Home · 2023 GMC Acadia · Complaints

What 38 owners told NHTSA about the 2023 GMC Acadia

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 (38)Crash / fire / injury (5)Engine (11)Transmission & drivetrain (11)Electrical system (9)Fuel system (3)Steering (3)Airbags (2)Backup camera & sensors (2)Brakes (2)Visibility & wipers (2)Body & structure (1)

Newest first · 38 complaints · page 1 of 2

May 20, 2026Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle lost motive power in low gears while accelerating. There was a slight shudder. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was shuddering and shaking every 30 seconds. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where unknown repairs were conducted under the EVAP warranty. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired for the initial failure. The dealer test drove the vehicle but did not experience a failure. The failure recurred after leaving the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA ODI 11739034

Apr 2, 2026Transmission & drivetrainEngine

Vehicle would not run due to a failed fuel pump control module. With a non-running engine, the transmission could NOT be placed into Neutral to be able to movie vehicle out of the road. Needed tow truck to move vehicle. This condition placed many people at risk as the vehicle could not be moved out of the way until a tow truck arrived.

NHTSA ODI 11728726

Mar 31, 2026Transmission & drivetrainFuel system

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, and the engine lost automotive power. The vehicle was able to restart. During a second failure, the vehicle lost automotive power and stalled in the middle of the highway, and the vehicle was unable to restart. An alert message was sent by OnStar reporting a transmission or engine failure and advised that the vehicle needed immediate service. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a fuel pump module failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 24,749

NHTSA ODI 11728307

Mar 29, 2026Visibility & wipers

I was driving on the highway, and the sunroof was closed and the cloth screen that would allow or not allow sun to come through was also closed. Then out of nowhere there was this explosion sound which scared me so much, I almost wrecked the car and at first, I thought maybe someone shot at my car and shot one of my windows but as I got to the side of the road I realized that none of my windows in the car had been shot and that it was the sunroof and I noticed that cause pieces of glass came into the car from the sides of the cloth barrier. This happened so fast and was so loud that it almost caused me to hit the other car in the lane to the left of me on the highway. Thank goodness I was able to react fast and pull the car back into my lane. I contacted the dealership and they indicated that they had not heard about this before and that I would need to talk with the service department but that it is closed now and not something that would typically fall under warranty. I did check online and see that this is a known issue for this vehicle so I don't understand why it would not be fixed cause it is going to hurt someone at some point. I am trying to get someone to look at it to get it fixed. There was no warning of anything. It just exploded all of the sudden and glass was all over.

NHTSA ODI 11727817

Mar 25, 2026Backup camera & sensors

Infotainment system freezing, screen shaking, touch screen not working, disconnecting from android auto, unable to connect to phone.

NHTSA ODI 11726886

Feb 28, 2026Transmission & drivetrain

My 2023 GMC Acadia consistently makes a sound at lower speeds when it is changing gears. For example, accelerating or accelerating for stoplights. The sound is kind of a ka clunk. The technician can find nothing and does hear the sound when we go for a test ride. I am worried that the sound indicates a transmission problem. The VIN search does not show a recall for my vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11721182

Feb 26, 2026AirbagsEngineCrash

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that with the stop/start feature activated and while attempting to park the vehicle, the accelerator pedal was slightly pressed in order to slowly move the vehicle forward. The vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and drove forward, over a curb, and crashed into a tree. During the crash, the front end of the vehicle sustained severe damage, but no air bags deployed. No injuries were reported, and no police report was taken. The cause of the failure was not determined. The contact indicated the failure had occurred on multiple occasions. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 5,665.

NHTSA ODI 11720724

Feb 19, 2026SteeringEngine

Temperature gauge dropped to zero or no reading, message displayed on screen "Steering Assist Reduced, Drive with Care", continued to drive speed limit, when parked fan runs after car is shut off, in a few days the temperature gauge started working again, then the cycle repeats about once every 2 weeks for a couple months before engine light came on last week & when checked at a local parts place was told temperature sensor malfunction. Read multiple accounts of this same issue online

NHTSA ODI 11719045

Feb 8, 2026Engine

From the day that I’ve gotten this vehicle it has been burning oil and water like crazy. There is no reason I should be putting a quart of oil every couple weeks

NHTSA ODI 11716606

Jan 18, 2026Electrical system

TELEMATIC CONTROL MODULE WENT OUT. ON RESEARCH, IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND THERE IS NO FIX BECAUSE THE MODULE IS BACK ORDERED. NO TIME GIVEN FOR WHEN AVAILABLE. WE WOULD LIKE TO ADD OUR NAME TO SEE IF IT CAN BE INCLUDED IN A RECALL. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11711729

Dec 21, 2025Electrical system

My 2023 GMC Acadia experienced a complete electrical system failure while driving on an interstate highway. During the incident, the vehicle lost all electrical power, including hazard lights and steering assistance, and could not be shifted into neutral. The vehicle became immobile in active traffic and required police-ordered towing due to safety risk. This incident was the second alternator failure within six months. The second failure involved a GM-installed replacement alternator that failed prematurely. Both incidents required towing, and the second created a significant roadway safety hazard.

NHTSA ODI 11706360

Oct 15, 2025Suspension

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken for maintenance, and the tech informed the dealer that the passenger’s side rear suspension toe link needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who confirmed that the passenger’s side rear toe link needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that no warning lights were illuminated. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to Manufacturer's recall number: N222364330; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 42,101.

NHTSA ODI 11693647

Aug 16, 2025Seat beltsBrakesDriver assistance2 injuries

While driving under normal conditions, the vehicle experienced a sudden, violent deceleration. The emergency braking and collision avoidance systems activated spontaneously, as if the vehicle had struck or was about to strike an object. There was no obstacle, impact, or external threat present. This uncommanded braking caused significant physical stress and injury to the occupants. Critically, multiple safety systems failed during the event: The seat belts did not lock, failing to restrain the occupants; The airbags did not deploy, despite the severity of the deceleration; no warning indicators or diagnostic alerts were present before or after the incident. These failures directly contributed to physical injuries, including TBI (concussion, spinal trauma, etc.) which required emergency medical treatment and ongoing care.

NHTSA ODI 11681063

Jul 28, 2025Brakes

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, while attempting to depress the brake pedal, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the brakes. A dealer and independent mechanic were contacted. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the brake pads wear was uneven on the driver’s side and the driver’s side front caliper needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the result was not provided. The brake pads were replaced; however, the caliper was not yet replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and informed the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 39,000.

NHTSA ODI 11676817

Jul 9, 2025Body & structure

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle, it was discovered that there was water and condensation inside the rear middle brake light assembly. The contact later discovered that during rainstorms, rainwater had leaked into the rear seating and hatch area of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who determined that the failure was due to a manufacturing structural error and the vehicle needed body work to be performed to correct the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 5,200.

NHTSA ODI 11672148

Jun 14, 2025Engine

I've had the engine stall before coming to a complete stop on several occasions. It also has been shifting hard and has had a delayed shift. The other day all of the lights to to screen and speedometer completely went out while driving then randomly came back on. That's the only speedometer I have is the digital screen.

NHTSA ODI 11666905

Apr 29, 2025Electrical system

Backup camera failed. Same issue on 2021 Acadia SLT Needs to be investigated on 2023 models

NHTSA ODI 11657660

Mar 3, 2025SteeringTires

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ODI 11645913

Feb 19, 2025EngineFuel system

I am experiencing a recurring P04FB diagnostic trouble code on my 2023 GMC Acadia, related to the crankcase pressure sensor. GM issued Bulletin No. PIP5841C, which attributes the issue to moisture buildup freezing inside the sensor. Their recommended fix is to remove the sensor, blow out any moisture, and reinstall it. However, this is not a permanent solution—the code returns within days, suggesting an inherent design flaw in the PCV system. Additionally, the replacement sensor (Part #12718935) is on national backorder, making it impossible to obtain. Many owners across multiple GM models using this engine (such as the Chevrolet Blazer and Cadillac XT4) are experiencing the same problem, yet GM has not provided a real solution. A properly designed PCV system should not allow excessive moisture to accumulate in the sensor. Instead of addressing the root cause, GM’s bulletin merely delays the issue by temporarily clearing the moisture. This approach does not prevent the problem from recurring, and it does not fix the underlying defect. If the sensor fails or provides inaccurate readings, it can affect emissions and engine performance. The fact that the replacement part is unavailable suggests GM may be restricting access to it, possibly because they know it is defective. This raises concerns that GM is quietly managing a widespread issue rather than issuing a formal recall or warranty extension. I am requesting that the NHTSA investigate this issue, as GM's current approach does not resolve the problem. Owners should not be forced to repeatedly clear moisture from a sensor that is failing due to a design flaw. If GM has internally identified a better solution, it should be made available to affected owners instead of delaying action with ineffective temporary fixes.

NHTSA ODI 11643702

Dec 20, 2024Visibility & wipers

Whenever the vehicle's windshield washer is used the smell of the fluid enters the vehicle. This is particularly acute when the HVAC system is used at the same time. Since the label on the washer fluid container says the fluid is poisonous and the vapors are harmful and cannot be made nonpoisonous, I feel I should report this. I have had 4 GMC representatives confirm this is indeed happening. One rep was the Field Engineer Supervisor. All of this is documented as I have had this examined 4 times at the request of the GM customer service representative. Case [XXX], Status update for your 2023 GMC Acadia concern INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11631765

Dec 9, 2024

Since late 2023/early 2024, I started to notice that my liftgate was open, while the Acadia, a lease with less than 15K miles, was parked in the driveway, off. At first, I thought it was a mistake on our part, that we had accidentally hit the button on the remote to open it or had forgotten it open. As time went on, the incidences continued and I realized it was happening on its own, while the car was off! When the Acadia was at the dealership this fall for a warrant repair (a pump that GM knew was problematic but only has alerts out about for now), I mentioned the liftgate. Thankfully, the problem happened at the dealership too so workers could witness it. It's a major safety issue and a public safety issue. When the pump repair was occurring, I got a text from the dealership that the problem with the liftgate was my fault, that how I clean the inside of the car had affected the mechanics and that I would be on the hook for over $300 in repairs. I had no way to prove otherwise and opted to instead disable the open function using the dial on the driver door set to off and it has not opened. Fast forward to last week and GM has a recall on GMC and other pickups where this kind of issue appears to happening to tailgates and it instantly felt similar. I believe GMC Acadia's have the same faulty wiring and I should not be on the hook for this repair but GM should fix the problem.

NHTSA ODI 11629624

Nov 30, 2024Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine

On 11/26/24 my wife was running errands in her vehicle when the power shut off and killed the car. She was in the left lane of a busy state highway. She was able to coast off the road slightly before the vehicle came to a complete stop. The dashboard said to press brake and start button, but the car would not start. The vehicle was also stuck in drive and would not switch to park, neutral, or any other gears. Police came and had to push her vehicle with theirs into a nearby park lot so a tow truck could pick it up. It is currently at a GM dealership waiting to be looked at.

NHTSA ODI 11628033

Nov 26, 2024Electrical systemElectronic Stability Control (esc)

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle began jerking with the "Service Stabili-trak" message displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed; however, the dealer tightened the battery terminal. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 31,000.

NHTSA ODI 11627581

Nov 13, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

We purchased a 2023 GMC Acadia AT4 new in October 2023. There is currently a little over 19,000 miles on the AT4. As of today November 13, 2024 the SUV has been to Blaise Alexanders, for at 3 times with same issues. Between the speeds of 50-65 there is a shudder, which in August 2024, the Chevy garage changed the fluid However, You can now feel this at any speed through out a trip. The SUV was return to the shop for increasingly worse shudder between 50-65 and a new issue of "hunting" between 25-35. There are times that the SUV does not want to propel forward (like the AT4 cannot get out of its own way) Also, when making a sharp right turn followed by an immediate left turn, onto uneven surface, the AT4 acts as though it is confused as to what gear it should be. The garage was then notified that I know have whining sound. At one point the garage had the AT4 for a week, the general manage drove it, did not feel anything. I then returned, took him for drive and he felt it. Left the car for him to take one of the "transmission" repair individuals out on a drive with the scan tool hooked up. Results of that test drive---"the car did it once, slightly but it was not picked up on the scan tool." Troy, from the service desk informed us they called GM to have their traveling engineer come look at the AT4 in a few day. GM's representative stop at the garage, DID NOT look at the car or speak to us, but has Troy tell us to keep driving the car. We are now in November and unfortunately, I got a little behind on bugging them due to the loss of my brother, father and step -father. But then again they have made no attempt at resolving this issue. This is frustrating. We are asking for any assistance that you can provide. I find it hard to believe that we are the only individuals that are experiencing these issues. I love my car. Why did they change the fluid if nothing was wrong the first time?? It has progressively been getting worse and winter is coming......

NHTSA ODI 11625026

Oct 11, 2024SteeringTransmission & drivetrain

I purchased my 2023 Arcadia FFWD SLT a few months ago used with 11,000 miles. During the past few months I have noticed when reaching a speed of 45-60 mph the vehicle vibrates. I took the vehicle to the dealership on 10-10-24 and they said they could not find anything but they did not do an intensive problem search. I am concerned the problem may be related to a transmission recall dated 6/23. I did a search but no recalls came up my VIN but the vehicle has a major vibration when going 45-60 mph.

NHTSA ODI 11619248

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Working with the data? Download all 38 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 10, 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 2023 GMC Acadia verdict →