RoadVitals

2013 GMC Acadia Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
134
Latest Jul 30, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
15
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
13

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2013 GMC Acadia, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

39
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Transmission causes problems in can be on interstate and be switching lanes and it loses power and wont go takes forever to shift out. It will cut out and you can barely get pulled off side of rd in time. Electrical the battery voltage goes crazy up and down causing vehicle to power surge bad or at night time lights will go out for no reason while driving every now and then you can smell something melting or burning also the engine gets so hot but it's right temperature cooling fan runs constantly even when car is cool.since all the problem with Transmission the suspension is off some how. Its like it's not stable

NHTSA ID 11749833 · filed Jul 12, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that intermittently, the vehicle was difficult to start. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light and the traction control warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the alternator, the stabilizer, starter, ignition switch, the door panel, the axle, the matt sensor, the canister valve, gas cap, and power master window switch was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The mechanic determined that the failure was related to the fuse box. The contact used a diagnostic scanner to scan the vehicle but was unable to retrieve any diagnostic trouble codes. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall related to the electrical system. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

NHTSA ID 11649806 · filed Mar 21, 2025
All 39 reports naming electrical

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

29
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I think my vehicle is apart of this recall: March 17, 2014 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V118000 Side Impact Air Bags Wiring Connections Failure of the side impact air bags and seat belt pretensioners to deploy in a crash increase the risk of injury to the driver and front seat occupant.

NHTSA ID 11753694 · filed Jul 30, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 GMC Acadia. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V118000 (Air Bags); and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer was contacted but the manufacturer was not contacted.

NHTSA ID 11730835 · filed Apr 13, 2026
All 29 reports naming airbags

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

27
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Dear Sir/Madam, For the 3rd time now, my transmission is being rebuilt. After purchasing it from the dealership and it was still under warranty GMC Bakersfield rebuilt the transmission, then again in 2020 at 119,000 miles it broke down again and All Automatic in Bakersfield rebuilt it for $3500 and now here it is 2026 and only 60.000 miles later again All Automatic is having to rebuilt the transmission again and asking now for another $4950. I was excited to finally hear there was a recall, only to find it was only for 2014 GMC Acadia's. The transmission have failed again and yes it is available for inspection at All Automation in Bakersfield, CA on Quantico. During the course of breaking down the my safety and the safety of my children was at risk. My vehicle was jumping, jerking the RPM's were all over the place and at one point in the course of driving on the freeway it felt like it lost power and nearly stopped. This has been an ongoing problem since the purchase of the vehicle. It has been inspected and diagnosed by All Automatic. There were no warnings, messages or symptoms that were constant. It was sporadically slipping up until the time it gave out. I have spoke to several 2013 GMC Acadia owners who have the exact same problem along with the back light covers falling off and All the plastic coverings on the inside falling off.

NHTSA ID 11717415 · filed Feb 11, 2026

Unknown, The vehicle will begin to jerk or shake when it gets up to about 30 - 40mph then levels out. Sometimes it will repeat the jerking when traveling at speed of 50 - 60mph for a few seconds then levels out. Sometimes the vehicle hesitate on take off from a stopped position.

NHTSA ID 11655100 · filed Apr 16, 2025
All 27 reports naming powertrain (other)

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

21
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I bought a 2013 gmc Acadia with a 3.6l engine and I was driving it home, and the engine locked up on me, and it didn’t throw a code or anything, it just shut off and wouldn’t start back up, and later I find out that it had an oil leak from somewhere and now I have to have the engine replaced, which is 13k dollars, the vehicle is located at walker Chevrolet in nitro wv, I’m a single dad of 5 children and I can’t afford to fix this vehicle at that price, I asked if they could take payments to replace it, and they said not and that they would NOT Release the vehicle back to me until it is paid for, and now I’m stranded with 5 children with no way to go to the store or anything. The engine locked up on me in the middle of the four lane in st albans wv, and I almost got hit by vehicles that were behind me and everything.

NHTSA ID 11672571 · filed Jul 10, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the vehicle was intermittently difficult to start. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The check engine and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the alternator, stabilizer, starter, ignition switch, door panel, axle, MAP sensor, canister valve, gas cap, and power master window switch were replaced. The mechanic determined that the failure was related to the fuse box. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall related to the electrical system. The contact used a diagnostic scanner to scan the vehicle but was unable to retrieve any diagnostic trouble codes. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

NHTSA ID 11649804 · filed Mar 21, 2025
All 21 reports naming engine

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

At 35-40 and 55-65 mph, the car slips/ pulls back. I took it to the dealer, my rep said it is a known issue and GMC issued a bulletin but will not recall it because it's too expensive. There are thousands of reports online. Please investigate.

NHTSA ID 11559683 · filed Dec 12, 2023

The original side detection system is not an enclosed system. Allowing water, snow, sleet, and salt can penetrate the system. Once, there is penetration and corrosion in the system it effects the entire automobile's electrical system and instrument cluster. Causing the vehicle to come to a complete halt.

NHTSA ID 11477690 · filed Aug 4, 2022
All 13 reports naming driver assistance

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Left rear brake light dose not work, that is also the left rear turn signal. Part number 13582912 brake/turn signal bulb. GMC can not provide me with one. Chevrolet can not provide me with one. None of the chain store parts companies have them either. I have call GMC customer service line and also Chevrolet customer service line. They are of no help. Thank You.

NHTSA ID 11507713 · filed Feb 16, 2023

2013 GMC Acadia left brake light, tail light, turn signal bulb is burned out. There is no way to purchase another bulb. Retail stores don't have it. General Motors Corporation discontinued it. 2013 to 2017 GMC Acadia all affected. I've tried GM direct,GM parts online no one has it. GMC customer service was no help, Chevrolet customer service was no help. No left brake light. No left turn signal. Accident waiting to happen.

NHTSA ID 11463626 · filed May 6, 2022
All 10 reports naming exterior lighting

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

AT LOW SPEEDS OR STOPS THE POWER STEERING GET SUPER TIGHT LIKE I DON'T HAVE ANY POWER STEERING. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THE PUMP IS LEAKING AND IT SHOULD BE REPLACED. I HAVEN'T EVEN HAD IT A YEAR AND IT NOT COVERED. THEY EVEN KNOW ITS AN ISSUE. SEEN A LOT OF OTHER PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. WHY IS THIS NOT FIXED ????

NHTSA ID 11268620 · filed Oct 15, 2019

MY POWER STEERING PUMP IS FAILING AND MY CAR IS JOLTING FORWARD WHEN MOVING FROM A STOPPED POSITION. THE POWER STEERING IS WHINING AND HAS BEEN FOR 6 MONTHS. THE TECHNICIAN AT MY CAR DEALERSHIP SAID IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE, SO WHY HASN'T THERE BEEN A RECALL ON IT? I TRAVEL HIGHWAY A LOT AND FEAR FOR MY SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF MY CHILDREN.

NHTSA ID 11150140 · filed Nov 8, 2018
All 8 reports naming steering

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Transmission causes problems in can be on interstate and be switching lanes and it loses power and wont go takes forever to shift out. It will cut out and you can barely get pulled off side of rd in time. Electrical the battery voltage goes crazy up and down causing vehicle to power surge bad or at night time lights will go out for no reason while driving every now and then you can smell something melting or burning also the engine gets so hot but it's right temperature cooling fan runs constantly even when car is cool.since all the problem with Transmission the suspension is off some how. Its like it's not stable

NHTSA ID 11749833 · filed Jul 12, 2026

WHEN DRIVING IN TRAFFIC AND SLOWING DOWN OR COMING TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE GOES COMPLETELY DEAD. I WILL HAVE TO RESTART AT EACH STOP. WHEN IT DOES START, IT IS NOT A SMOOTH TAKE OFF, IT IS EXTREMELY ROUGH, ALMOST LIKE A MANUAL TRANSMISSION IN THE WRONG GEAR. THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING. AND IT IS GETTING WORST EVERY DAY. I HAVE TO TRANSPORT MY FAMILY IN THIS VEHICLE AND IT IS VERY UNSAFE FOR US. I STILL HAVE A YEAR TO PAY FOR IT AND I AM HEARING MORE AND MORE CUSTOMERS WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT. THE DEALER DOESN'T WANT TO TOUCH IT, BECAUSE THEY ARE UNSURE WHAT IS WRONG, OR IF THEY CAN REPAIR IT. FRANKLY, THIS SHOULD NOT BE AN ISSUE WITH THIS MANY CARS. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL NEAR-MISSES WITH ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THE CAR STALLING IN TRAFFIC.

NHTSA ID 11415192 · filed May 4, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Power lift gate failed and dropped closed while person under it. No injury but continues to fail each time now. Will be going in for repair next week. Looks like there was recall on 2007-2012 for this issue.

NHTSA ID 11488765 · filed Oct 11, 2022

MY 2013 GMC ARCARDIA SLT MODEL BURST INTO FLAMES ON ITS OWN ON THE MORNING OF FRIDAY, JULY 17TH. I CAME HOME AROUND 9:45PM AND PARKED MY SUV IN THE BACKYARD. THE NEXT THING I KNOW IS THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS AT MY DOOR WAKING ME UP TO THE SUV ABLAZE. THE ONLY WORK THAT WAS DONE TO MY VEHICLE WAS TO HAVE MY OIL CHANGE THAT THURSDAY MORNING. AT WHICH TIME THE TECH SAID HE SAW SMOKE AND SMELLED GAS. HE DIDN'T INDICATE THAT IT WAS A PROBLEM AND ZI SHOULD GET IT CHECKED. I TOOK SUV AND RAN MY ERRANDS AND RETURNED HOME. THE SUV WAS PARKED FROM 9:45PM UNTIL SAID FIRE.

NHTSA ID 11350088 · filed Aug 18, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I was tboned January 9, 2023 the side impact airbags didn't deploy nor does it seem the seatbelts engaged. There were 2 side impacts to the passengers side ZERO airbags deployed. It WAS part of a recall AND recall work had been completed almost immediately in 2014 (GM website screenshots attached for your easy reference for the 2 recalls showing completed). YET, they STILL failed! NO indication they had an issue nor would fail when needed as they did. The driver of the other vehicle was seemingly going a high rate of speed when she failed to stop for the red light her direction and tboned me as I was traveling through an intersection for a green light my travel path. My vehicle was totaled, part of the total report attached indicated "Diagnose Airbags" as they didn't deploy. (Screenshots of a GM autobody shop estimate line item as well as CarFax report attached for your easy reference) Multiple injuries sustained, including a serious TBI.

NHTSA ID 11572815 · filed Feb 19, 2024

THE SIDE PIECE OF THE TWO FONT SEATS BROKE, I CAN'T SIT PROPERLY INTO MY CAR WITHOUT LITERALLY SITTING ON TOP OF THE SIDE OF THE SEAT FIRST. IT CONCERNS ME BECAUSE THE SEAT BELT SOMETIMES GETS STUCK. ALSO THE ELECTRICAL BUTTONS ARE ALL FALLEN, HANGING FROM THE SIDE OF BOTH FRONT SEATS DO TO THE SAME ISSUE.. I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE IF I CAN EITHER GET IT FIXED OR POSSIBLY EVEN REPLACE BOTH SEATS WITH A DIFFERENT DESIGN TO AVOID SITTING ON TOP OF IT FIRST. I'M SURE I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS ISSUE.

NHTSA ID 11316674 · filed Mar 6, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Transmission causes problems in can be on interstate and be switching lanes and it loses power and wont go takes forever to shift out. It will cut out and you can barely get pulled off side of rd in time. Electrical the battery voltage goes crazy up and down causing vehicle to power surge bad or at night time lights will go out for no reason while driving every now and then you can smell something melting or burning also the engine gets so hot but it's right temperature cooling fan runs constantly even when car is cool.since all the problem with Transmission the suspension is off some how. Its like it's not stable

NHTSA ID 11749833 · filed Jul 12, 2026

Left rear brake light dose not work, that is also the left rear turn signal. Part number 13582912 brake/turn signal bulb. GMC can not provide me with one. Chevrolet can not provide me with one. None of the chain store parts companies have them either. I have call GMC customer service line and also Chevrolet customer service line. They are of no help. Thank You.

NHTSA ID 11507713 · filed Feb 16, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC ACADIA. WHILE DRIVING WITH THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ACTIVATED, THE WIPERS STOPPED WORKING WHEN THE TURN SIGNALS WERE ENGAGED. THE DEALER (MOORE GMC TRUCK, 84 HIGH ST, DANVERS, MA 01923, (978) 774-0040) STATED THAT THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR REPLACING THE WIPER MOTOR SINCE THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. THE CONTACT CLAIMED TO HAVE NOTICED THE FAILURE BEFORE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. THE DEALER REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED A $100 CREDIT TOWARD THE REPAIR COST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.

NHTSA ID 11165966 · filed Jan 9, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC ACADIA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE SUN ROOF BLEW OUT AND SHATTERED GLASS PIECES BLEW OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. BOTH THE DEALER AND INSURANCE COMPANY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A KNOWN ISSUE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE DEALER WOULD BE CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000.

NHTSA ID 10959070 · filed Mar 7, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE SIDE PIECE OF THE TWO FONT SEATS BROKE, I CAN'T SIT PROPERLY INTO MY CAR WITHOUT LITERALLY SITTING ON TOP OF THE SIDE OF THE SEAT FIRST. IT CONCERNS ME BECAUSE THE SEAT BELT SOMETIMES GETS STUCK. ALSO THE ELECTRICAL BUTTONS ARE ALL FALLEN, HANGING FROM THE SIDE OF BOTH FRONT SEATS DO TO THE SAME ISSUE.. I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE IF I CAN EITHER GET IT FIXED OR POSSIBLY EVEN REPLACE BOTH SEATS WITH A DIFFERENT DESIGN TO AVOID SITTING ON TOP OF IT FIRST. I'M SURE I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS ISSUE.

NHTSA ID 11316674 · filed Mar 6, 2020

DRIVERS SIDE SEAT SQUEAKS WHEN DRIVING AND BRAKING. BASICALLY WHENEVER THE SEAT ROCKS BACK AND FORTH. MECHANIC SAID HE CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHY IT DOES IT BUT HE THINKS IT'S THE MOUNTING TRACK ON THE BASE INTO THE CONNECTION TO THE BACKREST. SAID MOST LIKELY AN ENTIRE SEAT OR FRAME OF SEAT WOULD NEED REPLACING.

NHTSA ID 11222570 · filed Jun 25, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC ACADIA. WHILE APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMAL FLUTTERING SOUND NEAR THE FRONT END. THE NOISE WAS HEARD DAILY FOR SIX MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000.

NHTSA ID 10637524 · filed Sep 19, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2013 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the vehicle was intermittently difficult to start. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The check engine and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the alternator, stabilizer, starter, ignition switch, door panel, axle, MAP sensor, canister valve, gas cap, and power master window switch were replaced. The mechanic determined that the failure was related to the fuse box. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall related to the electrical system. The contact used a diagnostic scanner to scan the vehicle but was unable to retrieve any diagnostic trouble codes. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

NHTSA ID 11649804 · filed Mar 21, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .