NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 155 owner complaints for the 2021 GMC Acadia. Most complaints involve electrical system (39) and engine (30). The EPA rates it 21–25 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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.
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.
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 2021 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, traffic stopped abruptly, and the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard; however, the vehicle continued to accelerate while the Forward Collision Avoidance warning feature activated with a red warning light on the instrument panel. The contact attempted to steer off the road to avoid a collision; however, the vehicle crashed into the vehicle ahead, resulting in a three-vehicle collision. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. Another driver involved claimed unknown injuries, and the contact sustained whiplash but did not seek medical attention. Police were called, but a police report was not filed at the scene. The vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.”
“Car was running great and mins later I get an error stating steering assist is reduced -Drive with care. Vehicles temperature gauge is stuck at cold and fans turn on after turning off the vehicle. I had the vehicle serviced at Dave White on Alexis Rd in Sylvania almost exactly a year ago for the same reason. Was told by the service manager the issue was a computer update and not the thermostat and proceeded to charge for the "update" no issues with vehicle until now.”
“exhaust flex pipe is cracked. Causes fumes of gas to be released through the crack. inspected by GMC Repair shop Vibrating noise started, then a few days later the smell of gas, and now yes the Engine light is on. This has been on going for about 3 weeks.”
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 FWD Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 29 | 25 | $2,550 | 349 |
| Acadia AWD Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 22 | 27 | 24 | $2,700 | 362 |
| Acadia FWD Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 27 | 23 | $2,800 | 382 |
| Acadia FWD Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | $2,900 | 402 |
| Acadia AWD Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 21 | $3,050 | 413 |
| 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 28, 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 155 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (39), engine (30), fuel/propulsion system (26). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2021 GMC Acadia at 21–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 GMC Acadia 5 out of 5 stars overall.