2011 GMC Acadia

Above average

Owners filed 269 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the steering. It has been recalled 5 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

210 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,00075,000 miles; the median is 68,887 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Steering58
000
Engine34
011
Electrical System34
010
Exterior Lighting28
050
Air Bags18
302
Power Train16
211
Electronic Stability Control (esc)13
000
Service Brakes8
000
Unknown or Other7
101
Seats5
103

5 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Critical Fasteners21V246000
Filed Apr 8, 2021108 vehiclesGeneral Motors, Llc

Defect. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2015, 2017 Buick Enclave, 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2011-2016 GMC Acadia vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not be properly attached.

Risk. Unsecured side curtain air bags may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, realign or replace the weld nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 24, 2021. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N202321200.

Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate15V415000
Filed Jun 30, 2015691,144 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured January 3, 2007, to February 29, 2012, 2009-2012 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured July 6, 2008, to March 9, 2012, 2007-2012 GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured September 15, 2006, to February 29, 2012, and 2007-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles manufactured August 17, 2006, to March 18, 2010. The affected vehicles, equipped with the power liftgate option, have gas struts that hold the power liftgate up when open. These struts may prematurely wear and the open liftgate may suddenly fall.

Risk. If the open liftgate unexpectedly falls, it may strike a person, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the power liftgate actuator motor control unit so that the motor will prevent the rapid closing of the lift gate, free of charge. The recall began on November 15, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 15240.

Seat Belts14V266000
Filed May 20, 20141,339,355 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. General Motors is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured April 14, 2008, through May 14, 2014, Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured June 6, 2008, through May 14, 2014, and GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured April 9, 2008, through May 14, 2014, and 2009-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles manufactured April 14, 2008, through March 18, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the flexible steel cable that connects the seatbelt to the front outboard seating positions may fatigue and separate over time.

Risk. If the steel cable becomes fatigued and separates, the seatbelt may not properly restrain the seat occupant increasing the risk of an injury in a crash.

Remedy. General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, repair and replace the lap pretensioner, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. An interim notice will be mailed to owners in July 2014. A second notice will be mailed to owners once parts become available. The recall for the 2009-2010 model years began on July 11, 2014. The interim letter for the 2011-2014 model years were distributed on July 11, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-462-8782 (GMC), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). General Motors recall number for this campaign is 14187.

Air Bags › Side/Window14V118000
Filed Mar 17, 20141,176,407 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia and 2009-2013 Chevrolet Traverse and 2008-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the driver and passenger seat mounted side impact air bag (SIAB) wiring harnesses may result in the SIAB and seat belt pretensioners not deploying in the event of a crash.

Risk. Failure of the side impact air bags and seat belt pretensioners to deploy in a crash increase the risk of injury to the driver and front seat occupant.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected harness connections with soldered connections, free of charge. The recall began on June 16, 2014. Buick owners may contact the owner center at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet owners at 1-866-694-6546, Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, and GMC owners at 1-866-996-9463. GM's number for this recall is 14030. Note: Vehicles repaired as part of Customer Satisfaction Campaign 10085 and special coverage 10335 have already had the subject condition repaired and therefore are not included in the safety recall.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Linkages12V151000
Filed Apr 9, 201247,846 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE, BUICK ENCLAVE, AND GMC ACADIA VEHICLES CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, UTAH, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, WYOMING AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. SNOW OR ICE BUILDUP ON THE WINDSHIELD OR ON THE WIPER MAY RESTRICT THE MOVEMENT OF THE WIPER ARM, CAUSING THE WIPER ARM TO LOOSEN AND CAUSE THE WIPER TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Risk. IF THIS OCCURS, DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE WIPER ARM NUTS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2012.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical SystemFire
Filed May 10, 2026KS

The relay for the fan at the top of the fuse/relay box on the right side when facing the front of the vehicle. (under the hood) Gets hot and blows the relay and melts the spot where the relay prongs plug in. Causing the need for a new fuse box and circuit problems within the fuse box connectors. The fans, specifically the a/c fan does not kick on when turning on the a/c and the low speed fan does not kick on at all until the secondary temp fan kicks on after the temperature raises past the normal operating range. Which an overheating engine is bad for all parts of the engine which can and sooner or later will lead to a catastrophic failure putting the operator and other motorists life's at risk.This time it created a small fire that was extinguished only because the fuse box cover was off and I was looking at it as it happened, putting the cover back on extinguished the fire. This is the third time it has happened with the exact same problem. You tube is full of videos with the exact same problem.

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 29, 2025TX

We purchased the vehicle on August 20, 2025. At which time we paid over $4,800 for the vehicle. I will be trying to submit all files pertaining to the vehicle. We are both disabled and on the fixed income from ssi. However, a week after purchasing the vehicle all issues began to rise up. There was no transmission fluid, the oil need changed, catalytic converter showed up on AutoZone print out, wheels to make a sound when turning, brakes needs fixed, electrical seems to have an issue. The reason I am submitting this is in prayer asking for any remedy with this situation through the recalls, bulletins, and whatever else maybe available for the vehicle. I thank you for your time, effort, and consideration in this matter.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 27, 2025AZ

Unknown

Air Bags
Filed Mar 18, 2025AR

My air bag light keeps coming on saying to service it. I saw the recalled issues before with the other Acadias and was thinking maybe my year model would need to be looked into as well. I haven't ever had a wreck for them to come out but the light comes on frequently.

Power Train
Filed Mar 7, 2025LA

Transmission shudder from torque converter

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 10, 2024UT

Tailgate system has failed causing tailgate to force closed after opening halfway. Risk of being pinned between the car and tailgate. Similar to previous recall POWER LIFTGATE PROP ROD RECOVERY, gate is not being controlled or caught.

Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner
Filed Jun 17, 2024SD

System failed from wear on the rear ac hose from the power steering hose rubbing on it. Creating a leak in my ac system

Engine
Filed Apr 12, 2024OH

I had issue with the timing chain an have check engine light is on I have heard other people having problems with there timing chain. It starts hard. I've had it looked at multiple times. I feel like this is a safety concern. It has low miles on it

Seat Belts
Filed Sep 26, 2023TX

Not sure but the ex owner of the vehicle told me the it had a recall on the drivers seatbelt (wasn’t due to a car accident)

Engine
Filed Sep 4, 2023GA

The engine light came on. Had a mobile mechanic look at it, he ran a diagnostics, it showed a P0017 code. He advised to get another opinion on how to repair, as he said it may need a new engine. Took it to a local repair shop, was told the same thing. The Acadia runs fine, and only has 116K miles. The problem is that it will not pass the required emission test for annual registration and tag. The cost of a new engine was estimated at about $10K, which is more than the Acadia is worth. Was told that these vehicles have had a history of this same issue.

Seat Belts
Filed May 1, 2023UT

Seatbelt locks and does not release

Electrical System
Filed Apr 19, 2023TX

2011 gmc Acadia slt gear shift does not lock causing it to slip into neutral with slightest bump of shifter or sudden hard breaking Also passenger seat belt does not.lock at all when breaking and driver side seat belt never unlocks there are safty recalls on these issues for this model but.says mine has zero unfixed recall also defrosting and mirror defrost does not work properly causing me to have very bad visibility I had a close call when driving in Houston a week ago when I had to slam breaks due to a crazy driver who did not see me.and cut me off the lane my gear shifted into neutral causing me to not be able to accelerate after breaking to avoid the next speeding car fortunately I was lucky and was able to quickly shift back into drive and go there are electrical issues as well and there has only been one other owner and well maintained so I don't know what to do next my passenger nearly hit dash during this that's when I realized passenger seat belt does not lock

Electrical System
Filed Apr 3, 2023WI

DRLs melted into the housing, seems like this is possibly caused by cowls that are not properly sealed allowing moisture into headlight assembly. This is obviously a fire hazard and will be a costly repair. I am not sure if vehicle insurance covers this but I doubt it.

Engine
Filed Feb 22, 2023OR

LOOKING INTO A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT I FOUND I HAD A MISFIRE IN A FEW CYLINDERS. LOOKING INTO IT I FOUND OIL IN MY SPARK PLUG TUBES, MY COILS WERE PERFECTLY DRY AND THE TOP OF THE TUBES WERE DRY AS WELL. LOOKING INTO THIS ISSUE I FOUND MULTIPLE TSB FORMS FOR THE ISSUE STATING THERE WAS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT IN THE HEAD. IT SAYS IT EFFECTS ALL VINS FOR ALL YEARS AS THEY USE THE SAME ENGINE.

Suspension
Filed Oct 11, 2022140,000 milesNC

The contact owns a 2011 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, she heard an abnormal noise from the rear passenger side tire. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer but was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Power Train
Filed Oct 10, 2022NC

I was driving on the freeway then my car suddenly started slowing down. I tried changing lane so i can pull over on the side of the freeway but unfortunately i couldn't get to pull over before the car completely stopped on the freeway. I called AAA. They sent a tow truck which came to the freeway to tow my car. My husband came and took me to work. The car was towed to a GMC dealership. I went to the dealership after work. I was told my car has timing chain problem and if not fixed will damage the engine. I went online to read reviews of this car only to see it was a very common problem for this year and model of GMC which if i have ever read those reviews i would not have bought a GMC. This vehicle should be recalled for this issue.

Engine
Filed Sep 20, 2022VA

Looses power while driving. Cannot jump the battery it needs to be recharged every time. Power steering stops working while driving( low rpm and when stopped) dangerous for merging or lane changes. Engine shudders when trying to accelerate. TCM/ ECM replaced 2020. Problem still persists. Whining noise upon start of the vehicle. Auto start will not work. traction control light, check engine airbag and

Steering
Filed Aug 2, 2022NJ

POWER STEERING RACK & HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING LINE. IF THIS FAILS WHILE YOU'RE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY YOU WILL LOSE POWER STEERING CAUSING A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. ALSO THE TIMING COVER IS LEAKING. BOTH OF THESE EXPENSIVE REPAIRS SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE WITH ALL GMC ACADIA SUV'S YET THE NHTSA HAS NOT INVESTIGATED OR REQUIRED THE MANUFACTURER TO DO A RECALL AND COVER THE COSTS OF REPAIR. COSTS FOR BOTH REPAIRS IS $5000.00 !!!

Steering
Filed Jul 13, 2022174,300 milesIL

The contact owns a 2011 GMC Acadia. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that he used his knowledge of vehicles to depress the accelerator pedal, which raised the RPM and caused the steering wheel to become operative. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while the vehicle was idling. Additionally, the contact stated that the steering wheel would seize while driving and steering to the left. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 174,300.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Mar 24, 2022TX

Hi, I think the 2011 Acadia Denali should be in the recall along with the Terrain. The reason being that I always get flashed at night and every night as though I have the high lights on which I don’t. That’s every night. Please check into this. With all this road rage going on I worry I might come across one angry person or cause someone to wreck. Please I’m worried. Thank you.

20 of 269 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2008
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20267100Routine
202563000Routine
202457000Routine
202343410Routine
202249310Routine
2021149200Routine
2020100600Routine
2019384220Above average
2018393210Above average
2017702420Above average
2016236420Above average
2015243430Above average
2014462620Above average
2013135380Routine
2012296520Above average
2011 — this page2695100Above average
2010343481Fatalities reported
20093317140Above average
20088545130Above average
2007428570Above average

Compare every Acadia year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Apr 8, 2021. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.