Owners have filed 13 complaints
about the 2026 GMC Acadia with NHTSA between 2026 and 2026.
The largest single group is the driver assist & collision avoidance.
Across this model's run it ranks 17 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 — 2
Against the median year of the GMC Acadia. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
46.2% 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.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2026 GMC Acadia
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
430.8%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 4,700 mi
Other & Unspecified
323.1%
Electrical System
215.4%
Transmission & Drivetrain
215.4%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 4,700 mi
Airbags
17.7%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 4,700 mi
Engine & Cooling
17.7%
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.
Feb 2026peak 5Jul 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2026 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...
Recalls on the 2026 GMC Acadia
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20260861,255 units in Canada
Other
Issue: On certain vehicles, the owner's manual may be missing. As a result, the vehicles may not meet certain requirements of Canadian regulations. Note: For the Escalade model, the recall also affects certain 2026 model year Escalade IQ and Escalade IQL models. Safety Risk: A missing owner's manual could cause confusion on how to safely operate the vehicle and increase the risk of injury or a crash. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to install the owner's manual.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 4,700 milesWinfield, ALCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while at a stop sign and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated and crashed into the rear passenger's side of a Semi Truck. Both the AEB and the IAEB failed to engage during the incident. The vehicle sustained severe front-end damage. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy, and the Forward Collision Avoidance System failed to engage to prevent the crash. The driver sustained a neck and right shoulder injury. The front passenger seat occupant sustained a right arm and left leg injury, and a headache. No medical treatment was received. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 4,700.
NHTSA complaint #11743270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while at a stop sign and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated and crashed into the rear passenger's side of a Semi Truck. Both the AEB and the IAEB failed to engage during the incident. The vehicle sustained severe front-end damage. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy, and the Forward Collision Avoidance System failed to engage to prevent the crash. The driver sustained a neck and right shoulder injury. The front passenger seat occupant sustained a right arm and left leg injury, and a headache. No medical treatment was received. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 4,700.
NHTSA complaint #11743270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4,700 milesWinfield, ALCrash2 injured
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY:MASTER CYLINDER
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while at a stop sign and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated and crashed into the rear passenger's side of a Semi Truck. Both the AEB and the IAEB failed to engage during the incident. The vehicle sustained severe front-end damage. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy, and the Forward Collision Avoidance System failed to engage to prevent the crash. The driver sustained a neck and right shoulder injury. The front passenger seat occupant sustained a right arm and left leg injury, and a headache. No medical treatment was received. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 4,700.
NHTSA complaint #11743270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Metairie, LA
POWER TRAIN
Engine has a noise (chirp) when vehicle delivered. Found out after purchase that a known problem was present in the engine compartment that engineering has been unable to identify. Bulletin #PIP6045B (Oct20,2025) Document ID:7006702 With the engine failures General Motors have had I have concerned about operating. A failure could result in danger to the occupants.
NHTSA complaint #11753144 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Metairie, LA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Engine has a noise (chirp) when vehicle delivered. Found out after purchase that a known problem was present in the engine compartment that engineering has been unable to identify. Bulletin #PIP6045B (Oct20,2025) Document ID:7006702 With the engine failures General Motors have had I have concerned about operating. A failure could result in danger to the occupants.
NHTSA complaint #11753144 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Exeter, PA
ENGINE
Blind spot monitor goes off for everything. Engine has chirping noise. Brand new
NHTSA complaint #11746874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Exeter, PA
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Blind spot monitor goes off for everything. Engine has chirping noise. Brand new
NHTSA complaint #11746874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4,700 milesWinfield, ALCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while at a stop sign and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated and crashed into the rear passenger's side of a Semi Truck. Both the AEB and the IAEB failed to engage during the incident. The vehicle sustained severe front-end damage. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy, and the Forward Collision Avoidance System failed to engage to prevent the crash. The driver sustained a neck and right shoulder injury. The front passenger seat occupant sustained a right arm and left leg injury, and a headache. No medical treatment was received. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 4,700.
NHTSA complaint #11743270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while at a stop sign and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated and crashed into the rear passenger's side of a Semi Truck. Both the AEB and the IAEB failed to engage during the incident. The vehicle sustained severe front-end damage. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy, and the Forward Collision Avoidance System failed to engage to prevent the crash. The driver sustained a neck and right shoulder injury. The front passenger seat occupant sustained a right arm and left leg injury, and a headache. No medical treatment was received. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 4,700.
NHTSA complaint #11743270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4,700 milesWinfield, ALCrash2 injured
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY:MASTER CYLINDER
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while at a stop sign and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated and crashed into the rear passenger's side of a Semi Truck. Both the AEB and the IAEB failed to engage during the incident. The vehicle sustained severe front-end damage. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy, and the Forward Collision Avoidance System failed to engage to prevent the crash. The driver sustained a neck and right shoulder injury. The front passenger seat occupant sustained a right arm and left leg injury, and a headache. No medical treatment was received. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 4,700.
NHTSA complaint #11743270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cuba City, WI
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
On several occasions, this vehicle break pretty hard for no apparent reason in a red rectangle with a crash symbol came up on the windshield a few times we’ve had people behind us which created dangerous situation and there’s no apparent reasons for this vehicle breaking there was nothing in front of us at times there were vehicles in the other lane, but at other times there were no vehicles around at all I was wondering if this what’s happening with other GMC’s or or any GM product.
NHTSA complaint #11730775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On several occasions, this vehicle break pretty hard for no apparent reason in a red rectangle with a crash symbol came up on the windshield a few times we’ve had people behind us which created dangerous situation and there’s no apparent reasons for this vehicle breaking there was nothing in front of us at times there were vehicles in the other lane, but at other times there were no vehicles around at all I was wondering if this what’s happening with other GMC’s or or any GM product.
NHTSA complaint #11730775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Stevens, WA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Horn began sounding unexpectedly and intermittently while driving and parked. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The uncontrollable horn startled surrounding motorists and pedestrians, causing confusion and defensive reactions. While removing the fuse temporarily stopped the noise, it eliminated a critical safety feature. The horn remains inoperable as of 4/6/26. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? GMC Dealership. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? GMC Dealership. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No prior warning. Issue began Jan 31, 2025 (66 days after purchasing the brand new vehicle). Timeline of events: Jan 31, 2026: Horn began sounding unexpectedly and intermittently while driving and parked. Per dealership advice, the horn fuse was removed to allow for safe travel. Feb 5, 2026: First service visit. Service advisor reported a "kinked wire" was found and repaired. Feb 15, 2026: Issue recurred; horn sounded continuously while driving. Fuse was removed again to disable the horn; it has remained inoperable since. Feb 26, 2026: Second service visit. Dealership diagnosed the issue as a faulty steering wheel and placed an order (ETA: 7–10 days). Mar 3, 2026: Follow-up call. Advised the part was under “national control” with an additional 10-day delay. Mar 13, 2026: Dealership notified me that the steering wheel request was denied by GM because the part is restricted and the cause remained unproven. Mar 18–20, 2026: Third service visit (loaner provided). New diagnosis identified an internal failure in the SIR coil. Part was confirmed as backordered.
NHTSA complaint #11729333 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Stevens, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Horn began sounding unexpectedly and intermittently while driving and parked. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The uncontrollable horn startled surrounding motorists and pedestrians, causing confusion and defensive reactions. While removing the fuse temporarily stopped the noise, it eliminated a critical safety feature. The horn remains inoperable as of 4/6/26. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? GMC Dealership. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? GMC Dealership. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No prior warning. Issue began Jan 31, 2025 (66 days after purchasing the brand new vehicle). Timeline of events: Jan 31, 2026: Horn began sounding unexpectedly and intermittently while driving and parked. Per dealership advice, the horn fuse was removed to allow for safe travel. Feb 5, 2026: First service visit. Service advisor reported a "kinked wire" was found and repaired. Feb 15, 2026: Issue recurred; horn sounded continuously while driving. Fuse was removed again to disable the horn; it has remained inoperable since. Feb 26, 2026: Second service visit. Dealership diagnosed the issue as a faulty steering wheel and placed an order (ETA: 7–10 days). Mar 3, 2026: Follow-up call. Advised the part was under “national control” with an additional 10-day delay. Mar 13, 2026: Dealership notified me that the steering wheel request was denied by GM because the part is restricted and the cause remained unproven. Mar 18–20, 2026: Third service visit (loaner provided). New diagnosis identified an internal failure in the SIR coil. Part was confirmed as backordered.
NHTSA complaint #11729333 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Albany, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My wife and child drove the car to the grocery store and parked the car l. When she returned to leave , the car would not start and flashed a warning with key fob not detected and some kind of security light warning. The instrument cluster told her to place the key in left console cup holder to crank the vehicle . This did not work either .I drove the second key fob to her to determine if it was a key fob issue and the 2 nd key did not work as well. Called dealership and service requested the car being towed. Tow truck didn’t feel comfortable with the removing the vehicle as it was sitting due to space in the parking lot. They dispatched a small tow truck , but in the meantime I disconnected the battery cable and waited about 15 min. The car cranked and I immediately drove it to dealership. There was no code shown at the dealership and this was the first time they have had dealt with this issue. The mechanic drove the car the next day and the same situation happened again , except this time the key fob worked after several failed attempts . I feel that this is a safety issue because the car failed to operate and had no manual ability to operate without the electronic system functioning properly and this could have happened anyway and stranded my wife and child . A few months before in an unrelated incident , the power trunk malfunctioned and had to be reprogrammed . It would not operate except manually . Car is currently at dealership still being evaluated .
NHTSA complaint #11718747 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Albany, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My wife and child drove the car to the grocery store and parked the car l. When she returned to leave , the car would not start and flashed a warning with key fob not detected and some kind of security light warning. The instrument cluster told her to place the key in left console cup holder to crank the vehicle . This did not work either .I drove the second key fob to her to determine if it was a key fob issue and the 2 nd key did not work as well. Called dealership and service requested the car being towed. Tow truck didn’t feel comfortable with the removing the vehicle as it was sitting due to space in the parking lot. They dispatched a small tow truck , but in the meantime I disconnected the battery cable and waited about 15 min. The car cranked and I immediately drove it to dealership. There was no code shown at the dealership and this was the first time they have had dealt with this issue. The mechanic drove the car the next day and the same situation happened again , except this time the key fob worked after several failed attempts . I feel that this is a safety issue because the car failed to operate and had no manual ability to operate without the electronic system functioning properly and this could have happened anyway and stranded my wife and child . A few months before in an unrelated incident , the power trunk malfunctioned and had to be reprogrammed . It would not operate except manually . Car is currently at dealership still being evaluated .
NHTSA complaint #11718747 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.