Problems · NHTSA complaints
2015 GMC Acadia problems
Owners filed 261 complaints about the 2015 GMC Acadia with NHTSA between May 2015 and Aug 2026. The most-cited component is air bags (108).
Complaints
261
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
6
Reported by owners
Fires
3
Reported by owners
Injuries
5
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Air bags108
- Steering33
- Electrical system32
- Power train23
- Engine19
- Exterior lighting16
- Electronic stability control (esc)13
- Seat belts9
- Fuel/propulsion system9
- Vehicle speed control8
- Lane departure7
- Service brakes7
- Visibility/wiper5
- Tires5
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
7
7
11
23
41
26
12
9
66
37
10
12
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 7 |
| 2016 | 7 |
| 2017 | 11 |
| 2018 | 23 |
| 2019 | 41 |
| 2020 | 26 |
| 2021 | 12 |
| 2022 | 9 |
| 2023 | 66 |
| 2024 | 37 |
| 2025 | 10 |
| 2026 | 12 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Air bags
108 reports4 crashes3 related recalls
“I have pictures the seat, the airbag in the seat.The driver's seatIt didn't come through the seat, but it deployed or ruptured.But it didn't bust through the seat.It's like a big bubble. I was just driving and I heard a pop but it didn't come through the seat. It left the lump in the seat. I still think it's dangerous, cuz. It's busted.”
Steering
33 reports1 crash
“Not inspected by anyone else because they have no idea where to look because the light and actions happen on and off. Warning light and message appears. Service Traction Control and service Stabilink Light yes I will bring it in. It will turn on randomly at this point for about 4 months and the brakes are locking up the wheels while driving.”
Electrical system
32 reports3 fires
“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”
Power train
23 reports
“The contact owns a 2015 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering and vibrating while shifting gear, and vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The transmission was replaced, and vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000. The VIN was not available.”
Engine
19 reports1 crash
“The engine is not shifting properly, and the vehicle loses speed while driving and hesitates to accelerate. At time, it feels as though the car is not moving at all. This issue has occurred on multiple occasions, affecting both me and my family, and has forced us to pull over because the vehicle could barely move forward. This happed once on the highway and almost caused an accident. Additionally, the check engine light remains on at all times.”
Exterior lighting
16 reports
“The contact owns a 2015 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the center taillight was inoperable. The halo light was working as designed and then ceased operating. The headlights also became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the bulbs and the headlight assembly. The rear signal light was blinking fast, and the light became inoperable. The message that the hood was ajar was displayed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there were no recalls on the VIN related to the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 196,448.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.