What 145 owners told NHTSA about the 2021 GMC Acadia Denali

The IPC goes out while driving. GM is aware of this issue in several models they make starting in 2020. They failed to call a recall on the issue and when you take it in to be looked at there is a service bulletin out to have the dealership to do a software update on the IPC to resolve the issues that some customers may be experiencing. This issue costs 189.99 to diagnose the first hour then the dealership spends another 2.5 hours diagnosing the known issue to charge customers for a total of 3.5 hours in repair costs. GM does not assist in anyway with covering the cost of the repair to the vehicle that is a 2021 make and model. In all to make your car safe to drive again the repair costs 474.88 and there is no guarantee after the software is updated that the issue will not come back and then I will be left with taking it back in for troubleshooting to be charged another 474.88 as long as the price does go up for electrical diagnostics charges. It’s pretty convenient on GM and their dealerships to charge customers a to fix a safety concern that can happen again and charge 3.5 hours of labor charged even when there is a service bulletin out telling repair technicians to do the software update when a customer stated the IPC goes out while driving and comes back on. If there is a know. Issue then my issue should be been resolved with just having to pay for time it took the repair technician to do the software update. Not waste time tracing all wiring just to run up all labor rates first.

NHTSA ODI 11538420

Car stalled on major roadway. Could not restart of shift to neutral. Car blocked traffic for 3 hours until tow. Faulty fuel control module was the cause. Car was almost hit numerous times by passing traffic.

NHTSA ODI 11535170

I opened my power lift gate to load groceries in the trunk. It opened without issue. As I loaded the groceries the lift gate came crashing down on my head. This happened in the festival foods parking lot around 5:05 pm today (7/16/23). Once I moved out from under it I saw the left arm was popped off. I popped it back in , there is a metal piece that was messed up. It came/ happened out of nowhere. I’ve never had an issue with it.

NHTSA ODI 11532590

I have a really loud buzz & rattle noise. I can feel vibration on the passenger floor board real bad. The loud noise usually around 2,000-2,500 rpms. I have 39,000 miles on my car. It has always made a noise at take off but we thought it was normal untill now it's extremely worst. I took it into the dealship they diagnosed as something broken inside the muffler / resonator / weld inside muffler. So I did my research on the internet and I see alot of people complaining about this same issue on there cars. There was even a BULLETIN NUMBER (PIT5863) Pulished on 11/2/2021 the correction review # (21-na-118) all my issues are identical to bulletin. My year,make,model and issues with my car.

NHTSA ODI 11522455

Breaks make loud noises when cold. OEM PADS and ROTORS. New with 8k of miles

NHTSA ODI 11519345

Brakes will start Grinding on front wheels

NHTSA ODI 11517264

Was driving when the vehicle engine completely lost power. Very dangerous situation in heavy traffic. Had difficulty pulling to the side of the road and ended up blocking traffic. Vehicle needed to be towed and is less than 2 years old with less than 10k miles. Diagnosis is failure of fuel pump control module. I see there is an identical GMC Acadia incident already logged by someone else and the dealer said they have seen this multiple times. After 1 week at dealer, they are unable to secure part for repair and don't know when they will. A RECALL was issued for other GMC 2021 vehicles for this exact problem. GMC RECALL N212332040: POWER CONTROL MODULE MAY CAUSE FUEL PUMP FAILURE. However this recall does not include the Acadia. The Acadia needs to be recalled as well before people are killed and the replacement parts need to be made available.

NHTSA ODI 11514619

Vehicle has previously been brought in to GMC dealership at least 2-3 times for the dash turning on and off while driving. Started happening around 5,000 miles here and there. First took it in just over 7,000 miles as it was happening more and more frequently. It was last in for the issue on 2/6/23. The dash turned completely off WHILE driving going approx 45-50 mph, is not turning back on, unable to see speed while driving.

NHTSA ODI 11509088

GM recall N222378380 Vehicle was taken to dealer for the recall for "Surround Vision". Dealer performed the recall yet the backup camera continues to work intermittently. Not having a reliable back up camera is a serious safety concern.

NHTSA ODI 11505626

The vehicle was traveling at a very low speed in a parking lot and impacted a light pole. All front airbags deployed and the drivers steering wheel airbag deployed severely breaking the drivers arm, causing shoulder injuries, and neck injuries. The occupant would have been completely fine had the airbags not deployed.

NHTSA ODI 11502824

Taken from service report; customer states brake pedal some times sinks to the floor and brake fluid on driveway. Tech performed brake fluid check and found that the brake fluid leak is coming from the left front and right front caliper hose, caliper hose has rub marking, making contact with cv boot. Tech replaced the left and right front brake caliper hoses and performed brake fluid fill and bleed, rechecked the operation of the brakes-brakes are working as design Also on service report: Left front cv axle leaking, left front outer cv axle boot is torn, replaced the c axle assembly. Not on the report is that the service manager Informed me that I should not have driven the vehicle in but had it towed in. Service performed under warranty at Linus Cadillac Buick GMC, Vero beach, Fl

NHTSA ODI 11499424

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while reversing out of her parking space, the contact heard a squeaking sound coming from the brakes. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the brakes were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was contacted and stated that there was an upcoming recall and to wait for the recall. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 26,000.

NHTSA ODI 11495493

While driving down a busy road automatic braking engaged for no reason causing the Acadia to abruptly come to a dead stop in the middle of the road with nothing in front of me. Red collision lights came on at the same time as braking with no prior warnings. Could not get the car to move for a few minutes (when giving gas there were grinding sounds) then the braking system let up. Drove for another few minutes and it did it again. Called GM and WE had to figure out how to get the car to the dealership with a major safety issue. Took the car in and it was throwing B390F, U0184, B395A codes. When we received the vehicle back one of the codes was for a bad back up camera so the new rear back up camera view is so stretched you can’t use it to back up nor does it have the lines anymore. The rear view camera now has a view that is sideways. So I took the car back to the dealership and they had no clue how either could be happening and would look into it again. Did my own research and figured out there are two cameras on the tailgate so the rear view camera was reinstalled wrong. Sent proof of how I came to the conclusion and that I wanted the backup camera replaced/fixed also. Its been over a month and I cannot get my car fixed because I refuse to pay for a rental on something they messed up because they have no loaners. Well on 11/14/2022 my cars automatic braking system activated again only this time it stopped in the middle of the road and was not as dramatic as last time. The warning lights came on as the car was coming to a stop. This time I was able to move shortly after it came to a complete stop. GM dealership wants me to bring the car in somehow and I will be carless for who knows how long. There is also a safety recall for a cable for the backup camera with no parts available. I have an RO number and a complaint number.

NHTSA ODI 11493594

WAS DRIVING AND VEHICLE ENGINE DEAD STOPPED WITH OUT WARNING. COULD NOT GET STARTED AND HAD TO CALL A WRECKER TO TOW TO GMC DEALERSHIP. WERE TOLD IT WASN'T THE FIRST TIME THAT THEY HAD SEEN THIS. THEY HAD A PART IN STOCK TO REPAIR IT. IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS THE “DRIVERS FUEL PUMP MODULE” .WAS SURPRISED THAT THERE WAS NOT A RECALL AS THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A DEADLY INCIDENT DURING RUSH HOUR ON THE ROADS IN MY AREA. WHILE RESEARCHING FOUND A RECALL ON FULL SIZE GMC 2021 SUVS FROM LAST YEAR (NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 21V739000) ! WHY IS THIS NOT BEING DEALT WITH ON THE 2021 ACADIAS? MY DAUGHTER HAS ONE SHE BOUGHT THE SAME DAY AND NOW I AM IN FEAR IT WILL DO THE SAME THING !!! NO INSURANCE ISSUES OR POLICE ISSUES. AFTER ENGINE DIED SEVERAL SYMBOLS INCLUDING ENGINE ICON CAME ON WHEN TRYING TO RESTART. ALSO RECEIVED AN EMAIL “DIAGNOSTIC ALERT” FROM ON STAR IMMEDIATELY : AN ISSUE WITH THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION SYSTEM IN YOUR 2021 GMC ACADIA HAS BEEN DETECTED. PLEASE SERVICE YOUR VEHICLE WITHIN 7 DAYS….

NHTSA ODI 11493628

October 2021 warning light service service seat restraint system. Schumacher Lake Park FL replaced SIR module. Mileage 3741 Took 2 weeks to repair. October 2022 Warning light service seat restraint system. Mileage 7180. Vehicle at Starling GMC Stuart FL for 2 weeks effective this coming week - Nov. 7. Airbag module issue again.

NHTSA ODI 11492418

My brakes are awful. They sqeak and sqeal constantly. I've taken it to Ken Ganley Buick GMC several times. Prior to that, it was taken to Nick Abraham BMC. The dealerships are able to duplicate the sound and problem over and over again. None of the dealership representatives are able to offer a solution other than paying out of pocket to replace the brake pads because the material the brake pads are manufactured from are falling short. There is no way the brakes are functioning the way they were designed. Thankfully, I have not been in a situation where I need to slam on my brakes but I am not confident that they would do their job in an emergent situation. I have a toddler and a new baby on the way. I purchased a big SUV with the mindset that it would keep my family and I safe. We have leased several GMC products over the years and have never had an issue like this. We will absolutely not be renewing our lease to prove our loyalty to this brand. The fact that I'm being told the only way to fix the manufacturers problem is to pay out of pocket and fully replace the brakes on my vehicle that is 1.5 years old with 28k miles on it, is absolutely absurd. We are willing to give GMC the opportunity to make it right. At this point, I'll be honest, I doubt anything will even be addressed.

NHTSA ODI 11489579

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving, he heard a loud rattling noise coming from the exhaust. The contact then stated that the RPM’s increased and the rattling noise became louder. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the exhaust resonator failed the whole exhaust assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.

NHTSA ODI 11487664

We purchased the vehicle in March 2021 and within a few weeks, the rear camera started working intermittently. At one point, it displayed a black screen with a red warning triangle. The dealership ultimately replaced the camera and we haven't had the problem since.

NHTSA ODI 11487101

Make a left turn engine stopped. Fuel Pump Driver Module Failure. Electrical Short in module. Several fuses also blown. All dash warming lights stayed on. Vehicle had to be towed from middle of roadway. Battery also had to be replaced. Vehicle mileage 8100 miles.

NHTSA ODI 11482540

car had only 5000 MILES . We live in denver took it to mountains for first time. we are both in our late 70 s . going down mouintains vail pass car engine EXPLODED CAR WENT INTO COMPLETE stop at highway speed. LUCKY WE DID NOT DIE as car went off to berm on i 70 west. milemarker 180 OR SO. GMC roadside called after 18 hours finally consented to tow car back to denver. we called 911 FOR FEAR OF OUR LIFE with trucks wheezing by. " GMC national" would not buy back car. my wife and I explained to gmc we were in a panic when this happened. DEALER AUTO NATION FOUND THAT pistons were blown up as well as engine. THEY OFFERED to give us new ?REBUILT engine .. we refused as we are very frightened to be in this car. DEALERSHIP FINALLY offered to buy car which we consented . GMC refuses to pay any of our trip interruptions expenses case no SR9-8150020854 april 1-866 790 5600 ext 5913625 PISTONS CONFRIMED BY AUTO NATION WEST GOLDEN CO TO BE DEFECTIVE AND SPONATEOUSLY BROKEN PISTONS THERE WAS DEFECT IN PRODUCTION OF PISTONS NO SAFETY WARNING THAT CAR ENGINE EXPLODED CAR JUST COMPLETELY STOPPED SUDDENLY

NHTSA ODI 11482254

As I was stopped in line behind a car at the ATM, my foot slipped from the brake, I quickly placed it back only to find that I ended up going forward. I quickly moved my foot more to the left for the brake only to end up going forward even faster hitting the car in front of me. I then put my left foot firmly on the brake. Now with both feet on the brake the car is climbing up the car in front of me and not braking. Finally, I put it in park and cut the engine. The whole front end of my car is crushed. Now 5 days earlier my husband had a similar incident when he was parking the car and thankfully only hitting the curb. Looking at the brake pedal you will find that there is a rubber edge hanging down on the right side. IF YOUR FOOT SLIPS BELOW IT while crossing from the accelerator going right to left, YOU WILL NOT hit the brake but will continue to press the accelerator. In fact, if you raise your foot upward, you will only raise the brake. The only way to get to the brake is to get out from under it by going toward the accelerator and then back to the left. This action does not work in an emergency! I believe this rubber edge is too large is a safety hazard. We are still in the process of assessment by insurance, body shop and GMC.

NHTSA ODI 11481608

My emergency parking brake keeps engaging on its own, as I come to a stop, jeeking me forward. I never even put it in park, but it just engages the parking brake in a forceful manner. At a couple different times, while going at about 40 mph, the car starting shaking terribly, slowing the vehicle. The check engine light came on as well as both parking brake lights on the dash (the indicator light saying the parking brake was on and the indicator light saying there was a problem with the brakes). It felt light the vehicle had engaged the parking brake with I was driving and was dragging the parking brake. I have been having problems with the brakes with the vehicle and have taken it to the dealership a few times for this issue. They only kept it overnight and told me there was nothing they could do because it didn't happen while they had it. I have a fractured back and am disabled, and this issues actually hurts me when it does it.

NHTSA ODI 11469251

While driving through intersection auto braking system activated for no apparent reason . Could have caused a crash due to sudden unexpected braking. No warning lights or alarm noted during or after event. Dealership was unable to find any problems with the automatic braking system.

NHTSA ODI 11466848

I got into an accident because my back up crap camera did not warn me that a car had turned behind me. Also when and backing up and a car is coming it doesn’t indicate the car is coming until it’s behind me. I’ve taken it to the dealer and they say there’s nothing wrong with it. Also there is no break when you come too close to something in front of you.

NHTSA ODI 11463901

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Acadia C1. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 mph, the parking brake engaged independently. The contact also mentioned having difficulties steering the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted and it resumed to normal. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. No further information was available. The failure milage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11452757