2021 GMC Acadia Problems And Complaints

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Rating7.7

Ranked #4 in 

Midsize SUV
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$29,800 - $48,600
Starting Price 

Users Opinions on 2021 GMC Acadia

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  • K

    K705

    07/02/2022

    Rating:

    (2 Out Of 5 stars)

    ... volume stops working and everything needs to be restarted to function properly...power down phone, power down vehicle... Worst of all the black chrome trim has all flaked and peeled off every trim piece of the vehicle and has been in the process of warrenty coverage since November. Only to be replaced by more black chrome that will most definitly do the same thing. GM will not replace with black paintedRead More

    Source: edmunds

  • H

    Heather

    24/05/2021

    Rating:

    (1 Out Of 5 stars)

    ... dealer said it needed a new transmission and supposedly fixed it, so I got the car back on May 18th with 527 miles on it. Today, May 23rd, I got in my car again and didn’t even get a mile away from my house when my car started shaking again and alerting me the transmission and engine needs services immediately. I called another tow truck and it’s now sitting at the dealer and we will have to see what they say tomorrow morning sinceRead More

    Source: edmunds

  • AO

    Acadia Ohio

    27/04/2021

    Rating:

    (1 Out Of 5 stars)

    ... After getting it back from a week at the dealer, the sensor system started acting up and the vehicle started to smoke. We brought it back to the dealer, and it was determined the engine block was porous per a GM service bulletin, and the entire engine needed to be replaced. It has been three (3) weeks and the vehicle remains at the dealer. We are a loyal GM family, but not are very scaredRead More

    Source: edmunds

2021 GMC Acadia SUV Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and Which Year to Avoid

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

104

Complaints
Overall Safety Rating
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on August 7, 2024

Belonging to the revered General Motors, GMC’s reliability quotient is not as impressive as one would imagine. Yet, some of its offerings tend to defy the norms. The new 2021 GMC Acadia is an example of a similar ideology that proves to be a dependable option, scoring a J.D. Power rating of 81 points. It has had just 24 complaints registered to its name, despite being a high-sales volume product. Additionally, it has only been called back once, which puts it in a better position than rivals like the Volkswagen Atlas, the Mazda CX-5, and the Toyota Highlander. Let us have a closer look at the 2021 GMC Acadia problems, and understand their implications on the ownership experience.

2021 GMC Acadia User Complaints and Problems

Mechanical Complaints:

  • Issues with the transmission unit: 2021 GMC Acadia transmission problems have variegated causes. While most buyers have reported the shuddering of the vehicle and inability to shift into higher gears due to an issue with the transmission fluid, in one case, the failure of the torque converter case was attributed as the cause for an underwhelming performance.
  • Problems with the braking system: As the transmission unit, the 2021 GMC Acadia brake problems are also a notable cause of concern. Buyers of the midsize SUV have reported the electronic parking brake engaging automatically, which increases the risk of a crash, as the vehicle inadvertently loses speed. Additionally, one buyer has also reported the brakes grinding, when the vehicle is turned on after a considerable number of hours.

Electric System Complaints

  • Malfunctioning electric system: The 2021 GMC Acadia electric problems are concerning and recurring. For individual buyers, the issues with the electric system have led to several problems. While some complainants have reported the vehicle shutting down completely or locking/unlocking automatically, one buyer has also recorded the infotainment system functioning erratically.
  • Underwhelming performance of the rearview camera: A handful of buyers of the 2021 Acadia have observed the rearview camera not performing its intended function. During operation, the camera fails to display an image, which can increase the risk of a crash, as the buyers remain unaware of their surroundings.

Safety Complaints

  • Improper functioning of the safety system: Amongst the uncommon 2021 GMC Acadia issues, some buyers have also reported a “Service safety restraint system” warning popping up on the screen. While it has been recorded in more than a couple of cases, no cause for the problem has yet been established by GMC.

2021 GMC Acadia Recalls

S. No

Date

NHTSA ID

Issues Noticed

Additional Remarks

Remedy

1.

3rd June 2021

21V422000

Improper installation of fuel lines

The fuel supply lines might have been improperly attached and seated, which may loosen during operation, increasing the risk of a fuel leak and fire.

Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel lines free of cost, wherever required. The notification of the recall has been sent to the buyers on 1st July 2021.

Should you buy a used 2021 GMC Acadia?

With the advent of the SUV segment and a higher appetite for luxury, the GMC Acadia has spearheaded the ranks of success. It is practical and ergonomic in its build and resonates with leisure. The price of a 2021 GMC Acadia starts at $30,995, which makes it an affordable option. It reeks of simplicity, but with a restricted list of complaints, the Acadia’s dependability is where its oneness lies. So, if you are in the market for a new midsize SUV, the GMC Acadia translates into a trustworthy choice.

  • Complaints
  • Recalls
  • Investigations
  • Manufacturer Communications

September 22, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11688963

Components: 100000 POWER TRAIN

NHTSA ID Number:
11688963

Incident Date:
September 22, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
1GKKNMLS0MZ

Consumer Location:
COLEMAN, TX

Summary
Received message "Steering assist is reduced. Drive with care". This is related to a faulty thermostat an...

September 21, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11688739

Components: 010000 STEERING

NHTSA ID Number:
11688739

Incident Date:
September 21, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
1GKKNRLS2MZ

Consumer Location:
PETOSKEY, MI

Summary
I have a 2021 GMC Acadia that keeps saying steering assist not available. But when it does this, the temp...

September 5, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11685299

Components: 010000 STEERING

NHTSA ID Number:
11685299

Incident Date:
September 5, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
1GKKNXLS5MZ

Consumer Location:
NORTH EAST, MD

Summary
This is a well known issue. On the dash it keeps reading steering system is being reduced drive with care...

August 25, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11682800

Components: 074000 FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (PWS)

NHTSA ID Number:
11682800

Incident Date:
August 25, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
1GKKNKLS8MZ

Consumer Location:
WEST BLOOMFIELD, MI

Summary
My Acadia, 2021 has just 36011 miles. Car sputtered a few times like it was running out of gas and stal...

August 21, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11682193

Components: 074000 FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (PWS)

NHTSA ID Number:
11682193

Incident Date:
August 21, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
1GKKNXLS5MZ

Consumer Location:
OMAHA, NE

Summary
I was driving down a heavy traffic expressway with a lot of semi traffic and the SUV started puttering. A...

76/100Best

Quality & Reliability

Assesses the extent of issues, glitches, and design imperfections encountered by...

80/100Best

Driving Experience

Owners' assessments regarding the vehicle's design, performance, comfort, functi...

84/100Best

Resale

CARHP's projection of depreciation, which estimates the probable decrease in the...

87/100Best

Dealership Experience

Owners' interactions with dealerships associated with this brand, encompassing b...

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