Owners have filed 373 complaints
about the 2011 GMC Acadia with NHTSA between 2010 and 2026.
The largest single group is the steering.
Across this model's run it ranks 11 of 20 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 48
Against the median year of the GMC Acadia. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 43
8.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 31
18% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
103.4%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
72.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
155.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
5418.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
8228.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
5920.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
5619.2%
150,000+ miles
93.1%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Nov 2010peak 11May 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2011 GMC Acadia
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA20002Opened 31 Aug 2020Closed 30 Aug 2024SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
Outboard Front Seat Belt Anchor Cable Failure
On August 31, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened Engineering Analysis (EA) EA20002, as an upgrade of Recall Query (RQ) RQ19003. This investigation, related to recall 14V-266, was opened to investigate instances of detachment of the flexible steel seat belt anchor cable attached to the outboard side of the front seats in vehicles manufactured by General Motors (GM). The subject vehicles included model year (MY) 2009 through 2014 GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave, and Chevrolet Traverse SUVs as well as MY 2009 through 2010 Saturn Outlook SUVs. These vehicles were previously repaired...
RQ19003Opened 28 May 2019Closed 31 Aug 2020SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
Seat Belt Anchor Cable Failure
On May 19, 2014, General Motors LLC (GM) notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) that it would conduct Safety Recall 14V266 to address fatigue and separation of the flexible steel cable that connects the front outboard seat belts to the seat-mounted belt pre-tensioner in 1.4 million model year (MY) 2009-2010 Saturn Outlook, 2009-2014 Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse (Lambda Platform) vehicles.The remedy was to inspect for signs of damage and replace pre-tensioner anchor cables as needed. Re-work was conducted to relocate the pre-tensioner anchor cable out of the occu...
Recalls on the 2011 GMC Acadia
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20194205,327 units in Canada
Other
Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered. If the window breaks, the glass may separate into large pieces instead of very small ones. Note: This is a voluntary recall that is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Safety Risk: Glass that breaks in to large pieces could create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: The company will notify consumers by mail and instruct them to inspect the designation code marked on the rear window glass. Products affected by this recall have the designation “DOT 287” along with the lettering “VMR” (Replacement Market) and a date code that is before July 2019. This information is printed on the bottom corner of the glass. Consumers should contact Vitro's customer service at 1-412-995-6457 or argbacklites@vitro.com to arrange for replacement of the glass.
Recall 201528036,369 units in Canada
Structure
On certain vehicles equipped with a power liftgate system, the gas-filled struts (which help to raise and support the liftgate) may prematurely wear. These vehicles have a Prop Rod Recovery system intended to accomplish a controlled, slow return of the liftgate to the closed position if the liftgate’s gas struts are no longer capable of supporting the weight of the liftgate. The vehicle would provide audible warnings and flash the tail lamps to indicate there is a problem. However, the liftgate’s Prop Rod Recovery system software may be unable to detect/stop a liftgate with prematurely worn gas struts from falling too quickly after the liftgate is opened. This could allow the liftgate to drop suddenly, placing anyone beneath or near the gate at risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will reprogram the power liftgate actuator motor ECU with a new software and will verify power liftgate operation following the reprogram.
Recall 201418175,701 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, the flexible steel cable that connects the seat belt to the vehicle structure at the front outboard seating positions can fatigue over time and could separate, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. Correction: Dealers will inspect and repair or replace the lap pretensioner, as necessary.
Recall 201408170,526 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, side airbag wiring connections could develop high resistance, illuminating the airbag warning light. If the vehicle continues to be operated in this condition, resistance may continue to increase over time and eventually cause the seat side airbags and seat belt pretensioners to not deploy in the event of a crash, which could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will affect repairs.
Recall 20121225,810 units in Canada
Visual System
On certain vehicles, if a buildup of snow or ice on the windshield or on the wipers restricts the movement of the wiper arm, the wiper arm nut may loosen and cause that wiper to become inoperative. Loss of windshield wiping capability, should it occur during a rainy/snowy day, may compromise the driver's ability to see the road and its users, which could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will tighten the wiper arm nuts.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Winfield, KSFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The relay for the fan at the top of the fuse/relay box on the right side when facing the front of the vehicle. (under the hood) Gets hot and blows the relay and melts the spot where the relay prongs plug in. Causing the need for a new fuse box and circuit problems within the fuse box connectors. The fans, specifically the a/c fan does not kick on when turning on the a/c and the low speed fan does not kick on at all until the secondary temp fan kicks on after the temperature raises past the normal operating range. Which an overheating engine is bad for all parts of the engine which can and sooner or later will lead to a catastrophic failure putting the operator and other motorists life's at risk.This time it created a small fire that was extinguished only because the fuse box cover was off and I was looking at it as it happened, putting the cover back on extinguished the fire. This is the third time it has happened with the exact same problem. You tube is full of videos with the exact same problem.
NHTSA complaint #11736860 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clio, MICrash
AIR BAGS
I had a collision with a deer and my airbags did not deploy
NHTSA complaint #11453019 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carrollton, TXFire
POWER TRAIN
On July 27 at 400 pm I arrived home and my daughter went to take out the trash and I heard her scream daddy the car is on fire. I rushed outside and flames were 6 ft tall I called 911. After putting the fire out he stated th car was running doors locked so they couldn’t open the hood
NHTSA complaint #11426851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carrollton, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On July 27 at 400 pm I arrived home and my daughter went to take out the trash and I heard her scream daddy the car is on fire. I rushed outside and flames were 6 ft tall I called 911. After putting the fire out he stated th car was running doors locked so they couldn’t open the hood
NHTSA complaint #11426851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carrollton, TXFire
ENGINE
On July 27 at 400 pm I arrived home and my daughter went to take out the trash and I heard her scream daddy the car is on fire. I rushed outside and flames were 6 ft tall I called 911. After putting the fire out he stated th car was running doors locked so they couldn’t open the hood
NHTSA complaint #11426851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesChesapeake, VAFire1 injured
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 GMC ACADIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AS IT TRIED TO ENTER THE INTERSTATE FROM A RAMP. THE CONTACT AND HER PASSENGER QUICKLY EXITED THE VEHICLE AFTER SHE PULLED OFF TO THE SHOULDER. THE COMPLETE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED BY THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE CONTACT WAS THE ONLY ONE TRANSPORTED TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM AND WAS GIVEN A CAT SCAN. THERE WERE NO OTHER INJURIES .THE CONTACT HAD NOT SPOKEN TO THE DEALER OR MANUFACTURER SINCE THE INCIDENT OCCURRED BACK IN 10/2019. THE CONTACT JUST RECEIVED HER VIN FROM THE INSURANCE COMPANY SINCE THE FIRE DESTROYED ALL TRACES OF THE VIN ON THE VEHICLE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DID NOT TOTAL THE VEHICLE SINCE IT ONLY HAD LIABILITY COVERAGE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
NHTSA complaint #11306234 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Winfield, KSFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The relay for the fan at the top of the fuse/relay box on the right side when facing the front of the vehicle. (under the hood) Gets hot and blows the relay and melts the spot where the relay prongs plug in. Causing the need for a new fuse box and circuit problems within the fuse box connectors. The fans, specifically the a/c fan does not kick on when turning on the a/c and the low speed fan does not kick on at all until the secondary temp fan kicks on after the temperature raises past the normal operating range. Which an overheating engine is bad for all parts of the engine which can and sooner or later will lead to a catastrophic failure putting the operator and other motorists life's at risk.This time it created a small fire that was extinguished only because the fuse box cover was off and I was looking at it as it happened, putting the cover back on extinguished the fire. This is the third time it has happened with the exact same problem. You tube is full of videos with the exact same problem.
NHTSA complaint #11736860 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denton, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
We purchased the vehicle on August 20, 2025. At which time we paid over $4,800 for the vehicle. I will be trying to submit all files pertaining to the vehicle. We are both disabled and on the fixed income from ssi. However, a week after purchasing the vehicle all issues began to rise up. There was no transmission fluid, the oil need changed, catalytic converter showed up on AutoZone print out, wheels to make a sound when turning, brakes needs fixed, electrical seems to have an issue. The reason I am submitting this is in prayer asking for any remedy with this situation through the recalls, bulletins, and whatever else maybe available for the vehicle. I thank you for your time, effort, and consideration in this matter.
NHTSA complaint #11707460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phoenix, AZ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Unknown
NHTSA complaint #11683502 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jonesboro, AR
AIR BAGS
My air bag light keeps coming on saying to service it. I saw the recalled issues before with the other Acadias and was thinking maybe my year model would need to be looked into as well. I haven't ever had a wreck for them to come out but the light comes on frequently.
NHTSA complaint #11648922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Franklinton, LA
POWER TRAIN
Transmission shudder from torque converter
NHTSA complaint #11646976 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Garland, UT
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Tailgate system has failed causing tailgate to force closed after opening halfway. Risk of being pinned between the car and tailgate. Similar to previous recall POWER LIFTGATE PROP ROD RECOVERY, gate is not being controlled or caught.
NHTSA complaint #11629891 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brookings, SD
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
System failed from wear on the rear ac hose from the power steering hose rubbing on it. Creating a leak in my ac system
NHTSA complaint #11594827 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kalida, OH
ENGINE
I had issue with the timing chain an have check engine light is on I have heard other people having problems with there timing chain. It starts hard. I've had it looked at multiple times. I feel like this is a safety concern. It has low miles on it
NHTSA complaint #11582730 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Garland, TX
SEAT BELTS
Not sure but the ex owner of the vehicle told me the it had a recall on the drivers seatbelt (wasn’t due to a car accident)
NHTSA complaint #11546507 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hiram, GA
ENGINE
The engine light came on. Had a mobile mechanic look at it, he ran a diagnostics, it showed a P0017 code. He advised to get another opinion on how to repair, as he said it may need a new engine. Took it to a local repair shop, was told the same thing. The Acadia runs fine, and only has 116K miles. The problem is that it will not pass the required emission test for annual registration and tag. The cost of a new engine was estimated at about $10K, which is more than the Acadia is worth. Was told that these vehicles have had a history of this same issue.
NHTSA complaint #11542473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Draper, UT
SEAT BELTS
seatbelt locks and does not release
NHTSA complaint #11519793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nacogdoches, TX
POWER TRAIN
2011 gmc Acadia slt gear shift does not lock causing it to slip into neutral with slightest bump of shifter or sudden hard breaking Also passenger seat belt does not.lock at all when breaking and driver side seat belt never unlocks there are safty recalls on these issues for this model but.says mine has zero unfixed recall also defrosting and mirror defrost does not work properly causing me to have very bad visibility I had a close call when driving in Houston a week ago when I had to slam breaks due to a crazy driver who did not see me.and cut me off the lane my gear shifted into neutral causing me to not be able to accelerate after breaking to avoid the next speeding car fortunately I was lucky and was able to quickly shift back into drive and go there are electrical issues as well and there has only been one other owner and well maintained so I don't know what to do next my passenger nearly hit dash during this that's when I realized passenger seat belt does not lock
NHTSA complaint #11517785 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nacogdoches, TX
SEAT BELTS
2011 gmc Acadia slt gear shift does not lock causing it to slip into neutral with slightest bump of shifter or sudden hard breaking Also passenger seat belt does not.lock at all when breaking and driver side seat belt never unlocks there are safty recalls on these issues for this model but.says mine has zero unfixed recall also defrosting and mirror defrost does not work properly causing me to have very bad visibility I had a close call when driving in Houston a week ago when I had to slam breaks due to a crazy driver who did not see me.and cut me off the lane my gear shifted into neutral causing me to not be able to accelerate after breaking to avoid the next speeding car fortunately I was lucky and was able to quickly shift back into drive and go there are electrical issues as well and there has only been one other owner and well maintained so I don't know what to do next my passenger nearly hit dash during this that's when I realized passenger seat belt does not lock
NHTSA complaint #11517785 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nacogdoches, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2011 gmc Acadia slt gear shift does not lock causing it to slip into neutral with slightest bump of shifter or sudden hard breaking Also passenger seat belt does not.lock at all when breaking and driver side seat belt never unlocks there are safty recalls on these issues for this model but.says mine has zero unfixed recall also defrosting and mirror defrost does not work properly causing me to have very bad visibility I had a close call when driving in Houston a week ago when I had to slam breaks due to a crazy driver who did not see me.and cut me off the lane my gear shifted into neutral causing me to not be able to accelerate after breaking to avoid the next speeding car fortunately I was lucky and was able to quickly shift back into drive and go there are electrical issues as well and there has only been one other owner and well maintained so I don't know what to do next my passenger nearly hit dash during this that's when I realized passenger seat belt does not lock
NHTSA complaint #11517785 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oshkosh, WI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DRLs melted into the housing, seems like this is possibly caused by cowls that are not properly sealed allowing moisture into headlight assembly. This is obviously a fire hazard and will be a costly repair. I am not sure if vehicle insurance covers this but I doubt it.
NHTSA complaint #11515296 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salem, OR
ENGINE
LOOKING INTO A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT I FOUND I HAD A MISFIRE IN A FEW CYLINDERS. LOOKING INTO IT I FOUND OIL IN MY SPARK PLUG TUBES, MY COILS WERE PERFECTLY DRY AND THE TOP OF THE TUBES WERE DRY AS WELL. LOOKING INTO THIS ISSUE I FOUND MULTIPLE TSB FORMS FOR THE ISSUE STATING THERE WAS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT IN THE HEAD. IT SAYS IT EFFECTS ALL VINS FOR ALL YEARS AS THEY USE THE SAME ENGINE.
NHTSA complaint #11508536 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesConcord, NC
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2011 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, she heard an abnormal noise from the rear passenger side tire. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer but was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #11488807 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cornelius, NC
POWER TRAIN
I was driving on the freeway then my car suddenly started slowing down. I tried changing lane so i can pull over on the side of the freeway but unfortunately i couldn't get to pull over before the car completely stopped on the freeway. I called AAA. They sent a tow truck which came to the freeway to tow my car. My husband came and took me to work. The car was towed to a GMC dealership. I went to the dealership after work. I was told my car has timing chain problem and if not fixed will damage the engine. I went online to read reviews of this car only to see it was a very common problem for this year and model of GMC which if i have ever read those reviews i would not have bought a GMC. This vehicle should be recalled for this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11488614 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cornelius, NC
ENGINE
I was driving on the freeway then my car suddenly started slowing down. I tried changing lane so i can pull over on the side of the freeway but unfortunately i couldn't get to pull over before the car completely stopped on the freeway. I called AAA. They sent a tow truck which came to the freeway to tow my car. My husband came and took me to work. The car was towed to a GMC dealership. I went to the dealership after work. I was told my car has timing chain problem and if not fixed will damage the engine. I went online to read reviews of this car only to see it was a very common problem for this year and model of GMC which if i have ever read those reviews i would not have bought a GMC. This vehicle should be recalled for this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11488614 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Virginia Beach, VA
POWER TRAIN
Looses power while driving. Cannot jump the battery it needs to be recharged every time. Power steering stops working while driving( low rpm and when stopped) dangerous for merging or lane changes. Engine shudders when trying to accelerate. TCM/ ECM replaced 2020. Problem still persists. Whining noise upon start of the vehicle. Auto start will not work. traction control light, check engine airbag and
NHTSA complaint #11485397 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Virginia Beach, VA
STEERING
Looses power while driving. Cannot jump the battery it needs to be recharged every time. Power steering stops working while driving( low rpm and when stopped) dangerous for merging or lane changes. Engine shudders when trying to accelerate. TCM/ ECM replaced 2020. Problem still persists. Whining noise upon start of the vehicle. Auto start will not work. traction control light, check engine airbag and
NHTSA complaint #11485397 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Virginia Beach, VA
ENGINE
Looses power while driving. Cannot jump the battery it needs to be recharged every time. Power steering stops working while driving( low rpm and when stopped) dangerous for merging or lane changes. Engine shudders when trying to accelerate. TCM/ ECM replaced 2020. Problem still persists. Whining noise upon start of the vehicle. Auto start will not work. traction control light, check engine airbag and
NHTSA complaint #11485397 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salem, NJ
STEERING
POWER STEERING RACK & HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING LINE. IF THIS FAILS WHILE YOU'RE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY YOU WILL LOSE POWER STEERING CAUSING A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. ALSO THE TIMING COVER IS LEAKING. BOTH OF THESE EXPENSIVE REPAIRS SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE WITH ALL GMC ACADIA SUV'S YET THE NHTSA HAS NOT INVESTIGATED OR REQUIRED THE MANUFACTURER TO DO A RECALL AND COVER THE COSTS OF REPAIR. COSTS FOR BOTH REPAIRS IS $5000.00 !!!
NHTSA complaint #11477083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 174,300 milesChicago, IL
STEERING
The contact owns a 2011 GMC Acadia. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that he used his knowledge of vehicles to depress the accelerator pedal, which raised the RPM and caused the steering wheel to become operative. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while the vehicle was idling. Additionally, the contact stated that the steering wheel would seize while driving and steering to the left. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 174,300.
NHTSA complaint #11473668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Hi, I think the 2011 Acadia Denali should be in the recall along with the Terrain. The reason being that I always get flashed at night and every night as though I have the high lights on which I don’t. That’s every night. Please check into this. With all this road rage going on I worry I might come across one angry person or cause someone to wreck. Please I’m worried. Thank you.
NHTSA complaint #11458225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.