The GMC Acadia has always been an upscale and classy option for those who thought that the Chevy Traverse was a bit too mundane, a fact that none of us can’t deny. Even though the sales numbers are on the lower side, it fixes most of the Niggles we had with the Traverse. However, the fixes don’t apply to everything as we see that recalls its sibling recked up this year has been completely replicated into this model as well. 3 recalls and over 150 complaints put it right in the bang middle of its competition as far as reliability and build quality goes. So the question is, should you be spending $33,950, which by the way is the highest asking base price in its class, on this SUV instead of popular choices like the Chevrolet Traverse, the Honda Pilot, and the Toyota Highlander? Would it be a reliable option? This section would help you out with that.
2015 GMC Acadia User Complaints and Problems
Mechanical Complaints
- Engine problems- Engine problems are not all that common on the 2015 GMC Acadia but high mileage vehicles do tend to have idling issues and unexpected engine stalls while driving. The issues are mostly traced to clogged EGR valves, faulty throttle control solenoids, or even issues with the automatic transmission shift problems. Since there are no specific fault points here, the issue is resolved on the basis of the fault detected.
- Transmission problems- Occasional shudder, jerk, and slipare some common problems seen on the 2015 GMC Acadia’s transmission as mileage increases. Seeing these faults on new vehicles is rare but NHTSA has reported cases where the failure was noticed on a 30,000-miles Acadia. TCM software issues or faulty transmission software are the most probable causes for these issues. A few transmission replacements have also been reported on vehicles with over 100,000-miles, which we think is not a huge concern.
- Rear differential issues- Rear differential grinding noises coupled with rear-end vibrations are pretty common on the 2015 GMC Acadia with the mileage. The issue could be with the torque tube or even the rear-differential carrier. If diagnosed, both parts would need replacements with repair costs ranging from $1,500-$2,000. Owners also report the difficulty of finding spares from dealers and official websites as it has been tagged out of stock.
Electric System complaints
- AC issues- faulty AC is one issue to watch out for on the 2015 GMC Acadia. As reported by the NHTSA, the issue could be with any of the components (evaporator, expansion valve, or blower) in the system with the most expensive replacement being the compressor itself, which is the common failure point seen on high mileage vehicles.
- Radio/ media unit issues- radio receiver issues are pretty common on the 2015 GMC Acadia’s media head unit. Dead buttons, no audio through speakers, occasional reboots, and a drop in wireless phone connectivity are the other complaints reported. Radio issues might need a new antenna or even the wiring harness while the rest of the issues are mostly sorted with a software update.
Structural complaints
- Power steering failure- The 2015 GMC Acadia is known for power steering issues. Failure of steering assist is seen at an average mileage of 35,000-miles on these SUVs. GMC is aware of this issue being widespread and the warranty on the pump has been taken off with no chance of recall. As reported, a replacement could cost anywhere between $1,000 to $1,500 depending on the dealer and location.
Safety Complaints
- Airbag problems- Airbag warning lights and deploying issues are pretty common on the 2015 GMC Acadia, with the cause being traced to the vendor. The automaker is aware of these issues and has initiated recalls (22V246000 and 21V246000) in subsequent years to inspect and replace the damaged units.
2015 GMC Acadia Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
14th April 2022 |
22V246000 |
Driver’s airbag inflators may explode |
The driver's airbag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect resulting in metal fragments hitting the occupants and causing serious injuries. |
The dealers will replace the driver's airbag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters will be mailed by May 30, 2022. |
|
2 |
8th April 2021 |
21V246000 |
Side curtain airbags may be unsecured |
The side curtain airbags may not be properly attached, causing them not to perform as intended and increasing the risk of injury during a crash. |
The dealers will inspect and, if necessary, realign or replace the weld nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 24, 2021. |
|
3 |
28th January 2015 |
15V044000 |
Tire tread cracking |
Vehicles equipped with Goodyear P255/65R18 Fortera HL tires may experience tread cracking, which can cause a loss of tire pressure and increase the possibility of a crash. |
The dealers will replace the tires that were manufactured within a specific date range, free of charge. The recall began on March 9, 2015. |
Should you buy a used 2015 GMC Acadia?
Although the GMC Acadia couldn’t find as many takers as its competition or even its sibling the Chevy Traverse, we think it is one of the best choices around. Boasting the best looks, a premium cabin, and commendable rough road performance in its class, we still don’t really get the reason why it sells the least, apart from its higher starting and trim prices. It’s not like this SUV is unreliable as it is mechanically identical to its top seller sibling with the reliability and customer satisfaction levels being not too far from the class best. As far as we see it, the Acadia is always in our recommendation lists, and would suggest it to anyone who will do dash out a few more dollars.
