Owners have filed 539 complaints
about the 2019 GMC Acadia with NHTSA between 2019 and 2026.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 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 — 69
Against the median year of the GMC Acadia. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 14
2.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 81
47% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Floor Shift
627.3%
Automatic Emergency Braking
313.6%
Assist
313.6%
Rearview System Braking
29.1%
Warnings
29.1%
Warnings
29.1%
Blind Spot Detection
29.1%
Gear Position Indication (Prndl)
29.1%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
76.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
76.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
2623.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
3228.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2623.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
108.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
21.8%
150,000+ miles
21.8%
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.
Jan 2019peak 30Aug 2026
Recalls on the 2019 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.
United States — NHTSA
21V115000
TIRES
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.
Risk: Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
20V668000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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.
Risk: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202114610,859 units in Canada
Fabrics
Issue: Under certain testing conditions, the front seat material may not meet the flammability requirements of Canadian regulations. However, when the seat mat is tested in a fully assembled state, with all four layers, it meets all requirements. Safety Risk: This is a testing issue that does not affect vehicle safety. Corrective Actions: This is not a recall. The company has made changes to ensure that all new vehicles have fully compliant seat-vent mats.
Recall 20211032,360 units in Canada
Tires
Issue: Certain vehicles were built with tires that may have been cured too long. As a result, the sidewall could crack or the tread and belts could separate. This could lead to a sudden loss of air pressure and could cause a tire failure. Note: This recall only affects certain Continental tires, with specific date codes and mold numbers. Safety Risk: A tire failure could cause a loss of control and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify the owners by mail and instruct them to take the vehicle to a dealer to inspect and replace the tires, if necessary.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Cincinnati, OHFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Fire Started in Center Console
NHTSA complaint #11749071 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chatfield, TXCrash
AIR BAGS
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11610224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesChicago, ILFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, she noticed that the engine caught on fire with no warning light illuminated. The fire was put out by the Chicago Fire Department and after the vehicle was inspected the cause of the fire was determined as a failure with the electrical system. A police report was filed with the Chicago Police Department and a report was provided. No injuries occurred and no medical attention was needed. The vehicle was not towed. The dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
NHTSA complaint #11596514 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesChicago, ILFire
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, she noticed that the engine caught on fire with no warning light illuminated. The fire was put out by the Chicago Fire Department and after the vehicle was inspected the cause of the fire was determined as a failure with the electrical system. A police report was filed with the Chicago Police Department and a report was provided. No injuries occurred and no medical attention was needed. The vehicle was not towed. The dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
NHTSA complaint #11596514 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,000 milesLafayette, INCrash
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in park with the engine running, the vehicle suddenly rolled away. As a result of the failure, the vehicle crashed into another parked vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. A police report was not filed. There were no injuries reported. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the vehicle was operating as intended. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 42,000.
NHTSA complaint #11586202 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Troy, NYCrash
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
Unnecessary safety feature sounds and alerts distract driver's normal driving and viewing habits. Any which could be turned off, have been. Every time the car is started, there is a message that these warnings have been turned off. The message never goes away and stays on the entire drive time unless manually turned off.] These type of messages need to turn off after a short delay.
NHTSA complaint #11579859 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Hillside, NJ
POWER TRAIN
On XXX at 1:56pm, I took the vehicle to Jiffy Lube service center #810 for the "Quick Oil Change Service" which includes checking and filling the Tranmission/Axle fluid. Per the attached receipt the Transmission/Axle fluid was "OK", and the next service was recommended after 5,000 addtional miles from the then current mileage of 153,317. On the morning o XXX, the car began experiencing issues identical to vehicle recall NHTSA ID Number: 20V668000. The check engine light turned on and the vehicle could maintain proper propulsion. On XXX at 3:25pm EST, I took the vehicle to AutoZone store #01664, whose "FixFinder" computer diagnostic inicated code PO700 "Transmission Control Module Requested MIL Illumination". On XXX, I had the car towed to a private mechanic who inspected the Vehicle and indicated that the transmission had "no fluid" despite having the fluids verified by Jiffy Lube on XXX. The mechanic suggested there may be a GMC service issue that required GMC remediation to due faulty internals which resulted in the transmission fluid leakage and subsequent triggering of the transmission computer module and related propulsion failure. As of today XXX, the vehicle is experiencing the same condition as indicated in vehicle recall NHTSA ID Number: 20V668000, which is creating additonal risk of vehicular accident/crash and vehicle fire in the presence of the ignition source. The milage is now 155,520. I am requesting this vehicle be serviced as part of recall NHTSA ID Number: 20V668000, you can verify from the vehicle registration from the Divison of Motor Vehicles and via CarFax that I purchased this vehicle used, the vehiclee has at least 1 (maybe 2) prior owners. I am requesting the vehicle (VIN [XXX]) receive the mandated recall service which will resolve the afformentioned issues and remove the related risks for myself, my passengers and all other motorists who are sharing the road. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11757610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,126 milesSimpsonville, SC
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the battery low and steering assist warning lights were illuminated. The contact's minor children were occupants in the vehicle during the failure. The tow truck assistant arrived. The tow truck driver assisted with restarting the vehicle. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to Firestone; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact stated that a portable diagnostic tester was attached, but no error codes were displayed. The failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to Firestone, where it was diagnosed with a failed START/STOP module. The contact was informed about Technical Service Bulletin: 21-NA-139. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,126.
NHTSA complaint #11757418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mckeesport, PA
STEERING
See attached file
NHTSA complaint #11756510 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mckeesport, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
See attached file
NHTSA complaint #11756510 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mckeesport, PA
ENGINE
See attached file
NHTSA complaint #11756510 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 154,428 milesHillside, NJ
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission failed to properly shift gears and the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH while driving. The contact stated that the transmission failed to shift above third gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who discovered that there was no transmission fluid inside the torque converter. The vehicle was scanned and displayed an issue with the transmission control module. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V668000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 154,429.
NHTSA complaint #11754373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sulphur Springs, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
shifter micro-switch is not working and is available for inspection upon request. Vehicle is not shutting off as it is indicating shift to park. The vehicle unable to shut off can cause issues while parked in the garage still running and worried about causing a fire. Problem diagnosed by private individual but have plans on taking it to dealership. The shift to park indicator issue has been occurring for almost a year and has progressively gotten worse. I have noticed other vehicles with the same make/model/year have had similar issues with known defects that a recall was issued.
NHTSA complaint #11754369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 154,428 milesHillside, NJ
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission failed to properly shift gears and the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH while driving. The contact stated that the transmission failed to shift above third gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who discovered that there was no transmission fluid inside the torque converter. The vehicle was scanned and displayed an issue with the transmission control module. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V668000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 154,429.
NHTSA complaint #11754373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Naples, ME
POWER TRAIN
I was at a red light, I went to drive as the light turned green and my car stopped and wouldn’t drive, I could go into neutral to get out of way but anything the car would stop. There is no codes or lights turned on my dash though.
NHTSA complaint #11753750 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Naples, ME
ENGINE
I was at a red light, I went to drive as the light turned green and my car stopped and wouldn’t drive, I could go into neutral to get out of way but anything the car would stop. There is no codes or lights turned on my dash though.
NHTSA complaint #11753750 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hermon, ME
STEERING
I am submitting this complaint to request that NHTSA investigate a potential safety defect involving the engine coolant temperature monitoring system, thermostat/engine coolant temperature sensor system, and its relationship to reduced steering assist in 2019 GMC Acadia vehicles. My 2019 GMC Acadia, currently at approximately 61,500 miles, has experienced the following symptoms: • The engine temperature gauge remains flat or reads abnormally low/cold. • The cooling fans run continuously at extremely high speed, creating a loud "screaming" fan noise. • The vehicle displays the warning message "Steering Assist is Reduced — Drive with Care." • The vehicle has a history of diagnostic trouble code P0128, "Engine Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature." I am concerned that these symptoms are related and represent a potential safety defect rather than an isolated thermostat or cooling-system repair. GM has issued bulletin PIT5967, "Service Steering Message With P0128," which applies to GMC Acadia vehicles from model years 2017 through 2023. The bulletin states that when P0128 is present, the ECM may be reading coolant temperature incorrectly and that a "Service Steering Message" may be displayed to protect the steering gear in the event of an undetected overheating condition. GM instructs technicians to diagnose and repair P0128 first. GM bulletin 17-NA-158 also describes a relationship between P0128, an invalid coolant-temperature signal, and the "Steering Assist Reduced, Drive With Care" warning. The bulletin explains that the steering module relies on valid coolant-temperature information to provide additional steering assistance under cold conditions. When the coolant-temperature signal becomes invalid, this function can become inoperative, potentially resulting in a heavier-than-normal steering feel.
NHTSA complaint #11753437 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hermon, ME
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am submitting this complaint to request that NHTSA investigate a potential safety defect involving the engine coolant temperature monitoring system, thermostat/engine coolant temperature sensor system, and its relationship to reduced steering assist in 2019 GMC Acadia vehicles. My 2019 GMC Acadia, currently at approximately 61,500 miles, has experienced the following symptoms: • The engine temperature gauge remains flat or reads abnormally low/cold. • The cooling fans run continuously at extremely high speed, creating a loud "screaming" fan noise. • The vehicle displays the warning message "Steering Assist is Reduced — Drive with Care." • The vehicle has a history of diagnostic trouble code P0128, "Engine Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature." I am concerned that these symptoms are related and represent a potential safety defect rather than an isolated thermostat or cooling-system repair. GM has issued bulletin PIT5967, "Service Steering Message With P0128," which applies to GMC Acadia vehicles from model years 2017 through 2023. The bulletin states that when P0128 is present, the ECM may be reading coolant temperature incorrectly and that a "Service Steering Message" may be displayed to protect the steering gear in the event of an undetected overheating condition. GM instructs technicians to diagnose and repair P0128 first. GM bulletin 17-NA-158 also describes a relationship between P0128, an invalid coolant-temperature signal, and the "Steering Assist Reduced, Drive With Care" warning. The bulletin explains that the steering module relies on valid coolant-temperature information to provide additional steering assistance under cold conditions. When the coolant-temperature signal becomes invalid, this function can become inoperative, potentially resulting in a heavier-than-normal steering feel.
NHTSA complaint #11753437 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lebanon, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN PARK, I GET AN ERROR MESSAGE THAT SAYS SHIFT TO PARK AND IT TAKES PUTTING IN PARK NUMEROUS TIMES TO GET IT TO CLEAR SO I CAN TRUN THE CAR OFF AND LOCK IT. I KNOW THERE HAVE BEEN SOME MODELS THAT HAVE BEEN RECALLED DUE TO THIS PROBLEM, HOWEVER MINE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THAT RECALL. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY IT IS NOT INCLUDED AND IF THERE IS ANY HELP AVAILABLE TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #11752377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fruitland Park, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
For the past 4 months after turning off the engine, my vehicle is failing to recognize that it is in Park. I am getting a message on my display stating “Shift to Park”. This is preventing my vehicle from shutting down.
NHTSA complaint #11750445 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vilonia, AR
STEERING
Steering assist code pops up and then the temperature gauge goes down and the air stops working and the screen in the cars starts going all crazy. Shift to park code keeps coming up and keeps all electronics on in car
NHTSA complaint #11749323 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bluffton, IN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I purchased vehicle used 2 years ago last year. I noticed the air conditioner was not cooling. I summed it up too, and extremely hot summer.This summer I did the same thing.I took it in immediately. Catastrophic, I think I bought it like this. It fell apart, the air conditioning compressor fell apart.There is like shrapnel through everything, and they have to go through and clean everything out.It's gonna cost me over two grand. But it only be in 40000 miles on it. I understand it's a twenty nineteen, but owner said at forty thousand miles.This should never happen.
NHTSA complaint #11749244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vilonia, AR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Steering assist code pops up and then the temperature gauge goes down and the air stops working and the screen in the cars starts going all crazy. Shift to park code keeps coming up and keeps all electronics on in car
NHTSA complaint #11749323 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cincinnati, OHFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Fire Started in Center Console
NHTSA complaint #11749071 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Russellville, AR
SERVICE BRAKES
• Gearshift- It is, available for inspection upon request. • You are unable to turn off Vehicle, your trapped in vehicle. Until parking gear shifts into park and you’re able to shut off the vehicle. • Independent service center. • No • No
NHTSA complaint #11747263 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mayfield, PA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Shortly after purchasing my 2019 GMC Acadia with 52,000 miles on it, my wife parked the vehicle in our driveway and shifted the transmission into Park. When she pressed the push button to shut the vehicle off, the instrument cluster displayed a "Shift to Park" message even though the shifter was already in the Park position. Because the vehicle did not recognize that it was in Park, it would not shut off completely. The radio remained on, and the doors could not be locked. The only way to get the vehicle to shut off was to repeatedly shift from Drive to Park until it finally recognized Park. This occurred multiple times. After researching the problem, I discovered that many other GM owners have experienced the same "Shift to Park" failure. I believe this is a widespread defect that should be investigated because it can prevent a vehicle from shutting off properly, leave electrical accessories powered on, drain the battery, and prevent the vehicle from being secured when parked.
NHTSA complaint #11746961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mayfield, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Shortly after purchasing my 2019 GMC Acadia with 52,000 miles on it, my wife parked the vehicle in our driveway and shifted the transmission into Park. When she pressed the push button to shut the vehicle off, the instrument cluster displayed a "Shift to Park" message even though the shifter was already in the Park position. Because the vehicle did not recognize that it was in Park, it would not shut off completely. The radio remained on, and the doors could not be locked. The only way to get the vehicle to shut off was to repeatedly shift from Drive to Park until it finally recognized Park. This occurred multiple times. After researching the problem, I discovered that many other GM owners have experienced the same "Shift to Park" failure. I believe this is a widespread defect that should be investigated because it can prevent a vehicle from shutting off properly, leave electrical accessories powered on, drain the battery, and prevent the vehicle from being secured when parked.
NHTSA complaint #11746961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mayfield, PA
ENGINE
Shortly after purchasing my 2019 GMC Acadia with approximately 52,000 miles, the vehicle displayed a "Steering Assist is Reduced. Drive with Care." warning message and illuminated the check engine light with diagnostic code P0128 00 (Engine Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature). I disconnected and reconnected the battery, after which both the warning message and check engine light disappeared. However, the engine coolant temperature gauge then began behaving erratically. On multiple cold starts, the gauge would immediately indicate that the engine was already at normal operating temperature even though the engine had been sitting long enough to be completely cold. This led to a diagnosis of a thermostat and/or engine coolant temperature sensor failure. After researching the issue, I found many other owners reporting the same thermostat and engine coolant temperature sensor failures. I believe this is a widespread defect that should be investigated because incorrect coolant temperature readings can prevent the driver from knowing the true engine temperature and may result in improper engine temperature regulation, overheating, and possible engine damage.
NHTSA complaint #11746957 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winslow, ME
POWER TRAIN
Problem 1: I got the car 2 years ago, and it keeps telling me to "Shift to Park" even though its in park. That's been happening for the whole time I've had it. It does throw a code for it on the scanner machine. I have to shift it back and forth sometimes 3 times and sometimes 17 times. It just keeps beeping over and over and won't shut off. I am having a mechanic look at it Tuesday but hoping it doesn't cost a lot. But no recalls on my car. Problem 2: For the last 4 months or so it keeps saying steering assist is reduced drive with car. It's being looked at Tuesday as well. I have 109K on my car, and got it at 86K.
NHTSA complaint #11746660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winslow, ME
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem 1: I got the car 2 years ago, and it keeps telling me to "Shift to Park" even though its in park. That's been happening for the whole time I've had it. It does throw a code for it on the scanner machine. I have to shift it back and forth sometimes 3 times and sometimes 17 times. It just keeps beeping over and over and won't shut off. I am having a mechanic look at it Tuesday but hoping it doesn't cost a lot. But no recalls on my car. Problem 2: For the last 4 months or so it keeps saying steering assist is reduced drive with car. It's being looked at Tuesday as well. I have 109K on my car, and got it at 86K.
NHTSA complaint #11746660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,757 milesStar Tannery, VA
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that upon parking and attempting to turn off the vehicle, the message “Action Required. Shift to Park” was displayed while the gear shifter was in park(P). The vehicle failed to turn off. The contact moved the gear shifter back and forth until the vehicle registered it was in park (P). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced a wiring harness and switch. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,757.
NHTSA complaint #11743465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.