2018
New 2021
Used 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007

GMC Acadia Change Vehicle

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Instead of "go big or go home," GMC focused on "light makes right" with the second-generation Acadia. Built to comply with more stringent fuel economy standards while matching key rivals' dimensions, the three-row Acadia is 7-inches shorter, 4-inches narrower, and 500-pounds lighter. The result is a competitive, practical, and pleasant family hauler.
Alerts
There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
2018
New 2021
Used 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007

GMC Acadia

Reliability
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Owner Satisfaction
See All
Crash and Rollover Tests
IIHS Front Moderate Overlap Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver Good
IIHS Side Crash Good
NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Driver
NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Passenger
See All

Road Test Results

Performance
Acceleration Acceleration Acceleration tests are conducted on a smooth, flat pavement straightaway at the track. Time, speed, and distance measurements are taken with a precise GPS-based device that’s hooked to a data-logging computer.
0 to 60 mph 0 to 60 mph (sec.) The time in seconds that a vehicle takes to reach 60 mph from a standstill with the engine idling.
Transmission Transmission Transmission performance is determined by shifting smoothness, response, shifter action, and clutch actuation for manual transmissions.
Braking Braking The braking rating is a composite of wet and dry stopping distances and pedal feel. Braking distance is from 60 mph, with no wheels locked.
Emergency Handling Emergency Handling Several factors go into the rating, including the avoidance maneuver speed and confidence, as well as how the vehicle behaves when pushed to its limit.
Comfort / Convenience
Ride Ride Our expert judgment of how well the suspension isolates and absorbs road imperfections and how steady it keeps the body on various road surfaces.
Noise Noise Our expert judgment of the vehicle's interior noise level in everyday driving.
Front Seat Comfort Front Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the front seat is for drivers of various heights.
Rear Seat Comfort Rear Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the rear seat is for two passengers to sit across.
Interior Fit and Finish Interior Fit and Finish An expert evaluation of the interior quality and craftsmanship.
Trunk/Cargo Area Trunk/Cargo Area Our rating is based on the amount of luggage or cargo space that a vehicle has in the trunk or cargo area.
Fuel Economy & Emissions
Fuel Economy Fuel Economy We perform our own fuel-economy tests, independent of the government's often-quoted EPA figures and the manufacturers' claims. Using a precise fuel-flow measuring device spliced into the fuel line, we run two separate circuits to represent city and highway consumption.
CR's Overall Mileage CR's Overall Mileage CR's overall mileage is a composite of measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course and highway cruising; and CR's 150-mile test trip of mixed driving, if tested. In recent road tests, we've discontinued the 150-mile trip test.
CR's City Mileage CR's City Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course.
CR's Highway Mileage CR's Highway Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed highway cruising.
Annual Fuel Cost Annual Fuel Cost The cost and amount of fuel used in 12,000 miles and is calculated from CR's overall mileage.
Greenhouse Gas Greenhouse Gas The Greenhouse Gas Rating represents the amount of carbon dioxide the vehicle emits compared to other vehicles of the same model year. This score from the EPA ranges from 1 (worst) to 10 (best).
Smog Rating Smog Rating The Smog Rating represents the amount of health-damaging and smog-forming airborne pollutants the vehicle emits compared to other vehicles of the same model year. This score from the EPA ranges from 1 (worst) to 10 (best).

Owner Reports

Worse Better
Reliability History Reliability History The reliability charts are based on responses on hundreds of thousands of vehicles from our latest Annual Auto Survey. Consumer Reports subscribers reported on any serious problems they had with their vehicles during the past 12 months that they considered serious because of cost, failure, safety, or downtime, in any of the trouble spots included in the table below. The results are presented relative to the average model that year. Extra weight is given to the more serious areas such as major engine or transmission problems. Based on this data and further analysis, we predict reliability for the latest year. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Reliability Trouble Spots
Engine Major Engine Major Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.
NA
Engine Minor Engine Minor Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.
NA
Engine Cooling Engine Cooling Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.
NA
Transmission Major Transmission Major Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.
NA
Transmission Minor Transmission Minor Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.
NA
Drive System Drive System Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.
NA
View all Reliability
Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction To learn about satisfaction, CR has collected survey data from our annual survey on more than half a million vehicles. Our subscribers provide great insights into their satisfaction by answering one simple question: If they had it to do all over again, would they definitely buy or lease the same model? In addition, respondents also rate their cars in six categories: driving experience, comfort, value, styling, audio, and climate systems. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
NA
2008
2009
NA
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Driving Experience Driving Experience Includes acceleration and handling
Comfort Comfort Includes seats, climate control, noise, and ride
Value Value Did you get what you wanted relative to the price you paid?
Styling Styling How it looks inside and out
View all Owner Satisfaction
Safety Equipment
ABS and ESC standard. Side and head protection air bags standard.
Road Test

Instead of "go big or go home," GMC focused on "light makes right" with the second-generation Acadia. Built to comply with more stringent fuel economy standards while matching key rivals' dimensions, the three-row Acadia is 7-inches shorter, 4-inches narrower, and 500-pounds lighter. The result is a competitive, practical, and pleasant family hauler.

The slimmed-down body and 310-hp, 3.6-liter V6 help scoot the all-wheel-drive Acadia away from competitors, hitting 60 mph in a rapid 6.8 seconds. Power delivery is smooth, but the six-speed automatic gives the occasional jolty shift. Although fuel economy is up to 19 mpg overall, the Acadia still trails its peers. If kept in front-drive mode, you'll gain 1 mpg on the highway. Base models have a 193-hp four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive, but most Acadias will come with the V6.

Seating
2 front, 3 rear, 2 third
Drive Wheels
AWD , Front
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Body Styles
4-door SUV
Transmissions Available
  • 6-speed Automatic
Engines Available
  • 2.5-liter 4 (193 hp)
  • 3.6-liter V6 (310 hp)

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2018 GMC Acadia owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Body Integrity

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Air or water leaks

"rear window (tailgate) leaked - was repaired under warranty at no cost to us"

Anonymous, (2018 GMC Acadia Denali 3.6-L V6)

"constant watr leak thru rear hatch. Eventually caused problems with the electronic locks thru out the vehicle."

David R., CA (2018 GMC Acadia All Terrain 3.6-L V6)

"Leak in the rear lift gate window. The problem was corrected, covered under warranty and I was satisfied with the process. It was my impression that this was not the first occurrence of this issue the dealer had dealt with!"

Anonymous, IN (2018 GMC Acadia Denali 3.6-L V6)
Seals and/or weather-stripping

"High mounted stop light has been replaced twice due to minor water leaks around the seal"

Anonymous, CT (2018 GMC Acadia Denali 3.6-L V6)
Squeaks or rattles

"Loose wire clip in head liner"

Thomas S., MI (2018 GMC Acadia Denali 3.6-L V6)

"Rear seat belt tab hits the outer seat upright support when vehicle is in motion causing rattle."

Anonymous, WA (2018 GMC Acadia Denali 3.6-L V6)

"T times there is a rattle in the dash omly when the cab is warm"

Anonymous, WI (2018 GMC Acadia Denali 3.6-L V6)

"Sunroof shade rattled incessantly"

Anonymous, TX (2018 GMC Acadia Denali 3.6-L V6)

"I had a rattle noise and the GMC dealership found it and fixed it under warranty"

Anonymous, AR (2018 GMC Acadia SLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Wind noise

"Noise is very prevalent at 30mph so as to to have to turn radio higher to hear even though radio volume is suppose to increase based on car speed"

Anonymous, PA (2018 GMC Acadia Denali 3.6-L V6)

"Sounds like a window is rolled down but its not."

Anonymous, ID (2018 GMC Acadia Denali 3.6-L V6)
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Transmission Minor

Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

What Owners Say

Gear selector or linkage

"At about 8000 miles, the vehicle did not detect when the transmission was shifted into Park, resulting in a warning message and chime when the vehicle was shut off. The dealer was familiar with this problem and was able to fix under warranty. Otherwise no mechanical problem with transmission, vehicle could be driven normally."

Anonymous, VA (2018 GMC Acadia Denali 3.6-L V6)

"a fault in the gear selector switch did not allow the car to be turned off. they tried to repair but it came back...i went back a second time and they replaced the whole gear shift under warrantee"

Anonymous, IL (2018 GMC Acadia SLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"When shifted to park, the vehicle would sometimes not register that the car was in park and the ignition would not turn off. I would have to shift to another geqr then back into park and this would allow the engine to be ahut off. It did not happen with ebmvery drive but did increase in frequency. It turns out that a sensor on this model began to malfuntion at around the 24000 mile mark. I have a co worker that had the exact same issue around the same mile marker. A quick internet search showed that this was common to this particular vehicle at the 24k mark. The part was replaced in about an hour under factory warranty. So issues since then."

Anonymous, GA (2018 GMC Acadia SLE 3.6-L V6)
Slipping transmission

"Started a few months after purchase. Grinding, clunking when shifting in or out of park - now it doesn't register that it is in park unless I repeatedly SLAM the car into park"

Anonymous, MI (2018 GMC Acadia SLT 3.6-L V6)
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Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Loose exterior trim or moldings

"poor quality control. too vehicle back three times for dealer to fix"

Anonymous, TN (2018 GMC Acadia Denali 3.6-L V6)
Loose interior trim or moldings

"Poor quality control."

Anonymous, TN (2018 GMC Acadia Denali 3.6-L V6)
Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"Hood paint showed a flaw in the clearcoat...under the wrong (or right light) the hood looked like there were waters stains"

Gregory P., TX (2018 GMC Acadia Denali 3.6-L V6)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"Wiring harness was corroded and had to be replaced. It sounded like tis was a common known problem."

Larry P., IA (2018 GMC Acadia Denali 3.6-L V6)

"Received alert on dashboard that system was not working. But when you turn it off and drive it again the alert clears and the system works fine. I took the car to the dealer but problem could not be identified unless the warning is active. This problem is sporadic and is still occurring."

Anonymous, OH (2018 GMC Acadia SLE 3.6-L V6)

In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

What Owners Say

Radio

"SXM radio. Continued to lose signal. Problem traced to antenna module that was bad."

David K., NY (2018 GMC Acadia SLT 3.6-L V6)
Software update fixes

"Radio would shut off an go to a blank screen Navigation would stop working Would get a warning the car was not in park even though it was in park , lights would remain on and warning buzzer would continue for at least 10 to 15 minutes after attempting to put the car in park"

Dennis G., OH (2018 GMC Acadia Denali 3.6-L V6)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Electrical failure

"SHIFTER PROBLEM (NOT IN PARK PROBLEM) CAUSED BY BOOT BEING TO TIGHT NOT ALLOWING TO SEAT ALL THE WAY IN PARK. REPLACED PARTS TWICE SHIFTER, WIRING AND BOOT. BOOT IS STILL PROHIBITING GOOD SEAT IN PARK. GM IS WORKING ON A RECALL FIX. LAW SUIT CLASS ACTION HAS BEEN FILLED ON THE PROBLEM. 12 VOLT MAIN BATTERY HAS ALSO BEEN REPLACED. FAILED LOAD TEST. SUSPECT BATTERY WAS DRAINED BY NOT IN PARK ERROR NOT BEING NOTICED AND DRAINED BATTERY. PROBLEM IS NOT RESOLVED JUST HAVE TO PUSH SHIFTER WITH MORE FORCE OR CLICK THE TRIGGER ON SHIFTER KNOB. Three trips to dealership for this problem that started with 2017 thru 2019 models is not acceptable. The 2020 models have push buttons eliminating the shifter."

Anonymous, IA (2018 GMC Acadia Denali 3.6-L V6)

Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

What Owners Say

Fuel gauge/sender

"The last time I had attempted to fill the gas tank, when I got back into the vehicle and started it up the gas gauge registered "full" but as I drove it, the gauge didn't start to fall as fuel was consumed. I had to use the vehicle "mileage" computer to "guess" how much fuel was remaining in the tank."

Anonymous, WI (2018 GMC Acadia Denali 3.6-L V6)

Body Hardware

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

What Owners Say

Seat controls - movement

"Cannot set automatic seat position"

Anonymous, PA (2018 GMC Acadia Denali 3.6-L V6)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Problem(s) fueling the tank

"I've had problems filling the gas tank for a couple of years. The vehicle was in previously and had the "filler pipe" replaced but it didn't help. More recently this problem had gotten worse so I took it back to the dealer who ordered an entirely new gas tank system. Turns out there was a "bulletin" on the "Tech System" indicating that this was a recurring problem with Acadia gas tanks. The tank and filler pipe were replaced under warranty and it now fills properly."

Anonymous, WI (2018 GMC Acadia Denali 3.6-L V6)

Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

Power Equipment

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

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