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5 GMC Acadia Models With Major Issues

If you’re driving a GMC Acadia, you might be dealing with certain common issues. Unfortunately, some issues common to the Acadia can be quite serious. Certain models of the Acadia experience serious problems, including engine and transmission problems. Read the sections below to find out what kind of issues you might encounter with your Acadia.

  1. GMC Acadia 2007

    2007 was the first year General Motors launched the Acadia, and it looks like the model had some growing pains during its official launch. Numerous car owners have reported serious problems with the engine and transmission in this vehicle. Some complaints report that the problem is tied to problems with the timing chain, for which a bulletin was released.

    However, even though there is a known problem with the timing chain, drivers report that they’re left on the hook for repair costs, which can total $1,000 or more. This has left many 2007 GMC Acadia owners frustrated and feeling put out.

    Unfortunately, the more serious problem is recurring transmission failure. For whatever reason, the 2007 GMC Acadia transmission is prone to giving out before it hits 100,000 miles. Most drivers expect a transmission to last at least 200,000 miles. Because the transmission typically doesn’t fail until the warranty has expired, drivers are on the hook for a $3,000 repair bill.

    There have been 5 2007 GMC Acadia recalls thus far, but none of them are related to the engine or transmission, despite being frequently reported.

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  2. GMC Acadia 2008

    Unfortunately, the second model of the Acadia didn’t quite work out the kinks found in the first iteration.

    Drivers continued to report 2008 GMC Acadia engine problems, such as the engine shutting down entirely while driving. In many cases, the problem requires replacing the 2008 GMC Acadia engine entirely, a job that could end up costing $3,000 or more.

    In other cases, less serious repairs are needed. For instance, some drivers reported that the problem was fixed when they replaced the timing chain, which continues to stretch out early. Unfortunately, this is still an expensive fix that can cost $2,500 or more.

    To top it off, the 2008 GMC Acadia transmission still generates significant problems. Numerous drivers have reported needing to replace the transmission at 75,000 miles or earlier. Some drivers even report needing to replace the transmission a second time a couple years later. Replacing a transmission can cost $3,000 or more.

    There have been 5 2008 GMC Acadia recalls, but once again none of them are connected to the vehicle’s faulty engine or transmission.

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  1. GMC Acadia 2009

    GM had difficulties with their Acadia for the first several years of the vehicle’s existence. The 2009 GMC Acadia’s engine appears to be no better than the engine in the first two models, with complaints continuing to pour in about unexpected failures.

    In the case of the 2009 GMC Acadia, the catalytic converter specifically was named in a handful of incidents. However, the timing chain was blamed in numerous cases as well. Clearly, GMC struggled to iron out key kinks in the vehicle’s engine.

    In addition, the 2009 GMC Acadia transmission appears just as prone to failure as the first two models. Engine and transmission replacement could cost well over $5,000 for car owners. This can be a particularly large expense for those with an older vehicle worth significantly less than they paid for it.

    Finally, the 2009 GMC Acadia has headlights that are apparently prone to burning out early. This is far more of an inconvenience than a major problem compared to the engine and transmission issues, but it could still run owners $500 or more to replace. Given that many owners report the bulbs burning out repeatedly, that can add up fast.

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  2. GMC Acadia 2012

    Unfortunately, several years later GMC has failed to address one of their most pressing issues: repeated engine failure.

    The 2012 GMC Acadia engine remains prone to failure, and fixing it can cost car owners thousands of dollars. In many cases, the timing chain is still the culprit. However, that’s not the only GMC Acadia problem in this model year.

    Car owners complain that the 2012 GMC Acadia AC system stops working or only works periodically. That could mean the AC not heating, not cooling or not blowing air out at all. For drivers in hot or cold climates, a broken AC can be a major inconvenience, even if it’s not life-threatening.

    Drivers have also reported that the 2012 GMC Acadia air bag light comes on too often for comfort. Even after servicing it, drivers report that the light pops back on a month later. Whether this bodes an actual problem for airbag performance or not remains unclear. It could simply be an electrical problem.

    There have been 4 2012 GMC Acadia recalls, and one corresponds to the side air bags for the vehicles. None address engine issues.

  3. GMC Acadia 2017

    The 2017 GMC Acadia was the first model of the second generation of Acadias. Like most new versions of a vehicle, it had its growing pains. Some of those problems were reminiscent of the difficulties found in earlier model GMC Acadias.

    The most common complaints related to the interior accessories. Drivers reported that their 2017 GMC Acadia horns didn’t make sounds without significant pressure, if at all. This sounds like a minor inconvenience, but being unable to honk at other drivers in emergency situations can become a serious hazard.

    Less serious interior accessory-related complaints include a non-functioning radio or sunroof. However, drivers also reported inconvenient transmission related issues.

    The 2017 GMC Acadia transmission can repeatedly generate a “shift to park” alert, sometimes when the vehicle is already in park. This issue has generated a class-action lawsuit for the 2017 and 2018 GMC Acadias. Fixing it can cost anywhere from $400 to over $3000 depending on the severity of the issue and the mechanic’s recommendations.

    In another set of complaints, drivers reported electrical issues with the 2017 GMC Acadia that left them stranded. Owners say that the car wouldn’t start, sometimes without apparent reason. In some cases, the fix is a replacement battery, which costs around $200. In other cases, the solution is less apparent.

    There have been 3 2017 GMC Acadia recalls, none related to the battery or the transmission.

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About Author
Rudy Rodriguez
Automotive Expert

Rudy brings 9 years of industry expertise to the table. From decoding salvage market nuances to steering CarBrain's insights.

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