing completed). YET, they STILL failed! NO indication they had an issue nor would fail when needed as they did. The driver of the other vehicle was seemingly going a high rate of speed when she failed to stop for the red light her direction and tbone…”
NHTSA complaint #11572815, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owned a 2013 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while driving at 25 MPH, the contact was struck by another vehicle that ran a red light at 60 MPH and struck the passenger side of the vehicle. No air bags deploy. The contact suffered a concussion and was taken to the hospital. The vehicle was towed to a collision center. The vehicle was deemed totally lost. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 135,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11501433, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I WAS COMING OFF A RED LIGHT AND WAS HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE / FRONT DRIVERS SIDE OF THE CAR. THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS DRIVING AT LEAST 55 MPH AS THAT IS THE POSTED SPEED. I HAD TWO CHILDREN IN THE BACK. ONE IN A REAR FACING CAR SEAT. THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT ENGAGE. THE CAR SEAT FLIPPED TO THE SIDE . NO SIDE OR FRONT AIR BAGS WENT OFF.”
NHTSA complaint #11057820, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Power Train 27 1 crash 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC ACADIA. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO MOVE FORWARD AND DRAGGED THE CONTACT AS SHE WAS EXITING. THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER THE CONTACT'S LEFT LEG AND CRASHED INTO A LIGHT POST. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED, BUT WAS DRIVABLE. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 98,500.”
NHTSA complaint #11161376, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Dear Sir/Madam, For the 3rd time now, my transmission is being rebuilt. After purchasing it from the dealership and it was still under warranty GMC Bakersfield rebuilt the transmission, then again in 2020 at 119,000 miles it broke down again and All Automatic in Bakersfield rebuilt it for $3500 and now here it is 2026 and only 60.000 miles later again All Automatic is having to rebuilt the transmission again and asking now for another $4950. I was excited to finally hear there was a recall, only to find it was only for 2014 GMC Acadia's. The transmission have failed again and yes it is a…”
NHTSA complaint #11717415, 2026

“Unknown, The vehicle will begin to jerk or shake when it gets up to about 30 - 40mph then levels out. Sometimes it will repeat the jerking when traveling at speed of 50 - 60mph for a few seconds then levels out. Sometimes the vehicle hesitate on take off from a stopped position.”
NHTSA complaint #11655100, 2024

Unknown Or Other 23 3 fire

“My 2013 GMC ACADIA started fire on April 9, 2024 around 11PM in the driveway of our home. The vehicle was parked and off. The vehicle wasn’t used during the day. The last day of use was on April 8, 2024 around 6PM. The fire department stated it was potentially an electrical fire within the engine of the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11582226, 2024 · fire

“MY 2013 GMC ARCARDIA SLT MODEL BURST INTO FLAMES ON ITS OWN ON THE MORNING OF FRIDAY, JULY 17TH. I CAME HOME AROUND 9:45PM AND PARKED MY SUV IN THE BACKYARD. THE NEXT THING I KNOW IS THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS AT MY DOOR WAKING ME UP TO THE SUV ABLAZE. THE ONLY WORK THAT WAS DONE TO MY VEHICLE WAS TO HAVE MY OIL CHANGE THAT THURSDAY MORNING. AT WHICH TIME THE TECH SAID HE SAW SMOKE AND SMELLED GAS. HE DIDN'T INDICATE THAT IT WAS A PROBLEM AND ZI SHOULD GET IT CHECKED. I TOOK SUV AND RAN MY ERRANDS AND RETURNED HOME. THE SUV WAS PARKED FROM 9:45PM UNTIL SAID FIRE.”
NHTSA complaint #11350088, 2020 · fire

“AFTER I RETURNED HOME FROM A SHORT 5 MILE DRIVE IN THE EVENING ON 11/19/13, I SHUT OFF MY 6 MONTH OLD CAR IN THE DRIVEWAY AND SMOKE BEGAN POURING OUT OF THE HOOD AND SPARKS AND FIRE WERE COMING OUT BELOW THE ENGINE. I CALLED 911 AND BY THE TIME THEY ARRIVED ABOUT 5 MINUTES LATER IT WAS A FULL BLOWN, ROARING FIRE AND THE ENTIRE FRONT END WAS CONSUMED. MY DRIVEWAY SUFFERED BURN DAMAGE AS WELL. THANKFULLY NOBODY WAS HURT. GMC HAS BEEN AWFUL TO DEAL WITH. THEY HAVE NOT REPLACED MY VEHICLE, NOT REPAIRED MY DRIVEWAY AND HAVE STOPPED RETURNING MY CALLS. THE FIRE INSPECTOR SAID IT WAS THEIR FAUL…”
NHTSA complaint #10567255, 2013 · fire

Engine 21 4 fire

“My 2013 GMC ACADIA started fire on April 9, 2024 around 11PM in the driveway of our home. The vehicle was parked and off. The vehicle wasn’t used during the day. The last day of use was on April 8, 2024 around 6PM. The fire department stated it was potentially an electrical fire within the engine of the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11582226, 2024 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 GMC ACADIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN FOR SERVICE THE MECHANIC NOTICED THE ODOR OF SMOKE AND FUEL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. LATER WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED A FIRE HAD STARTED FROM WITHIN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. DURING THE INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER STEP ON GMC (5651 PENSACOLA BLVD, PENSACOLA, FL 32505) WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT COMPANY WHO WAS ALSO UNABLE TO DET…”
NHTSA complaint #11350108, 2020 · fire

“THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT FAILED TO PROPERLY REPAIR MY VEHICLE AND POSSIBLY SOLD MY VEHICLE TO ME WITH PRIOR KNOWLEDGE OF FAULTY "BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM". I WAS TOLD I JUST NEEDED A NEW BATTERY (WHICH WAS REPLACED TWICE WITHIN THE SAME WEEK). THIS PROCESS BEGAN ON 11/12/2016. I RECEIVED THE SAME ERROR ON MY DASH (BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM NEEDS SERVICING) AND MY BATTERY HAD TO BE JUMPED JUST LIKE BEFORE ON 4/12/2017. I CONTACTED ONSTAR AND MADE AN APPT.WITH THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT MCCARTHY MORSE CHEVROLET FOR THE NEXT MORNING (4/13/2017). HOWEVER I DIDN'T MAKE IT BECAUSE MY CAR WENT UP IN FLAMES…”
NHTSA complaint #11003735, 2017 · fire

Exterior Lighting 10

“2013 GMC Acadia left brake light, tail light, turn signal bulb is burned out. There is no way to purchase another bulb. Retail stores don't have it. General Motors Corporation discontinued it. 2013 to 2017 GMC Acadia all affected. I've tried GM direct,GM parts online no one has it. GMC customer service was no help, Chevrolet customer service was no help. No left brake light. No left turn signal. Accident waiting to happen.”
NHTSA complaint #11463626, 2022

“Left rear brake light dose not work, that is also the left rear turn signal. Part number 13582912 brake/turn signal bulb. GMC can not provide me with one. Chevrolet can not provide me with one. None of the chain store parts companies have them either. I have call GMC customer service line and also Chevrolet customer service line. They are of no help. Thank You.”
NHTSA complaint #11507713, 2021

“FIRST IT STARTED WITH THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS STAYING ON HOURS AFTER VEHICLE IS SHUT OFF THEN IT WENT TO PARKING LIGHTS STAYING ON AS WELL AND NOW THE DRIVER SIDE LIGHTS ARE OUT INCLUDING LISCENCE PLATE LIGHTS NOTHING WORKS BUT THE HEADLIGHT”
NHTSA complaint #11290987, 2019

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Steering 8

“AT LOW SPEEDS OR STOPS THE POWER STEERING GET SUPER TIGHT LIKE I DON'T HAVE ANY POWER STEERING. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THE PUMP IS LEAKING AND IT SHOULD BE REPLACED. I HAVEN'T EVEN HAD IT A YEAR AND IT NOT COVERED. THEY EVEN KNOW ITS AN ISSUE. SEEN A LOT OF OTHER PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. WHY IS THIS NOT FIXED ????”
NHTSA complaint #11268620, 2019

“MY POWER STEERING PUMP IS FAILING AND MY CAR IS JOLTING FORWARD WHEN MOVING FROM A STOPPED POSITION. THE POWER STEERING IS WHINING AND HAS BEEN FOR 6 MONTHS. THE TECHNICIAN AT MY CAR DEALERSHIP SAID IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE, SO WHY HASN'T THERE BEEN A RECALL ON IT? I TRAVEL HIGHWAY A LOT AND FEAR FOR MY SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF MY CHILDREN.”
NHTSA complaint #11150140, 2018

“THE STEERING WHEEL HAS A TELESCOPING ADJUSTMENT THAT CLAPS WHEN YOU PRESS DOWN ON THE STEERING WHEEL ALSO IT COMES UP WITHOUT EVEN USING THE BUTTON TO MOVE IT. IF I AM DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD I CAN PULL UP ON THE STEERING WHEEL OR PUSH DOWN ON IT AND IT CLAPES ON IT'S OWN.”
NHTSA complaint #11122425, 2018

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 6 1 fire

“THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT FAILED TO PROPERLY REPAIR MY VEHICLE AND POSSIBLY SOLD MY VEHICLE TO ME WITH PRIOR KNOWLEDGE OF FAULTY "BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM". I WAS TOLD I JUST NEEDED A NEW BATTERY (WHICH WAS REPLACED TWICE WITHIN THE SAME WEEK). THIS PROCESS BEGAN ON 11/12/2016. I RECEIVED THE SAME ERROR ON MY DASH (BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM NEEDS SERVICING) AND MY BATTERY HAD TO BE JUMPED JUST LIKE BEFORE ON 4/12/2017. I CONTACTED ONSTAR AND MADE AN APPT.WITH THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT MCCARTHY MORSE CHEVROLET FOR THE NEXT MORNING (4/13/2017). HOWEVER I DIDN'T MAKE IT BECAUSE MY CAR WENT UP IN FLAMES…”
NHTSA complaint #11003735, 2017 · fire

“ABOUT 3 WEEKS AGO, WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE ENTIRE DASH BLACKED OUT FOR A FEW SECONDS, THEN WOULD GO THRU CHECKS AS IT WOULD COME BACK ON. THE MORNING I TOOK IT TO DEALER, THE PROBLEM STOPPED. THEY COULD FIND NOTHING. TWO DAYS AGO WHILE DRIVING VERY SLOW (MAYBE 10 MPH) IN HEAVY TRAFFIC THE DASH BEGAN GOING THRU ITS CHECKS AGAIN. I STOPPED AND WENT INTO A GAS STATION FOR A COUPLE OF MINS, RETURNED AND COULD NOT UNLOCK THE FRONT DOORS WITH MY KEY FOB. GOT INTO THE VEHICLE AND IT WOULD NOT START, NOR DID IT CRANK (NO SOUND). AFTER TRYING SEVERAL TIMES, IT DID START. O'REILLY AUTO…”
NHTSA complaint #11189674, 2019

“MY CAR WILL FLASH ENGINE WARNING SIGNS THAT THE STABILITY CONTROL IS OFF. THE CAR THEN LOOSES POWER AND MUST BE SHUT OFF. IT HAS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS (25 MPG, 65 MPG) AND WHILE STOPPED. LIGHTS SAY SERVICE STABILITY TRACK, SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL, ENGINE POWER REDUCED.”
NHTSA complaint #11157043, 2018

Vehicle Speed Control 6 1 fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC ACADIA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE FRONT TIRES SPUN WITHOUT THE VEHICLE MOVING. THE ENGINE STABILITY AND TRACTION LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE EMITTING FROM THE ENGINE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,800.”
NHTSA complaint #10663966, 2013 · fire

“At 35-40 and 55-65 mph, the car slips/ pulls back. I took it to the dealer, my rep said it is a known issue and GMC issued a bulletin but will not recall it because it's too expensive. There are thousands of reports online. Please investigate.”
NHTSA complaint #11559683, 2023

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC ACADIA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND CEASED ON THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO WHITESIDE CHEVROLET BUICK GMC CADILLAC (50714 NATIONAL RD E, ST CLAIRSVILLE, OH 43950) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED HOWEVER, NOTHING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH PRODUCT LIABILITY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 99,000. *DT THE CONTACT HAS FIL…”
NHTSA complaint #11406500, 2021

Fuel/Propulsion System 5 1 fire

“MY 2013 GMC ARCARDIA SLT MODEL BURST INTO FLAMES ON ITS OWN ON THE MORNING OF FRIDAY, JULY 17TH. I CAME HOME AROUND 9:45PM AND PARKED MY SUV IN THE BACKYARD. THE NEXT THING I KNOW IS THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS AT MY DOOR WAKING ME UP TO THE SUV ABLAZE. THE ONLY WORK THAT WAS DONE TO MY VEHICLE WAS TO HAVE MY OIL CHANGE THAT THURSDAY MORNING. AT WHICH TIME THE TECH SAID HE SAW SMOKE AND SMELLED GAS. HE DIDN'T INDICATE THAT IT WAS A PROBLEM AND ZI SHOULD GET IT CHECKED. I TOOK SUV AND RAN MY ERRANDS AND RETURNED HOME. THE SUV WAS PARKED FROM 9:45PM UNTIL SAID FIRE.”
NHTSA complaint #11350088, 2020 · fire

“WON'T TAKE FUEL JUST JUMPS AT ONE POINT THEN EVERY TIME I FILL UP WITH FUEL IT WILL JUST SET AND GRIND I HAVE TO KEEP PUMPING THE GAS FOR IT TO FINALLY START THEN IT STARTS JUMPING FOR AWHILE BETWEEN FILL UPS AND I'M AFRAID IT WILL DIE WHEN I GO TO PULL ON THE ROAD IT'S THAT BAD.”
NHTSA complaint #11398876, 2021

“WHEN DRIVING IN TRAFFIC AND SLOWING DOWN OR COMING TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE GOES COMPLETELY DEAD. I WILL HAVE TO RESTART AT EACH STOP. WHEN IT DOES START, IT IS NOT A SMOOTH TAKE OFF, IT IS EXTREMELY ROUGH, ALMOST LIKE A MANUAL TRANSMISSION IN THE WRONG GEAR. THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING. AND IT IS GETTING WORST EVERY DAY. I HAVE TO TRANSPORT MY FAMILY IN THIS VEHICLE AND IT IS VERY UNSAFE FOR US. I STILL HAVE A YEAR TO PAY FOR IT AND I AM HEARING MORE AND MORE CUSTOMERS WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT. THE DEALER DOESN'T WANT TO TOUCH IT, BECAUSE THEY ARE UNSURE WHAT IS WRONG, OR IF THEY CAN REPAIR…”
NHTSA complaint #11415192, 2020

Structure 5 2 fire

“MY 2013 GMC ARCARDIA SLT MODEL BURST INTO FLAMES ON ITS OWN ON THE MORNING OF FRIDAY, JULY 17TH. I CAME HOME AROUND 9:45PM AND PARKED MY SUV IN THE BACKYARD. THE NEXT THING I KNOW IS THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS AT MY DOOR WAKING ME UP TO THE SUV ABLAZE. THE ONLY WORK THAT WAS DONE TO MY VEHICLE WAS TO HAVE MY OIL CHANGE THAT THURSDAY MORNING. AT WHICH TIME THE TECH SAID HE SAW SMOKE AND SMELLED GAS. HE DIDN'T INDICATE THAT IT WAS A PROBLEM AND ZI SHOULD GET IT CHECKED. I TOOK SUV AND RAN MY ERRANDS AND RETURNED HOME. THE SUV WAS PARKED FROM 9:45PM UNTIL SAID FIRE.”
NHTSA complaint #11350088, 2020 · fire

“WHILE DROPPING OFF SOME KINDERGARTENERS AFTER A PLAYDATE, I WAS PARKED IN MY FRIENDS DRIVEWAY AND LEFT 2 CHILDREN IN THE CAR WITH THE DOORS CLOSED. AS I STOOD THERE WITH MY FRIEND NEXT TO THE CAR, I NOTICED FLAMES SHOOTING OUT THE FRONT LEFT PASSENGER TIRE. WE GOT THE KIDS OUT, THE CAR WAS FILLING WITH THICK SMOKE, AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. WE CALLED 911 AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED WITHIN 4 MINUTES AND WERE ABLE TO PUT THE FIRE OUT AND DISABLE THE BATTERY. GM HAD THE CAR PICKED UP AND DROPPED US A BRAND NEW 2014 ACADIA A FEW WEEKS LATER AT NO CHARGE. WE WERE TOLD IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL PR…”
NHTSA complaint #10553646, 2013 · fire

“Power lift gate failed and dropped closed while person under it. No injury but continues to fail each time now. Will be going in for repair next week. Looks like there was recall on 2007-2012 for this issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11488765, 2022

Lane Departure 4

“THE SERVICE SIDE DETECTION SYSTEM HAS APPEARED IN THE DIC DUE TO WATER INTRUSION IN THE SENSORS. THEY WERE ORIGINALLY REPLACED PER THE TSB16-NA-178 IN APRIL OF 2019. THE ISSUE HAS SINCE RE-OCCURRED 2/18/21 WHILE DRIVING, WHICH JEOPARDIZES MY SAFETY. I ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT THIS MAY LEAD TO ADDITIONAL ELECTRICAL ISSUES AND MAY CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO ENTER LIMP MODE.”
NHTSA complaint #11398958, 2021

“DRIVER SIDE DETECTION BLIND ZONE, INTERMITTENTLY COMES ON, THEN AFTER SEVERAL DAYS JUST STOPPED WORKING, I REPLACE THE BLIND ZONE MODULE LOCATED UNDER REAR BUMPER, IT WORKED FINE FOR A WEEK AND THEN SHOWS SERVICE SIDE DETECTION SYSTEM, AND BOTH SIDES BLIND LIGHTS ON MIRRORS DON'T WORK, ALL THIS HAPPENED WHILE THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING”
NHTSA complaint #11396535, 2021

“On 02/10/2022 my side warning detection monitors are both activated/lit up intrmittently while parked or driving indicating faulty operation and therefore replacement. The vehicle has around 120K miles so out of any warranty. But this will be the third or fourth time ( not original ow er so dealer has records) that this has happened. Last time in December 2020 I had an extended warranty that covered the passenger module but was not the "improved" module with some type of casing to address the corrosion causing the failures as they wanted an extra $3-400 for that part. Why they still manuf…”
NHTSA complaint #11453076, 2020

Seat Belts 4 2 crash 2 injury

“I was tboned January 9, 2023 the side impact airbags didn't deploy nor does it seem the seatbelts engaged. There were 2 side impacts to the passengers side ZERO airbags deployed. It WAS part of a recall AND recall work had been completed almost immediately in 2014 (GM website screenshots attached for your easy reference for the 2 recalls showing completed). YET, they STILL failed! NO indication they had an issue nor would fail when needed as they did. The driver of the other vehicle was seemingly going a high rate of speed when she failed to stop for the red light her direction and tbone…”
NHTSA complaint #11572815, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I WAS COMING OFF A RED LIGHT AND WAS HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE / FRONT DRIVERS SIDE OF THE CAR. THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS DRIVING AT LEAST 55 MPH AS THAT IS THE POSTED SPEED. I HAD TWO CHILDREN IN THE BACK. ONE IN A REAR FACING CAR SEAT. THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT ENGAGE. THE CAR SEAT FLIPPED TO THE SIDE . NO SIDE OR FRONT AIR BAGS WENT OFF.”
NHTSA complaint #11057820, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“SERVICE AIR BAG WARNING LITE COMES ON. DEALERSHIP ADVISES $12-1400 IN REPAIR COSTS. HAVE HAD OTHER ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH CAR. SPENT ALMOST $1000 REPLACING WIRING HARNESS TO SIDE DETECTION. HAD TO REPLACE MOST OF DASH WIRING HARNESS DUE TO WATER DAMAGE WHICH COULDN'T DETERMINE IF MANUFACTURING ISSUE OR ACCIDENT REPAIR. THAT WAS ABOUT $3000. NOW AFTER CHECKING KELLY BLUE BOOK POTENTIAL RECALL COMES UP. DON'T KNOW IF REPORTED PRIOR OR FIXED BY PRIOR OWNER. TOO MUCH COINCIDENCE THAT COMES UP NOW AND GOES FROM PASSENGER SIDE TO NOW DRIVER SIDE.. DEALERSHIP GOT LIGHT TO GO OFF FOR A WHIL…”
NHTSA complaint #11298114, 2019

Service Brakes 3

“Left rear brake light dose not work, that is also the left rear turn signal. Part number 13582912 brake/turn signal bulb. GMC can not provide me with one. Chevrolet can not provide me with one. None of the chain store parts companies have them either. I have call GMC customer service line and also Chevrolet customer service line. They are of no help. Thank You.”
NHTSA complaint #11507713, 2021

“Transmission causes problems in can be on interstate and be switching lanes and it loses power and wont go takes forever to shift out. It will cut out and you can barely get pulled off side of rd in time. Electrical the battery voltage goes crazy up and down causing vehicle to power surge bad or at night time lights will go out for no reason while driving every now and then you can smell something melting or burning also the engine gets so hot but it's right temperature cooling fan runs constantly even when car is cool.since all the problem with Transmission the suspension is off some how. I…”
NHTSA complaint #11749833, 2018

“WHILE COASTING UP TO A REDLIGHT THE CAR ENGINE LURCHED AND STALLED SHUTTING OFF. THIS LEFT ME COASTING WITH NO POWER STEERING AND NO POWER BRAKES. VERY SCARY. I WAS VERY FORTUNATE I DIDN'T HIT ANYTHING. WE HAVE SINCE FOUND OUT THIS IS DUE TO A GM KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE TORQUE CONVERTER. GM HAS A SERVICE BULLETIN ACKNOWLEDGING THIS PROBLEM. TSB 13120A”
NHTSA complaint #11092734, 2018

Seats 2 1 crash

“DRIVERS SIDE SEAT SQUEAKS WHEN DRIVING AND BRAKING. BASICALLY WHENEVER THE SEAT ROCKS BACK AND FORTH. MECHANIC SAID HE CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHY IT DOES IT BUT HE THINKS IT'S THE MOUNTING TRACK ON THE BASE INTO THE CONNECTION TO THE BACKREST. SAID MOST LIKELY AN ENTIRE SEAT OR FRAME OF SEAT WOULD NEED REPLACING.”
NHTSA complaint #11222570, 2019 · crash

“THE SIDE PIECE OF THE TWO FONT SEATS BROKE, I CAN'T SIT PROPERLY INTO MY CAR WITHOUT LITERALLY SITTING ON TOP OF THE SIDE OF THE SEAT FIRST. IT CONCERNS ME BECAUSE THE SEAT BELT SOMETIMES GETS STUCK. ALSO THE ELECTRICAL BUTTONS ARE ALL FALLEN, HANGING FROM THE SIDE OF BOTH FRONT SEATS DO TO THE SAME ISSUE.. I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE IF I CAN EITHER GET IT FIXED OR POSSIBLY EVEN REPLACE BOTH SEATS WITH A DIFFERENT DESIGN TO AVOID SITTING ON TOP OF IT FIRST. I'M SURE I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS ISSUE.”
NHTSA complaint #11316674, 2018

Back Over Prevention 1

“DRIVER SIDE DETECTION BLIND ZONE, INTERMITTENTLY COMES ON, THEN AFTER SEVERAL DAYS JUST STOPPED WORKING, I REPLACE THE BLIND ZONE MODULE LOCATED UNDER REAR BUMPER, IT WORKED FINE FOR A WEEK AND THEN SHOWS SERVICE SIDE DETECTION SYSTEM, AND BOTH SIDES BLIND LIGHTS ON MIRRORS DON'T WORK, ALL THIS HAPPENED WHILE THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING”
NHTSA complaint #11396535, 2021

Equipment 1

“POOR OUTGOING CALL QUALITY WHEN USING HANDSFREE BLUETOOTH MICROPHONE CONNECTION. WHEN USING THE BUILT-IN BLUETOOTH CONNECTION TO MAKE PHONE CALLS, THE PERSON ON THE OTHER END OF THE CALL CAN NOT CLEARLY UNDERSTAND WHAT THE PERSON IS SAYING. CALL QUALITY IS MUFFLED WITH SIGNIFICANT BACKGROUND NOISE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10568762, 2013

Fuel System 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC ACADIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DAY AFTER REFUELING THE VEHICLE TO THE FULL LEVEL, THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS EMPTY. THE CONTACT THEN REFUELED THE VEHICLE AGAIN HOWEVER THE FUEL LEVEL INDICATED HALF WHEN IT WAS COMPLETELY FULL. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED AS THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT INITIALLY TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO THEN TOWED THE VEHICLE TO FRESNO BUICK GMC (5515 N BLACKSTONE AVE, FRESNO, CA 93710). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MECHANIC WAS ABLE TO CORRECT T…”
NHTSA complaint #11351434, 2020

Suspension 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC ACADIA. WHILE APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMAL FLUTTERING SOUND NEAR THE FRONT END. THE NOISE WAS HEARD DAILY FOR SIX MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10637524, 2014

Traction Control System 1

“The contact owns a 2013 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the vehicle was intermittently difficult to start. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The check engine and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the alternator, stabilizer, starter, ignition switch, door panel, axle, MAP sensor, canister valve, gas cap, and power master window switch were replaced. The mechanic determined that the failure was related to the fuse box. The dealer was notified of the failure and in…”
NHTSA complaint #11649804, 2020

Visibility 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC ACADIA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE SUN ROOF BLEW OUT AND SHATTERED GLASS PIECES BLEW OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. BOTH THE DEALER AND INSURANCE COMPANY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A KNOWN ISSUE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE DEALER WOULD BE CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10959070, 2017

Visibility/Wiper 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC ACADIA. WHILE DRIVING WITH THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ACTIVATED, THE WIPERS STOPPED WORKING WHEN THE TURN SIGNALS WERE ENGAGED. THE DEALER (MOORE GMC TRUCK, 84 HIGH ST, DANVERS, MA 01923, (978) 774-0040) STATED THAT THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR REPLACING THE WIPER MOTOR SINCE THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. THE CONTACT CLAIMED TO HAVE NOTICED THE FAILURE BEFORE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. THE DEALER REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED A $100 CREDIT TOWARD THE REPAIR COST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11165966, 2018

How we read this (methodology)

How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2013 GMC Acadia draws about 9.9 complaints per year on the road, ranking 13 of 15 among the GMC Acadia model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).

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Data source: U.S. NHTSA (nhtsa.gov). SaveVIN surfaces public recall data and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.

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