RoadVitals

2020 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.
97
Latest Jul 12, 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.
4

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2020 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.

27
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

[Symptom & Safety Hazard] While driving my 2020 GMC Acadia 3.6L V6, the Driver Information Center displayed the warning: "Steering Assist Reduced, Drive With Care" (SARDWC). Steering effort increased abruptly, the engine temperature gauge dropped to cold/zero, and the HVAC system lost air-conditioning function. The warning and reduction in steering assist presented a safety hazard and increased the risk of a crash. [Diagnostic Findings] Vehicle diagnostics identified DTC P0128 - Engine Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature. A GMC Certified Dealer technician diagnosed a failed engine coolant thermostat housing assembly. [Manufacturer Information] GM documentation links DTC P0128 and invalid engine coolant temperature signals to the "SARDWC" condition. GM Bulletin 17-NA-158 states the “SARDWC” condition is caused by an invalid coolant temperature signal and the steering module relies on coolant temperature information for steering-assist compensation. GM bulletin PIT5967 directs technicians to diagnose and repair DTC P0128 when the warning message is present. In Oct 2025, GM issued N252508350 for 2021 Acadia vehicles equipped with the 3.6L LGX engine due to an engine coolant thermostat condition. My 2020 Acadia is part of the same generation vehicle platform and is equipped with the same 3.6L LGX engine. It experienced the same thermostat-related failure symptoms, including DTC P0128 and the "SARDWC” warning. [Reason for Complaint] I am filing this complaint because a thermostat-related cooling-system failure resulted in a steering-assist warning and reduction in steering assist while the vehicle was being driven. Moreover, GM issued N252508350 for 2021 Acadia vehicles equipped with the 3.6L LGX engine due to the same engine coolant thermostat condition, yet similarly affected 2020 Acadia vehicles are not included. NHTSA should investigate whether additional 2020 vehicles are experiencing the same failure sequence and resulting safety risk.

NHTSA ID 11749841 · filed Jul 12, 2026

Thermostat issue causing check engine light as well as steering assist to be turned off. Fan constantly runs. Reset code and immediately is fine again for anywhere from a day to weeks but then happens again. Car is just out of warranty but seems to be common occurrence as there is a service bulletin for the 2021 model

NHTSA ID 11741177 · filed May 31, 2026
All 27 reports naming electrical

Engine

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

25
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

[Symptom & Safety Hazard] While driving my 2020 GMC Acadia 3.6L V6, the Driver Information Center displayed the warning: "Steering Assist Reduced, Drive With Care" (SARDWC). Steering effort increased abruptly, the engine temperature gauge dropped to cold/zero, and the HVAC system lost air-conditioning function. The warning and reduction in steering assist presented a safety hazard and increased the risk of a crash. [Diagnostic Findings] Vehicle diagnostics identified DTC P0128 - Engine Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature. A GMC Certified Dealer technician diagnosed a failed engine coolant thermostat housing assembly. [Manufacturer Information] GM documentation links DTC P0128 and invalid engine coolant temperature signals to the "SARDWC" condition. GM Bulletin 17-NA-158 states the “SARDWC” condition is caused by an invalid coolant temperature signal and the steering module relies on coolant temperature information for steering-assist compensation. GM bulletin PIT5967 directs technicians to diagnose and repair DTC P0128 when the warning message is present. In Oct 2025, GM issued N252508350 for 2021 Acadia vehicles equipped with the 3.6L LGX engine due to an engine coolant thermostat condition. My 2020 Acadia is part of the same generation vehicle platform and is equipped with the same 3.6L LGX engine. It experienced the same thermostat-related failure symptoms, including DTC P0128 and the "SARDWC” warning. [Reason for Complaint] I am filing this complaint because a thermostat-related cooling-system failure resulted in a steering-assist warning and reduction in steering assist while the vehicle was being driven. Moreover, GM issued N252508350 for 2021 Acadia vehicles equipped with the 3.6L LGX engine due to the same engine coolant thermostat condition, yet similarly affected 2020 Acadia vehicles are not included. NHTSA should investigate whether additional 2020 vehicles are experiencing the same failure sequence and resulting safety risk.

NHTSA ID 11749841 · filed Jul 12, 2026

Thermostat and cooling sensor went out on my car. GMC issued a special coverage bulletin for 2021 Acadia since it's a widespread issue but not the 2020 (mine) which is also a widespread issue looking online. The repair is over $1000 and should be covered!

NHTSA ID 11745760 · filed Jun 22, 2026
All 25 reports naming engine

Powertrain (other)

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

20
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I believe my car should be included in this recall. I've had the dealer check and they say it's nothing wrong with my car. 2020 GMC Acadia Fuel Pump Recall GMC has announced that 2781 vehicles have been affected by a Fuel Pump recall. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5, Cadillac XT6, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The fuel pump's jet nozzle may have a plastic burr remaining from the manufacturing process, possibly causing a blocked nozzle and an insufficient fuel supply to the engine. Insufficient fuel supply can result in an engine stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. 2020 GMC Acadia Recall Fuel Pump GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module. The recall began November 16, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202314760.

NHTSA ID 11746751 · filed Jun 26, 2026

Thermostat and cooling sensor went out on my car. GMC issued a special coverage bulletin for 2021 Acadia since it's a widespread issue but not the 2020 (mine) which is also a widespread issue looking online. The repair is over $1000 and should be covered!

NHTSA ID 11745760 · filed Jun 22, 2026
All 20 reports naming powertrain (other)

Steering

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

17
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

[Symptom & Safety Hazard] While driving my 2020 GMC Acadia 3.6L V6, the Driver Information Center displayed the warning: "Steering Assist Reduced, Drive With Care" (SARDWC). Steering effort increased abruptly, the engine temperature gauge dropped to cold/zero, and the HVAC system lost air-conditioning function. The warning and reduction in steering assist presented a safety hazard and increased the risk of a crash. [Diagnostic Findings] Vehicle diagnostics identified DTC P0128 - Engine Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature. A GMC Certified Dealer technician diagnosed a failed engine coolant thermostat housing assembly. [Manufacturer Information] GM documentation links DTC P0128 and invalid engine coolant temperature signals to the "SARDWC" condition. GM Bulletin 17-NA-158 states the “SARDWC” condition is caused by an invalid coolant temperature signal and the steering module relies on coolant temperature information for steering-assist compensation. GM bulletin PIT5967 directs technicians to diagnose and repair DTC P0128 when the warning message is present. In Oct 2025, GM issued N252508350 for 2021 Acadia vehicles equipped with the 3.6L LGX engine due to an engine coolant thermostat condition. My 2020 Acadia is part of the same generation vehicle platform and is equipped with the same 3.6L LGX engine. It experienced the same thermostat-related failure symptoms, including DTC P0128 and the "SARDWC” warning. [Reason for Complaint] I am filing this complaint because a thermostat-related cooling-system failure resulted in a steering-assist warning and reduction in steering assist while the vehicle was being driven. Moreover, GM issued N252508350 for 2021 Acadia vehicles equipped with the 3.6L LGX engine due to the same engine coolant thermostat condition, yet similarly affected 2020 Acadia vehicles are not included. NHTSA should investigate whether additional 2020 vehicles are experiencing the same failure sequence and resulting safety risk.

NHTSA ID 11749841 · filed Jul 12, 2026

"Steering Assist Is Reduced – Drive With Care" warning appeared while the vehicle is in motion. This may require increased steering effort and could affect a driver's ability to respond to changing traffic conditions. Any steering-related warning that appears unexpectedly while driving deserves serious attention. P0128 code was shown. The cause was a faulty thermostat housing assembly and needed to be repaired. This is an extremely common issue in this vehicle across many years and needs to be investigated.

NHTSA ID 11748973 · filed Jul 8, 2026
All 17 reports naming steering

Driver assistance

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

16
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Back up camera randomly stops working (black screen-completely gone, or blue screen). Dash will randomly dim on its own and does not go back to normal unless car is shut off and turned back on. adaptive cruise control will disengage for no apparent reason. stabilitrak will flash on screen but no other indicators or reasons; nothing happens with car. Occasionally the blind spot mirror lights will not light up when vehicle is present.

NHTSA ID 11738492 · filed May 18, 2026

My front camera that detects the front collision and helps with adaptive cruise control just went dark. I thought maybe it would reset after turning engine off and restarting it, but it didn’t help. Not sure what happened.

NHTSA ID 11702024 · filed Nov 29, 2025
All 16 reports naming driver assistance

Fuel system

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

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I believe my car should be included in this recall. I've had the dealer check and they say it's nothing wrong with my car. 2020 GMC Acadia Fuel Pump Recall GMC has announced that 2781 vehicles have been affected by a Fuel Pump recall. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5, Cadillac XT6, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The fuel pump's jet nozzle may have a plastic burr remaining from the manufacturing process, possibly causing a blocked nozzle and an insufficient fuel supply to the engine. Insufficient fuel supply can result in an engine stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. 2020 GMC Acadia Recall Fuel Pump GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module. The recall began November 16, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202314760.

NHTSA ID 11746751 · filed Jun 26, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle, it stalled after initially adding fuel. Even though the reading indicated there was 1/8 of a tank of fuel. The fuel gauge failed to move. The thermostat was stuck open. The electric steering was not working properly. The engine light was illuminated. The traction control was turned off. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V639000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that he was a master mechanic. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called two other local dealers, Tadd Jenkins Chevy 409 Farnsworth Way, Rigby, ID 83442, and Smith Chevrolet. Address: 3477 Pioneer Dr Suite 200, Idaho Falls, ID 83402. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 61,699.

NHTSA ID 11734889 · filed Apr 30, 2026
All 11 reports naming fuel system

Brakes

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

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

On multiple occasions the car will suddenly brake or like throw on the parking brake and stop suddenly no warning

NHTSA ID 11724282 · filed Mar 14, 2026

The vehicle stalls when air start kicks on so when stopped auto stop kick on and when your ready to go the go stalls to turn back on. I have also lost power to the car randomly. Power train issue on car keeps coming on with engine light. I have taken to dealer when car was under warranty and they were very dismissive to my issue. They changed some sensor under warranty And they said the issue was fixed. But the issue remains and it’s causing several issues to the car with Also a fueling code to the engine light

NHTSA ID 11650043 · filed Mar 24, 2025

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

Airbags

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

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The car has parking brake on unable to disable.Have to put in drive force the system to move. Same with reversing the car. Air bags not working. Seat belt restraint on when we are wearing them. Left turn signal failure. Steering limited caution sign on. ESC sign on. Engine light on. Transmission unable to shift soon light on. Traction lights on. ABS brake light on. Temp says -40 degree when 30 out. I’m finding this unsafe to drive. Call GMC that told me to start On Star diagnostic. Pull up at least 4 codes And today the transmission indicators came on. Not sure what to do. The car has low miles. But I have stopped driving as of today due to break down or serious malfunction while driving.

NHTSA ID 11567007 · filed Jan 22, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that she was rear-ended by another vehicle at a high rate of speed while attempting to make a left turn. As a result, the front passenger seat fractured. The air bags failed to deploy upon impact; the contact hit her head and was knocked unconscious during the incident. The contact was taken to the hospital by ambulance and was treated for a hematoma on her forehead above her right eye. Her husband, who was driving the vehicle, was later treated for muscle pain in his back. A police report was filed at the scene. The vehicle was towed from the scene to an independent mechanic where it remained in their possession. The dealer nor the manufacturer had to be notified of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle sustained significant damage; however, it had yet to be examined or deemed a loss. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

NHTSA ID 11428646 · filed Aug 11, 2021

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Unknown

NHTSA ID 11647126 · filed Mar 8, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the front driver's side and front passenger’s side seat belt locking mechanism failed to remain latched. The contact stated that while driving, the seat belts would erroneously become unlatched. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the seat belts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 35,000.

NHTSA ID 11578048 · filed Mar 18, 2024

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Rear-View Camera Failure: The rear view camera functions intermittently. While in Reverse, the screen goes black, with a red triangle and a circle with a line through it. This SAFETY ISSUE increases risk of incidents resulting in injury and/or property damage while the vehicle is in reverse. I understand there already exists a NHTSA RECALL (NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V709000) however, it states that only vehicles equipped with the optional Surround Vision feature are affected. My vehicle does not have the 360 Surround Vision (RPO UV2). but is experiencing the same SAFETY ISSUE!

NHTSA ID 11608328 · filed Aug 13, 2024

Rear view camera stopped working as I was backing up and ran into a pole damaged my right rear wheel well and panel.

NHTSA ID 11500227 · filed Jan 4, 2023

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 contact owns a 2020 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the doors failed to open from outside the vehicle while using the key fob or while attempting to open the doors manually. The contact entered the vehicle from the rear hatch door and discovered that the door lock and unlock buttons were inoperable. The contact pulled the door handle to manually open the door from the inside. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 68,140.

NHTSA ID 11722524 · filed Mar 6, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that she was rear-ended by another vehicle at a high rate of speed while attempting to make a left turn. As a result, the front passenger seat fractured. The air bags failed to deploy upon impact; the contact hit her head and was knocked unconscious during the incident. The contact was taken to the hospital by ambulance and was treated for a hematoma on her forehead above her right eye. Her husband, who was driving the vehicle, was later treated for muscle pain in his back. A police report was filed at the scene. The vehicle was towed from the scene to an independent mechanic where it remained in their possession. The dealer nor the manufacturer had to be notified of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle sustained significant damage; however, it had yet to be examined or deemed a loss. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

NHTSA ID 11428646 · filed Aug 11, 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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Rear view camera stopped working as I was backing up and ran into a pole damaged my right rear wheel well and panel.

NHTSA ID 11500227 · filed Jan 4, 2023

The ACADIA 2020 while in slow motion approaching my private condominium parking spot, accelerated autonomously and then slammed into the cement wall. Airbags deployed, no warning of collision, seriously damaged both car and cement wall. No bodily injuries. I researched the possible cause coded P2138 which involves the drive by wire sensors which connect the throttle pedal and the CPU that controls the mechanical throttle gas system. That might be the cause of the autonomous acceleration like explained about the P2138 sensors issues.

NHTSA ID 11419981 · filed Jun 7, 2021

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

While trying to reinstall the evenflo car seat, the latch to lock the car seat into place failed. The metal on the car seat is broken. The car seat has been used in the vehicle for less than a year, and if I had not noticed this upon trying to move the car seat it could have caused a serious injury should my child have been involved in an accident.

NHTSA ID 11635749 · filed Jan 13, 2025

TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED AND HAD A CATASTROPHIC LOSS OF AIR SUDDENLY AND WENT FROM 40PSI TO 0 PSI IN ABOUT 15 SECONDS. OCCURRED ON PASSENGER SIDE REAR. UPON INSPECTION OF TIRE NOTHING WAS FOUND IN EVIDENCE TO HAVE CAUSED THIS FAILURE. TWO DIFFERENT AGENCY'S EXAMINED TIRE AND SAID IT WAS IRREPARABLE. IN DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THIS FOUND THAT THIS BRAND OF TIRES - CONTINENTAL CROSS XL SPORT CROSS CONTACT MODEL HAS BEEN INVOLVED WITH A RECALL FOR OVER CURED TIRES CAUSING SUDDEN LOSS OF AIR. BOTH THE DEALER AND GM STATED THAT OUR TIRES ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL. WE WERE DRIVING ON THE PARKWAY AND HAD NOT HIT ANYTHING OR RAN OVER ANYTHING TO CAUSE THIS. WE FEEL THAT THESE TIRES SHOULD BE ALSO PART OF RECALL. WE ARE REPLACING THE OTHER THREE TIRES ON THE VEHICLE AS WE DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING WITH THOSE TIRES.

NHTSA ID 11406466 · filed Apr 5, 2021

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

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

After driving 5 miles up the road and 5 miles back home, I put the vehicle in park and it automatically went into neutral and the neutral button started flashing! Along with that I got an alert sent to my iphone (through the GMC app) and in the car saying “shift to park”. The car wouldn’t go into park! The vehicle hadn’t had any error codes or messages before this at all! It was out of nowhere! I drove it earlier that day and it didn’t do it! We also noticed after doing the update on July 7th, 2022 that the vehicle started shifting very hard! I was in the vehicle alone with 2 small babies and I couldn’t cut the vehicle off because it wouldn’t go into park! We had to wait for my husband to leave work and come home to unhook the battery just so we could get out of the car safely and so the battery wouldn’t go dead over night! The following morning we hooked the battery up and the vehicle wouldn’t turn over at all! We just bought this vehicle from a dealership in October 2021! We haven’t had it even a year yet and after researching our year make and model to see what was going on.. we have realized that almost every year from 2019 back had a recall concerning the “shift to park” error! I have been almost 2 weeks without a vehicle while it’s been at the Chevy dealership and it took 5 days for anyone to even contact me! It makes no sense and now they are saying that they can’t tell if it’s covered under my power train warranty because they can’t crank the vehicle to see if I’m within my 60k miles of the warranty! (Which I am.. my mileage is 47,204) This happened to my vehicle on 7-12-2022! I would love some feedback! I am glad I was home and not somewhere stranded with two babies on my own with this heat being so hot!! My email is [XXX] My phone number is [XXX] Thank you so much! I appreciate everything-needless to say I am not a big fan of GMC right now! [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID 11475587 · filed Jul 24, 2022

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

Back up camera randomly stops working (black screen-completely gone, or blue screen). Dash will randomly dim on its own and does not go back to normal unless car is shut off and turned back on. adaptive cruise control will disengage for no apparent reason. stabilitrak will flash on screen but no other indicators or reasons; nothing happens with car. Occasionally the blind spot mirror lights will not light up when vehicle is present.

NHTSA ID 11738492 · filed May 18, 2026

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 .