AIR BAGS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
2011 GMC Acadia
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 269 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2011 GMC Acadia, most frequently naming the steering, engine and electrical categories. 5 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 1,495 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| May 2017 | 2 | 162 |
| Jun 2017 | 2 | 164 |
| Aug 2017 | 5 | 169 |
| Sep 2017 | 4 | 173 |
| Oct 2017 | 1 | 174 |
| Nov 2017 | 1 | 175 |
| Dec 2017 | 1 | 176 |
| Jan 2018 | 1 | 177 |
| Mar 2018 | 1 | 178 |
| Apr 2018 | 5 | 183 |
| May 2018 | 2 | 185 |
| Jun 2018 | 2 | 187 |
| Jul 2018 | 3 | 190 |
| Aug 2018 | 5 | 195 |
| Sep 2018 | 2 | 197 |
| Oct 2018 | 2 | 199 |
| Nov 2018 | 1 | 200 |
| Jan 2019 | 2 | 202 |
| Feb 2019 | 1 | 203 |
| Mar 2019 | 2 | 205 |
| Apr 2019 | 1 | 206 |
| May 2019 | 2 | 208 |
| Jun 2019 | 1 | 209 |
| Jul 2019 | 3 | 212 |
| Aug 2019 | 1 | 213 |
| Sep 2019 | 3 | 216 |
| Jan 2020 | 1 | 217 |
| Feb 2020 | 1 | 218 |
| Mar 2020 | 2 | 220 |
| May 2020 | 2 | 222 |
| Jun 2020 | 2 | 224 |
| Jul 2020 | 4 | 228 |
| Aug 2020 | 3 | 231 |
| Sep 2020 | 3 | 234 |
| Oct 2020 | 2 | 236 |
| Nov 2020 | 2 | 238 |
| Jun 2021 | 1 | 239 |
| Jul 2021 | 2 | 241 |
| Sep 2021 | 1 | 242 |
| Oct 2021 | 1 | 243 |
| Nov 2021 | 2 | 245 |
| Dec 2021 | 2 | 247 |
| Jan 2022 | 1 | 248 |
| Feb 2022 | 1 | 249 |
| Mar 2022 | 1 | 250 |
| Jul 2022 | 1 | 251 |
| Aug 2022 | 1 | 252 |
| Sep 2022 | 1 | 253 |
| Oct 2022 | 2 | 255 |
| Feb 2023 | 1 | 256 |
| Apr 2023 | 2 | 258 |
| May 2023 | 1 | 259 |
| Sep 2023 | 2 | 261 |
| Apr 2024 | 1 | 262 |
| Jun 2024 | 1 | 263 |
| Dec 2024 | 1 | 264 |
| Mar 2025 | 2 | 266 |
| Aug 2025 | 1 | 267 |
| Dec 2025 | 1 | 268 |
| May 2026 | 1 | 269 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Steering6418.1%
- Engine5615.8%
- Electrical4713.3%
- Exterior lighting3810.7%
- Powertrain (other)329.0%
- Driver assistance257.1%
- Airbags195.4%
- Fuel system102.8%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
5 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govSTRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
SEAT BELTS
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Outboard Front Seat Belt Anchor Cable Failure
On August 31, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened Engineering Analysis (EA) EA20002, as an upgrade of Recall Query (RQ) RQ19003. This investigation, related to recall 14V-266, was opened to investigate instances of detachment of the flexible steel seat belt anchor cable attached to the outboard side of the front seats in vehicles manufactured by General Motors (GM). The subject vehicles included model year (MY) 2009 through 2014 GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave, and Chevrolet Traverse SUVs as well as MY 2009 through 2010 Saturn Outlook SUVs. These vehicles were previously repaired for this defect under recall 14V-266. The subject vehicle population is approximately 1.3 million vehicles. Special Coverage N192219480, issued in June 2019, addressed the subject defect in vehicles that previously received the recall remedy repair for subject recall 14V-266. The Special Coverage allows for component replacement for 12 years or 180,000 miles from the initial sale date, whichever comes first. Special Coverage N192219480 instructed service technicians to inspect the driver’s seat belt anchor cable for any damage to the protective sleeve and if damage was observed, the cable was replaced with a new sleeve as well as a new closeout piece that relocated the cable to mitigate the subject condition. In view of the Special Coverage conducted by General Motors, the high detectability of the subject failure, and the low rate of occurrence, this Engineering Analysis is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov. Please see the attached document “EA20-002 Detailed Closing Summary” for more a detailed closing resume summary.
Seat Belt Anchor Cable Failure
On May 19, 2014, General Motors LLC (GM) notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) that it would conduct Safety Recall 14V266 to address fatigue and separation of the flexible steel cable that connects the front outboard seat belts to the seat-mounted belt pre-tensioner in 1.4 million model year (MY) 2009-2010 Saturn Outlook, 2009-2014 Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse (Lambda Platform) vehicles.The remedy was to inspect for signs of damage and replace pre-tensioner anchor cables as needed. Re-work was conducted to relocate the pre-tensioner anchor cable out of the occupant entry path. ODI has subsequently received four (4) Vehicle Owners Questionnaires (VOQ) reporting anchor cable separations with no apparent warning in covered vehicles after the Recall 14V266 remedy had been applied.ODI opened RQ19-003 to assess the effectiveness of the actions GM took in Recall 14V266 and review the full warranty and complaint data related to seat belt anchor cable separations and replacements. ODI continues to receive occasional cable failure complaints both for the subject vehicles and other GM models and model years that have also been previously recalled addressing this condition.Although the cable separation complaint rate is very low, over the past three years ODI has received two (2) additional VOQ?s citing belt cable separations for Lambda platform vehicles outside the scope of recall 14V266, (11217092, 11118075) and complaints for other GM models covered in a number of similar Safety Recalls:* 15V269, 2011-12 Chevrolet Malibu (11181115, 11288168); * 16V209, 2014-15 Silverado 1500, Sierra 1500 (11254364, 10935183, 10953851, 11025376, 11282043, 11288701, 11309884); and * 16V518 2014-16 Caprice Police Pursuit, SS (10905644, 10990669, 11340893).ODI's review of GM's data confirms the low potential failure rate for the vehicles covered by recall 14V266. However, ODI believes that complainants may not recognize accumulating cable fatigue damage from the visual cues available in routine vehicle use.ODI is upgrading RQ19-003 to an Engineering Analysis to more closely assess seat belt conditions and strength levels in the field. This work will include the collection of seat belt samples from a wider range of recalled and peer vehicles for detailed analysis and testing.The ODI reports (VOQs) associated with this RQ19-003 can be viewed at NHTSA.gov under the following reference numbers: 11144704, 11076704, 11185619, 11151922, 11164011, 10967518, 11113486, 11115648
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
The relay for the fan at the top of the fuse/relay box on the right side when facing the front of the vehicle. (under the hood) Gets hot and blows the relay and melts the spot where the relay prongs plug in. Causing the need for a new fuse box and circuit problems within the fuse box connectors. The fans, specifically the a/c fan does not kick on when turning on the a/c and the low speed fan does not kick on at all until the secondary temp fan kicks on after the temperature raises past the normal operating range. Which an overheating engine is bad for all parts of the engine which can and sooner or later will lead to a catastrophic failure putting the operator and other motorists life's at risk.This time it created a small fire that was extinguished only because the fuse box cover was off and I was looking at it as it happened, putting the cover back on extinguished the fire. This is the third time it has happened with the exact same problem. You tube is full of videos with the exact same problem.
- NHTSA ID
- 11736860
- Incident
- May 1, 2026
We purchased the vehicle on August 20, 2025. At which time we paid over $4,800 for the vehicle. I will be trying to submit all files pertaining to the vehicle. We are both disabled and on the fixed income from ssi. However, a week after purchasing the vehicle all issues began to rise up. There was no transmission fluid, the oil need changed, catalytic converter showed up on AutoZone print out, wheels to make a sound when turning, brakes needs fixed, electrical seems to have an issue. The reason I am submitting this is in prayer asking for any remedy with this situation through the recalls, bulletins, and whatever else maybe available for the vehicle. I thank you for your time, effort, and consideration in this matter.
- NHTSA ID
- 11707460
- Incident
- Aug 25, 2025
Unknown
- NHTSA ID
- 11683502
- Incident
- Aug 20, 2025
My air bag light keeps coming on saying to service it. I saw the recalled issues before with the other Acadias and was thinking maybe my year model would need to be looked into as well. I haven't ever had a wreck for them to come out but the light comes on frequently.
- NHTSA ID
- 11648922
- Incident
- Jan 23, 2025
Transmission shudder from torque converter
- NHTSA ID
- 11646976
- Incident
- Jan 24, 2025
Tailgate system has failed causing tailgate to force closed after opening halfway. Risk of being pinned between the car and tailgate. Similar to previous recall POWER LIFTGATE PROP ROD RECOVERY, gate is not being controlled or caught.
- NHTSA ID
- 11629891
- Incident
- Dec 6, 2024
System failed from wear on the rear ac hose from the power steering hose rubbing on it. Creating a leak in my ac system
- NHTSA ID
- 11594827
- Incident
- Jun 17, 2024
I had issue with the timing chain an have check engine light is on I have heard other people having problems with there timing chain. It starts hard. I've had it looked at multiple times. I feel like this is a safety concern. It has low miles on it
- NHTSA ID
- 11582730
- Incident
- Mar 16, 2022
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit vibration conditions without utilizing the support of General Motors Technical Assistance Center. If valid vibration frequency or Road Force Variation data has been collected and a repair attempt does not correct the customer complaint, contact General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further support. For any vehicles that remains unrepaired after being at the dealer for three days or more and a related bulletin or PI is not found, contact General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further support.
New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2025 | 61 | 0 | 0 | 42.4 |
| 2024 | 55 | 0 | 0 | 39.4 |
| 2023 | 40 | 4 | 0 | 61.0 |
| 2022 | 47 | 3 | 0 | 58.1 |
| 2021 | 146 | 2 | 1 | 59.3 |
| 2020 | 97 | 6 | 1 | 64.7 |
| 2019 | 379 | 2 | 0 | 54.8 |
| 2018 | 390 | 2 | 0 | 51.9 |
| 2017 | 701 | 4 | 0 | 52.8 |
| 2016 | 234 | 4 | 0 | 52.5 |
| 2015 | 242 | 4 | 0 | 51.7 |
| 2014 | 461 | 6 | 2 | 59.5 |
| 2013 | 134 | 3 | 2 | 60.2 |
| 2012 | 296 | 5 | 2 | 60.7 |
| 2011Viewing | 269 | 5 | 2 | 58.7 |
| 2010 | 343 | 4 | 2 | 55.7 |
| 2009 | 331 | 7 | 4 | 61.6 |
| 2008 | 854 | 5 | 2 | 55.7 |
| 2007 | 428 | 5 | 2 | 54.9 |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.