According to Au7o's analysis of 3,400+ owner reports, the 2007-2025 GMC Acadia has 10 documented known issues, with 6 rated critical. The most serious are 3.6L V6 Timing Chain Stretch and Premature Failure ($2,500-$5,500 repair), Electric Power Steering (EPAS) Failure and Loss of Assist ($800-$3,200 repair), 3.6L V6 Internal Water Pump Failure and Coolant Leak ($1,500-$5,500 repair), Start/Stop Transmission Accumulator Missing Bolts - Fluid Leak, Loss of Propulsion and Fire Risk (Recall 20V668 / N202313440), Fuel Pump Mixing-Tube Burr Causing Engine Stall at Low Fuel (Recall 20V446 / GM N202314760) and Incorrect Transmission Sun Gear Causing Driver-Side Half-Shaft Disengagement / Rollaway (Recall N222389310). The most commonly reported issue is 3.6L V6 Timing Chain Stretch and Premature Failure with 1,240 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $800 to $5,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2022 GMC Acadia vehicles. The sensing diagnostic module (SDM) may have been left in "manufacturing mode" and not activated at the assembly plant prior to shipment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Campaign #21V70200010/09/2021
SUSPENSION:REAR
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The left-rear suspension toe link may have been tightened improperly, which could result in a loose or separated toe link.
Campaign #22V42700016/06/2022
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles. The fuel tank rollover valve may not provide a proper seal in the event of a rollover crash.
Campaign #22V44600023/06/2022
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The fuel supply lines may be improperly attached and seated.
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According to Au7o's analysis of 3,400+ owner reports, the 2007-2025 GMC Acadia has 10 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 3.6L V6 Timing Chain Stretch and Premature Failure, Electric Power Steering (EPAS) Failure and Loss of Assist, 3.6L V6 Internal Water Pump Failure and Coolant Leak. Of these, 6 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the GMC Acadia reliable?
The 2007-2025 GMC Acadia has 10 known issues documented across 3,400+ owner reports. 6 issues are rated critical: 3.6L V6 Timing Chain Stretch and Premature Failure and Electric Power Steering (EPAS) Failure and Loss of Assist and 3.6L V6 Internal Water Pump Failure and Coolant Leak and Start/Stop Transmission Accumulator Missing Bolts - Fluid Leak, Loss of Propulsion and Fire Risk (Recall 20V668 / N202313440) and Fuel Pump Mixing-Tube Burr Causing Engine Stall at Low Fuel (Recall 20V446 / GM N202314760) and Incorrect Transmission Sun Gear Causing Driver-Side Half-Shaft Disengagement / Rollaway (Recall N222389310). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common GMC Acadia problems?
Repair costs for known GMC Acadia issues range from $0 to $5,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 3.6L V6 Timing Chain Stretch and Premature Failure, typically costs $2,500-$5,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What year GMC Acadia is the most reliable?
Reliability varies across model years of the GMC Acadia. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2007-2025 GMC Acadia with 10 documented issues documented across 3,400+ owner reports.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
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When Issues Typically Appear
9T65 9-Speed Transmission Harsh Shifts and Hesitation
36K-54K
3.6L V6 Timing Chain Stretch and Premature Failure
60K-120K
3.6L V6 Internal Water Pump Failure and Coolant Leak
80K-140K
038K75K113K150K mi
Community reported
1,240 owners
On the 2007-2016 GMC Acadia, the 3.6L LLT and LFX V6 engines in 2007-2016 Acadia are notorious for premature timing chain stretch and guide failure, typically between 60,000-120,000 miles. The engines use three separate timing chains (primary and two secondary), and all three are subject to premature stretch. Stretched chains cause cam timing correlation codes (P0008, P0009, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019), rough running, and potential catastrophic engine damage if a chain jumps a tooth or breaks. Low oil level and using non-Dexos oil accelerates wear. GM issued TSB 09-06-01-008 acknowledging the issue.
Replace all timing chains, guides, and tensioners as a complete set. Oil change with Dexos1 Gen 2 full synthetic every 5,000 miles is critical for prevention. GM extended warranty coverage on some VINs. Labor is 15-20 hours for LLT, 10-15 hours for LFX. Total job: $2,500-5,000.
Owner tips & cautions
TipOn any used 2007-2016 Acadia with 3.6L, pull codes before purchase — P0008, P0009, P0016-P0019 confirm timing chain wear. Also check if any cam timing TSBs have been performed by requesting a GM service history print from the dealer. TSB 09-06-01-008 authorizes chain replacement; always ask for ALL chains, guides, and tensioners to be done together — partial replacements fail quickly on these engines.
TipOil change interval is critical for 3.6L LLT/LFX timing chain longevity. Change every 5,000 miles with Dexos1 Gen 2 full synthetic regardless of the oil life monitor — the GM OLM was calibrated for ideal conditions, not the stop-and-go driving most Acadias experience. Low oil level accelerates chain wear dramatically. Check oil level monthly and top off immediately if below the full mark.
WarningIf a 3.6L Acadia develops a rattling noise from the front of the engine, do NOT drive it further. The rattle indicates a chain guide has cracked or a chain is jumping. Continued operation will drop a chain into the oil pan, require a full rebuild, or bend valves. Have it towed. Repair vs replacement depends on inspection — a chain-damaged cylinder head adds $1,500-3,000 to the timing chain job.
High Confidence1,240 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026
Community reported
780 owners
On the 2007-2023 GMC Acadia, the 3.6L V6 engines (all generations) in the Acadia use a timing chain-driven internal water pump located inside the engine block rather than a traditional externally-driven pump. The internal water pump impeller is plastic and is prone to cracking or separating from the shaft between 80,000-140,000 miles. When the impeller fails, the engine loses coolant circulation leading to rapid overheating. Because the pump is internal, it is only accessible during timing chain work — making this a very expensive repair if done as a standalone job.
Low coolant level warning with no visible external leak
Coolant level dropping consistently
Overheating under load or on hills
Sweet smell from engine area
White residue in coolant overflow tank
How to Fix
Replace internal water pump (GM 12629988 or ACDelco 251-749). Best practice: replace water pump and all three timing chain sets simultaneously since the timing cover must be removed for both procedures. Combined job: $2,800-5,500. If water pump fails alone, this is the time to do timing chains preemptively if over 80,000 miles.
Owner tips & cautions
WarningDo NOT drive an overheating Acadia more than 1-2 miles. The 3.6L aluminum cylinder heads warp at temperatures above 240°F — turning a $1,500 water pump job into a $4,000+ head gasket and resurfacing job. If the temperature gauge enters the red zone, pull over immediately and shut off the engine. Allow 30-45 minutes cooling before checking coolant level.
High Confidence780 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026
On the 2019-2020 GMC Acadia, on 2019-2020 GMC Acadia models (part of a broader 2018-2020 GM crossover campaign) equipped with auto start/stop, the transmission accumulator endcap may have been assembled with missing or loose bolts. This can allow a transmission fluid leak that progresses to harsh operation and an eventual loss of propulsion. Because leaking transmission fluid near an ignition source can ignite, the defect also carries a fire risk.
Common Symptoms
Transmission fluid leak / spots under the vehicle
Harsh or degraded transmission operation
Loss of propulsion / loss of drive power
Burning smell or fire risk from leaked fluid near hot components
How to Fix
NHTSA recall 20V668 (GM N202313440): dealers inspect the start/stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. Verify by VIN at the NHTSA recall database.
High ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026
Community reported
560 owners
On the 2017-2025 GMC Acadia, the second-generation Acadia (2017+) uses the GM 9T65 9-speed automatic transmission which shares known issues with the Chevrolet Traverse and Blazer. Common complaints include harsh 1-2 upshifts, hesitation between 5-15 mph, lurching on light throttle in stop-and-go traffic, and the transmission hunting between gears on hills. GM has released multiple TCM calibration updates. The transmission is extremely sensitive to fluid condition — extended intervals with aging Dexron HP fluid contribute significantly to shift quality degradation.
Transmission hunting between gears on slight grades
Vibration or shudder during light acceleration
Delayed engagement from Park to Drive
Slip or flare on 2-3 shift under load
How to Fix
TCM recalibration with latest software (multiple revisions released). Full transmission fluid exchange with Dexron HP (ACDelco/GM 19354121) every 45,000 miles. Valve body and solenoid pack replacement (OEM 24043134) if software updates fail. Allow 500+ miles for relearn after any TCM reset.
Owner tips & cautions
TipTSB 20-NA-136 covers 9T65 harsh 1-2 shift on 2017-2021 Acadia. The first authorized repair step is a TCM calibration update via GDS2 — free under warranty and typically $100-150 at a dealer out of warranty. GM has released multiple calibration revisions; ask the dealer to confirm they are installing the most current software version, not just any available update. Calibration alone resolves ~65% of 9T65 shift complaints.
WarningIf 2017+ Acadia suddenly loses reverse or a forward gear, stop driving immediately — this indicates a missing check ball or solenoid failure within the valve body that causes hydraulic circuit loss. Continued driving rapidly destroys clutch packs. Report sudden gear loss to GM Customer Care (1-800-462-8782) and request escalation to field engineer review; documented repeat failures have received goodwill powertrain repairs on out-of-warranty vehicles.
High Confidence560 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026
Community reported
820 owners
On the 2007-2016 GMC Acadia, the 2007-2016 Acadia uses an electric power steering rack that is prone to intermittent and permanent failure. The steering assist can fail suddenly with no warning, requiring significantly more physical effort to steer — a dangerous condition at highway speeds. NHTSA received over 800 complaints and opened an investigation. The failure mode involves the EPAS motor and control module overheating, producing a Service Power Steering warning. Failures are more common in warm climates and on vehicles that have been through multiple hot/cold cycles.
Steering becomes very heavy especially at low speeds
Intermittent assist loss that returns on restart
Clunking from steering rack during turns
Steering wheel pulls to one side
How to Fix
EPAS rack replacement (GM 22873304 or ACDelco 84277937). EPAS module reprogram (resolves some intermittent failures). Ensure proper battery voltage — low battery causes false EPAS warnings. Dealer reprogram with latest software before condemning the rack.
Owner tips & cautions
TipBefore replacing the EPAS rack ($1,200-2,000), have the dealer perform the TSB PIT4956B software reprogram procedure — this resolves intermittent Service Power Steering warnings on 2007-2016 Acadia in approximately 40% of cases. Also check battery voltage under load; an undercharged battery (below 12.4V at rest) causes the EPAS module to detect a fault and disable assist. A $150 battery test before condemning a $1,800 rack is essential.
WarningA sudden complete loss of power steering at highway speed is a safety emergency. If Service Power Steering illuminates while driving, slow down immediately — steering the vehicle at speed without power assist requires significant physical strength and may cause loss of control for smaller drivers. If assist drops to zero, pull over safely and restart the vehicle. If assist does not return, have the vehicle towed rather than attempting to drive home.
High Confidence820 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026
On the 2020 GMC Acadia, certain 2020 GMC Acadia vehicles (along with the Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5/XT6 and Chevrolet Traverse) were built with a fuel pump assembly containing burrs inside the mixing tube. The burrs can prevent fuel transfer from the secondary to the primary side of the tank, so at low fuel levels the engine may not receive adequate fuel and can stall unexpectedly, increasing crash risk.
Common Symptoms
Engine stalls unexpectedly, most likely when fuel level is low
Stalling without warning while driving
Difficulty maintaining fuel supply as the tank nears empty
Possible difficulty restarting after a low-fuel stall
How to Fix
NHTSA recall 20V446 (GM N202314760): dealers replace the fuel pump module free of charge. Owners can verify applicability by VIN at the NHTSA recall lookup and contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267.
High ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026
On the 2023 GMC Acadia, approximately 7,800 GM crossovers including the 2023 GMC Acadia were built with an incorrectly machined transmission sun gear. The defect can cause the driver-side (left-front) half-shaft to disengage from the transmission, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power, or a vehicle rollaway when the transmission is placed in Park because the parking pawl can no longer hold the vehicle. Both outcomes raise crash risk.
Common Symptoms
Sudden loss of drive power / vehicle won't move
Clunk or disengagement felt from the driveline
Vehicle rolls away after being shifted to Park
Grinding or abnormal noise from the front transaxle
How to Fix
GM recall N222389310: dealers replace the sun gears free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2023. Confirm by VIN at the NHTSA recall lookup and contact GMC at 1-800-462-8782; use the parking brake (don't rely on Park alone) until the repair is completed.
High ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026
On the 2017-2019 GMC Acadia, second-generation GMC Acadias (2017-2019) display a persistent "Shift to Park" message even when the shifter is fully in Park, due to a faulty shifter assembly / park-position microswitch that fails to confirm the Park signal. When triggered, the vehicle will not fully power down, the key/fob is retained, the doors will not lock, and the battery can drain overnight; owners often have to rock the shifter repeatedly to clear it. The fault is intermittent at first and worsens over time, and it prompted a GMC class-action lawsuit.
Common Symptoms
"Shift to Park" message displays while the transmission is in Park
Cannot turn the vehicle off or remove the key fob
Doors will not lock with the message active
Battery drains because the vehicle won't fully power down
Message appears and clears intermittently; must rock the shifter to clear it
How to Fix
GM addressed it through dealer repair (reseat/replace the console shifter assembly and park microswitch); a misaligned brake pedal position switch can produce the same message. Working the shifter through its full travel gives temporary relief, but a permanent fix requires the shifter/switch service. CarComplaints documents ~26 complaints on the 2018 model year with an average repair cost around $470.
High ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026
On the 2017-2021 GMC Acadia, second-generation GMC Acadias with the GM IO/IOR infotainment head unit suffer freezes, unresponsive touchscreens, sudden black screens and random reboots. When the unit locks up, owners lose the radio and hands-free calls, and the backup camera and on-screen controls can become unresponsive until the system reboots. It is a widely documented owner-reported pattern (with workarounds shared on owner forums); GM has separately faced infotainment class-action litigation, though that suit centers on the IOR display family rather than being an Acadia-specific recall.
Common Symptoms
Touchscreen freezes or becomes unresponsive
Screen goes completely black
System reboots/restarts on its own
Hands-free calls drop and radio controls stop responding
Backup camera unavailable while the unit is frozen
How to Fix
Try a global reset (turn the car off, open the driver door for ~3 minutes, then restart) or briefly disconnect the negative battery terminal for ~20 minutes; some owners trace it to a loose/fragile screen connector behind the glove box. Permanent fixes require a GM infotainment software update or head-unit replacement at a dealer per TSB. There is no recall for this issue.
Low ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026
On the 2020-2021 GMC Acadia, 2020-2021 GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with the optional Surround Vision package have rearview camera coaxial cable connectors that may have been crimped improperly at the factory. The poor crimp causes the backup camera image to fail or work only intermittently - owners report the rear screen going black - removing the federally required reversing image and increasing the risk of a backover crash. NHTSA opened an investigation in 2022 before the recall.
Common Symptoms
Rearview/backup camera screen goes black
Camera image works only intermittently
Surround Vision views drop out when shifting to reverse
Loss of the rear image when backing up
How to Fix
GM recall N222378380 (NHTSA 22V709): dealers replace the rearview camera coaxial cables free of charge; owner notification letters were mailed beginning November 7, 2022, with a follow-up once parts were available. Verify by VIN at the NHTSA recall database; GMC owners can call 1-800-462-8782.
High ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026
Campaign #21V42200003/06/2021
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with the optional Surround Vision feature. The rearview camera coaxial cable connectors may have been crimped improperly, causing the rearview camera to fail or function intermittently.
What is the 2007-2016 GMC Acadia 3.6L V6 Timing Chain Stretch and Premature Failure?
The 3.6L LLT and LFX V6 engines in 2007-2016 Acadia are notorious for premature timing chain stretch and guide failure, typically between 60,000-120,000 miles. The engines use three separate timing chains (primary and two secondary), and all three are subject to premature stretch… Repairs typically run $2,500-$5,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2007-2016 GMC Acadia Electric Power Steering (EPAS) Failure and Loss of Assist?
The 2007-2016 Acadia uses an electric power steering rack that is prone to intermittent and permanent failure. The steering assist can fail suddenly with no warning, requiring significantly more physical effort to steer — a dangerous condition at highway speeds. NHTSA received ov… Repairs typically run $800-$3,200. Severity: high.
What is the 2007-2023 GMC Acadia 3.6L V6 Internal Water Pump Failure and Coolant Leak?
The 3.6L V6 engines (all generations) in the Acadia use a timing chain-driven internal water pump located inside the engine block rather than a traditional externally-driven pump. The internal water pump impeller is plastic and is prone to cracking or separating from the shaft be… Repairs typically run $1,500-$5,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2019-2020 GMC Acadia Start/Stop Transmission Accumulator Missing Bolts - Fluid Leak, Loss of Propulsion and Fire Risk (Recall 20V668 / N202313440)?
On 2019-2020 GMC Acadia models (part of a broader 2018-2020 GM crossover campaign) equipped with auto start/stop, the transmission accumulator endcap may have been assembled with missing or loose bolts. This can allow a transmission fluid leak that progresses to harsh operation a… Severity: high.
What is the 2020 GMC Acadia Fuel Pump Mixing-Tube Burr Causing Engine Stall at Low Fuel (Recall 20V446 / GM N202314760)?
Certain 2020 GMC Acadia vehicles (along with the Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5/XT6 and Chevrolet Traverse) were built with a fuel pump assembly containing burrs inside the mixing tube. The burrs can prevent fuel transfer from the secondary to the primary side of the tank, so at low… Severity: high.
What is the 2023 GMC Acadia Incorrect Transmission Sun Gear Causing Driver-Side Half-Shaft Disengagement / Rollaway (Recall N222389310)?
Approximately 7,800 GM crossovers including the 2023 GMC Acadia were built with an incorrectly machined transmission sun gear. The defect can cause the driver-side (left-front) half-shaft to disengage from the transmission, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power, or a vehicle… Severity: high.
What is the 2017-2025 GMC Acadia 9T65 9-Speed Transmission Harsh Shifts and Hesitation?
The second-generation Acadia (2017+) uses the GM 9T65 9-speed automatic transmission which shares known issues with the Chevrolet Traverse and Blazer. Common complaints include harsh 1-2 upshifts, hesitation between 5-15 mph, lurching on light throttle in stop-and-go traffic, and… Repairs typically run $0-$3,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2017-2019 GMC Acadia "Shift to Park" Message With No-Shutdown / Door-Lock Lockout and Battery Drain?
Second-generation GMC Acadias (2017-2019) display a persistent "Shift to Park" message even when the shifter is fully in Park, due to a faulty shifter assembly / park-position microswitch that fails to confirm the Park signal. When triggered, the vehicle will not fully power down… Severity: medium.
What is the 2020-2021 GMC Acadia Surround Vision Rearview Camera Coaxial Cable Crimp Failure - Black/Lost Backup Image (Recall 22V709 / N222378380)?
2020-2021 GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with the optional Surround Vision package have rearview camera coaxial cable connectors that may have been crimped improperly at the factory. The poor crimp causes the backup camera image to fail or work only intermittently - owners report t… Severity: medium.
What is the 2017-2021 GMC Acadia Infotainment System Lockup, Black Screen and Random Reboots (2nd-Gen IO/IOR Head Unit)?
Second-generation GMC Acadias with the GM IO/IOR infotainment head unit suffer freezes, unresponsive touchscreens, sudden black screens and random reboots. When the unit locks up, owners lose the radio and hands-free calls, and the backup camera and on-screen controls can become… Severity: medium.
