FaultScore

GMC Acadia window and wiper problems

128 of the 7,767 complaints filed about the GMC Acadia are about the glass, mirrors and wipers — 2% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2008.

128

Complaints

2%

Share of all complaints

1

Crashes

1

Fires

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers complaints by model year

2007 Acadia 29 22.7%

Median failure at 57,900 miles

2008 Acadia 35 27.3%

Median failure at 82,500 miles

2009 Acadia 5 3.9%

Median failure at 83,000 miles

2010 Acadia 4 3.1%

Median failure at 62,000 miles

2011 Acadia 10 7.8%

Median failure at 42,000 miles

2012 Acadia 12 9.4%

Median failure at 62,000 miles

2013 Acadia 2 1.6%

Median failure at 27,500 miles

2014 Acadia 4 3.1%

Median failure at 15,925 miles

2015 Acadia 7 5.5%

Median failure at 42,000 miles

2016 Acadia 4 3.1%

Median failure at 33,000 miles

2017 Acadia 5 3.9%

Median failure at 34,019 miles

2018 Acadia 1 0.8%

Median failure at 8,973 miles

2019 Acadia 2 1.6%

Median failure at 13,000 miles

2020 Acadia 3 2.3%
2021 Acadia 2 1.6%
2023 Acadia 2 1.6%
2025 Acadia 1 0.8%

Median failure at 9,000 miles

What owners said

2009 GMC Acadia at 54,000 miles Belpre, OH

VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR

The contact owns a 2009 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front driver’s side and passenger’s side exterior mirrors moved out of place and failed to remain in a set position. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was garage-kept and was concerned about the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.

NHTSA complaint #11749564 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 GMC Acadia 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.

2015 GMC Acadia Bixby, OK

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Wipers stopped working an it’s not showing an active recall but research shows this model does have wiper blade motor recalls

NHTSA complaint #11726030 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 GMC Acadia at 9,000 miles Lake Grove, NY

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

The contact owns a 2025 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH at nighttime, there was an abnormally loud explosion and the contact became aware that the sunroof had exploded unexpectedly, causing shattered glass to fall inside the vehicle onto the contact's head, face, and body. The contact stated that two of her children were occupying the third-row seats when the failure occurred. The contact stated that a larger quantity of shattered glass fell near or in the car seat of the contact's son, who was not occupying the vehicle during the failure. There was no reported injury. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the sunroof needed to be replaced; however, the repair was not covered under warranty. The contact was referred to the insurance company for assistance. The dealer informed the contact that an engineering inspection had been requested. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed that the vehicle could be repaired under warranty at the discretion of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 9,000.

NHTSA complaint #11723566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 GMC Acadia Rochester Hills, MI

VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA complaint #11722411 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 GMC Acadia Rochester Hills, MI

VISIBILITY

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA complaint #11722411 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 GMC Acadia Stitzer, WI

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Whenever the vehicle's windshield washer is used the smell of the fluid enters the vehicle. This is particularly acute when the HVAC system is used at the same time. Since the label on the washer fluid container says the fluid is poisonous and the vapors are harmful and cannot be made nonpoisonous, I feel I should report this. I have had 4 GMC representatives confirm this is indeed happening. One rep was the Field Engineer Supervisor. All of this is documented as I have had this examined 4 times at the request of the GM customer service representative. Case [XXX], Status update for your 2023 GMC Acadia concern INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11631765 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 GMC Acadia Waterford, MI

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Rear-View Camera Failure: The rear view camera functions intermittently. While in Reverse, the screen goes black, with a red triangle and a circle with a line through it. This SAFETY ISSUE increases risk of incidents resulting in injury and/or property damage while the vehicle is in reverse. I understand there already exists a NHTSA RECALL (NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V709000) however, it states that only vehicles equipped with the optional Surround Vision feature are affected. My vehicle does not have the 360 Surround Vision (RPO UV2). but is experiencing the same SAFETY ISSUE!

NHTSA complaint #11608328 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2008 GMC Acadia at 160,000 miles Tallassee, AL

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

The contact owns a 2008 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the battery had previously been replaced; however, the battery failed to retain a charge. The contact had to recharge the battery every day to start the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that water had leaked from the windshield and cowl to behind the glovebox, causing the battery to fail; however, no repair was recommended. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

NHTSA complaint #11570596 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2012 GMC Acadia at 175,000 miles Cordova, TN

VISIBILITY

The contact owns a 2012 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the liftgate lamp detached from the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. After a visual inspection, the contact observed that the adhesive had severely deteriorated. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 175,000. The VIN was unavailable.

NHTSA complaint #11569486 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 GMC Acadia Monclova, OH

VISIBILITY/WIPER

A few years ago I was driving home and both headlights of our GMC Acadia went out at the same time. I drove home, in the country, in total darkness. We had them replaced by the garage, which was very, very expensive due to extreme difficulty accessing the headlights for this model. Since then, we have had to replace them two more times which we did ourselves due to the cost. We have owned this car since it's been brand new and have always had issues with seeing in the dark. For the last several years, we have had teen drivers driving this car. My son is worried so we recently we had it in the shop to adjust the headlights. They actually made them worse, which we didn't think could happen. They said they had their best mechanic on it but because they were doing it during their office hours, all daylight they never could see it at night. We had to get it readjusted back to where it was just to see again but back to still no good. I started researching to see if others are having similar problems and it does look like there are many complaints about loose wires in the headlights & fuse box, or maybe something related to the computer? Some other years may have had a recall for this same problem. I really hope someone like you could investigate this. My husband is a retired state trooper and ready to get rid of this beautiful car just because the headlights!! We live in the country and our son is worried he will get in an accident or hit someone walking down the road at night because he can't see. A mother and son shouldn't have to stress about headlights/seeing at night/crashes when we have a nice car!! How do both headlights need replaced 3 times on the same car?? We are trying to see if they make LED lights for this model but were told no. Any advice to have GMC help us with this before something happens? I would feel terrible if we could prevent something but just selling it and passing the problem on doesn't seem the answer to me. Thank you

NHTSA complaint #11568268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2009 GMC Acadia Clinton, MD

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

When it rains the drainage holes in the sunroof of the vehicle do not drain properly. The water runs down the side of the passenger side window in the front and on the circuit/fuse box in the front. When this happens, the water effects the driving. The vehicle will get sluggish and eventually cut off when the circuit/fuse box gets wet. The vehicle had a recall in approximately 2015 and I took it to be serviced. I think the problem is reproduced. I had no warnings of this type of issue. This just happened in April 2023 when I was caught in a storm.

NHTSA complaint #11533868 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 GMC Acadia at 161,000 miles Saint Joseph, MO

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2014 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while starting the vehicle the radio was inoperable and the air bag sensor would chime as if a passenger was seated in the passenger’s seat and not using the seat belt. Additionally, the power locks were inoperable, and the yellow lights for the blind side detection system were illuminated and remained illuminated. The contact also stated that the heater and A/C functioned sporadically. Additionally, the vehicle was difficult to start and would require several attempts before starting. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 161,000.

NHTSA complaint #11509763 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 GMC Acadia Bowdon, GA Crash

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Rear view camera stopped working as I was backing up and ran into a pole damaged my right rear wheel well and panel.

NHTSA complaint #11500227 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2008 GMC Acadia Pass Christian, MS

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Warning message appears on dash showing windshield wiper fluid is low/empty when it doesn't need it. This warning message remains lit even when the fluid has just been refilled.

NHTSA complaint #11489018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 GMC Acadia Athabasca Canada, AK

VISIBILITY/WIPER

I want to voice my concerns with the windshield wipers, and storage placement. In winter weather conditions the storage compartment at the base of the windshield fills up with snow, even when driving. The wiper blades eventually end up resting on this snow. When wipers are turned on there is a quite often a build up of ice on the wiper blades. This causes the wiper blades to raise above windshield and not clean the windshield (partially or completely) Generally you need to stop and break/snow or ice from the wiper as you can not see. Same occurs when e get a freezing rain ice builds up at base of windshield then eventually ices up the wiper blades and not cleaning the windshield. The vehicle is not designed to handle winter and freezing rain conditions, after building vehicles for many years we should have a better wiper system. --Blades should have electric heat wires in them, --maybe need completely electric windshield to handle snow/ice cond. -- The placement of the defroster vents are very poorly placed, they should be all across the base of the windshield. A couple of days ago we had freezing rain, blades were freezing up, heater defroster was at max heat, and fan was at max, I had to constantly pull over and scrape ice off. This is very dangerous situation be it ice or snow. Design engineers really don't seem to take the winter conditions into consideration in the design of vehicles. I have driven over 5 million kms during my career and used to dealing with many types of conditions. No accidents . Just want to bring these issue to your attention. I am extremely disappointed in this unit because of this. Thanks [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #11448903 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 GMC Acadia Spencer, WI

VISIBILITY/WIPER

I purchased my vehicle brand new off the truck in march of 2020 with zero miles on it. Feb 2021 in negative degree weather, the heat on my vehicle stopped working. I called my local GM dealership and they told me they needed to diagnosed the vehicle. They had kept my vehicle for two weeks trying to diagnose the vehicle. It turned out to be the thermostat. they replaced that part on my vehicle. Now Dec 2021 I again have experienced the same problem this time it was in a blizzard. Dealership told me it cant be the same problem, however it will be another two weeks before they can get my vehicle in for service and do not have a loaner vehicles for use. I purchased a new vehicle with warranty as I have two small children and am currently pregnant.

NHTSA complaint #11443098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 GMC Acadia North Olmsted, OH

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Since purchase of this vehicle in Dec 2020, the rear camera vision has been intermittent. I originally thought it to be driver problem however I am now told that there is a module that needs to be replaced and it is not available and possibly not being manufactured at the present time. As a result the entire Camera parking assist system is completely out of service with no information on when the module may be available to repair the issue. I believe this may be a Safety issue as backing up into traffic be it parking lots or roadways, this equipment is an essential addition to safety to other vehicles and pedestrians.

NHTSA complaint #11429267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 GMC Acadia Dana Point, CA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

The backup and surround view cameras repeatedly fail. I took it in once and they replaced the head unit. The problem reappeared within days after this repair. The design of this truck makes visibility without the cameras difficult at best and dangerous at worst.

NHTSA complaint #11425365 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 GMC Acadia at 61,000 miles Fayetteville, NC

VISIBILITY/WIPER

HEAD LIGHTS ARE VERY DIM MAKING DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT NIGHT VERY UNSAFE. TOOK VEHICLE TO GMC DEALER, TECH SAID THAT HEAD LIGHTS ARE WITHIN GMC SPECS. TOO INSANE TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE AT NIGHT AN ACCIDENT OR EVEN DEATH CAN OCCUR.

NHTSA complaint #11387395 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other GMC Acadia problems