CARFOCALvehicle research
Research CarsCompareRankingsArticles
  1. Home›
  2. Manufacturers›
  3. GMC›
  4. Acadia›
  5. 2025

2025 GMC Acadia Report

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

Updated May 30, 2026·Daniel Wilson
2025 GMC Acadia Report

Overall Score

7.2/ 10
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution

Key Takeaways

  • The service brake system is a significant concern, with reports of master cylinder, ABS, and ESC failures at extremely low mileage.
  • Forward collision avoidance systems, including automatic emergency braking, also show a notable number of complaints.
  • Despite a 5-star overall safety rating, the frequency of brake system issues presents a critical ownership risk.
  • The vehicle's 2.5L 4-cylinder engine and 8-speed automatic transmission offer adequate performance but are overshadowed by brake concerns.
See the 5 checks before you buyFree • Takes 20s • Saves Thousands $
OverviewWho This Car Is ForReliability & ProblemsVehicle SpecsUnlock Full ReportFAQ
Overview

2025 GMC Acadia

The 2025 GMC Acadia, a three-row SUV, faces scrutiny for its reliability, particularly concerning its braking system. Despite a strong NHTSA safety score of 5 overall, numerous owner complaints highlight critical failures in the service brakes and forward collision avoidance systems, often occurring within the first few thousand miles. These issues, coupled with extended parts availability delays, significantly impact owner confidence. The Acadia is powered by a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, delivering an EPA-estimated 21 MPG combined. Buyers should prioritize thorough inspections of the braking components.

Critical Failure Risk

Widespread, critical safety failures in the braking system, including the master cylinder, ABS module, and ESC components. These failures can result in a complete loss of braking capability or loss of power assist.

Early detection can help you avoid a $2,000-$4,000 repair.

Open Maintenance Analysis →

Safety & Bulletins

Open Recalls0
Service Bulletins0
Full Recall History →

Owner Complaints

64
Service Brakes26
Detailed Issue Breakdown →

Performance & Efficiency

Fuel Efficiency
Combined
21
MPG
City
19
MPG
Highway
24
MPG
Full Vehicle Specifications ↓

Reliability

8.2/ 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 a 5-star overall safety rating and ample passenger space.

+2 more buyer-fit notes in the full report

Avoid if

Buyers seeking a trouble-free ownership experience with a strong reliability record.

+2 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report

2025 GMC Acadia Reliability Analysis

Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2025 GMC Acadia.

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

Vehicle Specs

Fuel Type
Regular
Transmission
Automatic 8-spd
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Body Style
Suv
EPA Combined MPG
21

CarFocal account required

See the full 2025 GMC Acadia buyer report before you decide

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

Most Common Issues

1. Braking System

Most reported

Usage: 26 reports

2. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

Usage: 10 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 System Inspection

Est. shop cost: $120 - $180

7,500 mi

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

Full pre-purchase inspection checklist
Complete maintenance schedule (4 service intervals)
Repair forecasts with mileage and cost context
Full buyer-fit guidance and who should avoid it
Full specs and trim-level context
Full safety recall details
Create free account

Free • Takes 20 seconds • Saves Thousands $

Already have an account? Log in

FAQ

FAQ

Is the 2025 GMC Acadia reliable?▾

The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2025 GMC Acadia is 8.2/10. Reliability score is 8.2/10. NHTSA recalls: 0. Owner complaints: 64.

How practical is the 2025 GMC Acadia for daily use?▾

Practicality score is 5.0/10. The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption. EPA combined economy is 21 MPG.

What is the overall score for the 2025 GMC Acadia?▾

The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2025 GMC Acadia is 7.2/10. Overall score is 7.2/10 (Good). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 7.7/10. Practicality 5.0/10.

What does it cost to own and maintain a 2025 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 System Inspection at 7,500 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $400 - $600. Repair prediction highlight: Brake Master Cylinder (typical at 500 miles, estimated cost Min: $500 • Max: $1,000).

What engine is in the 2025 GMC Acadia?▾

Engine specs list 4 • 2.5.

What transmission does the 2025 GMC Acadia use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2025 GMC Acadia, transmission is Automatic 8-spd. The paired drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive.

What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2025 GMC Acadia?▾

EPA combined estimate is 21 MPG.

What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2025 GMC Acadia?▾

17 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control.

What body style is the 2025 GMC Acadia?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2025 GMC Acadia, body style is suv.

What drivetrain does the 2025 GMC Acadia use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2025 GMC Acadia, drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic 8-spd.

What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2025 GMC Acadia?▾

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

What are the most common service brakes problems on the 2025 GMC Acadia?▾

Top complaint category: service brakes (26 reports, 40.6% of complaints).

Should buyers consider alternatives to the 2025 GMC Acadia?▾

Alternatives listed in this guide: 2025 Toyota Highlander and 2025 Honda Pilot.

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

We may earn a commission if you buy parts through our links. Learn more.