2015 GMC Acadia Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2015 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
- Airbags10838.4%
- Steering3111.0%
- Electrical279.6%
- Driver assistance238.2%
- Powertrain (other)176.0%
- Engine176.0%
- Exterior lighting103.6%
- Seat belts103.6%
- Fuel system82.8%
- Visibility72.5%
- Brakes62.1%
- Tires & wheels51.8%
- Body & structure41.4%
- Other / unspecified31.1%
- Interior & seats31.1%
- Suspension20.7%
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
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The airbag emblem keeps popping up.
I have pictures the seat, the airbag in the seat.The driver's seatIt didn't come through the seat, but it deployed or ruptured.But it didn't bust through the seat.It's like a big bubble. I was just driving and I heard a pop but it didn't come through the seat. It left the lump in the seat. I still think it's dangerous, cuz. It's busted.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Not inspected by anyone else because they have no idea where to look because the light and actions happen on and off. Warning light and message appears. Service Traction Control and service Stabilink Light yes I will bring it in. It will turn on randomly at this point for about 4 months and the brakes are locking up the wheels while driving.
Complete loss of steering at low speeds. This has been an issue with GM for years, and is still not corrected on my 2015 GMC Acadia. At a stop light or when turning a corner, I could barely turn the steering wheel. GM needs to pay to have this fixed on all vehicles still affected. There is no way I could maneuver this vehicle to avoid a person or vehicle.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the instrument panel went blank before the panel began to flash when it returned. The contact then stated that several various warning messages began to appear all of which were related to the vehicle's electrical features. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where a code reader found no defects with the vehicle. Close to a week after the initial failure, the vehicle failed to start after multiple attempts as previous failure returned. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it had yet to be serviced or diagnosed. Upon his own inspection and research regarding the vehicle, the contact linked the failure to the vehicle's BCM(Body Control Module). The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 177,000.
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the automatic alert system anti-theft system locked up. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. Additionally, the safety sensors in the mirror and the rear of the vehicle became inoperable. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that the driver’s and passenger’s side mirrors, and reverse light sensors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired on three occasions, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there was no recall for the failure. No assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Issue: Repeated failure of safety‑critical module Description: The Side Blind Zone Alert system on my 2015 GMC Acadia has failed multiple times over the life of the vehicle. The system becomes inoperative and displays “Side Detection System Unavailable.” A local GMC dealer has diagnosed the issue as a failure of the SBZA module due to loss of communication. This failure has occurred repeatedly, approximately every two years, despite prior repairs and replacement of the module at my own expense. This is a safety‑critical driver‑assist feature, and the repeated failure pattern suggests a defect in the design or durability of the module. The system is unreliable and cannot be depended on for safe lane‑change operation. GM Customer Assistance has declined to provide support or escalate the case further, despite the safety implications and documented repeat failures. I am reporting this because the failure affects safe operation of the vehicle and appears to be a recurring defect affecting multiple owners of this model.
I was curious about recalls because I totaled my 15 Acadia SLT2 and when I hit the impact didn’t deploy airbags and I had no idea until after my accident that they were recalled!!! This incident totaled my Acadia caused my face to be slammed into my steering wheel, cutting me in 2 places and shattering my eye glasses. I now have a scar that looks like a 2nd chin from my impact to hitting the steering column! What should I do? I wasn’t or hadn’t received anything from GMC about this recall until recently and damage has already been done and I’m at a loss of tremendous amounts because my air bags could have saved $300+ glasses and doctors appointments etc…
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Transmission jerks and shakes the vehicle when shifting in certain conditions.
Torque converter is bad, shudders when shifting
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The engine is not shifting properly, and the vehicle loses speed while driving and hesitates to accelerate. At time, it feels as though the car is not moving at all. This issue has occurred on multiple occasions, affecting both me and my family, and has forced us to pull over because the vehicle could barely move forward. This happed once on the highway and almost caused an accident. Additionally, the check engine light remains on at all times.
I was curious about recalls because I totaled my 15 Acadia SLT2 and when I hit the impact didn’t deploy airbags and I had no idea until after my accident that they were recalled!!! This incident totaled my Acadia caused my face to be slammed into my steering wheel, cutting me in 2 places and shattering my eye glasses. I now have a scar that looks like a 2nd chin from my impact to hitting the steering column! What should I do? I wasn’t or hadn’t received anything from GMC about this recall until recently and damage has already been done and I’m at a loss of tremendous amounts because my air bags could have saved $300+ glasses and doctors appointments etc…
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the center taillight was inoperable. The halo light was working as designed and then ceased operating. The headlights also became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the bulbs and the headlight assembly. The rear signal light was blinking fast, and the light became inoperable. The message that the hood was ajar was displayed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there were no recalls on the VIN related to the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 196,448.
*Headlamp *Hard to see at night; risk of being pulled over *yes *no *no Week of May 1st 2023...headlamp works...then turns orange...the goes out. Repeats this process consistantly ** Currently there is a notice from NHTSA that GM Extended Headlamp Module Warrant Unfortunately Dealership is unaware of that...and also GMAC Warranty Customer service The initial recall was for defective low-beam headlights and daytime running lights on certain GM makes and models that were prone to failure on more than 300, 000 vehicles. More complaints were received after the re-call, NHTSA opened an investigation on April 2017. One year later the recall was expanded to include an additional 180,000. In the affected vehicles, the headlamp driver module may overheat, which could melt the module under the hood and result in failing headlight and daytime running lights.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
the flexible steel cable connecting the seat belt to the seat separated and broke resulting in no way to use the seatbelt/connecting the seat belt to the connector on the seat.
Drivers side seat belt broke where it connects to floor part. Cable broke. Never have had this to happen in my life!!!
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
EVERY TIME I GO TO THE GAS STATION AFTER FILLING UP MY TRUCK WITH GASOLINE, MY VEHICLE WILL NOT START UP RIGHT AWAY. I HAVE TO PRESS THE GAS PEDAL LIGHTLY IN ORDER FOR IT TO START UP. THIS JUST STARTED RECENTLY. *TR
VEHICLE STALLS AFTER PUTTING FUEL IN. WON'T INITIALLY START UNTIL SECOND TRY TURNING IT ON.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
Wipers stopped working an it’s not showing an active recall but research shows this model does have wiper blade motor recalls
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 GMC ACADIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, AN ABNORMAL SOUND WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE SUNROOF. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO A PARKING LOT TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE, WHEN THE SUNROOF SHATTERED WITHOUT IMPACT. THE CONTACT STATED AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER, NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED AND THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO AN AUTO GLASS SHOP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND INSPECTED BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,974. *LN*JB
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
2nd time AC compressor motor breaks and as is in line with the serpentine belt, all other systems including electrical and engine stop working. Poor engineering or other reason causing part to break down.
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the parking brake, TPMS, and the stabili-trak warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an undisclosed dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake sensor failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine misfired. The air bag warning light then illuminated. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. An undisclosed dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 GMC ACADIA EQUIPPED WITH FOUR GOODYEAR FORTERA HL TIRES, SIZE: P255/65R18. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TIRES WERE DRY ROTTING TO THE TREAD. ALL FOUR TIRES FAILED A TIRE INSPECTION. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT ALL FOUR TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TIRES HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A GOODYEAR AUTHORIZED TIRE FACILITY. THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V044000 (TIRES). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 GMC ACADIA EQUIPPED WITH GOODYEAR, TIRE LINE: FORTERA, AND TIRE SIZE: P255/65/R18 TIRES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR SERVICED, THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED A CRACK ON THE INSIDE ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE. THE TIRE WAS ROTATED BUT WAS NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000. THE DOT NUMBER WAS 4BXMARDR.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the instrument panel went blank before the panel began to flash when it returned. The contact then stated that several various warning messages began to appear all of which were related to the vehicle's electrical features. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where a code reader found no defects with the vehicle. Close to a week after the initial failure, the vehicle failed to start after multiple attempts as previous failure returned. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it had yet to be serviced or diagnosed. Upon his own inspection and research regarding the vehicle, the contact linked the failure to the vehicle's BCM(Body Control Module). The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 177,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 GMC ACADIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT POWER LIFTGATE FAILED TO OPEN CONSISTENTLY WHILE USING THE KEY FOB. THE DEALER CENTRAL BUICK GMC OF NORWOOD CENTRAL BUICK GMC OF NORWOOD (866) 295-4674, WAS CONTACTED BY PHONE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SUBJECTED TO A RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
ALL FOUR OF THE GOODYEAR TIRES THAT WERE PREVIOUSLY INSTALLED HAD TO BE REPLACED EARLIER THIS YEAR TO CRACKING. FRONT TIRES KEPT LOSING PRESSURE AND THEN BECAME FLAT, WAS ADVISED BY THE DEALERSHIP THIS WAS DUE TO THE TREAD CRACKING.
GOODYEAR FORTERA HL P255/65R18 109S TIRES - MY CAR WAS PARKED YESTERDAY FOR A SHORT TIME WHEN THE REAR RIGHT TIRE DEFLATED FOR NO REASON. THE SPARE WAS PUT ON THE CAR AND DRIVEN 10 MILES HOME. TODAY THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE TIRE REPAIR SHOP TO BE LOOKED AT BECAUSE THERE WAS A STRAIGHT CRACK IN THE CENTER OF THE TREAD. AS THE CAR WAS SLOWED DOWN TO TURN IN THE TIRE SHOP THE LEFT TIRE "POPPED" AND DEFLATED. UPON INSPECTION OF THIS TIRE, THE SAME STRAIGHT CRACK IN THE CENTER OF THE TIRE IS CONFIRMED. GOODYEAR RECALLED THIS TIRE FOR THIS SAME ISSUE AND THE TIRE NEEDS INVESTIGATED FOR ADDITIONAL PRODUCTION TIMES.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the tailgate was opened, however the tailgate failed to function as intended. The contact noticed an abnormal grinding sound and the tailgate independently closed while the contact was removing packages from the trunk of the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure occurred when using the key to open the tailgate or when opening manually. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed tailgate actuator. The contact was informed that the tailgate actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 111,222.
I have pictures the seat, the airbag in the seat.The driver's seatIt didn't come through the seat, but it deployed or ruptured.But it didn't bust through the seat.It's like a big bubble. I was just driving and I heard a pop but it didn't come through the seat. It left the lump in the seat. I still think it's dangerous, cuz. It's busted.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
Not inspected by anyone else because they have no idea where to look because the light and actions happen on and off. Warning light and message appears. Service Traction Control and service Stabilink Light yes I will bring it in. It will turn on randomly at this point for about 4 months and the brakes are locking up the wheels while driving.
My steering rack and pinion as well as my power steering pump have gone out completely potentially put me in harms way By impairing my ability to drive defensively. by greatly reducing the vehicles reaction time . A worn steering rack can cause you to lose partial or complete control over your car steering wheel, which can lead to fatal accident. That goes without saying that steering rack is a major car maintenance procedure and is expensive. When they perform defectively, it can spell trouble and make your steering faulty and unreliable—this is what happens when the rack and pinion goes out. And I believe it goes without saying that the power steering pump is just as an intricate part of your design as is the rack and pinion they go hand-in-hand, and the potentially damage each other. In this case, they both went out.. I believe it’s well documented across many platforms, similar issues with the same model. document to the skyline motors in Rawlins, Wyoming. At the time there was no warning lights are indicators on the instrument panel whatsoever.
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .