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2019 GMC Acadia Report

Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Updated May 30, 2026·Daniel Wilson
2019 GMC Acadia Report

Overall Score

6.6/ 10
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution

Key Takeaways

  • The 'Shift to Park' electrical/powertrain malfunction is the most significant concern, affecting vehicle shutdown and safety.
  • Electrical system issues are common, often linked to the 'Shift to Park' problem and potential battery drain.
  • Powertrain complaints are frequent, indicating potential durability issues.
  • NHTSA awarded the 2019 Acadia a 5-star overall safety rating, with 5 stars in frontal and side crash tests.
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OverviewWho This Car Is ForReliability & ProblemsVehicle SpecsUnlock Full ReportFAQ
Overview

2019 GMC Acadia

The 2019 GMC Acadia offers three rows of seating in a practical SUV package, but used buyers should be aware of its reliability concerns. While it achieved a strong 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, a significant number of owner complaints point to issues, particularly with the powertrain and electrical systems. The 'Shift to Park' problem, where the vehicle fails to recognize it's in Park, is a recurring and potentially serious issue that can lead to battery drain or unintended movement. With 3 recalls and a high volume of complaints, careful inspection is crucial.

Critical Failure Risk

The vehicle fails to recognize it is in Park, preventing shutdown and locking. This is a prevalent issue often linked to electrical system faults or transmission control module problems.

Early detection can help you avoid a $500-$3,000 repair.

Open Maintenance Analysis →

Safety & Bulletins

Open Recalls3
Service Bulletins0
Full Recall History →

Owner Complaints

451
Power Train119
Detailed Issue Breakdown →

Performance & Efficiency

Fuel Efficiency
Combined
20
MPG
City
17
MPG
Highway
25
MPG
Full Vehicle Specifications ↓

Reliability

6.9/ 10

Practicality

5.0/ 10

The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption.

Buyer Fit

Who This Car Is For

Best for

Buyers prioritizing three-row seating and a comfortable ride over long-term mechanical certainty.

+2 more buyer-fit notes in the full report

Avoid if

Drivers seeking a trouble-free ownership experience with minimal repair risks.

+2 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report

2019 GMC Acadia Reliability Analysis

Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2019 GMC Acadia.

  • Recall TimelineOfficial safety notices
  • Owner ComplaintsReal driver reports
  • Failure AnalysisKnown part defects
Specs

Vehicle Specs

Fuel Type
Regular
Transmission
Automatic 6-spd
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Body Style
Suv
EPA Combined MPG
20

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See the full 2019 GMC Acadia buyer report before you decide

Unlock the complete checklist, maintenance outlook, and buyer verdict in one place.

Most Common Issues

1. Powertrain

Most reported

Usage: 119 reports

2. Electrical System

Usage: 85 reports

See all common issues in the maintenance guide

First Service Interval

- Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation and Inspection - Brake Inspection - Fluid Level Checks (Coolant, Brake, Power Steering)

Est. shop cost: $100 - $200

7,500 mi

Unlock the full maintenance guide for every scheduled service interval and cost forecast.

Full pre-purchase inspection checklist
Complete maintenance schedule (6 service intervals)
Repair forecasts with mileage and cost context
Full buyer-fit guidance and who should avoid it
Full specs and trim-level context
3 recall campaign details & remedy notes
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FAQ

FAQ

Is the 2019 GMC Acadia reliable?▾

The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2019 GMC Acadia is 6.9/10. Reliability score is 6.9/10. NHTSA recalls: 3. Owner complaints: 451.

How practical is the 2019 GMC Acadia for daily use?▾

Practicality score is 5.0/10. The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption. EPA combined economy is 20 MPG.

What is the overall score for the 2019 GMC Acadia?▾

The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2019 GMC Acadia is 6.6/10. Overall score is 6.6/10 (Good). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 8.5/10. Practicality 5.0/10.

What does it cost to own and maintain a 2019 GMC Acadia?▾

Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation and Inspection - Brake Inspection - Fluid Level Checks (Coolant, Brake, Power Steering) at 7,500 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $300 - $600. Repair prediction highlight: Shift to Park System (typical at 45,000 miles, estimated cost Min: $500 • Max: $1,500).

What engine is in the 2019 GMC Acadia?▾

Engine specs list 6 • 3.6.

What transmission does the 2019 GMC Acadia use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2019 GMC Acadia, transmission is Automatic 6-spd. The paired drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive.

What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2019 GMC Acadia?▾

EPA combined estimate is 20 MPG.

What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2019 GMC Acadia?▾

1 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

What body style is the 2019 GMC Acadia?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2019 GMC Acadia, body style is suv.

What drivetrain does the 2019 GMC Acadia use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2019 GMC Acadia, drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic 6-spd.

What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2019 GMC Acadia?▾

NHTSA ratings: Overall 5/5 • Frontal 5/5 • Side 5/5 • Rollover 4/5.

What are the most common power train problems on the 2019 GMC Acadia?▾

Top complaint category: power train (119 reports, 26.4% of complaints).

Are there open safety recalls on the 2019 GMC Acadia?▾

This model year has 3 official safety campaigns listed.

Should buyers consider alternatives to the 2019 GMC Acadia?▾

Alternatives listed in this guide: 2019 Honda Pilot and 2019 Toyota Highlander.

Start Here

Maintenance guide

Costs + intervals

Recall report

Campaigns + remedy notes

Owner complaints

Issue volume + categories

In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Who This Car Is For
  3. 03Reliability & Problems
  4. 04Vehicle Specs
  5. 05Unlock Full Report
  6. 06FAQ

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