What 97 owners told NHTSA about the 2020 GMC Acadia Denali

Transmission gave out

NHTSA ODI 11610991

Rear-View Camera Failure: The rear view camera functions intermittently. While in Reverse, the screen goes black, with a red triangle and a circle with a line through it. This SAFETY ISSUE increases risk of incidents resulting in injury and/or property damage while the vehicle is in reverse. I understand there already exists a NHTSA RECALL (NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V709000) however, it states that only vehicles equipped with the optional Surround Vision feature are affected. My vehicle does not have the 360 Surround Vision (RPO UV2). but is experiencing the same SAFETY ISSUE!

NHTSA ODI 11608328

The car would not start. It would power on but would not turn over. We had it checked out by a mechanic who tested it and found that the fuel pump module was not operable. When he went to replace it, he found that the one he was removing was aftermarket so this issue had happened before, apparently, before we bought it. We bought it with only 24k miles so it needing to be replaced that early is concerning. And now at around 50k it had to be replaced again. Researching this issue, I have found many folks reporting similar situations. This needs to be investigated.

NHTSA ODI 11601198

I bought my car [XXX] it had 7 miles. I loved my car. Then in January 2021 things just went crazy. It started with park light on. My forward brake assist warning didn’t work, my back up camera in and out . My braking and stability were on and off. Then weird codes like. Engine at half power, unable to shift soon and speed control out. Then if I hit a bump message went away and speed control back on. I’ve taken care into another GMC dealer because dealer I bought my car at , closed up and took off!! Took it to closet dealer. Not long after repairs same issues started! So many different problems all at once! I have been treated horribly during these issues by dealership and extended warranty company. Dealer had my car for 3 weeks ! They couldn’t figure out the problem. I sat there for 4 hrs sent me home told to come back for 9 mile test! Why in 4 hrs that wasn’t done. So again the unable to shift message back on! I get in my car it starts but won’t shift ! Dealer charged me 250 to tow to shop! When they said I’d be fine ! I had more issues again and again! I’ve been driving over 40 yrs no accidents. I bumped into someone during a huge traffic jam in Ohio! Braking didn’t work no warning even . I should speak to a lawyer and could explain more to a person on filing these complaints. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11598664

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while driving at various speeds. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle experienced unintended downshifts while driving. The contact stated that the engine revved significantly without the accelerator pedal being depressed. The messages "Unable to Shift Gears" and "Service Vehicle” were displayed. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V668000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ODI 11593026

Backup camera continues to intermittently fail even after recall remedy was performed. When placing the car in reverse, the backup screen goes black with a warning symbol on the screen that the camera is not working. This has happened intermittently for the last couple years. I've taken it to a GMC service center 5 times for this issue (3 of these visits were after the recall remedy was performed). The service has fixed the issue but it only lasts for a short time before reoccurring.

NHTSA ODI 11592258

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the front driver's side and front passenger’s side seat belt locking mechanism failed to remain latched. The contact stated that while driving, the seat belts would erroneously become unlatched. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the seat belts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 35,000.

NHTSA ODI 11578048

The car has parking brake on unable to disable.Have to put in drive force the system to move. Same with reversing the car. Air bags not working. Seat belt restraint on when we are wearing them. Left turn signal failure. Steering limited caution sign on. ESC sign on. Engine light on. Transmission unable to shift soon light on. Traction lights on. ABS brake light on. Temp says -40 degree when 30 out. I’m finding this unsafe to drive. Call GMC that told me to start On Star diagnostic. Pull up at least 4 codes And today the transmission indicators came on. Not sure what to do. The car has low miles. But I have stopped driving as of today due to break down or serious malfunction while driving.

NHTSA ODI 11567007

Code P0128. While driving the vehicle gives a "steering assist reduced drive with care" the engine coolant temperature gage goes to 0 and the cooling fan runs until you turn off the car, and the a/c stops working. After replacing the engine coolant temperature sensor and harness the vehicle still does it. There are hundreds of reports of this happening online in forums. This is a safety issue when the vehicle is being driven.

NHTSA ODI 11552490

front and rear camera not working blind spot indicator not working side mirrors warning of oncoming vehicles not working radio not working

NHTSA ODI 11551153

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Acadia. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V709000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11540115

My steering assist is reduced drive with care message is on. The AC is no longer working and the fan is constantly running and sounds horrible. The temperature gauge has not come off of cold. After researching this issue online-it looks like this is a constant problem with Acadias from 2017-current. People are talking about the cost being between $1100-2400 to fix. There is a service bulletin out about this issue(17-NA-158) May 2017 If GMC knows that this is a problem why are they not recalling them?? My car was purchased brand new and of course is out of warranty like most others(the extended warranty doesn’t cover it either) GMC needs to recall these vehicles and fix this issue!!!!!

NHTSA ODI 11529215

Service indicator on the driver information center stating to service vehicle detection AKA blind spot alert the system has failed once already was taken in for repair to GM was repaired and it has now failed again and is going in for service on April 4th 2023

NHTSA ODI 11515280

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, and while driving at various speeds, a buzzing noise was heard coming from the engine compartment. The contact also stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the anti-theft system warning light was illuminated and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was able to be restarted; however, the contact stated that unknown alarm chimes were heard. Additionally, the liftgate opened independently and various other unknown warning lights illuminated, and messages were displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer however, the cause of the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The contact was made aware that the warranty had expired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 2,000.

NHTSA ODI 11509561

While driving the vehicle goes into Automatic Braking. It has stopped me while I'm driving or it will make a loud scrubbing noise as if I've hit the brakes quickly. It has happened over 15 or more times. I've taken to dealership and they are not very responsive to check into the issue I am having. It is a danger to me if I am on the Interstate with vehicles traveling at a high rate of speed.

NHTSA ODI 11508507

15000 miles and already having transmission/torque converter shutter. In the shop now. Shutters in all gears and also while in cruise control at 70-75 + mph Dangerous when car won't shift.Dealer has confirmed this issue and has performed a flush. Problem still there and very noticeable. On star has reported these warnings and dealer confirmed codes.

NHTSA ODI 11508200

Rearview camera is intermittently non-functional when placed in reverse gear, and shows a red triangle and red camera icon on the screen along with a circle and slash through it. See attached photo.

NHTSA ODI 11504546

GMC safety recall was issued in Sept. 2022. (N222378380) My backup camera (2020 GMC Acadia) has been going in and mostly out since Jan. 2021. GMC has yet to find a fix for this issue, about 4 months since the recall but almost a year and a half for my car. I have had it in for service 3-4 times and thy can't fix it. It is a safety issue as we depend heavily on the camera to back up and the front camera to avoid hitting objects. We have had a few close calls but no damage, YET. I have had numerous conversations with GMC and my dealer. I keep getting the same answers. They can't (parts, no know fix, whatever) and won't do anything to fix the problem. I have been without this highly priced option for almost 2 years. Someone needs to get their act together. this is too long of a time to have this problem still exist..

NHTSA ODI 11500156

Rear view camera stopped working as I was backing up and ran into a pole damaged my right rear wheel well and panel.

NHTSA ODI 11500227

SIDE BLIND ZONE SYSTEM TEMPORARIALLY UNAVAILABLE message displayed in DIC, and system does not function. I can not rely on the system as it very often does this. This issue started on 12/08/2022. I feel that I am at risk of a crash as I rely on this system for blind spot detection. There are MANY forums that state that MANY other 2020 GMC Acadia's have this issue. I feel like this is a GM issue, and the consumer should not be left with the cost of any repair, if necessary. This is a safety risk and could result in death from a crash due to a failure of a safety system.

NHTSA ODI 11497527

I started receiving an error message that driver assist is reduced drive with car at 50k miles (i have an onstar diagnostic report and phone call made that day). It shut my car down and activated the parking break. I called Onstar at that moment it happened and they found nothing wrong with the car. It continued to happened several times after and each time I took it to the dealer they were unable to diagnose the problem. One time I was told there was a bulletin on it from GM, but not for the year of my car so they were not able to make the repair. When it finally started giving me the error all the time, they finally found it was the thermostat - $1600 and GM would not cover the part under warranty because I now had over the warranty miles even though it happened and was reported prior to that point. I have several people tell me with the same vehicle they too are having the problem - and it is costing each consumer $1600. GM knows it is a problem because it is all over the internet. There should be a recall and our costs reimbursed if we have had to make the repairs on our own.

NHTSA ODI 11497045

The vehicle’s lock/unlock feature is inoperable either via the buttons on the door inside the vehicle or via the key fob. There is no manual way to lock/unlock the vehicle from inside the vehicle. Driver and passengers could only exit vehicle via rear lift gate or thru the vehicle windows. Should driver or passengers have had mobility issues or not been able to crawl through the vehicle to exit via the tailgate, they would not have been able to exit the vehicle in the event of any emergency. Incident has happened on at least 3 separate occasions.

NHTSA ODI 11493926

The Automatic braking assist feature goes off at times when there is no threat of hitting something. It happens when pulling into a garage and also on the road while driving. There have been several occasions when this happened and the car suddenly brakes which could have resulted in being rear-ended. The car suddenly brakes even if there is no danger of running into a car (or garage) in front of me. It has not been inspected (yet) but it seems to be increasingly becoming more of an issue lately. There were no warning lamps or messages just the sudden, hard-braking and loud noise/buzzing it makes when it happens. There have been several occasions but I'm listing the most recent one below.

NHTSA ODI 11490316

Twice this vehicle has exhibited this behavior. The collision avoidance system would flash a red warning on the HUD showing that a pedestrian was in front of the vehicle with the vehicle brakes 'hard' engaging causing the vehicle to 'nose dive' even though there was no pedestrian in front of the vehicle. This is disconcerting to those inside the vehicle and potentially be a crash issue with any vehicle following to close behind my Acadia. This may be an issue with the sensors/software used by GM and thus a safety issue that should be reviewed.

NHTSA ODI 11482891

Center console display does not start when you start vehicle. Stays blank! This happens occasionally. Sometimes restarting will fix, other times not. There is no rear view camera when this happens. Not sure what else is affected, such as backup warnings.

NHTSA ODI 11477176