2022 GMC Acadia Problems and Complaints

Senior Editor,

Updated on August 7, 2024

Bridging the gap between the Terrain and Yukon SUVs, the GMC Acadia is one of the better options available in the midsize SUV market today. It coalesces a refined ride quality with an ergonomic and opulent cabin, to bestow a rich experience of luxury and finesse. While it comes with a practical setup and is highly accommodating, the Acadia’s third-row seat is smaller than its rivals and feels cramped. Nonetheless, the SUV’s versatility lies in its bevy of standard features, a couple of engine options, and a frugal outlook. Its prices start at $34,000 and go up to $48,600 for the revered 2022 Acadia Denali trim, making it slightly pricier than its rivals.

The 2022 GMC Acadia is a part of the second generation of the SUV launched in 2017. While it remains true to its ideas of capaciousness and pragmatism, the latest iteration of the vehicle witnesses the discontinuation of the base SL trim and the base inline-4 engine. However, the SUV benefits from the standardization of GMC’s Safety Plus Package. It scores cent-percent ratings in the crash tests conducted by the federal and non-federal agencies and even sets the highest standards of reliability. So, in a segment populated by stalwarts like the Ford Explorer, the Toyota Highlander, and the Chevrolet Traverse, can the Acadia build its place as a dependable proposition? Let’s find out.

2022 GMC Acadia User Complaints and Problems

With the advent of its second generation, the GMC Acadia was riddled with user complaints in its initial iterations. The debut model, which is the 2017 variant, had a whopping 389 complaints to its name. While the number has come down gradually, the 2022 Acadia continues to be a part of a similar generation. So, while making a buying decision, it is important to be cognizant of all the problems that have troubled the buyers of the SUV in the past. Listed below are the most common niggles and issues reported by the complainants on the NHTSA website.

Electric System Complaints

Failure of vehicle to recognize the transmission in Park: The GMC Acadia’s transmission problems are restricted to the vehicle’s failure to identify the transmission in Park mode. When the vehicle is turned off, the vehicle displays a “Shift to Park” message, which continues to remain on the information screen despite the transmission being shifted to Park. The failure continues for a couple of minutes before the vehicle restores its normal functionality.
Malfunctioning rearview camera: The 2021 Acadia problems might not be the most widespread, but the problems with the rearview camera are highly concerning. Complainants have recorded the rearview camera to fail suddenly without any prior symptoms.
Issues with the automatic emergency braking: In some cases, buyers of the GMC Acadia have reported the automatic emergency braking system to apply independently without any imminent threat of a crash. As a result, the vehicle loses speed, which can eventually lead to an accident.

Safety Complaints

Improper deployment of airbags: Not as rampant as the other concerns listed above, the airbag system of the GMC Acadia has been reported to function erratically in a handful of cases. While the non-deployment of the airbags is the most common issue, in one case, a buyer has also recorded the airbags to open without any crash. In either case, there is a high chance of injury to the occupants and this is an issue that the American brand should deal with at the earliest.

Mechanical Complaints

Problems with the service brakes: The GMC Acadia has two distinct problems with its braking system. The first issue is concerned with independent activation of the parking brake, which causes the vehicle to lose its power. As a result, the SUV tends to stall, increasing the risk of a crash. The other problem relates to an inadequate level of the brake fluid. Due to a reduced amount of fluid in the system, the braking capabilities of the vehicle tend to suffer, and in some cases, it can also lead to total failure.
Loss of power steering: Yet another mechanical complaint of the Acadia SUV relates to the failure of its steering system. In several cases, buyers have reported the loss of the power steering functionality without any prior symptoms. As a result, the driver loses control over the vehicle, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Stalling of the vehicle: In some cases, buyers have also reported the SUV to stall inadvertently. Without any cause, the Acadia tends to lose all of its motive power, which can increase the risk of a crash.

Exterior Complaints

Dim exterior headlights: In the initial years of the current generation, buyers of the GMC Acadia have reported substandard performance of the headlights. Complainants have recorded that both in high and low-beam conditions, the headlights do not provide ample illumination. As a result, the visibility of the driver is hindered, which can result in an underwhelming driving experience.

Most of the problems mentioned above relate to the initial iterations of the current generation. In the most recent model years, including the 2021 and 2020 variants, the number of user grievances has come down considerably to just 21 and 18, respectively. Additionally, the 2022 GMC Acadia has not had any complaints as of the date we write this article and we hope that the situation continues as it is.

2022 GMC Acadia Recalls

Compared to its complaints, the GMC Acadia recalls list is not all that extensive. In the current generation, the SUV has 13 recalls, some of which have been recurring across the model years. Nonetheless, GMC’s proactive approach to call back affected units has allowed it to deal with the recurring problems effectively. Listed below are all the recalls started by the brand on the GMC Acadia since 2017 and their implications on the ownership experience.

S. No	Date	NHTSA ID	Issues Noticed	Additional Remarks
1.	10th Sept 2021	21V072000	SDM not activated	The sensing diagnostic module might have been left in “manufacturing mode” and may not have been activated. As a result, the affected units fail to comply with federal laws. 2 units of the 2022 MY are said to be affected by the problem.
2.	3rd June 2020	21V422000	Improper installation of fuel supply lines	Due to an error in the manufacturing process, the fuel lines might be improperly attached. As a result, the fuel supply lines might loosen over time and interrupt the flow of the fuel and causing a possible, while also increasing the chance of a fire.
3.	25th Feb 2021	21V115000	Failure of the tires	Due to overcuring, the affected tires might be at risk of air loss due to the break of the sidewall or the separation of the belt edge.
4.	5th Nov 2020	20V684000	Overcured tires	Due to overcuring, the affected tires might be at risk of air loss due to the break of the sidewall or the separation of the belt edge.
5.	29th Oct 2020	20V668000	Missing bolts on start/stop accumulator	Due to missing bolts in the start/stop accumulator endcap, the affected units might be at risk of transmission leak, which can cause the vehicle to stall unexpectedly.
6.	15th Oct 2020	20V639000	Stalling of the engine due to limited fuel supply	Due to an error in the manufacturing process, the fuel pump’s jet nozzle might have a plastic burr, which can restrict the fuel supply, increasing the chance of the SUV stalling.
7.	30th July 2020	20V446000	Non-deployment of roof rail airbag	Due to an improperly crimped diffuser component of the roof-rail airbag, the airbag might not deploy as intended in case of a crash.
8.	31st May 2018	18V358000	Fuel pump flange weld may fracture	The high-pressure fuel pump may be at risk of separation from its mounting flange, increasing the risk of a fuel leak.
9	22nd Aug 2017	17V516000	Possible detachment of driveshaft	The front driveshaft might fracture and separate when the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of a crash.

With each listed recall, GMC had initiated a free inspection, repair, and replacement of the affected components. While the 2022 Acadia has one recall to its name, its competitors, including the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse and the 2022 Toyota Highlander, have no recalls. However, the 2022 Ford Explorer has been called back once, to rectify issues with its fuel system.

Component Affected	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
Safety	0	1	0	0	0
Exterior	0	0	0	0	0
Electric	0	0	0	0	0
Interior	0	0	0	0	0
Drive System	0	3	2	1	2
Fuel System	1	1	0	1	1
Engine	0	0	0	0	0

Which GMC Acadia model year should you avoid?

The GMC Acadia’s performance in terms of reliability has improved over the past couple of years. Yet, in its second generation, the SUV has had some model years that have delivered substandard performances. These include the 2017 and 2018 iterations, which marked the introductory versions of the current generation. Amongst them, these two MYs share 580 complaints and 5 recalls, which are classic ingredients for a painstaking ownership experience.

Should you buy a used GMC Acadia?

Yes! The GMC Acadia fits the purpose of family-oriented buyers. It is a practical proposition that vaunts impressive fuel figures and also comes with an optional V6 engine for those looking for a little pizzazz in their everyday drives. While not the most craftily created on the inside, the Acadia’s oneness lies in its impressive safety features and high-reliability ratings. So, if you plan on opting for a new or used Acadia, the SUV will provide the best bang for the buck.