Research · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD

2023 GMC AcadiaRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 49 owner complaints for the 2023 GMC Acadia. Most complaints involve power train (13) and engine (13). The EPA rates it 21–25 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
21–25mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
4campaigns
Latest Oct 2023
Owner complaints
49
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$2,550est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

4 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Visibility: windshield

Free remedy

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 GMC Acadia and 2024 Cadilac XT5 and XT6 vehicles. The windshield may have been assembled without the proper urethane sealant required to bond the windshield to the vehicle body.

VisibilityReported Oct 12, 2023NHTSA 23V681000

Power train: automatic transmission

Free remedy

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac XT6, GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Blazer, Traverse, and 2022-2023 Cadillac XT5 vehicles. The transmission may have been built with an incorrect sun gear, which can result in the driver-side half-shaft disengaging from the transmission.

Power trainReported Mar 16, 2023NHTSA 23V172000

Power train: driveshaft

Free remedy

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac XT5 and GMC Acadia vehicles. The right-front half-shaft assemblies may be improperly connected to the transmission, causing them to separate.

Power trainReported Feb 2, 2023NHTSA 23V043000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

49 complaints filed with NHTSA · Nov 2022 – Oct 2026
  1. Power train13
  2. Engine13
  3. Electrical system10
  4. Steering4
  5. Fuel/propulsion system3
  6. Service brakes2
  7. Forward collision avoidance2
  8. Service brakes, hydraulic2
  9. Seat belts2

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

By model year

Complaints for each Acadia model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2007431
2008858
2009333
2010348
2011280
2012302
2013140
2014468
2015261
2016236
2017706
2018398
2019388
2020106
2021155
202252
202349
202461
202569
202610
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
4
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

13 reports
“Vehicle Information: 2023 GMC Acadia VIN: [XXX] Description of Safety Defect: While operating the vehicle, a sudden and total loss of propulsion occurred without warning. The transmission completely disengaged from the drive gears while the vehicle was in motion. When depressing the gas pedal, the engine freely revved up to approximately 3,000 RPM, but no power or torque was transferred to the wheels, leaving the vehicle entirely stranded and unable to move. This severe mechanical failure matches the exact symptoms, hazards, and mechanical behavior detailed in NHTSA Campaign Number 23V172000 (General Motors Safety Recall N222389310) regarding a dimensionally incorrect transmission sun gear that causes driver-side half-shaft separation. My specific VIN is currently excluded from the active recall population, despite experiencing the identical manufacturing defect and catastrophic loss of motive power. This creates a severe highway safety hazard and a rolling/rollaway risk. I am requesting that the NHTSA investigate an expansion of the recall population for the 2023 GMC Acadia to include this vehicle.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 14, 2026Power train, Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11771044

Engine

13 reports2 crashes
“The contact owns a 2023 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while reversing out of the driveway at 2-3 MPH, the brake pedal became firm for 3–5 seconds. The contact was able to depress the brake pedal after several attempts. The messages “Low Engine Power” and "Service ESC" were momentarily displayed after the failure. The vehicle was shifted into park(P), and the check engine and traction control warning lights illuminated. The check engine warning light remained illuminated. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle at the residence and retrieved DTC: C05CC. The dealer was notified of the failure via a voicemail message. The failure mileage was 80,606.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 30, 2026Service brakes, hydraulic, EngineODI 11768121

Electrical system

10 reports1 fire
“TELEMATIC CONTROL MODULE WENT OUT. ON RESEARCH, IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND THERE IS NO FIX BECAUSE THE MODULE IS BACK ORDERED. NO TIME GIVEN FOR WHEN AVAILABLE. WE WOULD LIKE TO ADD OUR NAME TO SEE IF IT CAN BE INCLUDED IN A RECALL. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX]”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 18, 2026Electrical systemODI 11711729
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

4 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo · 3.6L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 9-spd
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Acadia FWD
Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
222925$2,550365
Acadia AWD
Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
222724$2,700368
Acadia FWD
Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive
192722$2,900404
Acadia AWD
Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · All-Wheel Drive
192621$3,050417
  • Acadia FWD
    Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    22 city · 29 hwy · $2,550/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • Acadia AWD
    Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    22 city · 27 hwy · $2,700/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
  • Acadia FWD
    Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L
    19 city · 27 hwy · $2,900/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • Acadia AWD
    Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L
    19 city · 26 hwy · $3,050/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
GMC Acadia SUV AWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
15.1%
Overall
5 / 5
GMC Acadia SUV FWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
16.4%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 17124Vehicle 17123
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2023 Acadia questions

How many recalls does the 2023 GMC Acadia have?

4 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.

What are the most common 2023 GMC Acadia problems?

Owners filed 49 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (13), engine (13), electrical system (10). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2023 GMC Acadia get?

The EPA rates the 2023 GMC Acadia at 21–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

How safe is the 2023 GMC Acadia?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2023 GMC Acadia 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026