Avoid: 2017, 2014, 2008 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2022
17 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 20 model years, the GMC Acadia has 7,943 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 72 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and electrical system. 2017 drew the most complaints (1,981), 2023 the fewest of the years on the road 3+ years (43).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for GMC Acadia vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $16,194–$28,136.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 |
| 2025 | 65 |
| 2024 | 60 |
| 2023 | 43 |
| 2022 | 49 |
| 2021 | 149 |
| 2020 | 104 |
| 2019 | 386 |
| 2018 | 395 |
| 2017 | 1,981 |
| 2016 | 456 |
| 2015 | 508 |
| 2014 | 914 |
| 2013 | 274 |
| 2012 | 302 |
| 2011 | 280 |
| 2010 | 348 |
| 2009 | 333 |
| 2008 | 858 |
| 2007 | 431 |
Highest: 2017 (1,981 complaints). Lowest: 2023 (43).
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation and is heavily influenced by powertrain reliability.
Catastrophic failure due to oil pickup tube clogging and cam failures, particularly in 2010-2015 models around 80,000-100,000 miles.
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.
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.
Cited as a deal-breaker for the 2017-2023 generation, with complaints about engine noise and lack of power.
Multiple reports of significant problems requiring repeated dealer visits, including complete engine replacement, persistent oil leaks, and transmission issues, leading to lemon law claims.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Acadia. Individual model years are broken down above.
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