What 137 owners told NHTSA about the 2013 GMC Acadia

The windows stopped working. Only the driver’s window still goes down and if it does go down, it often won’t go back up. If there was an accident and windows were the only escape option, you would probably be trapped in the vehicle. It has not been looked at, because I cannot afford to fix it. I do know other acadia owners that have the exact same problem.

NHTSA ODI 11732831

The contact owns a 2013 GMC Acadia. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V118000 (Air Bags); and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer was contacted but the manufacturer was not contacted.

NHTSA ODI 11730835

Dear Sir/Madam, For the 3rd time now, my transmission is being rebuilt. After purchasing it from the dealership and it was still under warranty GMC Bakersfield rebuilt the transmission, then again in 2020 at 119,000 miles it broke down again and All Automatic in Bakersfield rebuilt it for $3500 and now here it is 2026 and only 60.000 miles later again All Automatic is having to rebuilt the transmission again and asking now for another $4950. I was excited to finally hear there was a recall, only to find it was only for 2014 GMC Acadia's. The transmission have failed again and yes it is available for inspection at All Automation in Bakersfield, CA on Quantico. During the course of breaking down the my safety and the safety of my children was at risk. My vehicle was jumping, jerking the RPM's were all over the place and at one point in the course of driving on the freeway it felt like it lost power and nearly stopped. This has been an ongoing problem since the purchase of the vehicle. It has been inspected and diagnosed by All Automatic. There were no warnings, messages or symptoms that were constant. It was sporadically slipping up until the time it gave out. I have spoke to several 2013 GMC Acadia owners who have the exact same problem along with the back light covers falling off and All the plastic coverings on the inside falling off.

NHTSA ODI 11717415

I bought a 2013 gmc Acadia with a 3.6l engine and I was driving it home, and the engine locked up on me, and it didn’t throw a code or anything, it just shut off and wouldn’t start back up, and later I find out that it had an oil leak from somewhere and now I have to have the engine replaced, which is 13k dollars, the vehicle is located at walker Chevrolet in nitro wv, I’m a single dad of 5 children and I can’t afford to fix this vehicle at that price, I asked if they could take payments to replace it, and they said not and that they would NOT Release the vehicle back to me until it is paid for, and now I’m stranded with 5 children with no way to go to the store or anything. The engine locked up on me in the middle of the four lane in st albans wv, and I almost got hit by vehicles that were behind me and everything.

NHTSA ODI 11672571

Unknown, The vehicle will begin to jerk or shake when it gets up to about 30 - 40mph then levels out. Sometimes it will repeat the jerking when traveling at speed of 50 - 60mph for a few seconds then levels out. Sometimes the vehicle hesitate on take off from a stopped position.

NHTSA ODI 11655100

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

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

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

I was tboned January 9, 2023 the side impact airbags didn't deploy nor does it seem the seatbelts engaged. There were 2 side impacts to the passengers side ZERO airbags deployed. It WAS part of a recall AND recall work had been completed almost immediately in 2014 (GM website screenshots attached for your easy reference for the 2 recalls showing completed). YET, they STILL failed! NO indication they had an issue nor would fail when needed as they did. The driver of the other vehicle was seemingly going a high rate of speed when she failed to stop for the red light her direction and tboned me as I was traveling through an intersection for a green light my travel path. My vehicle was totaled, part of the total report attached indicated "Diagnose Airbags" as they didn't deploy. (Screenshots of a GM autobody shop estimate line item as well as CarFax report attached for your easy reference) Multiple injuries sustained, including a serious TBI.

NHTSA ODI 11572815

The harzard lights button are no longer working. Unable to push button for them to come on. Can not check mileage on car that button is no longer working either. Information panel does not work any longer either.

NHTSA ODI 11568201

At 35-40 and 55-65 mph, the car slips/ pulls back. I took it to the dealer, my rep said it is a known issue and GMC issued a bulletin but will not recall it because it's too expensive. There are thousands of reports online. Please investigate.

NHTSA ODI 11559683

The contact owns a 2013 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that after coming to a stop for a traffic signal or stopping for other traffic, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was unaware if any warning lights were illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the torque converter solenoid had remained in an open position, causing the vehicle to stall while stopped. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact stated that his mechanic had researched online and related the failure to TSB Number: 10052215-6979 (Power Train). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 194,032.

NHTSA ODI 11527932

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

Unknown. Engine blew. Was determined by independent service provider. Vehicle wouldn’t start and blew white smoke from the exhaust.

NHTSA ODI 11519598

I dont know exactly what is wrong but from online videos i think power train or transmission. When driving the vehicle will struggle/delay shifting. When it does finally shift its so hard it throws u forward. When having to quickly get on the gas it will delay to where your not really moving. This almost caused accidents multiple times. ( not pulling out in front of people) entering interstate is a good exsample. It has also lost power when crossing intersection!

NHTSA ODI 11517617

Left rear brake light dose not work, that is also the left rear turn signal. Part number 13582912 brake/turn signal bulb. GMC can not provide me with one. Chevrolet can not provide me with one. None of the chain store parts companies have them either. I have call GMC customer service line and also Chevrolet customer service line. They are of no help. Thank You.

NHTSA ODI 11507713

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

The contact owned a 2013 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while driving at 25 MPH, the contact was struck by another vehicle that ran a red light at 60 MPH and struck the passenger side of the vehicle. No air bags deploy. The contact suffered a concussion and was taken to the hospital. The vehicle was towed to a collision center. The vehicle was deemed totally lost. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 135,000.

NHTSA ODI 11501433

Light “Service Air Bag” came on and will not go off going at speed of 10 mph.

NHTSA ODI 11498067

My GMC Acadia has been experiencing transmission problems. It has been jerking and it has been failing to accelerate properly. The check engine light is not on and the mechanic says he can not find a problem with the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11494952

My service air bag light is on. The dealership says it’s a sensor for which I will be responsible for replacing out of pocket. They stated my air bags will not deploy properly. As the faulty sensor is a manufacturing flaw why is GMC not responsible for the replacement?

NHTSA ODI 11491925

The Airbag error message has been displaying on my dash board for awhile now. On November, 2021, I took it to the nearest GMC dealer and repairs to the connector were charged to the extended warranty. One month later the error message reappeared and disappeared after one day. It kept on like that for awhile until July 2022 when I took it to the dealers and they said they fixed it, next day the same error message. Now the dealers are lying that what they worked on was drivers seat side bag and that this time around, the issue is with the bottom part of driver's seat..... My wife and small kids use this car for commute to and from school and this poses a huge risk and danger to my young family everyday.

NHTSA ODI 11489299

Power lift gate failed and dropped closed while person under it. No injury but continues to fail each time now. Will be going in for repair next week. Looks like there was recall on 2007-2012 for this issue.

NHTSA ODI 11488765

A MESSAGE APPEARED ON MY DASHBOARD STATING "SERVICE AIR BAG". I BROUGHT MY 2013 GMC ACADIA TO KING O'ROURKE DEALERSHIP IN SMITHTOWN, NY. THEY INFORMED ME "THERE IS A FAULTY SENSOR WHICH CONTROLS THE AIRBAGS. SINCE THE SENSOR IS DEFECTIVE, MY AIRBAGS WILL NO LONGER WORK". LAST YEAR, THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST GM FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT GM WILL NOT RECALL THE FAULTY SENSOR FOR THE AIRBAGS EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE AWARE OF THIS. MY ENTIRE FAMILY'S LIFE IS IN JEOPARDY WITHOUT AIRBAGS! WHY IS THE CONSUMER RESPONSIBLE FOR A FAULTY SENSOR WHICH CONTROLS THE AIRBAGS? CAR COMPANIES SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LIFE OF THE CAR WHEN IT HAS TO DO WITH AIRBAGS!

NHTSA ODI 11482030

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