Home · 2013 GMC Acadia Limited · Complaints

What 138 owners told NHTSA about the 2013 GMC Acadia Limited

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (138)Crash / fire / injury (13)Electrical system (39)Airbags (31)Transmission & drivetrain (27)Engine (21)Lights (10)Steering (8)Electronic Stability Control (esc) (6)Fuel system (6)Speed control (6)Body & structure (5)

39 of 138 complaints match · Electrical system · clear filters · page 1 of 2

Jul 12, 2026Electrical systemBrakesFuel system

Transmission causes problems in can be on interstate and be switching lanes and it loses power and wont go takes forever to shift out. It will cut out and you can barely get pulled off side of rd in time. Electrical the battery voltage goes crazy up and down causing vehicle to power surge bad or at night time lights will go out for no reason while driving every now and then you can smell something melting or burning also the engine gets so hot but it's right temperature cooling fan runs constantly even when car is cool.since all the problem with Transmission the suspension is off some how. Its like it's not stable

NHTSA ODI 11749833

Mar 21, 2025Electrical systemTraction Control SystemEngine

The contact owns a 2013 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the vehicle was intermittently difficult to start. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The check engine and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the alternator, stabilizer, starter, ignition switch, door panel, axle, MAP sensor, canister valve, gas cap, and power master window switch were replaced. The mechanic determined that the failure was related to the fuse box. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall related to the electrical system. The contact used a diagnostic scanner to scan the vehicle but was unable to retrieve any diagnostic trouble codes. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

NHTSA ODI 11649804

Mar 21, 2025Electrical system

The contact owns a 2013 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that intermittently, the vehicle was difficult to start. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light and the traction control warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the alternator, the stabilizer, starter, ignition switch, the door panel, the axle, the matt sensor, the canister valve, gas cap, and power master window switch was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The mechanic determined that the failure was related to the fuse box. The contact used a diagnostic scanner to scan the vehicle but was unable to retrieve any diagnostic trouble codes. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall related to the electrical system. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

NHTSA ODI 11649806

Apr 10, 2024Electrical systemEngineFire

My 2013 GMC ACADIA started fire on April 9, 2024 around 11PM in the driveway of our home. The vehicle was parked and off. The vehicle wasn’t used during the day. The last day of use was on April 8, 2024 around 6PM. The fire department stated it was potentially an electrical fire within the engine of the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11582226

Jun 11, 2023Electrical systemAirbagsEngine

Battery saver mode activated dinged then car talked to me. I've replaced the alternator and brand new battery.....car battery draining FAST n only pulling 11.03 volts when it's supposed hit 14.5-15.5volts. Also air bag lite is on saying service airbag. I've only had the car 3 months....bought it from a dealer march 13th n till 2-3 days ago been working fine. Now saying service air bag n battery saver mode activated. I have no clue to this .....I'm lost after replacing the battery n alternator.

NHTSA ODI 11526464

Jan 24, 2023Electrical systemFire

Car had sat most of the day. By approximately 2:30CST, we decided to go do a little shopping. We drove about 1 mile and the dash displayed "check battery charging system". My husband assumed it was the alternator going out so we turned around swapped vehicles. Probably 45 mins after swapping vehicles I received a call stating my vehicle was up in flames.

NHTSA ODI 11503507

Aug 4, 2022Electrical systemSpeed controlLane Departure

The original side detection system is not an enclosed system. Allowing water, snow, sleet, and salt can penetrate the system. Once, there is penetration and corrosion in the system it effects the entire automobile's electrical system and instrument cluster. Causing the vehicle to come to a complete halt.

NHTSA ODI 11477690

May 17, 2022Electrical systemAirbags

I brought the car to the dealer due to an AIRBAG warning light on my dash. My VIN, regardless of identical issues to those noted in the dealer recalls, was not included in them. The items below were noted by the dealer as requiring immediate attention and estimated to cost $2,400. Current Mileage: 95,635 - AIRBAGS LR and RS Side Impact Sensor faulty. If not replaced the airbag system will not function correctly at the time of impact, preventing the airbags from deploying, and putting the passengers of the vehicle in harm's way. Warning light on dash alerts to sensor's invalid data from the sensor. - TAIL LIGHT casings fill with water causing an electrical short and the bulbs to burn out. This also causes a double-time ticking when you try the turn signal, alerting you to the issues.

NHTSA ODI 11465046

Feb 20, 2022Electrical systemLane Departure

On 02/10/2022 my side warning detection monitors are both activated/lit up intrmittently while parked or driving indicating faulty operation and therefore replacement. The vehicle has around 120K miles so out of any warranty. But this will be the third or fourth time ( not original ow er so dealer has records) that this has happened. Last time in December 2020 I had an extended warranty that covered the passenger module but was not the "improved" module with some type of casing to address the corrosion causing the failures as they wanted an extra $3-400 for that part. Why they still manufacture the bad part is interesting since they have recognized they have a pro lem with the older part. Have seen other complaints that not fixing these can result in other electrical failures that can be dangerous even an electrical fire was reported from this. Obviously I feel the issue is widespread enough for a blanket recall beyond the one issued for 6 y3ears or 80K miles.

NHTSA ODI 11453076

Mar 3, 2021Electrical systemLane Departure

THE SERVICE SIDE DETECTION SYSTEM HAS APPEARED IN THE DIC DUE TO WATER INTRUSION IN THE SENSORS. THEY WERE ORIGINALLY REPLACED PER THE TSB16-NA-178 IN APRIL OF 2019. THE ISSUE HAS SINCE RE-OCCURRED 2/18/21 WHILE DRIVING, WHICH JEOPARDIZES MY SAFETY. I ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT THIS MAY LEAD TO ADDITIONAL ELECTRICAL ISSUES AND MAY CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO ENTER LIMP MODE.

NHTSA ODI 11398958

Feb 16, 2021Electrical systemLane DepartureBackup camera & sensors

DRIVER SIDE DETECTION BLIND ZONE, INTERMITTENTLY COMES ON, THEN AFTER SEVERAL DAYS JUST STOPPED WORKING, I REPLACE THE BLIND ZONE MODULE LOCATED UNDER REAR BUMPER, IT WORKED FINE FOR A WEEK AND THEN SHOWS SERVICE SIDE DETECTION SYSTEM, AND BOTH SIDES BLIND LIGHTS ON MIRRORS DON'T WORK, ALL THIS HAPPENED WHILE THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING

NHTSA ODI 11396535

Dec 12, 2020Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemAirbags

AIR BAG SERVICE LIGHT IS ON. DEFECTIVE WIRING HARNESS. TRANSMITION ISSUES AS PER A COMMON COMPLAINT ON THIS VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE SHOWS ALL OF THESE ISSUES BOTH WHEN RUNNING PARKED AND WHILE IN MOTION ON ALL TYPES OF ROADWAYS

NHTSA ODI 11383162

Aug 8, 2020Electrical system

GM IS IN NON COMPLIANCE WITH GLOBAL SAFETY FIELD INVESTIGATIONS DCS5011 ...D&S MOTORS RUGBY ND [A GM DEALER] STATES THEY CAN NOT GET THE KIT-ACADIA MY 2013-14 PART NO. 84651473 ---- MY VEHICLE REQUIRED REPAIR WITHIN THAT EXTENDED WARRANTY TIME FROM. I AM NOW ON MY 3RD FAILED BECAUSE OF WATER INTRUSION , THE NEW WIRING HARNSS IS SUPPOSE TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM AND SUPPOSE TO HAVE BEEN INSTALLED AT NO COST TO THE CUSTOMER. THEY FIGURE THEY JUST CAN NOT GET IT AND THAT'S IT, THEY ARE DONE WITH ME! THEY STATE EVEN TODAY THEY CAN NOT GET THE KIT--THEY HAVE THEM FOR OTHER VEHICLES, BUT NOT MINE--I KNOW I WILL HAVE ANOTHER FAILER DOWN THE ROAD--YOUR PAPER SAYS IT IS URGENT --YES, IT ISW AS A LOT OF THINGS GO WACKY WHEN IT GOES! GM PAPER SAYS SPECIALCOVERAGE ADJUSTMENT N172097060 SIDE BLIND ZONE? HELP?

NHTSA ODI 11344077

Feb 19, 2020Electrical system

SERVICE SIDE DETECTION SENSORS . SENSORS FAILED 3 TIMES.SENSORS FILL WITH WATER FREEZE AND SHORT OUT. CABLE HARNESS ALSO HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT MELTED.

NHTSA ODI 11310157

Feb 13, 2020Electrical system

THE SIDE BLIND ZONE DETECTION SYSTEM BECAME DEFECTIVE, FROM DEFECTIVE MODULES DAMAGED FROM THE ELEMENTS. THIS CAUSES MANY ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS TO BECOME DISABLED AND EVEN DISABLES THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY. THERE IS A SPECIAL WARRANTY BUT ONLY UP TO 80,000 MILES. MY VEHICLE IS BEYOND THAT. IT IS STILL EXTREMELY DANGEROUS FOR MANY GM CUSTOMERS AND REPLACEMENT PARTS AND LABOR SHOULD BE COVERED FOR ALL!

NHTSA ODI 11309080

Dec 23, 2019Electrical systemLights

FIRST IT STARTED WITH THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS STAYING ON HOURS AFTER VEHICLE IS SHUT OFF THEN IT WENT TO PARKING LIGHTS STAYING ON AS WELL AND NOW THE DRIVER SIDE LIGHTS ARE OUT INCLUDING LISCENCE PLATE LIGHTS NOTHING WORKS BUT THE HEADLIGHT

NHTSA ODI 11290987

Nov 22, 2019Electrical system

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC ACADIA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE 'SERVICE SIDE DETECTION SYSTEM', 'LOW VOLTAGE' AND 'TRACTION CONTROL' MESSAGES SUDDENLY DISPLAYED BEFORE THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER RESTARTED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.

NHTSA ODI 11281710

Oct 2, 2019Transmission & drivetrainElectrical system

THIS VEHICLE BEGAN HAVING A SHAKING OR JUMPING FEELING AT 1800 RPMS AROUND 85,000 MILES. UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED AT OUTSIDE MECHANIC. CONTINUED TO GET WORSE AND BEGAN HAPPENING AT OTHER RPMS. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP AFTER VEHICLE HIT 109,000 MILES AND DIAGNOSED AT TORQUE CONVERTER WHICH THEY REFUSE TO FIX BECAUSE OUTSIDE WARRANTY. PER MY REVIEW OF OTHER SITES, THIS HAS BEEN A RECURRENT AND OBVIOUS ISSUE WITH THESE VEHICLES AND CAN LEAVE PEOPLE STRANDED ON THE HIGHWAY AS THE VEHICLE CAN LOSE POWER.

NHTSA ODI 11265608

Oct 2, 2019Electrical system

SIDE VIEW INDICATOR LIGHTS ARE CONSTANTLY ON, DISRUPTED BY WATER INTRUSION INTO THE SENSORS. INITIAL RECALL STOPPED AT 80,000 MILES. THE LIGHTS CONSTANTLY BEING ON ARE A HAZARD AT NIGHT AS THERE IS INDIRECT LIGHT AFFECTING MY VISION AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. ADDITIONALLY, THE MIRRORS ARE LOOKED AT DIRECTLY WHILE DRIVING AND THE FACT THAT THE INDICATOR LIGHTS ARE ALWAYS ON MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO VIEW THE MIRRORS AT NIGHT. I HAVE NEARLY CAUSED >10 ACCIDENTS DUE TO THIS.

NHTSA ODI 11265612

Sep 10, 2019Electrical system

WHEN STARTING MY ENGINE, IT ROLLS OVER AND STARTS BUT CONTINUES TO CRANK/TURN (EVEN AFTER IT HAS STARTED).

NHTSA ODI 11254358

Jul 17, 2019Electrical system

WIPERS TURN OFF IF BLINKER ON AND ONLY WORK ON HIGH

NHTSA ODI 11232937

Jun 17, 2019Electrical system

SIDE DETECTION MODULE IS A WARRANTY RECALL BY GM AND THEY WILL NOT REPLACE THE PART DUE TO MILEAGE. I WAS NEVER INFORMED OF THE RECALL BY GM SO THEY SHOULD HONOR THEIR RECALL.

NHTSA ODI 11220626

Jun 17, 2019Electrical system

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC ACADIA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE LIGHT ON THE SIDE VIEW MIRROR ILLUMINATED WITHOUT WARNING AND CAUSED THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND INTERIOR LIGHTING TO BLACK OUT. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND LIGHTING RETURNED TO NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS, INCLUDING CHAMPION BUICK GMC (855-587-3503, LOCATED AT 7885 GRAND RIVER AVE, BRIGHTON, MI 48114). THE DEALER STATED THAT SINCE THE VEHICLE HAD MORE THAN 80,000 MILES, IT WOULD NOT BE REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND AGREED WITH THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 82,000.

NHTSA ODI 11220640

May 10, 2019Electrical systemLightsEngine

I HAVE NEVER HAD TO REPLACE BULBS IN THE HEADLIGHTS IN A VEHICLE I HAVE OWNED. THE HEADLIGHTS IN THIS VEHICLE WERE GOOD ABOUT 2 YEARS. BUT, SINCE THEN I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE BOTH BULBS IN THE HEADLIGHTS EVERY YEAR. AND, I HAVE TO HAVE THE A/C SYSTEM WORKED ON EVERY YEAR AS WELL BEGINNING 3 MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED IT. PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE IS THE WORST DECISION I HAVE EVER MADE IN MY LIFE. I AM CONSTANTLY HAVING SOMETHING BREAK. HEADLIGHTS, WHEEL BEARINGS, MOTOR MOUNT, MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH A/C, TRANSMISSION.

NHTSA ODI 11206895

Feb 16, 2019Electrical system

I HAVE BEEN HAVING ELECTRICAL OR RADIO PROBLEMS SINCE 2016 FINALLY IN 2017 THEY REPLACED THE RADIO THEY STATED THE RADIO WAS THE ISSUE. BECAUSE MY RADIO FREEZES AND TURNS OFF AND ON.EVERY SECOND MONTHS LATER IT STARTED DOING IT. I AM A NURSE I AM A BUSY MOM TOO. TOOK IT BACK TO DEALER AND THEY DID RESET, UPDATE AND THE RADIO WAS FINE. MONTHS LATER THERE I GO HAVING SAME ISSUE AND NOW NO WARRANTY FOR RADIO. NOW THEY ARE SAYING THAT THEY CANT REPLACE WITH WARRANTY BECAUSE IS NOT COVERED. WOW IS INSANE, DEALER DOES NOT WANT TO TAKE PART IN THIS ISSUE. I HAVE SEEN A LOT OF PEOPLE COMMENTS WITH SAME PROBLEMS WITH RADIO OF THIS MODEL TOO. I NEED A SOLUTION TO GET MY RADIO FIX. I HAVE HAD TO GO TO THE DEALER AND LITERALY TELL THEM WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY CAR IN ORDER FOR THEM TO FIX.

NHTSA ODI 11180459

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Working with the data? Download all 138 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 26, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2013 GMC Acadia Limited verdict →