Research · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD

2026 GMC AcadiaRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 10 owner complaints for the 2026 GMC Acadia. Most complaints involve electrical system (3) and power train (3). The EPA rates it 21–22 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
21–22mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Feb 2026
Owner complaints
10
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$2,900est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Equipment: owners

Free remedy

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EquipmentReported Feb 26, 2026NHTSA 26V114000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

10 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2026 – Oct 2026
  1. Electrical system3
  2. Power train3
  3. Forward collision avoidance2
  4. Service brakes1
  5. Engine1
  6. Lane departure1
  7. Air bags1
  8. Other / unknown4

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
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
2
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

3 reports
“The contact owned a 2026 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that there were software updates perform on the vehicle and the vehicle experienced issues with a module failure with reading the information downloaded. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where technicians restarted and successfully corrected the module for that specific update. However, a much larger software update failed to download or update properly. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that there have been many failures with the software updates. The dealer confirm the failure and the repair was pending. The failure mileage was 900.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 29, 2026Electrical systemODI 11767817

Power train

3 reports1 crash
“Vehicle ran out of fuel and became disabled in an active roadway/exit ramp. The vehicle retained 12-volt electrical power and the dashboard and electronic controls remained operational. With the brake pedal depressed and the ignition/electrical system on, I attempted to shift the transmission from Park to Neutral so the vehicle could be pushed out of traffic. The vehicle repeatedly displayed “Conditions Not Correct for Shift” and remained locked in Park because the engine was not running. There appears to be no driver-accessible mechanical/manual override that allows the transmission to be placed in Neutral when the engine cannot run. As a result, a disabled vehicle with functioning electrical power can remain physically immobilized in a live traffic lane, creating a collision hazard and preventing occupants or bystanders from moving it to a safer location. This condition could occur not only from running out of fuel but potentially from any engine failure that prevents the engine from running. I believe the inability to place a disabled vehicle into Neutral under these circumstances presents a safety hazard.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 3, 2026Power trainODI 11762039

Forward collision avoidance

2 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2026 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while at a stop sign and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated and crashed into the rear passenger's side of a Semi Truck. Both the AEB and the IAEB failed to engage during the incident. The vehicle sustained severe front-end damage. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy, and the Forward Collision Avoidance System failed to engage to prevent the crash. The driver sustained a neck and right shoulder injury. The front passenger seat occupant sustained a right arm and left leg injury, and a headache. No medical treatment was received. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 4,700.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 10, 2026Air bags, Forward collision avoidance, Power trainCrash reportedODI 11743270
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic 8-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 30, 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 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
202622$2,900404
Acadia AWD
Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
202321$3,050423
  • Acadia FWD
    Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo
    20 city · 26 hwy · $2,900/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • Acadia AWD
    Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo
    20 city · 23 hwy · $3,050/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 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 N/A AWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
18.5%
Overall
5 / 5
GMC ACADIA SUV N/A FWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
17.4%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 30, 2026Vehicle 21787Vehicle 21786
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

2026 Acadia questions

How many recalls does the 2026 GMC Acadia have?

1 safety recall 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.

What are the most common 2026 GMC Acadia problems?

Owners filed 10 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (3), power train (3), forward collision avoidance (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2026 GMC Acadia get?

The EPA rates the 2026 GMC Acadia at 21–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

How safe is the 2026 GMC Acadia?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2026 GMC Acadia 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 30, 2026