Owners have filed 67 complaints
about the 2023 GMC Acadia with NHTSA between 2022 and 2026.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 8 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 — 9
Against the median year of the GMC Acadia. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 85
16.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
83% 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.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
738.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
527.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
527.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
15.6%
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 2022peak 7Aug 2026
Recalls on the 2023 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
23V681000
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
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.
Risk: A windshield that is not properly bonded may detach during a crash and increase the risk of injury.
23V172000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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.
Risk: A half-shaft disengaging from the transmission can result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
23V043000
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
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.
Risk: Separation between the half-shaft and transmission can result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
22V708000
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
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."
Risk: Illegible tire size information may result in the wrong tires being installed, increasing the risk of a crash.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20235495 units in Canada
Structure
Issue: On a small number of vehicles, the windshield may not be attached properly. As a result, the glass can become loose and could separate from the vehicle. Note: You may notice wind noise while driving or a water leak from the windshield. Safety Risk: A windshield that detaches in a crash could create an increased risk of injury. Additionally, a windshield that detaches from a moving vehicle could create a road hazard for others and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Action: General Motors will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect, and if necessary, remove and reinstall the windshield. If the windshield is damaged, it will be replaced.
Recall 2023142638 units in Canada
Powertrain
Issue: On certain vehicles, a problem inside the transmission could cause the left-front axle shaft to separate from the transmission. If this happens, there would be a loss of power to the wheels. This could also cause the vehicle to roll away while parked, if the parking brake isn't used. Note: This problem could cause a grinding or clicking noise from the front of the vehicle. Safety Risk: A loss of power to the wheels could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, a parked vehicle that moves unintentionally could create a risk of a crash or an injury. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the transmission sun gear.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 5,665 milesConvent Station, NJCrash
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that with the stop/start feature activated and while attempting to park the vehicle, the accelerator pedal was slightly pressed in order to slowly move the vehicle forward. The vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and drove forward, over a curb, and crashed into a tree. During the crash, the front end of the vehicle sustained severe damage, but no air bags deployed. No injuries were reported, and no police report was taken. The cause of the failure was not determined. The contact indicated the failure had occurred on multiple occasions. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 5,665.
NHTSA complaint #11720724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5,665 milesConvent Station, NJCrash
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that with the stop/start feature activated and while attempting to park the vehicle, the accelerator pedal was slightly pressed in order to slowly move the vehicle forward. The vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and drove forward, over a curb, and crashed into a tree. During the crash, the front end of the vehicle sustained severe damage, but no air bags deployed. No injuries were reported, and no police report was taken. The cause of the failure was not determined. The contact indicated the failure had occurred on multiple occasions. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 5,665.
NHTSA complaint #11720724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Landenberg, PA2 injured
SEAT BELTS
While driving under normal conditions, the vehicle experienced a sudden, violent deceleration. The emergency braking and collision avoidance systems activated spontaneously, as if the vehicle had struck or was about to strike an object. There was no obstacle, impact, or external threat present. This uncommanded braking caused significant physical stress and injury to the occupants. Critically, multiple safety systems failed during the event: The seat belts did not lock, failing to restrain the occupants; The airbags did not deploy, despite the severity of the deceleration; no warning indicators or diagnostic alerts were present before or after the incident. These failures directly contributed to physical injuries, including TBI (concussion, spinal trauma, etc.) which required emergency medical treatment and ongoing care.
NHTSA complaint #11681063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Landenberg, PA2 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
While driving under normal conditions, the vehicle experienced a sudden, violent deceleration. The emergency braking and collision avoidance systems activated spontaneously, as if the vehicle had struck or was about to strike an object. There was no obstacle, impact, or external threat present. This uncommanded braking caused significant physical stress and injury to the occupants. Critically, multiple safety systems failed during the event: The seat belts did not lock, failing to restrain the occupants; The airbags did not deploy, despite the severity of the deceleration; no warning indicators or diagnostic alerts were present before or after the incident. These failures directly contributed to physical injuries, including TBI (concussion, spinal trauma, etc.) which required emergency medical treatment and ongoing care.
NHTSA complaint #11681063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving under normal conditions, the vehicle experienced a sudden, violent deceleration. The emergency braking and collision avoidance systems activated spontaneously, as if the vehicle had struck or was about to strike an object. There was no obstacle, impact, or external threat present. This uncommanded braking caused significant physical stress and injury to the occupants. Critically, multiple safety systems failed during the event: The seat belts did not lock, failing to restrain the occupants; The airbags did not deploy, despite the severity of the deceleration; no warning indicators or diagnostic alerts were present before or after the incident. These failures directly contributed to physical injuries, including TBI (concussion, spinal trauma, etc.) which required emergency medical treatment and ongoing care.
NHTSA complaint #11681063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Montrose, IACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
Struck a deer traveling at 65 mph & air bags did not deploy
NHTSA complaint #11608274 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
West Warwick, RI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The rear stationary/fixed sunroof glass spontaneously shattered while i was driving. I heard a loud pop, after i parked i checked the car to see what happened and found a shattered sunroof. There was no impact or known object that struck the glass.
NHTSA complaint #11756784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,000 milesJackson, MS
SEAT BELTS
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that after further inspection, the contact became aware that the second-row middle seat belt buckle failed to latch securely into the seat belt buckle and failed to remain securely locked. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
NHTSA complaint #11755449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New Lenox, IL
POWER TRAIN
I find the location of the lower gear shifters + and - to be physically far away from a driver's normal reach, making a driving hazard. If you want to change gears as is typical in mountain driving in steep descents, the driver has to lean awkwardly away from all mirrors and standard driving position making it a potentially hazardous situation for the driver and occupants to be in. It has nothing to do with comfort, but rather normal functionality, keeping the driver and their attention unadjusted on the road, all surroundings with minimal, if any changes to their physical posture while in the drivers seat. The location of the gear shifters are in a totally unorthodox location, nearer to the passenger, rather than the driver.
NHTSA complaint #11753346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New Lenox, IL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I find the location of the lower gear shifters + and - to be physically far away from a driver's normal reach, making a driving hazard. If you want to change gears as is typical in mountain driving in steep descents, the driver has to lean awkwardly away from all mirrors and standard driving position making it a potentially hazardous situation for the driver and occupants to be in. It has nothing to do with comfort, but rather normal functionality, keeping the driver and their attention unadjusted on the road, all surroundings with minimal, if any changes to their physical posture while in the drivers seat. The location of the gear shifters are in a totally unorthodox location, nearer to the passenger, rather than the driver.
NHTSA complaint #11753346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesGrodonville, TX
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle lost motive power in low gears while accelerating. There was a slight shudder. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was shuddering and shaking every 30 seconds. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where unknown repairs were conducted under the EVAP warranty. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired for the initial failure. The dealer test drove the vehicle but did not experience a failure. The failure recurred after leaving the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
NHTSA complaint #11739034 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Leroy, MI
POWER TRAIN
Vehicle would not run due to a failed fuel pump control module. With a non-running engine, the transmission could NOT be placed into Neutral to be able to movie vehicle out of the road. Needed tow truck to move vehicle. This condition placed many people at risk as the vehicle could not be moved out of the way until a tow truck arrived.
NHTSA complaint #11728726 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Leroy, MI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle would not run due to a failed fuel pump control module. With a non-running engine, the transmission could NOT be placed into Neutral to be able to movie vehicle out of the road. Needed tow truck to move vehicle. This condition placed many people at risk as the vehicle could not be moved out of the way until a tow truck arrived.
NHTSA complaint #11728726 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Leroy, MI
ENGINE
Vehicle would not run due to a failed fuel pump control module. With a non-running engine, the transmission could NOT be placed into Neutral to be able to movie vehicle out of the road. Needed tow truck to move vehicle. This condition placed many people at risk as the vehicle could not be moved out of the way until a tow truck arrived.
NHTSA complaint #11728726 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 24,749 milesPalm Harbor, FL
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, and the engine lost automotive power. The vehicle was able to restart. During a second failure, the vehicle lost automotive power and stalled in the middle of the highway, and the vehicle was unable to restart. An alert message was sent by OnStar reporting a transmission or engine failure and advised that the vehicle needed immediate service. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a fuel pump module failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 24,749
NHTSA complaint #11728307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, and the engine lost automotive power. The vehicle was able to restart. During a second failure, the vehicle lost automotive power and stalled in the middle of the highway, and the vehicle was unable to restart. An alert message was sent by OnStar reporting a transmission or engine failure and advised that the vehicle needed immediate service. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a fuel pump module failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 24,749
NHTSA complaint #11728307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salem, OR
VISIBILITY/WIPER
I was driving on the highway, and the sunroof was closed and the cloth screen that would allow or not allow sun to come through was also closed. Then out of nowhere there was this explosion sound which scared me so much, I almost wrecked the car and at first, I thought maybe someone shot at my car and shot one of my windows but as I got to the side of the road I realized that none of my windows in the car had been shot and that it was the sunroof and I noticed that cause pieces of glass came into the car from the sides of the cloth barrier. This happened so fast and was so loud that it almost caused me to hit the other car in the lane to the left of me on the highway. Thank goodness I was able to react fast and pull the car back into my lane. I contacted the dealership and they indicated that they had not heard about this before and that I would need to talk with the service department but that it is closed now and not something that would typically fall under warranty. I did check online and see that this is a known issue for this vehicle so I don't understand why it would not be fixed cause it is going to hurt someone at some point. I am trying to get someone to look at it to get it fixed. There was no warning of anything. It just exploded all of the sudden and glass was all over.
NHTSA complaint #11727817 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlton, MA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Infotainment system freezing, screen shaking, touch screen not working, disconnecting from android auto, unable to connect to phone.
NHTSA complaint #11726886 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlton, MA
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Infotainment system freezing, screen shaking, touch screen not working, disconnecting from android auto, unable to connect to phone.
NHTSA complaint #11726886 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlton, MA
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
Infotainment system freezing, screen shaking, touch screen not working, disconnecting from android auto, unable to connect to phone.
NHTSA complaint #11726886 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pierre, SD
POWER TRAIN
My 2023 GMC Acadia consistently makes a sound at lower speeds when it is changing gears. For example, accelerating or accelerating for stoplights. The sound is kind of a ka clunk. The technician can find nothing and does hear the sound when we go for a test ride. I am worried that the sound indicates a transmission problem. The VIN search does not show a recall for my vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11721182 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pierre, SD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2023 GMC Acadia consistently makes a sound at lower speeds when it is changing gears. For example, accelerating or accelerating for stoplights. The sound is kind of a ka clunk. The technician can find nothing and does hear the sound when we go for a test ride. I am worried that the sound indicates a transmission problem. The VIN search does not show a recall for my vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11721182 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5,665 milesConvent Station, NJCrash
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that with the stop/start feature activated and while attempting to park the vehicle, the accelerator pedal was slightly pressed in order to slowly move the vehicle forward. The vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and drove forward, over a curb, and crashed into a tree. During the crash, the front end of the vehicle sustained severe damage, but no air bags deployed. No injuries were reported, and no police report was taken. The cause of the failure was not determined. The contact indicated the failure had occurred on multiple occasions. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 5,665.
NHTSA complaint #11720724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5,665 milesConvent Station, NJCrash
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that with the stop/start feature activated and while attempting to park the vehicle, the accelerator pedal was slightly pressed in order to slowly move the vehicle forward. The vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and drove forward, over a curb, and crashed into a tree. During the crash, the front end of the vehicle sustained severe damage, but no air bags deployed. No injuries were reported, and no police report was taken. The cause of the failure was not determined. The contact indicated the failure had occurred on multiple occasions. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 5,665.
NHTSA complaint #11720724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mccoll, SC
STEERING
Temperature gauge dropped to zero or no reading, message displayed on screen "Steering Assist Reduced, Drive with Care", continued to drive speed limit, when parked fan runs after car is shut off, in a few days the temperature gauge started working again, then the cycle repeats about once every 2 weeks for a couple months before engine light came on last week & when checked at a local parts place was told temperature sensor malfunction. Read multiple accounts of this same issue online
NHTSA complaint #11719045 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mccoll, SC
ENGINE
Temperature gauge dropped to zero or no reading, message displayed on screen "Steering Assist Reduced, Drive with Care", continued to drive speed limit, when parked fan runs after car is shut off, in a few days the temperature gauge started working again, then the cycle repeats about once every 2 weeks for a couple months before engine light came on last week & when checked at a local parts place was told temperature sensor malfunction. Read multiple accounts of this same issue online
NHTSA complaint #11719045 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lumberton, NC
ENGINE
From the day that I’ve gotten this vehicle it has been burning oil and water like crazy. There is no reason I should be putting a quart of oil every couple weeks
NHTSA complaint #11716606 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Park City, UT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TELEMATIC CONTROL MODULE WENT OUT. ON RESEARCH, IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND THERE IS NO FIX BECAUSE THE MODULE IS BACK ORDERED. NO TIME GIVEN FOR WHEN AVAILABLE. WE WOULD LIKE TO ADD OUR NAME TO SEE IF IT CAN BE INCLUDED IN A RECALL. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11711729 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mclemoresville, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 2023 GMC Acadia experienced a complete electrical system failure while driving on an interstate highway. During the incident, the vehicle lost all electrical power, including hazard lights and steering assistance, and could not be shifted into neutral. The vehicle became immobile in active traffic and required police-ordered towing due to safety risk. This incident was the second alternator failure within six months. The second failure involved a GM-installed replacement alternator that failed prematurely. Both incidents required towing, and the second created a significant roadway safety hazard.
NHTSA complaint #11706360 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,101 milesFarmville, VA
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken for maintenance, and the tech informed the dealer that the passenger’s side rear suspension toe link needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who confirmed that the passenger’s side rear toe link needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that no warning lights were illuminated. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to Manufacturer's recall number: N222364330; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 42,101.
NHTSA complaint #11693647 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Landenberg, PA2 injured
SEAT BELTS
While driving under normal conditions, the vehicle experienced a sudden, violent deceleration. The emergency braking and collision avoidance systems activated spontaneously, as if the vehicle had struck or was about to strike an object. There was no obstacle, impact, or external threat present. This uncommanded braking caused significant physical stress and injury to the occupants. Critically, multiple safety systems failed during the event: The seat belts did not lock, failing to restrain the occupants; The airbags did not deploy, despite the severity of the deceleration; no warning indicators or diagnostic alerts were present before or after the incident. These failures directly contributed to physical injuries, including TBI (concussion, spinal trauma, etc.) which required emergency medical treatment and ongoing care.
NHTSA complaint #11681063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.