Photo: Kevauto / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
GMC Acadia
SUV · Gas · 19 versions · owner report
Ranked #6 of 11 full-size SUVs on owner data, price and fuel economy
Every generation
Power
Combined, EPA 2027
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation and is heavily influenced by powertrain reliability.
9 problems reported (2 very frequent, 4 recurrent, 3 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentEngine failures (3.6L V6)
Catastrophic failure due to oil pickup tube clogging and cam failures, particularly in 2010-2015 models around 80,000-100,000 miles.
- Very frequentTransmission failures
Complete transmission failure reported around 100,000 miles on a 2017 model; transmission issues and "known transmission problems" cited as a deal-breaker for 2017-2023 models; early reliability issues with the 2024+ generation's transmission.
- RecurrentOil leaks/cooler failures
Recurrent issue described as the vehicle "weeping oil like BP in the Gulf"; oil cooler failure leading to coolant contamination and overheating in a 2024+ model.
+ 6 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentUnderpowered/Noisy 4-cylinder engine
Cited as a deal-breaker for the 2017-2023 generation, with complaints about engine noise and lack of power.
- RecurrentEarly-build quality issues (2024+)
Multiple reports of significant problems requiring repeated dealer visits, including complete engine replacement, persistent oil leaks, and transmission issues, leading to lemon law claims.
- RecurrentCramped third-row (pre-2024)
Noted as very tight and only suitable for children in the 2017-2023 generation.
- IsolatedGPS/infotainment errors
Incorrect vehicle location displayed on GPS, showing the car driving in other areas.
- IsolatedPoor fuel economy
Noted as worse than expected, particularly compared to segment competitors.
- IsolatedAuto start-stop system behavior
Harsh restart causing the vehicle to lunge forward.
The version owners recommend
For the 2024+ generation, the Denali trim is frequently mentioned as the preferred version for maximizing feature content, including Super Cruise, a digital rearview mirror, heads-up display, massage seats, and advanced parking assist. However, there is no strong consensus recommending lower trims for better value, as the high feature content is a primary draw. For earlier generations, no specific trim is recommended due to overarching reliability concerns.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Chevrolet Traverse, Buick Enclave and Kia Telluride.
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Overall sentiment
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation and is heavily influenced by powertrain reliability. For the 2024+ redesign (2025-2026 model years), owner sentiment is cautiously positive, praising its spacious interior, comfortable ride, modern features (especially Super Cruise and advanced tech on Denali trims), and improved third-row space. However, this is tempered by recurrent reports of significant reliability issues in early production units, including transmission problems and oil leaks. For the 2010-2017 generation, sentiment is overwhelmingly negative, dominated by catastrophic engine and transmission failures around the 80,000-100,000 mile mark, leading to widespread perceptions of poor long-term reliability and low value. The 2017-2023 generation receives mixed feedback, with some owners appreciating its features and comfort but others criticizing its underpowered four-cylinder engine, transmission issues, and cramped third row prior to the redesign.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a feature-rich, spacious three-row SUV, often compared directly to its platform siblings, the Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave. Against mainstream competitors like the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander, the Acadia is frequently noted for offering more features and a more upscale interior (particularly in Denali trim) at a competitive price, but is consistently viewed as inferior in long-term reliability. Compared to luxury entrants like the Lexus TX, the Acadia is seen as offering superior technology and feature content for the money but with lower perceived build quality and greater reliability concerns. The consensus is that it represents strong value on paper, especially when discounted, but this value is undermined by persistent powertrain reliability questions across multiple generations.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient owner data available to form specific configuration recommendations. Isolated mentions suggest all-wheel drive is preferred for winter conditions. There is an isolated opinion that lower trims may offer better value than the Denali due to lower depreciation.
General recommendations
Suitable for buyers prioritizing interior space, modern technology, and feature content over long-term reliability, particularly for the 2024+ models. Not recommended for buyers who plan to keep a vehicle beyond 100,000 miles without budgeting for major powertrain repairs, especially for pre-2024 models. Essential to purchase an extended warranty, particularly for the powertrain. For the 2024+ models, a thorough test drive and inspection for early-build issues is advised. For used models (especially 2010-2017), a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is considered mandatory, and purchase should only be considered at a very low price point with full awareness of impending major repair costs. Aggressive negotiation is possible due to high dealer inventory and significant depreciation.
Remarks
Reliability concerns are the dominant theme across all discussions, creating a stark generational divide. The 3.6L V6 engine in models from approximately 2010-2015 has a notorious reputation for catastrophic failure due to oiling system issues, severely impacting long-term durability and resale value. The 2024+ generation represents a significant redesign with increased size and new technology, but early production units (2024-2025 model years) show a pattern of serious powertrain and quality control issues, suggesting potential teething problems. The vehicle's value proposition is heavily contingent on acquiring significant discounts and factoring in the cost of an extended warranty. Owner satisfaction appears highly volatile, with some praising the features and space while others face repeated, costly repairs. Analysis based on approximately 50 substantive owner discussions and comparisons.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2017. Years to avoid: 2017, 2014, 2008Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all GMC Acadia years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 1 | power train |
| 2025 | 65 | 0 | service brakes |
| 2024 | 60 | 0 | service brakes |
| 2023 | 43 | 4 | engine |
| 2022 | 49 | 3 | electrical system |
| 2021 | 149 | 2 | electrical system |
| 2020 | 104 | 6 | engine |
| 2019 | 386 | 2 | power train |
| 2018 | 395 | 2 | power train |
| 2017 | 1,981 | 4 | power train |
| 2016 | 456 | 4 | air bags |
| 2015 | 508 | 4 | air bags |
| 2014 | 914 | 6 | air bags |
| 2013 | 274 | 3 | electrical system |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices72 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2026 · equipment:other:owners/service/other manualcampaign 26V114000
General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Coupe, Corvette Convertible E-Ray, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, Silverado EV, Suburban 1500, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Acadia, Hummer EV Pickup, Hummer EV SUV, Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, Sierra EV, Terrain, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The radio may not have been set to the correct status to download the electronic owner's manual during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, “Occupant Protection.”
2023 · equipment:other:labelscampaign 22V708000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The certification label located on the driver's side B-pillar contains tire size information that may be illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
2023 · power train:driveline:driveshaftcampaign 23V043000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac XT5 and GMC Acadia vehicles. The right-front half-shaft assemblies may be improperly connected to the transmission, causing them to separate.
2023 · power train:automatic transmissioncampaign 23V172000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac XT6, GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Blazer, Traverse, and 2022-2023 Cadillac XT5 vehicles. The transmission may have been built with an incorrect sun gear, which can result in the driver-side half-shaft disengaging from the transmission.
2023 · visibility:windshieldcampaign 23V681000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 GMC Acadia and 2024 Cadilac XT5 and XT6 vehicles. The windshield may have been assembled without the proper urethane sealant required to bond the windshield to the vehicle body.
2022 · air bagscampaign 21V702000
General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2022 GMC Acadia vehicles. The sensing diagnostic module (SDM) may have been left in "manufacturing mode" and not activated at the assembly plant prior to shipment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
2022 · suspension:rearcampaign 22V427000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The left-rear suspension toe link may have been tightened improperly, which could result in a loose or separated toe link.
2022 · fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assemblycampaign 22V446000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles. The fuel tank rollover valve may not provide a proper seal in the event of a rollover crash.
2021 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingscampaign 21V422000
General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The fuel supply lines may be improperly attached and seated.
2021 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 22V709000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with the optional Surround Vision feature. The rearview camera coaxial cable connectors may have been crimped improperly, causing the rearview camera to fail or function intermittently.
2020 · tirescampaign 21V115000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC Acadia, Sierra 1500, and certain Continental tires sold to the aftermarket for various model year 2018-2021 vehicles. The affected tires were cured for too long during production.
2020 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 20V639000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5, Cadillac XT6, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The fuel pump's jet nozzle may have a plastic burr remaining from the manufacturing process, possibly causing a blocked nozzle and an insufficient fuel supply to the engine.
2020 · tirescampaign 20V684000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse vehicles and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. The vehicles may have been manufactured with Continental tires that were overcured.
2020 · air bags:side/window:curtain:inflatorcampaign 20V446000
General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5 and XT6, Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500 and Traverse and GMC Acadia and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The diffuser component of the Roof-Rail Air Bag (RRAB) inflator may not have been properly crimped to the inflator and could separate from the inflator during air bag deployment.
2020 · power train:automatic transmissioncampaign 20V668000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
57 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
2.5 Turbo
2.5L 4-cylinder · 328 hp · AWD · automatic
Built 2024–2026