2021 GMC Acadia Report
Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.
Overall Score
Key Takeaways
- The engine and electrical systems are the most frequent sources of owner complaints, including sudden stalling and power loss.
- A significant number of critical failures are reported at very low mileages, indicating potential early-life defects.
- The 2021 Acadia has 2 recalls; ensure these, particularly the fuel supply line issue, have been properly addressed by a dealer.
- Despite reliability concerns, the Acadia achieved top marks in NHTSA crash tests, scoring 5 stars overall.
2021 GMC Acadia
The 2021 GMC Acadia presents a stylish three-row SUV option, but used buyers should proceed with caution. While it boasts a perfect 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating, its reliability record is a significant concern. The primary issues revolve around the engine and electrical systems, with numerous reports of sudden power loss and stalling. These problems can manifest early, suggesting potential design or manufacturing weaknesses.
Critical Failure Risk
Sudden power loss, stalling, or failure to restart are commonly reported. This issue is often linked to the fuel pump control module and has been cited in numerous complaints, sometimes at very low mileages.
Early detection can help you avoid a $600-$1,000 repair.
Safety & Bulletins
Owner Complaints
Performance & Efficiency
Reliability
Practicality
The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption.
Who This Car Is For
Best for
Buyers prioritizing style and a comfortable ride over long-term mechanical certainty.
+2 more buyer-fit notes in the full report
Avoid if
Drivers who demand unwavering mechanical dependability and low-risk ownership.
+2 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report
2021 GMC Acadia Reliability Analysis
Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2021 GMC Acadia.
Vehicle Specs
- Fuel Type
- Regular
- Seating Capacity
- 7
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Body Style
- Suv
- EPA Combined MPG
- 21
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Most Common Issues
1. Electrical System
Most reportedUsage: 31 reports
2. ENGINE
Usage: 22 reports
First Service Interval
- Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation - Inspect Brakes - Inspect Wiper Blades
Est. shop cost: $120 - $180
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FAQ
Is the 2021 GMC Acadia reliable?
The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2021 GMC Acadia is 7.6/10. Reliability score is 7.6/10. NHTSA recalls: 2. Owner complaints: 179.
How practical is the 2021 GMC Acadia for daily use?
Practicality score is 4.4/10. The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption. EPA combined economy is 21 MPG. Seating capacity is 7.
What is the overall score for the 2021 GMC Acadia?
The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2021 GMC Acadia is 7.1/10. Overall score is 7.1/10 (Good). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 9.1/10. Practicality 4.4/10.
What does it cost to own and maintain a 2021 GMC Acadia?
Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation - Inspect Brakes - Inspect Wiper Blades at 7,500 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $400 - $700. Repair prediction highlight: Fuel Pump Control Module (typical at 50,000 miles, estimated cost Min: $600 • Max: $1,000).
What engine is in the 2021 GMC Acadia?
Engine specs list 6 • 3.6.
What transmission does the 2021 GMC Acadia use?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2021 GMC Acadia, transmission is Automatic. The paired drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive.
What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2021 GMC Acadia?
EPA combined estimate is 21 MPG.
What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2021 GMC Acadia?
12 standard and 2 optional driver assistance features. Key features include Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control.
How many people fit in a 2021 GMC Acadia?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2021 GMC Acadia, seating capacity is 7.
What body style is the 2021 GMC Acadia?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2021 GMC Acadia, body style is suv.
What drivetrain does the 2021 GMC Acadia use?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2021 GMC Acadia, drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic.
What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2021 GMC Acadia?
NHTSA ratings: Overall 5/5 • Frontal 5/5 • Side 5/5 • Rollover 4/5.
What are the most common electrical system problems on the 2021 GMC Acadia?
Top complaint category: electrical system (31 reports, 17.3% of complaints).
Are there open safety recalls on the 2021 GMC Acadia?
This model year has 2 official safety campaigns listed.
Should buyers consider alternatives to the 2021 GMC Acadia?
Alternatives listed in this guide: 2021 Toyota Highlander and 2021 Honda Pilot.