2016 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 2016 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
- Airbags13050.6%
- Steering2610.1%
- Electrical259.7%
- Powertrain (other)207.8%
- Driver assistance166.2%
- Engine124.7%
- Seat belts62.3%
- Visibility41.6%
- Brakes41.6%
- Other / unspecified31.2%
- Exterior lighting31.2%
- Interior & seats31.2%
- Tires & wheels20.8%
- Body & structure20.8%
- Fuel system10.4%
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
Safety recall that has not been addressed by the dealership in over 4 months
I have a recall on this vehicle that GMC has failed to provide me parts/repair and this recall will be 3 years old in June. I have emailed the local dealer, the manager of the local dealer, GM corporate, and no one has followed through. The best I came to getting the repair was that Corporate made sure I had an appointment and dealer had my part, I went to that appt at my local dealer in Jan 2025 (Premiere GMC of Carlsbad, CA) and waited 2 hours with cars ahead of me (even thought I had an appt) only to be told the part was not there, they would order it and get back to me. Happy to [provide proof of emailing local dealer, GM Corporate etc. with no resolution. I cannot sell my vehicle without this repair done. And I continue to drive daily in an unsafe car.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
While operating my vehicle, the power steering suddenly failed without adequate warning. The steering became extremely difficult, creating a significant safety hazard for myself, my passengers, and other drivers on the road. A sudden loss of steering assist increases the risk of collision, especially at lower speeds, during turns, or in emergency maneuvers.
Rack and pinion sudden failure. I lost control of the vehicle almost going off the road .
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 GMC Acadia on February 28, 2026. After purchasing the vehicle, the contact obtained a Carfax report and discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. The contact called the dealer and was informed that the vehicle was purchased at an auction. The dealer agreed to refund a portion of the cost of the vehicle. The contact attempted several times to contact the dealer afterwards but was unsuccessful. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 92,400, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 192,000.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 GMC Acadia. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after purchasing the vehicle. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 180,000. The contact stated that it was later discovered upon checking the vehicle information settings, that the mileage was 300,000.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
TRANSMISSION BEGAN HESITATING AROUND 1800RPM WITH ONLY 92,000 MILES SHOWING ON THE ODOMETER. IT FEELS LIKE A FLUTTER AS THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS INTO THE NEXT GEAR. I HAVE HEARD THE 2016 YEAR GROUP HAS HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. BELIEVE A RECALL IS JUSTIFIED.
Without warning transmission overheated, blew out fluid and caught the front end of the vehicle on fire
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Hello. I got a recall and fixed in July 2021 for Blind Spot Sensors/Modules on my 2016 GMC Acadia SLT. Now 3.5 years later Im having the same issue with these sensors that are located in the rear bumper of the car, they get water damage, corrosion, and then fail. A very poor design. And seems like the recall didn't fixed the issue either. This must to be a common issue for this car, lots of complaints online even after the recall. And the car dealership wont cover it because it was already fixed at that time and my warranty on my car expired not to long ago. They said it would be about $2000 to fix. I feel like this prematurely failed and it was recalled once for the same issue but now failed again is crazy after 3.5 years. This shouldn't be a on going thing especially after a recall. I shouldn't have to pay for this outta my own pocket for a flawed design and would like my repairs for this to be covered again. Please help. Attached is a invoice from July of 2021 recall that was repaired. I only got a verbal estimate from the dealership (text messages) which I do have. saying that it would be a $2000 fix this time. I didn't go through with it because I feel like it should be covered. Attached pictures of sensor/module in rear bumper that is corroded. Lights on both side mirrors will come on and stay on. Won't shut off. Messages on dash saying "Service Side Dectection System". Blind zone setting won't shut off.
In March of 2022 the vehicle displayed a warning to service the side detection system. on March 31st 2022 the dealership diagnosed that the Side Blind Zone Alert Module failed due to water intrusion. The replacement of the modular was completed free of charge under "Campaign - N172097060 Special Coverage Adjustment". In December of 2024 the same warning to service the side detection system was activated again, several weeks later the warning lights on the side view mirrors lite up and remained on. Upon bringing the vehicle on February 13th 2025 for service, in it was determined to be caused by the same failed part as the first occurrence. This time the repair was not covered by the dealer, and was 1099.22. GMC has not solved the underlining problem with these parts. The side detection system is critical when driving a larger SUV for blind zone awareness to avoid collisions while driving in multi lane traffic. When the system failed, the lights on the side view mirrors made driving difficult due to the distraction and glare. Although this problem is known by the manufacture it has provided a permanent solution, as they continue to use the flawed original parts. Due to the sensor being electrical, there was no symptoms prior to failure; the warning appears and continued at each start up. The cost of repairing safety features on an ageing vehicle becomes a burden, especially when those features can only be repaired by a dealership at high prices. This keeps many people from maintaining or fixing their cars, putting others at risk. I have the modular from the most recent repair, and will include a photo if possible.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
On about 01/20/2025 my transmission? Auto started to shudder before going into 3rd gear threw 5th. Once in 6th gear at about 55 the auto starts to shudder and turns into a rumble feeling. My auto only has 100650 for miles on it. It has been serviced and have brought it to GM 01/24/25 to ask about it? After talking to service adviser. It would cost me 75.00 for someone to go with me to confirm it is doing it. Then make an appointment for further evaluation. No price given at this time. but did not on paper! Say That it is most likely torque converter causing the problem? Confirmed It is not under warranty and there was nothing GM could do.i have been to at least 3 other shops in my area and they all say the same thing and price. Which is between 6 to 7 thousand dollars to replace the transmission. They all dosay that when it goes it could make me loose control Due to lockup.
While starting to drive. It seems like the transmission goes into 2nd shift and the car jerks a little and I have to press the gas pedal to get it to stop.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
The cable that attaches the front driver seatbelt to the base of the seat (left side), suddenly broke when simply buckling the belt.
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the second-row seat belts become inoperable. The contact stated that the seat belt buckle failed to latch as intended. An unknown dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 206,000.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
A few years ago I was driving home and both headlights of our GMC Acadia went out at the same time. I drove home, in the country, in total darkness. We had them replaced by the garage, which was very, very expensive due to extreme difficulty accessing the headlights for this model. Since then, we have had to replace them two more times which we did ourselves due to the cost. We have owned this car since it's been brand new and have always had issues with seeing in the dark. For the last several years, we have had teen drivers driving this car. My son is worried so we recently we had it in the shop to adjust the headlights. They actually made them worse, which we didn't think could happen. They said they had their best mechanic on it but because they were doing it during their office hours, all daylight they never could see it at night. We had to get it readjusted back to where it was just to see again but back to still no good. I started researching to see if others are having similar problems and it does look like there are many complaints about loose wires in the headlights & fuse box, or maybe something related to the computer? Some other years may have had a recall for this same problem. I really hope someone like you could investigate this. My husband is a retired state trooper and ready to get rid of this beautiful car just because the headlights!! We live in the country and our son is worried he will get in an accident or hit someone walking down the road at night because he can't see. A mother and son shouldn't have to stress about headlights/seeing at night/crashes when we have a nice car!! How do both headlights need replaced 3 times on the same car?? We are trying to see if they make LED lights for this model but were told no. Any advice to have GMC help us with this before something happens? I would feel terrible if we could prevent something but just selling it and passing the problem on doesn't seem the answer to me. Thank you
WINDSHIELD WIPER JUST SOPPED WORKING UNEXPECTEDLY. WAS DRIVING AT NIGHT AND IT STARTED RAINING HARD AND WIPERS WOULD NOT MOVE. NO PREVIOUS ISSUE WITH SYSTEM. NOTHING TO INDICATE A FAILURE WAS GOING TO OCCUR.
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
Transmission is slipping Brakes / sometimes hydraulics not working properly Side and back sensors not working at all , malfunctioning of electrical components, while driving, all electronics inside vehicle went blank, anti theft system locked up, went to shut off car, will not start after the failed, oil consumption at 23% life oil cycle, oil pressure low, and engine locked up,
THE VEHICLE MAKES A CLUNK NOISE THAT COMES FROM THE BRAKES OR ABS. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE AND TAKING OFF I HEAR THE CLUNK AND FEEL IT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS HAPPENS EVERY DAY AND EVERY TIME YOU TAKE OF AFTER STARTING THE CAR. THE GM DEALER TOLD ME THEY KNOW THERE IS AN ISSUE/CONDITION THEY ARE AWARE OF BUT IT'S NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT. THEY ISSUED A BULLETIN ON THIS CONDITION BUT I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING A CAR THAT MAKES THAT NOISE EVERY TIME AFTER TAKING OFF IN THE ABS SYSTEM. THE CODE THEY GAVE ME IS PI1402A
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
This issues is regarding the front of the canopy. The base of the canopy clip, where it attaches to the car seat nearest the handle, has broken off pieces. These pieces have flow into the car seat where my child sits. It I had not noticed this happening, my child could have tried to put that piece in their mouth and choked or because for the sharp edges on the splintered piece, cause more serious damage. This breakage is on both end of the canopy clip. In addition, the piece that the clip is supposed to attach to has become warped from repeated use.
I HAVE A CONCERN WITH ALL 4 OF MY TIRES ON MY 2016 GMC ACADIA. THESE TIRES WERE MANUFACTURED ON THE 10TH WEEK OF 2016. I PURCHASED MY TRUCK 4/12/2016. I HAVE TAKEN MY TRUCK TO GOOD YEAR SERVICE STATION AND GMC AS INSTRUCTED BY GM TO NO AVAIL. THEY ARE SAYING THAT THIS IS WEAR AN TEAR. ALL OF MY TIRES ARE DRY ROTTED. MY TRUCK IS ONLY 2 YEARS OLD AND HAS 22,509 MILES. THE LIFE EXPECTANCY FOR TIRE WEAR AND TEAR IS APPROXIMATELY 6 YEARS. I DO NOT AGREE WITH THIS OUTCOME BECAUSE MY FIANC HAS A CADILLAC ESCALADE 2015 WHICH HE PURCHASED IN 2014 AND HE DRIVES AND HAUL'S CAR AND HIS TIRES ARE IN BETTER CONDITION THEN MINE. I HAVE MY GRANDBABIES IN MY TRUCK AND NOW WORRY OF A TIRE BLOW OUT. IF I EXPERIENCE A BLOW OUT I WILL SUE BOTH GOOD YEAR AND GMC. I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING IN MY TRUCK AND I DON'T FEEL THAT I SHOULD PAY OUT OF POCKET WHEN THESE TIRES ARE CLEARLY DEFECTIVE. THE BATCH PERVIOUS TO MY TIRE BATCH WERE RECALLED. WHO'S TO SAY THAT THESE TIRES ARE ALSO DEFECTIVE. I HAVE ATTACHED PHOTO FOR VERIFICATION. I AM ASHAMED OF GMC FOR NOT TAKING THIS SERIOUS AS I HAVE. IT JUST DOESN'T MAKE SENSE THAT IN JUST 2 TIRES ALL 4 OF MY TIRES ARE DRY ROTTED! THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE TO ME. ALL I WANTED WAS PEACE OF MIND AND THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE THESE TIRES. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. I HOPE THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN TO ANYONE ELSE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
A few years ago I was driving home and both headlights of our GMC Acadia went out at the same time. I drove home, in the country, in total darkness. We had them replaced by the garage, which was very, very expensive due to extreme difficulty accessing the headlights for this model. Since then, we have had to replace them two more times which we did ourselves due to the cost. We have owned this car since it's been brand new and have always had issues with seeing in the dark. For the last several years, we have had teen drivers driving this car. My son is worried so we recently we had it in the shop to adjust the headlights. They actually made them worse, which we didn't think could happen. They said they had their best mechanic on it but because they were doing it during their office hours, all daylight they never could see it at night. We had to get it readjusted back to where it was just to see again but back to still no good. I started researching to see if others are having similar problems and it does look like there are many complaints about loose wires in the headlights & fuse box, or maybe something related to the computer? Some other years may have had a recall for this same problem. I really hope someone like you could investigate this. My husband is a retired state trooper and ready to get rid of this beautiful car just because the headlights!! We live in the country and our son is worried he will get in an accident or hit someone walking down the road at night because he can't see. A mother and son shouldn't have to stress about headlights/seeing at night/crashes when we have a nice car!! How do both headlights need replaced 3 times on the same car?? We are trying to see if they make LED lights for this model but were told no. Any advice to have GMC help us with this before something happens? I would feel terrible if we could prevent something but just selling it and passing the problem on doesn't seem the answer to me. Thank you
Recently the "Service Side Detection System" light came on. Now the blind side monitoring doesn't work. While driving all of lights on the dash, radio, and headlights turned off. I was unable to see the road, my speed, or anything within the vehicle. I did some research and this is a vary common issue with these vehicles and nothing has been done to correct it.
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
I was driving and all of a sudden my drivers seat started to move foward and down and then eventually reclined fully back and then stopped. Now my seat is permanently reclined. I could have been killed or seriously injured because the seat was moving while I was driving the car and I felt I could have been smushed into the steering wheel.
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the driver’s side seat control panel had detached from the seat without warning. The contact had initially taken the vehicle to a dealer where the seat panel was replaced out of pocket. Recently, the contact discovered that the same panel was fractured for the second time. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact made another appointment with the same dealer for the same failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
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
I HAVE A 2016 GMC ACADIA. IT HAS APPROXIMATELY 24,000 MILES, AND WAS PURCHASED NEW BY ME. THE FACTORY TIRES, GOODYEAR FORTERA HL EDITION, ARE EXHIBITING SIGNIFICANT CRACKING BETWEEN THE TREADS ALL AROUND EACH TIRE. THE TIRES HAVE BEEN PROPERLY MAINTAINED, HAVE EVEN TREAD WEAR, AND ADEQUATE TREAD DEPTH. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE SAME ISSUE IN 2015, BUT I WAS ADVISED BY GOODYEAR THAT MY MODEL YEAR IS NOT INCLUDED.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 GMC ACADIA EQUIPPED WITH GOODYEAR FORTERA HL TIRES, SIZE: P255/6518 109S. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S TIRE, THE REAR DRIVER'S TIRE, AND THE REAR PASSENGER'S TIRE HAD ABNORMAL CRACKS IN THE TREAD NEAR THE WHEEL RIMS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S TIRE HAD A 1/2 INCH CRACK, THE REAR PASSENGER'S TIRE HAD A 2 INCH CRACK IN THE TREAD, AND THE FRONT DRIVER'S TIRE HAD TWO 1/2 INCH CRACKS IN THE TREAD. NORMAN GALE BUICK GMC OF CEDAR KNOLLS, NEW JERSEY WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE OUT OF WARRANTY, BUT THAT THEY COULD BE PRO-RATED BASED UPON THE PERCENTAGE OF TIRE USAGE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 22,000.
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
Passenger side carpeting and foam are soaked from a leakage somewhere. The fuse panel under glove box is soaked and not working correctly. Water is almost making its way into battery under passenger side rear floor. Rust has formed under the shifting console. Car is moldy. No one can tell me what is happening but thousands of complaints online regarding GMC Acadia all have this problem. My vehicle is useless 20,000 in the driveway and cannot drive. Not to mention me and my kids have been driving in mold for who knows how long. GMC needs to fix this issue before they have a class action lawsuit on their hands.
THE CAR WAS PARKED AND OFF WHEN THE LIFT GATE MALFUNCTIONED. OPENED THE LIFTGATE USING THE BUTTON ON THE GATE, IT OPENED FULLY PAUSED OPEN, THEN SUDDENLY DROPPED 1/3 OF THE WAY CLOSED ON TOP OF MY HUSBAND, IT OPENED AGAIN AND THEN CLOSED QUICKLY ON IT'S OWN. IT REPEATED THE SAME ACTION AGAIN WHEN WE TRIED OPENING. AFTER WE TURNED OFF THE POWER LIFTGATE USING THE BUTTON IN THE DASH WE COULD OPEN THE LIFE HOWEVER WE HAD TO HOLD THE GATE UP, IT WOULD SLAM DOWN IF WE LET GO OF THE GATE. THE LIFE GATE STRUTS WERE FOUND TO BE LEAKING AND REPAIRED. IT IS THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AS FOUND IN THE RECALLED 2010-2012 ACADIAS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
After the air bag recall i went and had them do it and 3 days later is still coming on. Saying service air bag. And alot of people is having issues with tighen gas cap light. I have replaced everything it could be and still does it. Now i believe its a bigger problem and there is alot of ppl having the same issues. I dont remember the exact date either. This is the absolute worst vehicle ever.
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 .