FaultScore report

2021 GMC Acadia problems

Owners have filed 219 complaints about the 2021 GMC Acadia with NHTSA between 2020 and 2026. The largest single group is the electrical system. Across this model's run it ranks 9 of 20 worst.

C

48/100

CleanWorst

Measured against the other years of the GMC Acadia, never against another car.

How this is worked out

The numbers

219

Complaints

14

Crashes reported

0

Fires reported

6

Injuries reported

27,792 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

63%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

NHTSA overall crash rating

From the agency's own crash tests

3

Safety recalls

2 US, 1 Canadian

What kind of bad

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.

Complaint volume 28 vs 50 Severity 47 vs 50 Early failure 100 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 28
Against the median year of the GMC Acadia. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 47
9.1% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 100
63% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2021 compares with every other GMC Acadia

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2021 GMC Acadia

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 4,800 mi

Engine & Cooling 32 14.6%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 36,970 mi

Median failure at 41,485 miles

1 crashes, 0 fires

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 21,350 mi

Brakes 19 8.7%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 26,000 mi

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 4,063 mi

Steering 16 7.3%

Median failure at 27,792 miles

Airbags 9 4.1%

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 8,100 mi

Acceleration & Cruise Control 7 3.2%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 15,146 mi

Suspension 3 1.4%

Median failure at 27,100 miles

Seat Belts 2 0.9%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 2 0.9%
Body & Structure 2 0.9%

Median failure at 15,000 miles

Equipment & Accessories 1 0.5%

Median failure at 107,000 miles

Doors, Latches & Locks 1 0.5%

Median failure at 37,000 miles

Tires 1 0.5%
Lights 1 0.5%

Exactly what failed

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.

Automatic Emergency Braking 6 28.6%
Rearview System Braking 4 19.0%
Warnings 3 14.3%
Accelerator Pedal 3 14.3%
Warning 2 9.5%
Crank/Camshaft Position Sensor 1 4.8%
Camera 1 4.8%
Assist 1 4.8%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 5 15.6%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 4 12.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 4 12.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 15 46.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 2 6.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 1 3.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 1 3.1%

NHTSA crash tests

The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own photographs and star ratings.

Frontal crash test of a 2021 GMC Acadia SUV AWD

Frontal crash test

Side barrier crash test of a 2021 GMC Acadia SUV AWD

Side barrier crash test

Side pole crash test of a 2021 GMC Acadia SUV AWD

Side pole crash test

Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration Overall Front Side Rollover
2021 GMC Acadia SUV AWD
15.1% risk
2021 GMC Acadia SUV FWD
16.4% risk

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 2020 peak 22 Sep 2026

NHTSA investigations into the 2021 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.

PE22006 Opened 22 Jul 2022 Closed 21 Nov 2022 BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Rear-View Camera Failure

On July 22, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE22-006) to assess alleged failures of the rear-view camera (RVC) in Model Year (MY) 2020-2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The complaints report that the screen for the RVC is black, sometimes with a red triangle and a circle with a line through it. To date, ODI has received a total of 18 complaints and several EWR Field Reports with allegations of the RVC image failing to display when the vehicle is in reverse. The reports have been received over the past 28 months with most occurring...

Recalls on the 2021 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

22V709000

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

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.

Risk: An inoperative rearview camera can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

21V422000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

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.

Risk: Improperly attached and seated fuel supply lines may loosen or separate, causing a fuel leak and increasing the risk of a fire.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2022536 6,684 units in Canada

Visual System

Issue: On certain vehicles, the connectors on the cables for the rearview camera may not be attached properly. As a result, the rearview camera image may not display when the transmission is shifted into reverse gear. Note: This recall only affects vehicles equipped with the optional Surround Vision feature. Safety Risk: A rearview camera image that does not display could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the coaxial cables for the rearview camera.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Port Clinton, OH Crash

AIR BAGS

On 9/08/2026 I was driving and almost got a wreck but I was able to get out and was going less the 25 and lost control of the vehicle and barely hit the curb and the two air bags went off and I was sent to the hospital

NHTSA complaint #11763308 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Chicago, IL Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

I was traveling in my 2021 gmc Acadia in which I have had numerous issues with is the almost 4 years I have owned it. The back up camera 2 weeks after purchase it went out in June of 2021. After that The vehicle In October of 2021 I get in the vehicle on rainy day. Infotainment systems reads error with the SD card that Issue progressed I called dealer finally I get service appointment after strike and my vehicle sits at Roger’s Pontiac GMC 2660 Michigan Ave Chicago IL 60616 for 10 hours now I placed thread around the crowl and by knob. Car was not touched I was told it was a internal issue and that the GM Engineers would need to replace the infotainment system They looked at it again In November of 2022 No closer to finding a problem I called Gmc Because by now My Temperature coolant sensor was working then not working car would say reduced parking assist and then if hot Air conditioning wouldn’t work I Called GMC offices filed numerous complaints. They called the service manager no one would take calls nothing would get done. So [XXX]I’m Driving down [XXX] heading east a big Truck flys off of [XXX] slams into side of my SUV Destroys every panel on passengers side of vehicle The Acadia mine with all the curtain air bags in the a pillar in ceiling on the front and back seats on top Side and bottom side not one deploys not even on the A pillar where rear passengers door is ripped off. I was knocked out if anyone was in them 2 seats like my 2 kids that are always with me [XXX] they could have been killed no safety bags deployed? I basically begged for auto to be repaired of electrical issues when only 2000 miles on it with 900 miles on it GMC I called every week for almost 2 years no help now this! I was injured have not much memory of accident. This auto needs be taken off road I deserve like I asked for when new same car just without issues I could have been killed but no one cared. Now look no air bag INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11647636 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Chicago, IL Crash 1 injured

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I was traveling in my 2021 gmc Acadia in which I have had numerous issues with is the almost 4 years I have owned it. The back up camera 2 weeks after purchase it went out in June of 2021. After that The vehicle In October of 2021 I get in the vehicle on rainy day. Infotainment systems reads error with the SD card that Issue progressed I called dealer finally I get service appointment after strike and my vehicle sits at Roger’s Pontiac GMC 2660 Michigan Ave Chicago IL 60616 for 10 hours now I placed thread around the crowl and by knob. Car was not touched I was told it was a internal issue and that the GM Engineers would need to replace the infotainment system They looked at it again In November of 2022 No closer to finding a problem I called Gmc Because by now My Temperature coolant sensor was working then not working car would say reduced parking assist and then if hot Air conditioning wouldn’t work I Called GMC offices filed numerous complaints. They called the service manager no one would take calls nothing would get done. So [XXX]I’m Driving down [XXX] heading east a big Truck flys off of [XXX] slams into side of my SUV Destroys every panel on passengers side of vehicle The Acadia mine with all the curtain air bags in the a pillar in ceiling on the front and back seats on top Side and bottom side not one deploys not even on the A pillar where rear passengers door is ripped off. I was knocked out if anyone was in them 2 seats like my 2 kids that are always with me [XXX] they could have been killed no safety bags deployed? I basically begged for auto to be repaired of electrical issues when only 2000 miles on it with 900 miles on it GMC I called every week for almost 2 years no help now this! I was injured have not much memory of accident. This auto needs be taken off road I deserve like I asked for when new same car just without issues I could have been killed but no one cared. Now look no air bag INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11647636 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Chicago, IL Crash 1 injured

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I was traveling in my 2021 gmc Acadia in which I have had numerous issues with is the almost 4 years I have owned it. The back up camera 2 weeks after purchase it went out in June of 2021. After that The vehicle In October of 2021 I get in the vehicle on rainy day. Infotainment systems reads error with the SD card that Issue progressed I called dealer finally I get service appointment after strike and my vehicle sits at Roger’s Pontiac GMC 2660 Michigan Ave Chicago IL 60616 for 10 hours now I placed thread around the crowl and by knob. Car was not touched I was told it was a internal issue and that the GM Engineers would need to replace the infotainment system They looked at it again In November of 2022 No closer to finding a problem I called Gmc Because by now My Temperature coolant sensor was working then not working car would say reduced parking assist and then if hot Air conditioning wouldn’t work I Called GMC offices filed numerous complaints. They called the service manager no one would take calls nothing would get done. So [XXX]I’m Driving down [XXX] heading east a big Truck flys off of [XXX] slams into side of my SUV Destroys every panel on passengers side of vehicle The Acadia mine with all the curtain air bags in the a pillar in ceiling on the front and back seats on top Side and bottom side not one deploys not even on the A pillar where rear passengers door is ripped off. I was knocked out if anyone was in them 2 seats like my 2 kids that are always with me [XXX] they could have been killed no safety bags deployed? I basically begged for auto to be repaired of electrical issues when only 2000 miles on it with 900 miles on it GMC I called every week for almost 2 years no help now this! I was injured have not much memory of accident. This auto needs be taken off road I deserve like I asked for when new same car just without issues I could have been killed but no one cared. Now look no air bag INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11647636 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Brooklyn, NY Crash

POWER TRAIN

While driving vehicle stalled multiple times in the middle of the road, with service transmission and engine light coming on, causing unsafe conditions, causing accident and leaving passengers stranded. Battery being drained and needing to be replaced multiple times within 2 years. Vehicle stopping and shutting off on the highway causing dangerous driving conditions!! Radio and lights flickering, with radio freezing and shutting off. Electrical system not working properly and overheating!

NHTSA complaint #11630080 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Brooklyn, NY Crash

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

While driving vehicle stalled multiple times in the middle of the road, with service transmission and engine light coming on, causing unsafe conditions, causing accident and leaving passengers stranded. Battery being drained and needing to be replaced multiple times within 2 years. Vehicle stopping and shutting off on the highway causing dangerous driving conditions!! Radio and lights flickering, with radio freezing and shutting off. Electrical system not working properly and overheating!

NHTSA complaint #11630080 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Beaverdale, PA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

While driving home from work the car displayed a "No Fuel" warning, despite having a full tank of gas. Within seconds of the display showing the car stalled out and stopped right in the middle of the road. It would not go into neutral and I had to be towed from the middle of the road to a mechanic close by. Upon reading forums online it looks like this is a known and common issue affecting the fuel pump sensor and system in these models. There are no open recalls but being this is known and happens so often I am shocked GMC has not taken ownership to recall and correct this issue. If I had not been on a slower road I could have gotten into an accident and, as I said, the car would not go in neutral so I couldn't even safely get off the road.

NHTSA complaint #11764031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Beaverdale, PA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

While driving home from work the car displayed a "No Fuel" warning, despite having a full tank of gas. Within seconds of the display showing the car stalled out and stopped right in the middle of the road. It would not go into neutral and I had to be towed from the middle of the road to a mechanic close by. Upon reading forums online it looks like this is a known and common issue affecting the fuel pump sensor and system in these models. There are no open recalls but being this is known and happens so often I am shocked GMC has not taken ownership to recall and correct this issue. If I had not been on a slower road I could have gotten into an accident and, as I said, the car would not go in neutral so I couldn't even safely get off the road.

NHTSA complaint #11764031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Port Clinton, OH Crash

AIR BAGS

On 9/08/2026 I was driving and almost got a wreck but I was able to get out and was going less the 25 and lost control of the vehicle and barely hit the curb and the two air bags went off and I was sent to the hospital

NHTSA complaint #11763308 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Nacogdoches, TX

SERVICE BRAKES

While driving the brake vacuum pump exploded leading to catastrophic brake failure. My husband was driving and was able to stand on the brakes to get the car to stop, but had i been driving, I am not strong enough to have stopped the car. I have 3 children with my youngest being 1. If this had happened with me and my kids, we could have had a major wreck and/or DIED! GM is aware of the brake vacuum pump issues but does not have a recall on the part. The braske assist light did not come on the dash until brakes were lost.

NHTSA complaint #11759335 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Saint Clair Shores, MI

STEERING

No incident but steering assisted reduced could cause an issue. Also the fix is to reset the computer by detaching the negative pole on the battery. This could be an issue due to the heat in the car someone could get burned.

NHTSA complaint #11754182 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Muncie, IN

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I have seen numerous complaints for this same issue. My 2021 Acadia with 31,600 miles failed to start when parked in garage. It turned over just fine but wouldn't fire as if it wasn't getting any fuel. I had it towed to my regular mechanic. He troubleshot it and told me it was the "Fuel Pump Power Control Module". He said he could replace it but it would have to be programmed by a GM dealer as he didn't have the equipment to do that. So I had it towed to the local GMC dealer. Two tow bills equal $360. There is a recall for this issue. It is called "Emission Recall N252516900, Fuel Pump Power Control Module". part number 13554820 I have yet to receive a recall notice. I have seen mentioned in several of the other complaints that I have read that many of the service employees say that this has been an ongoing issue for several of the GM vehicles. Hopefully I will get a recall notice soon and be able to get reimbursed for the cost of the repair.

NHTSA complaint #11751305 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Green Lake, WI

SERVICE BRAKES

My brake pedal got stiff when I was driving. I had zero control of my brakes. I was informed by a GMC dealership that my BRAKE BOOSTER blew up causing my brakes to stop working and metal shrapnel to be sent into my engine. My 2021 vehicle is a complete loss. GMC has done NOTHING to help me.

NHTSA complaint #11746671 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 42,200 miles Coldwater, MI

SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was unintendedly drifting to the right. The vehicle was taken to Dally Tire Company, where it was diagnosed with rear links failure and misalignment. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The dealer scheduled an appointment and provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 42,200.

NHTSA complaint #11745670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Green Lake, WI

SERVICE BRAKES

I was driving and all of a sudden my break pedal was inoperable. It was stiff and unable to be used. Luckily I was only going 40 MPH. I pulled into a parking lot and my car started shaking and apparently the metal parts from the vacuum pump blew into my engine, which completely wrecked my engine. I nearly could have died and now my 2021 car is completely destroyed.

NHTSA complaint #11743108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

West Bath, ME

STEERING

Display suddenly says "Steering assistance reduced, drive with care" Temp gauge goes to C and stays there. Radiator fans speed up and stay on after the car has been turned off. Dealer unable to find a diagnostic code for the problem.

NHTSA complaint #11741035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

West Bath, ME

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Display suddenly says "Steering assistance reduced, drive with care" Temp gauge goes to C and stays there. Radiator fans speed up and stay on after the car has been turned off. Dealer unable to find a diagnostic code for the problem.

NHTSA complaint #11741035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

West Bath, ME

ENGINE

Display suddenly says "Steering assistance reduced, drive with care" Temp gauge goes to C and stays there. Radiator fans speed up and stay on after the car has been turned off. Dealer unable to find a diagnostic code for the problem.

NHTSA complaint #11741035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Luxemburg, WI

STEERING

My thermostat failed in my car, my temp goes out and reads at 0° then my steering assist says it’s reduced. There are many forums online regarding this issue.

NHTSA complaint #11740094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Luxemburg, WI

LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING

My thermostat failed in my car, my temp goes out and reads at 0° then my steering assist says it’s reduced. There are many forums online regarding this issue.

NHTSA complaint #11740094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

North East, MD

POWER TRAIN

This is a very known issue that has been reoccurring with GMC Acadia. The torque converter slipping. That cost alone is over $7.000 for the transmission. I am still making monthly payments for my 2021 Acadia. With rising cost above the board GMC could have resolved this issue before releasing this vehicle to the public for purchase. Only had this vehicle for 2 years and already a new transmission is needed. Other individuals i personally know have the same issue. From my research GMC is aware and fails to do a recall on this issue.

NHTSA complaint #11737300 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

North East, MD

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This is a very known issue that has been reoccurring with GMC Acadia. The torque converter slipping. That cost alone is over $7.000 for the transmission. I am still making monthly payments for my 2021 Acadia. With rising cost above the board GMC could have resolved this issue before releasing this vehicle to the public for purchase. Only had this vehicle for 2 years and already a new transmission is needed. Other individuals i personally know have the same issue. From my research GMC is aware and fails to do a recall on this issue.

NHTSA complaint #11737300 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Flint, MI

ENGINE

I am submitting this complaint regarding ongoing mechanical and electrical issues with my 2021 GMC ACADIA that have been occurring intermittently for approximately the past year and a half. The primary issues involve the coolant temperature sensor, thermostat system, engine cooling fan, and dashboard warning messages. The vehicle repeatedly experiences problems related to the coolant temperature sensor and thermostat. During these episodes, the engine cooling fan continues running even after the vehicle has been turned off, sometimes for an extended period of time. In addition, the dashboard frequently displays the warning message: “Steering Assist is Reduced – Drive With Care.” These warning messages and symptoms occur off and on without consistent resolution. The vehicle has already undergone repairs, including replacement of the radiator, yet the problems continue to return. Despite previous service attempts, the underlying issue has not been permanently corrected. The recurring nature of these problems raises concerns about the reliability, safety, and dependability of the vehicle, especially considering the steering assist warning and possible overheating or electrical system concerns connected to the cooling system malfunction. The repeated failures have caused significant inconvenience, concern for safe operation of the vehicle, loss of confidence in the vehicle’s reliability, and ongoing disruption due to repeated repair needs. I am requesting a thorough diagnosis and permanent repair of the coolant temperature sensor, thermostat, cooling fan system, and any related electrical or control module issues contributing to these recurring problems.

NHTSA complaint #11736741 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Yukon, OK

ENGINE

Bought the acadia in june of 2021, in december of 2022 had to have the radiator replaced due to it leaking. This was found on routine maintenance and was not having any issues whatsoever. I received no alerts on my dash such as a check engine light. Fast Forward to March 2026, I received a message of "steering assist reduced. drive with care." The engine seemed like it was still running despite the car being off. This was happening intermittently and definitely not every time I drove. I made an appointment for the regular oil change and to have this message investigated. Initially they told me it was the temperature regulator, however, they put a new regulator on and tried to re-pressurize the system. The system failed to re-pressurize due to the radiator leaking AGAIN. Of course, there was a 2 year warranty on the radiator after it was replaced initially and now we are about a 1.5 years outside the warranty.

NHTSA complaint #11736208 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Stoneham, MA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The camera system has failed. The screen is black and there is an exclamation point and a camera on the screen.

NHTSA complaint #11735258 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Stoneham, MA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The camera system has failed. The screen is black and there is an exclamation point and a camera on the screen.

NHTSA complaint #11735258 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

League City, TX

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Rear view camera won’t display when out in reverse. Also, when the camera does come on, it’ll flicker off and on

NHTSA complaint #11730224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sunrise, FL

SERVICE BRAKES

On March 27, 2026, I experienced a complete brake failure while driving a 2021 GMC Acadia in a school zone at approximately 3:00 PM. When I pressed the brake pedal, the vehicle did not respond. I attempted multiple times, including using the emergency brake, which did not activate immediately. The vehicle remained in motion for several minutes in an area with children and parents present. The emergency brake only engaged after approximately 30–45 seconds of repeated attempts. I was forced to steer off the road to avoid a collision. The vehicle had been inspected at a GM dealership on March 16, 2026, just eleven days prior, where the brake system was evaluated and no issues were identified. After the incident, the dealership diagnosed a leaking vacuum pump, which is a component that supports the brake booster system. This failure occurred without warning and created a dangerous situation. I am concerned this may indicate a broader safety defect.

NHTSA complaint #11728151 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sunrise, FL

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

On March 27, 2026, I experienced a complete brake failure while driving a 2021 GMC Acadia in a school zone at approximately 3:00 PM. When I pressed the brake pedal, the vehicle did not respond. I attempted multiple times, including using the emergency brake, which did not activate immediately. The vehicle remained in motion for several minutes in an area with children and parents present. The emergency brake only engaged after approximately 30–45 seconds of repeated attempts. I was forced to steer off the road to avoid a collision. The vehicle had been inspected at a GM dealership on March 16, 2026, just eleven days prior, where the brake system was evaluated and no issues were identified. After the incident, the dealership diagnosed a leaking vacuum pump, which is a component that supports the brake booster system. This failure occurred without warning and created a dangerous situation. I am concerned this may indicate a broader safety defect.

NHTSA complaint #11728151 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 69,000 miles Sayreville, NJ

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the coolant fan was running after the engine was turned off. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone to be diagnosed due to the check engine warning light being illuminated. The contact was informed that DTC: P1098; was retrieved, which indicated a fault with the coolant control valve. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was confirmed that the coolant control valve had failed. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The contact related the failure to the Manufacturer Recall Number: N252508341. However, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.

NHTSA complaint #11725820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Margate, FL

STEERING

My vehicle’s steering became dangerously stiff while driving on the highway, nearly causing my wife to be involved in a serious accident. While she was traveling on I-95 in Miami, Florida, the steering suddenly got so hard that she could barely control the vehicle and was unable to turn the wheel properly. This created an extremely dangerous situation and put her life, as well as the lives of others on the road, at risk. She was thankfully able to get off the highway, and I had to come take over the vehicle to make sure she got home safely. This was terrifying and completely unacceptable. A failure like this should never happen while a vehicle is in motion. When I took the vehicle to the dealership, I was told I would have to pay over $3,500 for the repair. That is outrageous for such a serious safety issue. I also found information online showing recalls for similar steering problems in GMC Yukons, yet GMC Arcadias do not appear to be included. That is deeply concerning, especially since this same dangerous defect is clearly affecting my vehicle. This issue could have caused a major crash, severe injuries, or even death. GMC needs to take responsibility for this problem instead of forcing customers to pay thousands of dollars for a dangerous defect that should be addressed as a safety recall.

NHTSA complaint #11722994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.