Home · 2021 GMC Acadia Limited · Complaints

What 145 owners told NHTSA about the 2021 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 (145)Crash / fire / injury (7)Electrical system (37)Engine (29)Fuel system (27)Brakes (17)Transmission & drivetrain (17)Steering (15)Airbags (8)Backup camera & sensors (7)Speed control (7)Driver assistance (6)

Newest first · 145 complaints · page 3 of 6

Jun 30, 2025Speed controlBrakes

The Vacuum pump on my 2021 GMC Acadia failed causing my breaks malfunction. This Problem was confirmed by a certified mechanic that repaired it. this is in conjunction with the NHTSA recall issued under N192268490.

NHTSA ODI 11670283

Jun 26, 2025Fuel system

Driving on rt 95n in Ga. Going 70 mph and vehicle just bucked and shut off. At the time I was in the middle lane and almost got hit by a tractor trailer while I was trying to get to the right side of the road. Called general motors roadside assistance and they supplied a tow company to tow me to a dealer in Ga. About 35 miles away unfortunately it was Sunday dealer was closed and I had to get a taxi to take me to a hotel with all my luggage. On Monday morning when the service dept. Opened they advised me the fuel pump module had failed and would be replaced. Luckily most times when vehicles shut off with push button electronically shifted transmissions you can't put the vehicle in neutral to move or tow but after many tries it went to neutral(according to the tow driver) also after researching my vehicles failure I found this is a wide spread problem among many gm suvs and trucks! Hopefully a recall is in the future before someone gets killed!!

NHTSA ODI 11669389

Jun 13, 2025Equipment

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the navigation screen was inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The dealer suggested replacing the unit. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 107,000.

NHTSA ODI 11666686

May 30, 2025Electrical system

The Radio in my 2021 GMC Acadia had to be replaced due to an UPDATE Failure. I had to pay $221.32 for diagnostic and $1,580.18 for a new Radio. My Husband and I are the original owners of the 2021 GMC Acadia. My Dissatisfaction is why are some GMC products under recall for this issue but my 2021 GMC Acadia not part of the recall. The Hands free calling was not working, the GPS and also affected the back up Camera. all of these . a response is requested

NHTSA ODI 11663955

May 29, 2025Engine

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that after a routine maintenance at the local dealer, it was noticed that the radiator was leaking coolant. Upon further inspection, the contact and his son noticed that the driver’s side of the radiator was corroded. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,175.

NHTSA ODI 11663643

May 24, 2025Fuel system

Car stalled at intersection and unable to restart. The car would not go into neutral to get the car out of the roadway. The fuel pump driver or fuel pump fail with 41k miles. The condition is very unsafe.

NHTSA ODI 11662973

Apr 30, 2025Brakes

I was driving down the road and all the sudden my breaks locked up. Like I had to stand on the break with both feet for it to barely stop. After getting it to the repair shop they said my vacuum pump exploded. My problem is it’s very well taken care of car and absolutely no warning light was on. I had no warning at all just all the sudden wouldn’t stop. Now I’m 7,600 in the hole because of this and very upset my not even 5 year old car is having these problems.

NHTSA ODI 11658016

Apr 25, 2025Electrical system

On numerous occasions the key fob is not detected and locked out of vehicle. Key fob notice on panel saying it’s not detected while driving. Took it to Jim Causley GMC dealer several times and then they kept vehicle for a week unable to duplicate and sent me on my way. This is still happening with no help.

NHTSA ODI 11656763

Apr 23, 2025Engine

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a fractured rear cap catalyst converter cap. The contact was informed that the catalyst converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the original catalyst converter was replaced by the same dealer less than two years ago under warranty. In addition, the contact stated the front catalyst converter was replaced by the same dealer five weeks ago. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

NHTSA ODI 11656325

Apr 8, 2025Latches & locks

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the door locks failed to lock and unlock while using the key fob or the buttons on the outside or inside the vehicle. The locks failed to operate as needed until after the vehicle was driven. The contact had to manually lock the door; however, after locking the door, the contact was unable to unlockthe vehicle. The contact had to climb through the trunk of the vehicle to enter the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure only occurred while it was raining. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure because it was not raining at the time. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in GMC Special Coverage: N22378380. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.

NHTSA ODI 11653371

Mar 27, 2025Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemLane Departure

Vehicle gives, “Driver assist reduced Drive with care” warning randomly. Lane change will no longer work and engine light will come on. Problem is sporadic and does not stay active. Engine light will shut off after a day. Once vehicle is shut off cooling fan runs extremely loud and for a long period of time draining battery.

NHTSA ODI 11650976

Mar 27, 2025Electrical system

While driving all displays, gauges, screens shut off. Unable to determine speed or anything. Car still drives but there is zero driver feedback. System will come back on and the it will happen again. Has been going on for 2 years. Dealer unable to determine the issue.

NHTSA ODI 11650979

Mar 21, 2025Engine

While driving the engine cut out. I wasn't able to get the vehicle off the road and had to put in an acceleration lane until I could get a tow. Other drivers entering the roadway were accelerating and some didn't realize that my road hazard lights were on and almost hit me. The vehicle was given a diagnostic check by a service station and say that the Fuel Pump Power Control Module is not working. After checking the Internet I found a recall for this item on other GMC models but not the Acadia. There was no advance warning for the malfunction.

NHTSA ODI 11649694

Mar 17, 2025Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine

I have had nothing but issues with this vehicle from the day I purchased it. I should have been more leery of purchasing a vehicle with so few miles on it as a certified vehicle. First issue lift gate wouldn’t work. Had to have sensors replaced twice. Next was the purge valve sensor that has went bad 3 separate times. Then the crankcase vent sensor. Paid a fee for diagnostics, it was not repaired took it back when the engine light came back on, they replaced it without charging but I was advised it’s not covered under warranty. And most recently my check engine light came on yet again today now reading an issue with the engine cooling system. Unfortunately the dealer is so booked out, my only option is to drop it off and hope they can get it in by a cancellation or no show. Seems there are new issues ever 3-6 months with the car.

NHTSA ODI 11648891

Mar 11, 2025Electrical systemAirbagsCrash1 injury

I was traveling in my 2021 gmc Acadia in which I have had numerous issues with is the almost 4 years I have owned it. The back up camera 2 weeks after purchase it went out in June of 2021. After that The vehicle In October of 2021 I get in the vehicle on rainy day. Infotainment systems reads error with the SD card that Issue progressed I called dealer finally I get service appointment after strike and my vehicle sits at Roger’s Pontiac GMC 2660 Michigan Ave Chicago IL 60616 for 10 hours now I placed thread around the crowl and by knob. Car was not touched I was told it was a internal issue and that the GM Engineers would need to replace the infotainment system They looked at it again In November of 2022 No closer to finding a problem I called Gmc Because by now My Temperature coolant sensor was working then not working car would say reduced parking assist and then if hot Air conditioning wouldn’t work I Called GMC offices filed numerous complaints. They called the service manager no one would take calls nothing would get done. So [XXX]I’m Driving down [XXX] heading east a big Truck flys off of [XXX] slams into side of my SUV Destroys every panel on passengers side of vehicle The Acadia mine with all the curtain air bags in the a pillar in ceiling on the front and back seats on top Side and bottom side not one deploys not even on the A pillar where rear passengers door is ripped off. I was knocked out if anyone was in them 2 seats like my 2 kids that are always with me [XXX] they could have been killed no safety bags deployed? I basically begged for auto to be repaired of electrical issues when only 2000 miles on it with 900 miles on it GMC I called every week for almost 2 years no help now this! I was injured have not much memory of accident. This auto needs be taken off road I deserve like I asked for when new same car just without issues I could have been killed but no one cared. Now look no air bag INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11647636

Mar 1, 2025EngineFuel system

May 2023 we took the car to the GM dealership for a electronic recall. We reported a rattling noise at that point in time. Whatever repair was done that the car ran w/o any noise for nearly a year. April 2024 the catalytic converter failed at just 61K miles on this vehicle. The mechanic at the same dealership noted a broken mounting bracket and replaced the catalytic converter. October 24 2024 at 76K miles the car started making the same noise. The mechanic at the same dealership noted a loose mounting bracket due to an excessively vibrating catalytic converter, a crack on the cat converter, a leak and sequentially damaged front pipe. They noted they made all of those repairs. They noted they test drove the vehicle and verified the car was repaired. October 26, 2024 after those final repairs the car made a loud revving noise and emitted a smell of sulfur. The next day the car died on the road while driving. Every system of he vehicle shut down and I narrowly avoided getting hit from behind. On 11/2/24 We had the car towed to the dealership again. The mechanic noted the recent replacement on the cat converter & oil had leaked intermixing. That caused the motor to seize and the car to stop working while I was on the road driving. I can't imagine what could've happened to me had it stop on the highway at 65mph.

NHTSA ODI 11645736

Feb 27, 2025Backup camera & sensors

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while attempting to park the vehicle, the contact became aware that the front and rear-view cameras were inoperable. The camera failure message was displayed. The contact stated that the cameras failed to function properly, and an image was not displayed. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

NHTSA ODI 11645263

Jan 6, 2025Fuel system

While driving, the vehicle shut off without warning. It was in-traffic when this occurred and subsequently blocked traffic. I tried to restart the vehicle many times. It would start and then die within a few seconds. Since the vehicle would not remain running, it was impossible to shift out of the "park" position. Since it was in "park", the vehicle could not be readily moved out of traffic. This failure is a safety hazard! The vehicle was towed from the scene. The dealer diagnosed the problem as the "Powertrain control module lost communication the the fuel pump driver module causing no fueling to engine from low pressure fuel pump U18A..." The fuel pump control module had internal communication circuit failure. GMC module 13554820 was replaced.

NHTSA ODI 11634336

Dec 11, 2024Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngineCrash

While driving vehicle stalled multiple times in the middle of the road, with service transmission and engine light coming on, causing unsafe conditions, causing accident and leaving passengers stranded. Battery being drained and needing to be replaced multiple times within 2 years. Vehicle stopping and shutting off on the highway causing dangerous driving conditions!! Radio and lights flickering, with radio freezing and shutting off. Electrical system not working properly and overheating!

NHTSA ODI 11630080

Dec 5, 2024Electrical system

While driving down the interstate at 70mph+, the instrument panel went black and restarted multiple times. The car continued to stay at a sustained speed, but I was unable to control anything or see how fast I was going. It appears as if the car has shut off, but it isn't. It also affects the lights. It has happened multiple times with no known cause. When I brought this up at the dealership, they said that it would be an $80 diagnostic fee and unless they can replicate the problem they can't do anything about it because it doesn't throw any error codes. There was another women in the dealership the same time as me with the exact same issue. No fix offered. Looking online and talking to others this seems like a common issue that GMC is ignoring.

NHTSA ODI 11629038

Dec 1, 2024Engine

Engine exhaust makes vibrating noise similar to a leaf blower under acceleration. TSB issued due to common issue and GM refuses to recall or fix. Broken baffle/weld inside of front muffler/resonator on exhaust system under front passenger compartment. Issue getting worse. $2500 at local dealership to fix, with GM offering “assistance” to fix issue in the amount of $742 leaving the consumer with balance. At what point will the rest of the defective part deteriorate and cause clogging issues and more damage?

NHTSA ODI 11628120

Nov 12, 2024Electrical systemFuel system

Vehicle stalled on major interstate while giving no warning Vehicle would not start after failure Had to be towed to dealership Found to be a faulty fuel pump module Service advisor even said this is a common problem Vehicle mileage was at 33,478 This could have been a deadly accident

NHTSA ODI 11624802

Nov 9, 2024Engine

Vehicle stalled out and instrument panel showed no gas when the tank was over half full. I had trouble re-starting but was able to only drive a mile before stalling again. Both times occurred at a stoplight I had it towed to local dealer . They replaced the fuel pump power control module. The service personnel said that they see a large number of these and that some people had accidents due to this. I was about to enter a very busy highway at rush hour and if this happened on the highway, it would be very dangerous. I saw that there were previous recalls on GMC/Chevy vehicles similar to mine from 2021 that had recalls for this same reason but the Acadia has not been included. From what I have seen, a recall should be considered.

NHTSA ODI 11624343

Oct 17, 2024Fuel system

46,000 miles on my car. Fuel management system failed. Would not start until we unplugged battery, and let it reset. Car lost acceleration and went into neutral on highway.

NHTSA ODI 11620444

Sep 24, 2024SteeringSpeed control

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle suddenly decelerated to 35 MPH. The vehicle stalled, and the "Steering Assistance Reduced" message was displayed. The vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer the following day, where it was diagnosed that the accelerator pedal and terminal connector were bent. The dealer retrieved DTC codes: P2138, and P2122. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 27,792.

NHTSA ODI 11616263

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Working with the data? Download all 145 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 2021 GMC Acadia Limited verdict →