Owners have filed 107 complaints
about the 2025 GMC Acadia with NHTSA between 2025 and 2026.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 20 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 — 14
Against the median year of the GMC Acadia. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 10
1.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
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
1441.2%
Warnings
926.5%
Adaptive Cruise Control
514.7%
Assist
25.9%
Rearview System Braking
12.9%
Dashboard
12.9%
Body
12.9%
Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
12.9%
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.
Mar 2025peak 22Aug 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2025 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.
1
investigation is
still open.
EA26006Opened 21 Aug 2026Still openSERVICE BRAKES
Electronic Brake Module Component Failure
On April 11, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE24011 after receiving complaints concerning a loss of brake assist in 2023 MY Cadillac Lyriq vehicles. These complaints allege a hard brake pedal, followed by a “Brake System Failure” message at start up or while driving. GM shared records regarding several internal investigations for loss of brake assist due to alleged spindle fractures in the eBoost system. GM has stated that in the event of a spindle fracture, anti-lock brakes (ABS), stability control, and traction control remain functional until th...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Atwater, CACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
We filled a report on 04/04/2026 with NHTSA at 12:16 pm but can't find a copy of the whole report. My husband John Chandler was driving our 2025 GMC Avadia Elevation. He was backing out of a parking place when he noticed it wouldn't stop while putting his foot on the break. He was able to put it into drive and it lundged forward and wouldn't stop. He kept pushing with both feet on the break and wouldn't stop. I tried pushing the start button to stop but because his feet were on the break it would restart so then pushed the park button and it stopped as we hit the building. The air bags did not depoy so not going that fast. I pushed the button for 911 and they came on to assist and call police. They asked if everyone was al right and other questions. Lucky no one was hurt and thank God for that. Tow truck was called and taken to local tow yard. The 2025 Acadia was transported to the repair shop but has not been inspected by the insurance company or GMC yet. After repairs are complete it will be taken to the local GMC dealer Ron Smith in Merced, CA for inspection. We did not notice andy warning messages prior to the accident.
NHTSA complaint #11733581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lynn Haven, FL1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I got into my car to leave, I placed my phone on the wireless charging pad. When I got to my location about 10 minutes later, I grabbed my phone and went to put the wrist band attached to my phone around my wrist. The wrist band is a metal chain and it burned me on the side of my wrist and top of hand. I took the wrist band off as fast as I could, then touched it with my fingers to make sure that is where the sting was coming form, and it was. The passenger in the car also confirmed that the wrist band was dangerously hot. I took pictures of the burn marks it left on my wrist and hand.
NHTSA complaint #11731438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Eufaula, AL
SERVICE BRAKES
I was driving my 2025 GMC Acadia Denali on [XXX] with cruise on. Suddenly sound and banner notifications were telling me that I had no brakes. I immediately hit brake to break cruise and vehicle went faster. I managed to get cruise off from steering wheel. Put flashers on and took foot completely off gas. I was very fortunate that I didn’t hit someone or that no one hit me. After about 2 miles, I was able to pull in an empty church parking lot and get stopped. After getting stopped I was 2.4 miles from [XXX]. I was towed to GMC dealership in Montgomery, AL and diagnosed with defective master cylinder and no brakes. Very concerned because GMC has not issued a recall because the master cylinder failure has occurred many times before. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11758810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Birmingham, AL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Since delivery, my 2025 GMC Acadia AT4 has had severe wind noise from the driver's side window at highway speeds. The noise sounds like fingernails on a chalkboard and at times as though the window may shatter. I have taken it to the dealership 4 times with no resolution. I provided video clearly capturing the noise and was still told they could not hear it. I have confirmed the dealer road tests the vehicle in morning traffic at low speeds — where the noise cannot occur. It only happens at highway speeds. Their "cannot duplicate" finding is the result of inadequate testing, not the absence of a defect. After sitting for approximately 7 days, condensation builds up inside the cabin, indicating the driver's side window seal is improperly installed. I reported this to the dealer as well with no fix. After 4 visits, dismissed video evidence, and improper test procedures, the defect remains unrepaired. I request NHTSA investigate this as a potential widespread issue on 2025 GMC Acadia vehicles.
NHTSA complaint #11755203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alamosa, CO
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Our onstar module has stopped working since last November after a software update and now issues are starting to cascade causing many other electrical issues to the point that I expect the car to leave my wife and 15 month old daughter stranded. Ours and many other vehicles are having this issue and when any question is asked to gm no response is given or we’re just told to keep waiting.
NHTSA complaint #11753902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2025 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving uphill at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated, jerked, and stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where a computer reprogramming was performed; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 65 MPH and merging into the left lane, the automatic emergency braking system erroneously engaged and the vehicle hard-braked, nearly causing a rear-end crash. The contact immediately depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle accelerated as intended. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent and had occurred approximately six times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the cause of the failure could not be determined; however, the dealer advised the contact that the failure might be related to the camera system. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000.
NHTSA complaint #11752622 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Big Spring, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
Today, June 11, 2026, my wife and 9 month old baby were on their way home from running errands in town when the vehicle started to violently shake, becoming frightened my wife tried to apply pressure to the brakes. When she pushed down on the brake pedal nothing happened and the pedal hit the floor. Our brand new 2025 GMC Acadia AT4 had just suffered catastrophic brake failure. So she pulled off onto the side of the road in hopes the uneven terrain would slow her down just enough to put it into park. Luckily enough it did. If it would have been 10 seconds later she would have been on a one way bridge where the speed limit is 60mph with no brakes. Four days prior to today on June 07, 2026 I sent a message to the individual that I bought the car from at the GMC dealership and told him that we had warning lights come up on the dash. He had me try and reset the screen but nothing happened. I asked when we could get it into a shop so it could be looked at he said that he would have someone reach out and schedule a time. I proceeded to ask if we were ok to drive the vehicle until then.To which he responded "If the vehicle isn't giving you issues mechanically, you should be good". Fast forward to today June 11, 2026 my wife is driving and has catastrophic brake failure. The vehicle was then towed by roadside assistance to the GMC dealership.
NHTSA complaint #11743627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Big Spring, TX
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Today, June 11, 2026, my wife and 9 month old baby were on their way home from running errands in town when the vehicle started to violently shake, becoming frightened my wife tried to apply pressure to the brakes. When she pushed down on the brake pedal nothing happened and the pedal hit the floor. Our brand new 2025 GMC Acadia AT4 had just suffered catastrophic brake failure. So she pulled off onto the side of the road in hopes the uneven terrain would slow her down just enough to put it into park. Luckily enough it did. If it would have been 10 seconds later she would have been on a one way bridge where the speed limit is 60mph with no brakes. Four days prior to today on June 07, 2026 I sent a message to the individual that I bought the car from at the GMC dealership and told him that we had warning lights come up on the dash. He had me try and reset the screen but nothing happened. I asked when we could get it into a shop so it could be looked at he said that he would have someone reach out and schedule a time. I proceeded to ask if we were ok to drive the vehicle until then.To which he responded "If the vehicle isn't giving you issues mechanically, you should be good". Fast forward to today June 11, 2026 my wife is driving and has catastrophic brake failure. The vehicle was then towed by roadside assistance to the GMC dealership.
NHTSA complaint #11743627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Big Spring, TX
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Today, June 11, 2026, my wife and 9 month old baby were on their way home from running errands in town when the vehicle started to violently shake, becoming frightened my wife tried to apply pressure to the brakes. When she pushed down on the brake pedal nothing happened and the pedal hit the floor. Our brand new 2025 GMC Acadia AT4 had just suffered catastrophic brake failure. So she pulled off onto the side of the road in hopes the uneven terrain would slow her down just enough to put it into park. Luckily enough it did. If it would have been 10 seconds later she would have been on a one way bridge where the speed limit is 60mph with no brakes. Four days prior to today on June 07, 2026 I sent a message to the individual that I bought the car from at the GMC dealership and told him that we had warning lights come up on the dash. He had me try and reset the screen but nothing happened. I asked when we could get it into a shop so it could be looked at he said that he would have someone reach out and schedule a time. I proceeded to ask if we were ok to drive the vehicle until then.To which he responded "If the vehicle isn't giving you issues mechanically, you should be good". Fast forward to today June 11, 2026 my wife is driving and has catastrophic brake failure. The vehicle was then towed by roadside assistance to the GMC dealership.
NHTSA complaint #11743627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saukville, WI
SERVICE BRAKES
Telematic Modular Control is not working properly and part is on backorder. Dealership and GMC have refused to put into writing that my vehicle is safe to drive; however, they are refusing rental vehicle while awaiting arrival of part. Several of my safety features are not working correctly, my left turn signal went out randomly and my auto breaking has activated when there has been nothing near my vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11740057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saukville, WI
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Telematic Modular Control is not working properly and part is on backorder. Dealership and GMC have refused to put into writing that my vehicle is safe to drive; however, they are refusing rental vehicle while awaiting arrival of part. Several of my safety features are not working correctly, my left turn signal went out randomly and my auto breaking has activated when there has been nothing near my vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11740057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saukville, WI
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
Telematic Modular Control is not working properly and part is on backorder. Dealership and GMC have refused to put into writing that my vehicle is safe to drive; however, they are refusing rental vehicle while awaiting arrival of part. Several of my safety features are not working correctly, my left turn signal went out randomly and my auto breaking has activated when there has been nothing near my vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11740057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wyoming, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
The master cylinder failed under 10,000 miles. I was at 5000 miles. I am reading a lot of people have had issues with the master cylinder in the 2024 early 2025 models. Luckily I was in the driveway barely moving, but man if i were on a highway and it happened it could've been fatal!
NHTSA complaint #11739018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wyoming, PA
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
The master cylinder failed under 10,000 miles. I was at 5000 miles. I am reading a lot of people have had issues with the master cylinder in the 2024 early 2025 models. Luckily I was in the driveway barely moving, but man if i were on a highway and it happened it could've been fatal!
NHTSA complaint #11739018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The master cylinder failed under 10,000 miles. I was at 5000 miles. I am reading a lot of people have had issues with the master cylinder in the 2024 early 2025 models. Luckily I was in the driveway barely moving, but man if i were on a highway and it happened it could've been fatal!
NHTSA complaint #11739018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fruitland, ID
SERVICE BRAKES
When backing out of a parking spot of a store , I went to stop and pressing on the brakes nothing happened and I kept rolling backwards. I looked down to confirm I was pressing the brakes and my foot was on the brake pedal pressed firmly. I rolled to a stop put it in drive and checked the brakes and they worked like normal. I made an appointment at the dealership and had an appointment the next day. The said it did not have any codes, it preformed normal and passed inspected so there was nothing they could do about it.
NHTSA complaint #11738784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Madison, MS
SERVICE BRAKES
Brake module malfunction Codes: “service ESC” “break assist failure. Press hard to break. Speed limited”
NHTSA complaint #11736675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brake module malfunction Codes: “service ESC” “break assist failure. Press hard to break. Speed limited”
NHTSA complaint #11736675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atwater, CACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
We filled a report on 04/04/2026 with NHTSA at 12:16 pm but can't find a copy of the whole report. My husband John Chandler was driving our 2025 GMC Avadia Elevation. He was backing out of a parking place when he noticed it wouldn't stop while putting his foot on the break. He was able to put it into drive and it lundged forward and wouldn't stop. He kept pushing with both feet on the break and wouldn't stop. I tried pushing the start button to stop but because his feet were on the break it would restart so then pushed the park button and it stopped as we hit the building. The air bags did not depoy so not going that fast. I pushed the button for 911 and they came on to assist and call police. They asked if everyone was al right and other questions. Lucky no one was hurt and thank God for that. Tow truck was called and taken to local tow yard. The 2025 Acadia was transported to the repair shop but has not been inspected by the insurance company or GMC yet. After repairs are complete it will be taken to the local GMC dealer Ron Smith in Merced, CA for inspection. We did not notice andy warning messages prior to the accident.
NHTSA complaint #11733581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lynn Haven, FL1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I got into my car to leave, I placed my phone on the wireless charging pad. When I got to my location about 10 minutes later, I grabbed my phone and went to put the wrist band attached to my phone around my wrist. The wrist band is a metal chain and it burned me on the side of my wrist and top of hand. I took the wrist band off as fast as I could, then touched it with my fingers to make sure that is where the sting was coming form, and it was. The passenger in the car also confirmed that the wrist band was dangerously hot. I took pictures of the burn marks it left on my wrist and hand.
NHTSA complaint #11731438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10 milesMontgomery, AL
STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:DASHBOARD
The contact owns a 2025 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the sunlight reflecting off the dashboard chrome onto the windshield was blinding, forcing the driver to use a cardboard to protect their eyes. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure via an online chat. The failure mileage was approximately 10.
NHTSA complaint #11729422 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Memphis, TN
POWER TRAIN
I purchased my 2025 GMC Acadia on March 26, 2025. // My vehicle began to have electrical/communication/system issues in August 2025. // I took my vehicle to the dealer to address these issues at this time. When I got to the dealership, a representative performed diagnostics, and said "I can't even get a read on this. There is no signal coming from your module. You need to contact OnStar about this." // I called OnStar, and they ran a test, and stated that it is a manufacturing defect that needed to be handled with GMC. //No one informed me of the severity of the safety implications involved. // In March 2026, my vehicle was inoperable. The module controls everything, and was draining the battery at a severely high rate. I had my vehicle towed to the dealership. They tried to deny all liability and said that they weren't the dealership that sold me the vehicle. // I had my battery jumped so I could take it from the dealership have a new battery installed. My vehicle stalled and shut off while I arrived at the Auto Parts store. *** Answer to Questions: Q1: Yes. My vehicle is available for inspection. It is at the dealership. // Q2: My safety and others were put at risk because the brand new batteries were constantly draining and making me stall out in mid-traffic without having any control. // Q3: Yes. The problem has been confirmed by the dealer. They tried (and still are trying) to avoid responsibility. Other reports show that this is a significant safety issue with many GMC vehicles. // Q4: Yes. The vehicle was inspected by the GMC dealership. This is day-16 with no solution. // Q5: Yes, there were issues with the car, as stated above. But absolutely no indication that it would be safety issue. My engine was running normal the night before. No signs that the battery was low or dead and prohibit me from driving safely or that it would shut off.
NHTSA complaint #11729184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atwater, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While backing out of a parking place my husband noticed he couldn't stop the 2025 Acadia and almost hit restraunt behind us, while pusing on the break. He then started to go forward and kept saying "I can't stop it, it won't stop, I'm pushing on the break." The vehicle then went forward and couldn't stop even pushing on the break. I tried pusing the button to turn off the 2025 Acadia a couple times (possible turning back on and because he foot was on the break restarted the vehicle) and then pushed park to see if that would stop. We hit the building in front of us and stopped. The air bags did not deploy so not going that fast. I pushed the button for 911 and they came on to assist and call police and asked if everyone was all right and other questions. Lucky no on was hurt and thank God for that. Tow truck was called and taken to local tow yard.
NHTSA complaint #11729190 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Memphis, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I purchased my 2025 GMC Acadia on March 26, 2025. // My vehicle began to have electrical/communication/system issues in August 2025. // I took my vehicle to the dealer to address these issues at this time. When I got to the dealership, a representative performed diagnostics, and said "I can't even get a read on this. There is no signal coming from your module. You need to contact OnStar about this." // I called OnStar, and they ran a test, and stated that it is a manufacturing defect that needed to be handled with GMC. //No one informed me of the severity of the safety implications involved. // In March 2026, my vehicle was inoperable. The module controls everything, and was draining the battery at a severely high rate. I had my vehicle towed to the dealership. They tried to deny all liability and said that they weren't the dealership that sold me the vehicle. // I had my battery jumped so I could take it from the dealership have a new battery installed. My vehicle stalled and shut off while I arrived at the Auto Parts store. *** Answer to Questions: Q1: Yes. My vehicle is available for inspection. It is at the dealership. // Q2: My safety and others were put at risk because the brand new batteries were constantly draining and making me stall out in mid-traffic without having any control. // Q3: Yes. The problem has been confirmed by the dealer. They tried (and still are trying) to avoid responsibility. Other reports show that this is a significant safety issue with many GMC vehicles. // Q4: Yes. The vehicle was inspected by the GMC dealership. This is day-16 with no solution. // Q5: Yes, there were issues with the car, as stated above. But absolutely no indication that it would be safety issue. My engine was running normal the night before. No signs that the battery was low or dead and prohibit me from driving safely or that it would shut off.
NHTSA complaint #11729184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atwater, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
While backing out of a parking place my husband noticed he couldn't stop the 2025 Acadia and almost hit restraunt behind us, while pusing on the break. He then started to go forward and kept saying "I can't stop it, it won't stop, I'm pushing on the break." The vehicle then went forward and couldn't stop even pushing on the break. I tried pusing the button to turn off the 2025 Acadia a couple times (possible turning back on and because he foot was on the break restarted the vehicle) and then pushed park to see if that would stop. We hit the building in front of us and stopped. The air bags did not deploy so not going that fast. I pushed the button for 911 and they came on to assist and call police and asked if everyone was all right and other questions. Lucky no on was hurt and thank God for that. Tow truck was called and taken to local tow yard.
NHTSA complaint #11729190 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ithaca, NY
POWER TRAIN
The vehicle has a serious transmission/drivetrain defect that repeatedly occurs when accelerating from a complete stop, especially onto an incline. The vehicle sometimes does not respond at all when the accelerator is pressed and fails to move, even though acceleration is being requested. In one recent incident, it remained stopped for about one minute before finally responding. During these events, the vehicle jerks and shakes severely and fails to gain speed as expected. This creates a major safety risk at stop signs, intersections, and uphill starts because the vehicle may not move when needed and cannot keep up with traffic. The problem has worsened, and during one of these incidents the check engine light came on. I have video evidence showing the loss of response to accelerator input, severe jerking/shaking, and the check engine light illuminating during the same event. The issue has been reported to dealers and GM customer service but has not been properly resolved.
NHTSA complaint #11728147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ithaca, NY
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The vehicle has a serious transmission/drivetrain defect that repeatedly occurs when accelerating from a complete stop, especially onto an incline. The vehicle sometimes does not respond at all when the accelerator is pressed and fails to move, even though acceleration is being requested. In one recent incident, it remained stopped for about one minute before finally responding. During these events, the vehicle jerks and shakes severely and fails to gain speed as expected. This creates a major safety risk at stop signs, intersections, and uphill starts because the vehicle may not move when needed and cannot keep up with traffic. The problem has worsened, and during one of these incidents the check engine light came on. I have video evidence showing the loss of response to accelerator input, severe jerking/shaking, and the check engine light illuminating during the same event. The issue has been reported to dealers and GM customer service but has not been properly resolved.
NHTSA complaint #11728147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.