Problems · by component

2021 GMC Acadia electrical system problems

39 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2021 GMC Acadia cite electrical system, 25% of all 155 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
39
25% of all complaints
Crashes
4
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the electrical system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 16, 2026Electrical system, Air bags, Forward collision avoidanceCrash reportedODI 11771675
“While driving home from work the car displayed a "No Fuel" warning, despite having a full tank of gas. Within seconds of the display showing the car stalled out and stopped right in the middle of the road. It would not go into neutral and I had to be towed from the middle of the road to a mechanic close by. Upon reading forums online it looks like this is a known and common issue affecting the fuel pump sensor and system in these models. There are no open recalls but being this is known and happens so often I am shocked GMC has not taken ownership to recall and correct this issue. If I had not been on a slower road I could have gotten into an accident and, as I said, the car would not go in neutral so I couldn't even safely get off the road.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 14, 2026Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11764031
“Display suddenly says "Steering assistance reduced, drive with care" Temp gauge goes to C and stays there. Radiator fans speed up and stay on after the car has been turned off. Dealer unable to find a diagnostic code for the problem.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 30, 2026Steering, Electrical system, EngineODI 11741035
“This is a very known issue that has been reoccurring with GMC Acadia. The torque converter slipping. That cost alone is over $7.000 for the transmission. I am still making monthly payments for my 2021 Acadia. With rising cost above the board GMC could have resolved this issue before releasing this vehicle to the public for purchase. Only had this vehicle for 2 years and already a new transmission is needed. Other individuals i personally know have the same issue. From my research GMC is aware and fails to do a recall on this issue.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 12, 2026Power train, Electrical systemODI 11737300
“Car has had multiple issues with check engine light coming on for the last 2 years and stays on especially during the winter months. The purge pump has failed multiple times. The cooling fan has run after engine shutting off for multiple years now. The thermostat has been failing for the last 6 months. Now yesterday low power protection suddenly turned on driving on the expressway limiting power in the middle of traffic. Was able to get off at exit without accident and get car home. I guess we have to pay out of pocket to get fixed. This is a known issue that GM fails to include every VIN with the 2021 year or certain models and VINS.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 4, 2026Electrical system, EngineODI 11721893
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2021 GMC Acadia. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was approximately 29,000. The contact attempted to trade in the vehicle, and the purchasing dealer checked the VIN and retrieved a Carfax Report. The Carfax Report indicated that the mileage on the Title on 11/04/2024 was 58,000; however, on 02/04/2025, the mileage was 28,000, and the vehicle had been in an accident in the past.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 4, 2026Electrical systemODI 11715591

Showing 6 of 39 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Other 2021 Acadia problem areas