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2021 GMC Acadia Limited
Solid pick. The complaint record is strong for its age. It does carry safety recalls, so confirm every one shows "remedy completed" on the VIN before money changes hands.
145 owner complaints · 2 recalls · data verified July 26, 2026 · source: NHTSA
Why buy?
Electrical system problems dominate (26% of complaints, typically reported near 5k miles).
Score breakdown, by factor
Full methodology →#272 of 513Among the 2021 models with a matured record, the 2021 GMC Acadia Limited ranks #272, scoring higher than 46% of them. See the 2021 ranking →
Complaints filed per year
Fading = early teething worked out. Climbing = problems aging in.
How it crashes
NHTSA’s own crash tests, separate from the reliability score above.
5/5 overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating · 2021 GMC Acadia SUV AWD
Rollover risk in a single-vehicle crash: 15%
1 open NHTSA defect investigation on file, separate from the recalls above.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings. Star ratings compare vehicles within the same class and size, not across every car on the road.
The road ahead
What breaks on a 2021 GMC Acadia Limited, plotted where owners report it happening.
Also reported (mileage varies): Brakes (17) · Steering (15)
Mileage medians come from owners who mentioned an odometer reading in their NHTSA complaint. Treat them as a rough guide.
Electrical system
26%37 complaints · typically near 5k mi · 22 in the last 2 years
“The camera system has failed. The screen is black and there is an exclamation point and a camera on the screen.”
Engine
20%29 complaints · typically near 31k mi · 23 in the last 2 years
“Display suddenly says "Steering assistance reduced, drive with care" Temp gauge goes to C and stays there. Radiator fans speed up and stay on after the car has been tu…”
Fuel system
19%27 complaints · typically near 29k mi · 16 in the last 2 years
“The contact owns a 2021 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle started running rough before the vehicle stalled. The conta…”
Brakes
12%17 complaints · 7 in the last 2 years
“My brake pedal got stiff when I was driving. I had zero control of my brakes. I was informed by a GMC dealership that my BRAKE BOOSTER blew up causing my brakes to sto…”
Check it against this car’s mileage
Type the odometer reading on the actual car you’re looking at to see which of these problem areas owners tend to report before it, around it, or after it.
We can place 4 of this model's commonly reported problem areas against a mileage. Nothing is stored.
Read all 145 owner complaints in their own words → · just the 7 crash/fire/injury reports →
Recalls (2)
Safety recall repairs are free at the brand’s franchised dealers. Before buying, run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and make the seller show the work was done.
Back Over Prevention · 22V709000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with the optional Surround Vision feature. The rearview camera coaxial cable connectors may have been crimped improperly, causing the rearview camera to fail or function intermittently.
Risk: An inoperative rearview camera can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the coaxial cables, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 18, 2023. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222378380.
Fuel System, Gasoline · 21V422000
General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The fuel supply lines may be improperly attached and seated.
Risk: Improperly attached and seated fuel supply lines may loosen or separate, causing a fuel leak and increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace fuel supply lines as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212335590.
Questions to ask the seller
Questions worth asking the seller of this GMC before you buy, drawn from its public record:
- NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2021 GMC Acadia Limited. Can you run this car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and confirm each one shows "Remedy Completed"?
- Owners of this model report electrical system problems more than anything else (owners tend to report it near 5k miles). Has this car shown any electrical system symptoms, and are there repair records for it?
- Owners of this model report engine problems more than anything else (owners tend to report it near 31k miles). Has this car shown any engine symptoms, and are there repair records for it?
- Has this car been in any accident or had any structural, airbag, or flood-related repair? Do you have a clean title and a recent history report (Carfax / AutoCheck)?
- How many owners has it had, do you have the maintenance records, and why are you selling it?
- Are you open to me having an independent mechanic inspect it before we settle on a price?
Before you hand over money
Verify the recall work was done
NHTSA’s free lookup shows whether this exact car had its recall remedies completed.
Free NHTSA VIN check ↗Get a pre-purchase inspection
A $150 to $250 independent inspection of this exact 2021 GMC ACADIA LIMITED beats every score on the internet, including ours.
What to ask forNot set on the 2021? See how every Acadia Limited model year scores →
Cross-shopping? Compare the 2021 GMC Acadia Limited against another car →
What owners say
Real owners of this exact model-year, shown separately from the NHTSA score. If they disagree, that’s worth knowing.