1,373 of the 7,767 complaints filed about the GMC Acadia are about the transmission — 18% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2008.
1,373
Complaints
18%
Share of all complaints
29
Crashes
5
Fires
POWER TRAIN
2015 gmc Acadia, vin ending 7457,p2635,stuttering/hesitation and engine stalling when Arizona temperatures exceed 100* f , and mechanic advising that the condition corresponded to a known gmc issue for which they could not obtain an applicable corrective part / repair
NHTSA complaint #11758928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
On XXX at 1:56pm, I took the vehicle to Jiffy Lube service center #810 for the "Quick Oil Change Service" which includes checking and filling the Tranmission/Axle fluid. Per the attached receipt the Transmission/Axle fluid was "OK", and the next service was recommended after 5,000 addtional miles from the then current mileage of 153,317. On the morning o XXX, the car began experiencing issues identical to vehicle recall NHTSA ID Number: 20V668000. The check engine light turned on and the vehicle could maintain proper propulsion. On XXX at 3:25pm EST, I took the vehicle to AutoZone store #01664, whose "FixFinder" computer diagnostic inicated code PO700 "Transmission Control Module Requested MIL Illumination". On XXX, I had the car towed to a private mechanic who inspected the Vehicle and indicated that the transmission had "no fluid" despite having the fluids verified by Jiffy Lube on XXX. The mechanic suggested there may be a GMC service issue that required GMC remediation to due faulty internals which resulted in the transmission fluid leakage and subsequent triggering of the transmission computer module and related propulsion failure. As of today XXX, the vehicle is experiencing the same condition as indicated in vehicle recall NHTSA ID Number: 20V668000, which is creating additonal risk of vehicular accident/crash and vehicle fire in the presence of the ignition source. The milage is now 155,520. I am requesting this vehicle be serviced as part of recall NHTSA ID Number: 20V668000, you can verify from the vehicle registration from the Divison of Motor Vehicles and via CarFax that I purchased this vehicle used, the vehiclee has at least 1 (maybe 2) prior owners. I am requesting the vehicle (VIN [XXX]) receive the mandated recall service which will resolve the afformentioned issues and remove the related risks for myself, my passengers and all other motorists who are sharing the road. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11757610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the gear shifter was shifted into park(P); however, the message “Shift to Park” was displayed. The gear shifter was moved back and forth, then shifted into park (P) before the proper gear was recognized. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the gear shifter was replaced, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and the gear shifter, switch, and harness were replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 10,000.
NHTSA complaint #11755898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission failed to properly shift gears and the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH while driving. The contact stated that the transmission failed to shift above third gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who discovered that there was no transmission fluid inside the torque converter. The vehicle was scanned and displayed an issue with the transmission control module. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V668000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 154,429.
NHTSA complaint #11754373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
I was at a red light, I went to drive as the light turned green and my car stopped and wouldn’t drive, I could go into neutral to get out of way but anything the car would stop. There is no codes or lights turned on my dash though.
NHTSA complaint #11753750 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that after parking and then attempting to turn off the vehicle, the message " Shift to Park" was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to be parked and turned off successfully after various attempts, which included restarting the vehicle and engaging the parking brake. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or a dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11751749 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked on an incline with the engine turned off, the contact's toddler was able to shift into drive(D), and the vehicle rolled backwards, hit a light pole and a basketball stand, causing damage to the front driver-side door. No police report was filed, and no injuries were reported. The contact was unable to shift back into park(P) and was forced to start the vehicle in neutral(N). The contact was then unable to shut off the vehicle as the gear shifter was no longer in park(P). Upon investigation, the contact learned that it was necessary to manually flip a switch underneath the gear console for the vehicle to register that it was in park(P). The contact initially took the vehicle to the independent mechanic but was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact submitted a claim with pictures and videos of the failure. The contact was then instructed to take the vehicle to a dealer for an inspection. The contact was later informed by the claim manager that the claim would be denied, and no further assistance was offered. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 99,968.
NHTSA complaint #11749319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that after shifting into park (P), the vehicle failed to shut off because it failed to recognize that the gear shifter was in park (P). The "Shift To Park" warning message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact jiggled the gear shifter button several times until the vehicle responded as intended and turned off. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently but became frequent. A dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the vehicle, and a diagnostic estimate was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
NHTSA complaint #11749380 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
Gear shifter is not registering that the vehicle is in park. Because of this issue I have to sit in the vehicle for up to 15 mins trying to get it to register that it is in fact in park and can turn off. If I didn't take the time to do this, it would kill my battery. Unfortunately with the heat index, the vehicle gets hot very quickly and im now worried about getting hot stroke trying to get it to register it is park. This is a known issue with the vehicle that has an active recall for other vin numbers with the same issue.
NHTSA complaint #11748238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
Hesitants and Shudders when shifting into 2nd gear.
NHTSA complaint #11748054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
TRANSMISSION BEGAN HESITATING AROUND 1800RPM WITH ONLY 92,000 MILES SHOWING ON THE ODOMETER. IT FEELS LIKE A FLUTTER AS THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS INTO THE NEXT GEAR. I HAVE HEARD THE 2016 YEAR GROUP HAS HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. BELIEVE A RECALL IS JUSTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #11746913 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
Problem 1: I got the car 2 years ago, and it keeps telling me to "Shift to Park" even though its in park. That's been happening for the whole time I've had it. It does throw a code for it on the scanner machine. I have to shift it back and forth sometimes 3 times and sometimes 17 times. It just keeps beeping over and over and won't shut off. I am having a mechanic look at it Tuesday but hoping it doesn't cost a lot. But no recalls on my car. Problem 2: For the last 4 months or so it keeps saying steering assist is reduced drive with car. It's being looked at Tuesday as well. I have 109K on my car, and got it at 86K.
NHTSA complaint #11746660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
I believe my car should be included in this recall. I've had the dealer check and they say it's nothing wrong with my car. 2020 GMC Acadia Fuel Pump Recall GMC has announced that 2781 vehicles have been affected by a Fuel Pump recall. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5, Cadillac XT6, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The fuel pump's jet nozzle may have a plastic burr remaining from the manufacturing process, possibly causing a blocked nozzle and an insufficient fuel supply to the engine. Insufficient fuel supply can result in an engine stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. 2020 GMC Acadia Recall Fuel Pump GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module. The recall began November 16, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202314760.
NHTSA complaint #11746751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
Thermostat and cooling sensor went out on my car. GMC issued a special coverage bulletin for 2021 Acadia since it's a widespread issue but not the 2020 (mine) which is also a widespread issue looking online. The repair is over $1000 and should be covered!
NHTSA complaint #11745760 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
Vehicle has experienced multiple electrical and mechanical failures at unusually low mileage. Purchased at 32,000 miles. At approximately 50,000 miles, the factory radio/infotainment system failed completely. Electrical systems were observed remaining active after the vehicle was powered off, suggesting an underlying electrical fault. At approximately 60,000 miles, the power steering rack and fuel pump both required full replacement and were confirmed and replaced by an authorized dealership. No warning lights appeared prior to these failures — components failed without any prior indication. At approximately 100,000 miles, the transmission began failing and exhibits the known torque converter shudder issue widely reported on this vehicle platform. The shudder was present prior to full transmission failure symptoms appearing. The pattern of premature failures across multiple unrelated systems — electrical, steering, fuel delivery, and transmission — suggests a broader manufacturing defect.
NHTSA complaint #11745036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2014 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while in park(P), the vehicle rolled, requiring the driver to turn off and restart the vehicle, and the vehicle successfully shifted in park(P). Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked. The contact stated that while driving 60-65 MPH, the vehicle shut off, and the steering wheel and the wheels locked up. The contact was barely able to pull over to the side of the road, where the contact waited before restarting the vehicle. The contact stated that the Check Engine warning light was recently illuminated. The vehicle was towed to two independent mechanics, where several diagnostic trouble codes associated with the transmission and the transmission module and solenoid were retrieved. The contact was then referred to a transmission specialist, where the vehicle was towed and was being diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11744114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the transmission and torque converter were previously replaced twice; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
NHTSA complaint #11744232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that upon parking and attempting to turn off the vehicle, the message “Action Required. Shift to Park” was displayed while the gear shifter was in park(P). The vehicle failed to turn off. The contact moved the gear shifter back and forth until the vehicle registered it was in park (P). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced a wiring harness and switch. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,757.
NHTSA complaint #11743465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.