NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 398 owner complaints for the 2018 GMC Acadia. Most complaints involve power train (164) and electrical system (109). The EPA rates it 20–23 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4–5 stars overall.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles and 2017-2018 GMC Acadia vehicles. The right front intermediate driveshaft may fracture and separate while driving.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Acadia model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 431 |
| 2008 | 858 |
| 2009 | 333 |
| 2010 | 348 |
| 2011 | 280 |
| 2012 | 302 |
| 2013 | 140 |
| 2014 | 468 |
| 2015 | 261 |
| 2016 | 236 |
| 2017 | 706 |
| 2018 | 398 |
| 2019 | 388 |
| 2020 | 106 |
| 2021 | 155 |
| 2022 | 52 |
| 2023 | 49 |
| 2024 | 61 |
| 2025 | 69 |
| 2026 | 10 |
“The contact owns a 2018 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle inside the garage, shifting to park(P) and turning off the vehicle, the vehicle suddenly rolled backwards approximately 3 feet. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions and the vehicle only moved backwards. During one failure, the vehicle almost struck a pedestrian walking behind it. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions, but no fault codes were retrieved and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000.”
“I get error electric Steering assist reduced or unavailable drive with care at around 84234 miles on my car . Upon looking up problem on Internet it has to do with the Thermostat. I also found where Gm has a bulletin N252508350 which only seems to cover certain vehicles with the same problem. This seems to happen at all different miles driven on vehicles. I don't see how Gm can get away with only fixing certain vehicles with this safety problem when it shuts down the electric steering assist . This problem from what I can find on the internet is common to all years from 2017 up in Acadia with the 3.6L engine . The Thermostats seem to be defective and I feel Gm needs to address this problem for all of these vehicles . Not just for there special bulletin N252508350 which covers some vehicles in 2021with 3.6L engines. If the engine design was like the old engines and easy to replace the Thermostat by just taking out 2 bolts , I would say no problem I will replace it .But when you have to take half the Engine apart just to replace a 20.00 part that is defective that affects the steering of the vehicle, they need to have a safety recall.”
“Steering assist warning comes on when I start the car and then the engine fan starts up very loudly and code PO128. My car has 48,000 miles and is a 2018. I am seeing this is a known issue and should be part of a recall so I want to know if it’s covered.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acadia AWD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 25 | 23 | $2,800 | 392 |
| Acadia FWD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,800 | 386 |
| Acadia FWD Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,050 | 423 |
| Acadia AWD Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,200 | 442 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
2 safety recalls as of Oct 30, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 398 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (164), electrical system (109), engine (35). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2018 GMC Acadia at 20–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2018 GMC Acadia 4–5 out of 5 stars overall.