GMC Acadia Problems | Avoid These Year Models

By Max Anthony •  Updated: 05/07/21 •  8 min read

Car owners might have GMC Acadia problems that need to be addressed. Car owners need to know about these potential issues to prevent them from happening or deal with them as they arise. This blog post will talk about some of the most common GMC Acadia problems, its worst model years as well as the best years to buy.

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Most common GMC Acadia Problems 

GMC Acadia Engine Problems 

GMC Acadia Problems
2021 GMC Acadia © carbuzz

One of the most popular luxury vehicles on the market, GMC Acadia problems are common among owners. It is important to know what these issues are and how they can be prevented so that you do not run into any trouble down the road.

When it comes to vehicle complaints, the engine is commonplace for people to have problems. In fact, in 2017 there were over 100 thousand complaints about engine-related problems with GMC Acadia models alone. 

A number that was enough to make the car one of the worst-rated vehicles on this list by Consumer Reports with only 10% of those who reviewed it giving it an “excellent” rating.

The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine in the 2018 Acadia has been plagued with issues since it was released to the public last year.

 Many people have complained of power loss, hesitation when shifting gears, and even an intermittent stalling issue that seems to happen at random times.

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GMC Acadia Transmission Problems

Most people think the transmission is just something that changes gears for your car, but there’s more to it than that. A transmission also needs an oil and filter change every 30,000 miles.

You will know when the time comes because the engine will start making strange noises. GMC Acadia owners have been reporting issues with their transmissions not working properly from as early as 20,000 miles into ownership.

GMC Acadia Problems
2021 GMC Acadia © carbuzz

Some drivers have complained about a shuddering in their vehicle when they accelerate or shift gears while others experience an engine that will not go into gear at all.

Since these GMC Acadia problems can be quite dangerous to drive around with, it is important for your safety and the safety of other motorists that you bring your car in as soon as possible for inspection.

GMC Acadia A/C Problems

If you’re having trouble with your A/C in a GMC Acadia, it may be time to take action. The GMC Acadia is a large SUV that has been on the market since 2007. It has had many owners and complaints about its A/C system over the years.

GMC Acadia Problems
2021 GMC Acadia © carbuzz

The interior of the Acadia can get very hot when driving long distances or sitting in traffic during the summer months. This happens because there are no vents inside of this vehicle for airflow to come through while you are seated inside. 

The only way air gets into this car is by opening all windows and doors, which allows outside air to flow into your car and cools down the interior temperature considerably but also lets bugs fly right in as well!

GMC Acadia Years To Avoid

2012 GMC Acadia Problems

The GMC Acadia is a great family vehicle that can meet all your needs. It’s spacious and comfortable with plenty of space for the kids to play in the backseat. The problem is, when you start having problems with your 2012 Acadia, it can be frustrating.

GMC Acadia Problems
2012 GMC Acadia © carbuzz

The 2012 Acadia has been given a rating of “Poor” by Consumer Reports and there are many reported problems with this vehicle.

Most 2012 GMC Acadia problems have to do with the engine, transmission, or other major systems that affect driving ability. There is also some concern about fuel economy in certain areas of the country where gas prices may be higher than average.

Another issue is that many owners have been experiencing problems with engine misfires due to faulty ignition coils and injectors over time which can result in costly repairs down the line if they aren’t fixed soon enough.

The 2012 GMC Acadia has been involved in several recalls this year alone; these include problems with airbags (which are designed to protect occupants from injury during a collision), electrical systems, fuel systems, and exhaust components.

 In total, there have been six different recalls for the Acadia this year so far: four involving safety issues, one being a routine maintenance issue and another being an emissions control problem that led to reduced horsepower on some models.

2013 GMC Acadia Problems

The 2013 GMC Acadia is a great midsize crossover SUV. It’s one of the most comfortable rides on the market and it offers plenty of cargo space with its third-row seating option.

GMC Acadia Problems
2012 GMC Acadia © carbuzz

There are some 2013 GMC Acadia problems that owners have been reporting, though, so we’ve compiled them below to help you make an informed decision before buying this car.

The 2013 GMC Acadia is a nice family vehicle, but if you’re experiencing engine problems, then it’s time to take action. The first thing you need to do is check your oil level and make sure it has the right amount of oil in it. If not, get that fixed as soon as possible because this could lead to more serious issues down the line.

After checking your oil levels, you should go ahead and have your mechanic look at your car for other signs of engine problems like coolant leaks or if there are any water spots on the exhaust manifold or head gasket leak fluid around the thermostat housing area.

One of the biggest complaints is the car’s lack of power. The car doesn’t accelerate as quickly as drivers might expect from an SUV with such a large engine.

GMC Acadia Problems
2012 GMC Acadia © carbuzz

It is not uncommon for car manufacturers to issue recalls, especially when they’re dealing with a large number of vehicles. GMC has issued 4 separate recalls for the 2013 Acadia this year alone. 

The first recall concerned defective passenger frontal airbag inflators that could explode during deployment.
This issue caused GMC to recall more than 1 million vehicles nationwide, including about 10 thousand Acadias from model years 2012-2013 manufactured between February 28th and September 23rd of 2011.

What is the best year for GMC Acadia?

Have you ever wondered how old your car is? How long will it last? What features are available on the newer models that might be better than what you have now? 

The best year for GMC Acadia depends on your needs.

For some people, fuel efficiency or cargo space may be a priority when choosing an automobile. For others who need to drive in rough terrain, the off-road capability is critical.

GMC Acadia Problems
2019 GMC Acadia Denali AWD | wikimedia commons

There are a lot of things to consider when buying a new car, but the year is arguably one of the most important. The best GMC Acadia years for fuel economy are 2014 and 2019. They have an EPA estimated MPG rating of 25/29 and 24/31 respectively.

The best GMC Acadia years for handling are 2014 and 2017. These models offer an average lap time of around 2 minutes 30 seconds at Streets of Willow race track in California with minimal body roll or swaying from side to side on turns.

In terms of overall performance, 2018 was rated as the best year with an impressive 4 stars out of 5 across all categories by Car & Driver Magazine including ride and handling, comfort, interior quality, exterior looks as well.

 How many miles will a GMC Acadia last?

Several factors can affect the lifespan of your car, but one thing you may not have considered is whether or not it’s American-made.

With so many cars on the market to choose from, figuring out which will last for years and years can be difficult. GMC Acadia owners know they’re in good hands with their choice!

Many factors go into determining this including driving habits, where you live, and what type of car you have. The general rule for mileage is 10-12 thousand miles per year – but there are some exceptions to this rule. 

The average person who drives less than 8,000 miles annually may not need to worry about replacing their vehicle until they reach 90K miles or more.

Is the GMC Acadia a reliable vehicle?

Is the GMC Acadia a reliable vehicle? This is a question on many car owners’ minds. The answer, unfortunately, is not an easy one to give. 

Although there are indeed some great aspects of this vehicle, such as its reliability in snow and rain conditions or the fact that it has won awards for being the best SUV under $30K for three years running (2013-2015), there are also some drawbacks. 

For example, General Motors recently recalled over 200k vehicles due to faulty ignition switches which could lead to injuries and fatalities if they were left unchecked.

The GMC Acadia is a popular family car, with many people considering it to be a reliable vehicle. However, there are some concerns about the reliability of the engine and transmission. 

It’s also important to note that while it’s considered safe in crashes by most drivers, there have been some complaints about safety features such as airbags not working properly or being too easy for children to disable.

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Max Anthony

Max is a gizmo-savvy guy, who has a tendency to get pulled into the nitty gritty details of technology and cars. He attended UT Austin, where he studied Information Science. He’s married and has three kids, one dog and a GMC truck and a Porsche 911. With a large family, he still finds time to share tips and tricks on cars, trucks and more.