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2018 GMC Acadia Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20261 Critical Recalls
Daniel Wilson
2018 GMC Acadia Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2018 GMC Acadia has 484 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve power train and unknown or other.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

5.8/ 10

Based on 484 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

POWER TRAIN

136 28.1%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

107 22.1%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

98 20.2%

ENGINE

29 6%

SERVICE BRAKES

20 4.1%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is POWER TRAIN, accounting for 28.1% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 32 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2018 GMC Acadia

The 2018 GMC Acadia has 484 owner complaints in this dataset. POWER TRAIN is the most common complaint category, representing about 28% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2018 GMC Acadia are POWER TRAIN (136), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (107), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (98).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 183 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2018 GMC Acadia?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2017 Acadia complaints2019 Acadia complaints2020 Acadia complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 20 of 20 systems

POWER TRAIN

79 Reports32% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHEN YOU PUT THE SHIFTER IN PARK IT DOES NOT RECOGNIZE & CABIN ALARM STARTS TO BEEP. THE VEHICLE WILL ALSO LEAVE ITS HEADLIGHTS ON OVERNIGHT & DRAIN YOUR BATTERY. TOOK TO DEALER AND THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. IT'S BEEN 2 WEEKS AND NO LETTER OF RESOLUTION FROM MANUFACTURER AS THE DEALER SAID.

7/7/2018

WHEN I PUT THE IN PARK, IT DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THAT THE VEHICLE IS ALREADY ENGAGED. THE CONSOLE DISPLAYS TELLS ME TO PUT VEHICLE IN PARK AND BEEPS. I HAVE TO KEEP MOVING THE GEAR SHIFT FROM REVERSE TO NEUTRAL TO PARK SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE IT RECOGNIZES THE VEHICLE IN ENGAGED IN PARK. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING ABOUT 8 MONTHS OR SO. I HAVE MENTIONED IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY TELL ME THEIR ARE NO RECALLS FOR MY PROBLEM, NOT EVEN RECOGNIZING MY PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE.

12/11/2018

77 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

57 Reports23% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I PURCHASED THE WIRELESS CHARGER. I RECEIVED THE GM DOCUMENT STATING WHAT VERSION OF PHONE I NEEDED FOR THE CHARGER TO WORK. I PURCHASED A PHONE AND THE CHARGER DOES NOT WORK. THE DEALER RESEARCHED THE PHONE AND THERE ARE ONLY SPECIFIC MODELS MANUFACTURED IN THE SAME YEAR THAT WORK FOR THE CHARGER. I HAVE TESTED WITH 5 DIFFERENT MODEL PHONES AND ONLY ONE WORKED. THIS OPTION IS A WASTE OF MONEY AND NOT ADVERTISED APPROPRIATELY NOR DOES THE GM BROCHURES OR WEBSITE PROVIDE ADEQUATE INFORMATION TO NOTIFY THE CONSUMER OF THE ISSUE.

9/7/2018

THE SERVICE STABILTRAK NOTIFCATION KEEPS COMING ON AND SHUTTING OFF ON ITS OWN WHILE IN MOTION ON A STREET AND IT HAS ALSO HAPPENED WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY. IT HAS OCCURRED AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS AND SEVERAL TIMES WITH DIFFERENT PEOPLE DRIVING.THE DEALERSHIP CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHY AND IT DOESN'T SHOW IT EVEN CAME ON AT ALL. WHEN IN MOTION ON A STRRET GOING 46MPH THE CAR TRIED TO AUTO CORRECT PULLING ME OUT OF MY LANE BY ITSLEF. IT WAS A STRAIGHT STREET WITH NO CURVES WHERE THIS OCCURRED. THANK GOD THERE WASNT A CAR IN THE LANE NEXT TO ME. THE SIDE MIRRORS RESET THEMSELVES ALL THE TIME. IF I MOVE THE SEAT AND THEN HIT THE MEMORY BUTTON SO IT WILL GO TO THE SET POSITION THE SEAT DOESN'T MOVE AT ALL. I HAVE HAD RENTAL CARS MORE THAN MY ACADIA THE PAST 2MONTHS WHILE THE DEALERSHIP TRYS TO GET THESE ISSUES FIXED. I LOVE THE CAR BUT AM GETTING MAD WITH ALL THESE ISSUES.

10/11/2018

55 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

50 Reports20% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

EXPLODED SUNROOF - THE SUNROOF EXPLODED WHEN I WAS NOT IN THE CAR. I HEARD THE GLASS FALLING IN TO THE SUN SHADE WHEN I CLOSED THE DOOR. TOOK ME SEVERAL DAYS TO RECOGNIZE AND FIGURE OUT WHAT THE SOUND WAS. NO ROCKS, NO SIGN OF ANYTHING FALLING ON THE ROOF TO DAMAGE. THE GLASS APPEARED TO BE PUSHED OUT AS CAN BE SEEN ON THE PHOTOS.

4/23/2019

WATER LEAKING IN THREW BACK WINDOWS, SIDE WALLS , WATER COMING IN THERE PLASTIC IN DOORS BOTH FRONT AND BACK, WATER COMING IN BACK UP UNDER HEAD LINER. THIS ALL HAPPENING AFTER RAINFALL AND THE CAR WAS PARKED IN DRIVE. THIS CAR ONLY HAS 8,000 MILES ON IT PURCHASED BRAND NEW IN OCTOBER 2018 OFF SHOW ROOM FLOOR, I AM THE ONLY OWNER. I HAVE PICTURES TO SUPPORT ALL OF THIS AS WELL, INCLUDING WATER DAMAGE.

6/16/2019

48 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

12 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE SERVICE STABILTRAK NOTIFCATION KEEPS COMING ON AND SHUTTING OFF ON ITS OWN WHILE IN MOTION ON A STREET AND IT HAS ALSO HAPPENED WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY. IT HAS OCCURRED AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS AND SEVERAL TIMES WITH DIFFERENT PEOPLE DRIVING.THE DEALERSHIP CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHY AND IT DOESN'T SHOW IT EVEN CAME ON AT ALL. WHEN IN MOTION ON A STRRET GOING 46MPH THE CAR TRIED TO AUTO CORRECT PULLING ME OUT OF MY LANE BY ITSLEF. IT WAS A STRAIGHT STREET WITH NO CURVES WHERE THIS OCCURRED. THANK GOD THERE WASNT A CAR IN THE LANE NEXT TO ME. THE SIDE MIRRORS RESET THEMSELVES ALL THE TIME. IF I MOVE THE SEAT AND THEN HIT THE MEMORY BUTTON SO IT WILL GO TO THE SET POSITION THE SEAT DOESN'T MOVE AT ALL. I HAVE HAD RENTAL CARS MORE THAN MY ACADIA THE PAST 2MONTHS WHILE THE DEALERSHIP TRYS TO GET THESE ISSUES FIXED. I LOVE THE CAR BUT AM GETTING MAD WITH ALL THESE ISSUES.

10/11/2018

ON SEPARATE OCCASIONS, BOTH PARKED TURNED OFF AND RUNNING DOWN HIGHWAY, THE DASH LIGHTS LIT UP AND ALARMS CHIMED. CAR WOULDN'T START, NO COLD A/C. THE "SERVICE POWER STEERING" MESSAGE DISPLAYED. CAR DIDN'T TURN AS WELL. COULDN'T SHIFT. AFTER DOING SO FOR A ABOUT 2-3 MINUTES IT WOULD GO BACK TO NORMAL. THE ATTACHED PHOTO WAS WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD YOU'LL NOTICE IT DOESN'T MEASURE ANY RPM'S HOWEVER THE CAR IS MOVING ABOUT 40MPH

6/25/2019

10 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

12 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2018 GMC ACADIA. WHILE THE CONTACT'S FRIEND WAS DRIVING 40 MPH, THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE DROVE THROUGH A PARTITION AND CRASHED INTO A BRICK WALL. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. ALL FOUR OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHICLE WERE INJURED AND RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT SUFFERED CHEST PAIN, ANOTHER OCCUPANT SUSTAINED A CUT ON THE HEAD, AND THE OTHER TWO OCCUPANTS SUFFERED FRACTURES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A TOW LOT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. .*BF .*BF 'PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB

3/22/2019

1* PURCHASED MARCH 2018 (ACADIA DENALI) SINCE AUGUST 2018 IN MOTION WHEN I ACCELERATE IT SOUNDS LIKE A LOUD LAWNMOWER & CRACKLING SOUND IN REAR MUFFLER AREA. TOOK IT CHEVY PLACE IN GLENPOOL, OK. THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING. 2* ON 2 OCCASSIONS, IN MOTION, THE CAR ACCELERATED WITH A LOUD NOISE & AS IF IT WERE GETTING POWER & NOT MOVING THEN JERKS & SPEEDS UP ABOUT 15MPH FASTER & I COULDN'T STOP IT. I KEPT SLAMMING ON MY BREAKS, BUT THE BREAK WOULD ONLY GO IN SO FAR. I WAS FRIGHTENED WITH MY 2 YOUNG BOYS IN CAR SCREAMING. IT'S LIKE RIDING A HORSE & IT TAKES OFF & YOU CAN'T CONTROL IT. 3* ON ABOUT 8 OR 9 OCCASSIONS STATIONARY I GET OUT OF MY CAR & IT MAKES A REALLY LOUD ANNOYING SOUND LIKE A MACHINE/ROBOT POWERING DOWN. MY KIDS ALWAYS SAY, IT'S GOING TO BLOW UP 4* THE MOST ANNOYING, FOR PAST MONTH...STATIONARY, EVERY SINGLE DAY & TIME I TURN MY IGNITION OFF. IT HAS LOUD BEEPING SOUND & CHECK REAR SEAT FLASHING ON SCREEN THEN SHIFT INTO PARK FLASHES. THIS OCCURS EVERY SINGLE TIME I TURN MY CAR OFF. SOMETIMES I HAVE TO JUST LET IT GO ON ALL DAY BECAUSE I CAN'T GET IT STOP. I TURN CAR ON & OFF SHIFT BACK & FORTH & IT STILL WILL NOT GO OFF. SOMETIMES IT DOES AFTER LONG PERIODS OF TIME. I DON'T HAVE TIME TO STRUGGLE WITH GETTING A CAR INTO PARK EVERY SINGLE TIME I TURN MY IGNITION OFF. I HAVE TO BEAT IT FORWARD HARD WITH MY HAND TO THE POINT MY WRIST IS BRUISED. NOW I HAVE TO USE MY FOOT TO KICK GEAR SHIFTER INTO PARK. I'M AFRAID T'S GOING TO ROLL OUT & OR DOWN AND HIT SOMETHING, SOMEONE OR EVEN ONE OF MY CHILDREN. WHICH WOULD NOT BE GOOD. I'VE SEEN SEVERAL OF SAME COMPLAINTS. THIS REALLY NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED & RECALLED ASAP. MY ELDERLY MOTHER HAD TO CALL MY BROTHER TO ANOTHER PART OF TOWN TO BEAT THE GEAR SHIFT INTO PARK. THIS CAR WAS BRAND NEW & I SHOULDN'T HAVE ANY OF THE ABOVE MENTIONED ISSUES. IT'S FRUSTRATING THINKING GMC WAS TOP OF THE LINE & IT'S NOT.

5/24/2019

10 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

10 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2018 GMC ACADIA. WHILE THE CONTACT'S FRIEND WAS DRIVING 40 MPH, THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE DROVE THROUGH A PARTITION AND CRASHED INTO A BRICK WALL. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. ALL FOUR OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHICLE WERE INJURED AND RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT SUFFERED CHEST PAIN, ANOTHER OCCUPANT SUSTAINED A CUT ON THE HEAD, AND THE OTHER TWO OCCUPANTS SUFFERED FRACTURES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A TOW LOT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. .*BF .*BF 'PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB

3/22/2019

IN MOTION ON THE HIGHWAY 401 NORTH ONTARIO CANADA, THE VEHICLE ERRATICALLY INCREASED SPEED AND BRAKES WERE NOIR EFFECTIVE, LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL WHICH CAUSED A MASSIVE ACCIDENT INVOLVING MULTIPLE CARS AND RESULTED IN MULTIPLE INJURIES. *DT

3/23/2019

8 more complaints are available in this category.

STEERING

5 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

IN MOTION ON THE HIGHWAY 401 NORTH ONTARIO CANADA, THE VEHICLE ERRATICALLY INCREASED SPEED AND BRAKES WERE NOIR EFFECTIVE, LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL WHICH CAUSED A MASSIVE ACCIDENT INVOLVING MULTIPLE CARS AND RESULTED IN MULTIPLE INJURIES. *DT

3/23/2019

ON SEPARATE OCCASIONS, BOTH PARKED TURNED OFF AND RUNNING DOWN HIGHWAY, THE DASH LIGHTS LIT UP AND ALARMS CHIMED. CAR WOULDN'T START, NO COLD A/C. THE "SERVICE POWER STEERING" MESSAGE DISPLAYED. CAR DIDN'T TURN AS WELL. COULDN'T SHIFT. AFTER DOING SO FOR A ABOUT 2-3 MINUTES IT WOULD GO BACK TO NORMAL. THE ATTACHED PHOTO WAS WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD YOU'LL NOTICE IT DOESN'T MEASURE ANY RPM'S HOWEVER THE CAR IS MOVING ABOUT 40MPH

6/25/2019

3 more complaints are available in this category.

SEATS

4 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

PASSENGER SEAT SITS LOW ON THE FLOOR WITH MY SHOULDERS UNDER THE WINDOW SHELF AND NOT ADJUSTABLE UP OR DOWN, THE SEATBELT IS ALSO NOT ADJUSTABLE AND HIT RIGHT UNDER MY CHIN. NO WAY OF GETTING AWAY FROM BEING INJURED OR DECAPITATED IN A CRASH. IM 5'5"

4/19/2018

FRONT SEATS FEEL LOOSE AND LIKE THEY SHIFT. WHEN THEY SHIFT AND MOVE A POPPING NOISE IS HEARD. THE SHIFTING AND POPPING NOISE HAPPENS IN AND OUT OF CORNERS, GOING OVER DRIVEWAY/PARKING LOT APRONS. THE SENSATION IS UNPLEASANT AND IRRITATING. HAVE SPOKEN TO DEALER AND AUTO BODY SHOP. ASSOCIATES CLAIM SIMILAR PROBLEM EXISTING WITH YUKON'S. DOES GMC HAVE A SEATING PROBLEM OR RECURRING DEFECT?

7/14/2018

2 more complaints are available in this category.

WHEELS

4 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WATER LEAKING IN THREW BACK WINDOWS, SIDE WALLS , WATER COMING IN THERE PLASTIC IN DOORS BOTH FRONT AND BACK, WATER COMING IN BACK UP UNDER HEAD LINER. THIS ALL HAPPENING AFTER RAINFALL AND THE CAR WAS PARKED IN DRIVE. THIS CAR ONLY HAS 8,000 MILES ON IT PURCHASED BRAND NEW IN OCTOBER 2018 OFF SHOW ROOM FLOOR, I AM THE ONLY OWNER. I HAVE PICTURES TO SUPPORT ALL OF THIS AS WELL, INCLUDING WATER DAMAGE.

6/16/2019

FRONT TIRES HAVE STARTED COMING APART; SUCH AS, TEARING OR RIPPED TREAD. SIMILAR TO LOOKING LIKE THEY WERE "GOUGED" WITH SOMETHING. TIRES ARE ROTATED WITH EACH OIL CHANGE ON A REGULAR BASIS. PURCHASED VEHICLE NEW WITH 440 MILES, AND CURRENTLY HAVE 33,XXX MILES ON THESE TIRES. JUST RECENTLY NOTICED THIS ON THE 2 FRONT TIRES, SO DATE "HAPPENED" IS DATE IT WAS FIRST NOTICED. VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN IN ANY KIND OF ACCIDENT, OR OFF ROAD, OR DRIVEN RECKLESSLY.

10/3/2019

2 more complaints are available in this category.

SEAT BELTS

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

PASSENGER SEAT SITS LOW ON THE FLOOR WITH MY SHOULDERS UNDER THE WINDOW SHELF AND NOT ADJUSTABLE UP OR DOWN, THE SEATBELT IS ALSO NOT ADJUSTABLE AND HIT RIGHT UNDER MY CHIN. NO WAY OF GETTING AWAY FROM BEING INJURED OR DECAPITATED IN A CRASH. IM 5'5"

4/19/2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 GMC ACADIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT BUCKLE DID NOT LOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FREEHOLD BUICK GMC (4404 U.S. 9, FREEHOLD, NJ 07728, (732) 410-4117) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS ON BACKORDER AND A LOANER VEHICLE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 28,000.

11/12/2019

1 more complaint is available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MY ACADIA STALLS DURING ACCELERATION USUALLY WHILE GOING ABOUT 40-50 MPH AND PRESSING GAS PEDAL TO INCREASE TO HIGHWAY SPEEDS. ITS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES OVER THE PAST SEVERAL MONTHS

2/18/2019

IN MOTION ON THE HIGHWAY 401 NORTH ONTARIO CANADA, THE VEHICLE ERRATICALLY INCREASED SPEED AND BRAKES WERE NOIR EFFECTIVE, LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL WHICH CAUSED A MASSIVE ACCIDENT INVOLVING MULTIPLE CARS AND RESULTED IN MULTIPLE INJURIES. *DT

3/23/2019

1 more complaint is available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MY 2018 GMC ACADIA SLT-1 HAS BEEN HAVING ACCELERATION ISSUES LIKE SHUDDERING AND OR FEELS LIKE A FULL LOSS OF POWER , WITH NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. I'VE TAKEN IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE FOR THIS PROBLEM . I'VE ONLY TAKEN IT IN THIS 2ND TIME BECAUSE IT GOT WORSE AND SCARED ME THAT IT WOULD DIE ON THE HIGHWAY. IT ALSO HAS HAD TO HAVE THE BATTERY CHARGED 3 TIMES IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS , YET THE DEALER SAYS THE BATTERY CHECKS GOOD. AT THE LEAST I BELIEVED SINCE ITS UNDER WARRANTY THEY WOULD CHANGE THE BATTERY IN THE CASE THE COMPUTER IS CAUSING ISSUES BASED ON BATTERY VOLTAGE. THE ALTERNATOR IS WORKING , BUT WITH ONLY 29K MILES NONE OF THIS BATTERY NOR ACCELERATION SHUDDER AND STUMBLE LIKE ITS GOING TO DIE SHOULD BE ACCEPTABLE.

12/3/2019

ON DECEMBER 5TH 2019, I ARRIVED HOME FROM WORK TO TAKE MY SON TO HIS DR. APT. I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY AROUND 10:30AM. I LEFT THE CAR ON SO MY SON WOULDN'T HAVE TO GO INTO A COLD CAR, BEING HE WAY SICK. I RAN INTO MY HOUSE WHERE MY MOTHER WAS WATCHING BOTH MY SONS. I SAID TO MY MOM, LET ME USE THE RESTROOM QUICKLY BEFORE I GET HIS COAT ON. I WAS NO MORE THAN 2 MINS. AS I STEPPED OUT THE BATHROOM, I HEAR MY HUSBAND SCREAMING FROM UP STAIRS THE CAR IS ON FIRE! HE COMES RUNNING DOWN THERE STAIRS AS FAST AS HE CAN, ALMOST INJURING HIMSELF BECAUSE HE DIDN'T SEE ME YET AND THOUGHT I WAS IN THE CAR! HE THEN SEES ME AND GRABS THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER. HE RUNS OUTSIDE TO TRY AND EXTINGUISH THE FIRE..AS I CALLED THE FRANKLIN SQUARE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND 911. BUT IN UNDER THE 5 MINS THE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES! WE HAD TO THEN EVACUATE THE HOUSE BECAUSE THE GARAGE IS AN ATTACHED GARAGE AND THE CAR WAS IN THE DRIVEWAY OF THE GARAGE. MY POOR KIDS WERE FRIGHTENED FOR THEIR LIFE AS WE RUSHED THEM OUT THE HOUSE AS THEIR MOMMYS CAR WAS UP IN FLAMES..THEY WERE CRYING THEIR EYES OUT IN FEAR. THE FIRE CAUGHT ONTO THE TREE ON THE FRONT LAWN AS WELL AS DESTROYING THE GARAGE AND DRIVEWAY. I CRIED EXTENSIVELY THINKING OF THE WHAT IFS...WHAT IF I PUT MY SON AND I DIRECTLY INTO THE CAR, WITHOUT USING THE RESTROOM THAT DAY. WHAT IF THIS HAD OCCURRED WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON THE PARKWAY WITH MY WHOLE FAMILY IN THE VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE WAS A DEATH TRAP THAT ALMOST TOOK MY LIFE AND MY FAMILY. WE FOUND THAT THEIR HAD BEEN A RECALL ON THE GMC ACADIA FOR THE 2017-2018 EDITIONS. I HAVING A 2018, WHERE WAS MY NOTIFICATION OF A RECALL? WHERE WAS MY LETTER..EMAIL..CALL FROM GM? I HAVE NUMEROUS FRIENDS THE RECOMMEND THE GMC ACADIA AS A GREAT FAMILY CAR. THEY ARE ALL NOW SCARED TO DEATH BECAUSE OF WHAT HAPPENED TO ME. NON FEEL SAFE USING THEIR VEHICLE NOW.

12/18/2019

BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I PLACE VEHICLE IN PARK AND THE COMPUTER DOES NOT RECOGNIZE SO THE BELL COMES ON. I HAVE TO GO IN AND OUT OF PARK SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE IT ENGAGES. THIS OCCURS WHEN I AM TURNING THE ENGINE OFF, I FIRST PLACE IN PARK THEN PUSH THE IGNITION TO SHUT OFF. WE HAD A PRIOR ISSUE WHERE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ON, AUTO BACKED IN A DRIVEWAY WITH SLIGHT INCLINE, AND WHEN WE TRIED TO DISENGAGE IT WAS SIMPLY STUCK, WE CALLED TO TOW THE CARE; ONCE DRIVER ARRIVED WE WENT THROUGH THE RELEASE ONE MORE TIME AND IT FINALLY RELEASED. SINCE THAT TIME, I NEVER USE THE PARKING BRAKE. THAT OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY 9/20/2018..

2/24/2021

WHEN PARKING CAR IT KEEPS TELLING US TO PARK WHEN IT IS IN PARK AND WE CAN TURN IT OFF

3/8/2021

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

DRIVING STRAIGHT ON FREEWAY WHEN REAR PANORAMIC SUNROOF EXPLODED WITH THE SOUND LIKE A GUNSHOT. THE GLASS IS SHATTERED OUTWARD STILL WITH PHOTOS TO SHOW THE OUTWARD EXPLOSION.

6/25/2018

STRUCTURE:BODY

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

FRONT SUNROOF EXPLODED ON JULY 25, 2018. DRIVING DOWN ROAD HEARD LOUD GUN SHOT LIKE SOUND AND THE GLASS STARTED POURING IN. MOST THE GLASS WENT TO THE BACK SEAT WHERE MY 4 AND 5 YEAR OLD WERE IN THEIR CAR SEATS. WE WERE HEADED ON VACATION FORM ARKANSAS TO THE BEACH IN ALABAMA. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. TWO LANE HIGHWAY IN THE MIDDLE OF NO WHERE NO CARS IN SIGHT. WEATHER WAS CLEAR.

7/30/2018

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

DRIVING AT NIGHT , IF IT IS RAINING, HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT BRIGHT ENOUGH. SO BAD IT'S LIKE THERE NOT ON. THESE PROJECTION LIGHTS ARE USELESS. I HAVE HAD TWO NEAR MISSES BECAUSE OR THIS PROBLEM THE OLDER STYLE LIGHTS WERE SO MUCH BETTER, MY TRUCK HAS THE OLDER STYLE H4 BULBS AND THEY ARE SO MUCH BRIGHTER.

11/16/2018

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

SHIFT TO PARK ERROR , ON COMPUTER DISPLAY.

2/11/2021

BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I have numerous warnings, shift to park, steering, cross traffic, this endangers myself and anyone else around me, i have read several class action suits involving these problems and it could cause my vehicle to pose a danger, I have taken my vehicle in to a certified dealer and they state there is no known recalls associated with my vehicle which is strange because GMC knows that there are thousands of vehicles having the same problem, did I buy a lemon? These problems are clearly manufacture related and in no way normal wear and tare. I should not have to compensate these issues when I paid near 40,000 for it

5/29/2021

AIR BAGS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Was driving down a dirt road and suddenly the airbags deployed for no reason. Ruined the car.

6/2/2021

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that upon depression of the brake pedal, the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where she was informed that the brake pads and all four rotors needed to be replaced. The contact then called Brad Deery Motors (112 N. 2nd St, Maquoketa, IA 52060) and was informed to take the vehicle in to be diagnosed. The contact was then informed that only one of the rotors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The contact also stated that upon attempting to park the vehicle, the shift to park warning message would illuminate on the instrument panel. The contact had to repeatedly shift the vehicle in and out of the park before the vehicle would recognize the shifter in the park position. The manufacturer had been notified of the failures but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.

8/30/2021

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2018 GMC Acadia?

The most reported complaint category for the 2018 GMC Acadia is POWER TRAIN, with 136 owner reports. That is about 28% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Are complaints about the 2018 GMC Acadia a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 183 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2018 GMC Acadia?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2018 GMC Acadia severe?

183 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

GMC Acadia: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
484
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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