RoadVitals

2021 GMC Acadia

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

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.
156
+5 complaints in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Sep 22, 2022
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
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.
8
4 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 156 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2021 GMC Acadia, most frequently naming the electrical, engine and fuel system categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 847 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.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

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

2 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.gov

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Sep 22, 2022
95,231 units potentially affected
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with the optional Surround Vision feature. The rearview camera coaxial cable connectors may have been crimped improperly, causing the rearview camera to fail or function intermittently.
The risk: An inoperative rearview camera can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the coaxial cables, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 18, 2023. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222378380.
General Motors, LLCManufacturer number N222378380View on NHTSA.gov

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Jun 3, 2021
572 units potentially affected
The defect: General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The fuel supply lines may be improperly attached and seated.
The risk: Improperly attached and seated fuel supply lines may loosen or separate, causing a fuel leak and increasing the risk of a fire.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace fuel supply lines as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212335590.
General Motors, LLCManufacturer number N212335590View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE22006ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

Rear-View Camera Failure

Opened Jul 22, 2022
Closed Nov 21, 2022

On July 22, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE22-006) to assess alleged failures of the rear-view camera (RVC) in Model Year (MY) 2020-2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The complaints report that the screen for the RVC is black, sometimes with a red triangle and a circle with a line through it. To date, ODI has received a total of 18 complaints and several EWR Field Reports with allegations of the RVC image failing to display when the vehicle is in reverse. The reports have been received over the past 28 months with most occurring with low vehicle mileage.During the investigation, ODI learned incorrect crimping specifications were utilized in the production of the coaxial cable connector. Improper crimping leads to loss of connection between the RVC and dashboard screen that results in failure of the RVC image to display. Failure or malfunction of the RVC image to display results in reduced visibility of the area behind the vehicle. This limited view may lead to an increased risk of incidents resulting in injury and/or property damage while the vehicle is in reverse.The improperly crimped connectors were only present on subject vehicles equipped with the optional RVC surround vision feature (UV2). Vehicles not equipped with the optional RVC surround vision feature were not affected by this failure. On September 28, 2022, General Motors (GM) filed a defect information report (NHTSA number 22V-709) recalling certain MY2020-2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with the optional RVC surround vision feature (UV2). GM will replace the coaxial cables with properly crimped connectors.In view of the recall action being taken by GM, ODI is closing this preliminary evaluation. NHTSA reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. The ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at www.nhtsa.gov. The ODI identification numbers for the complaints cited above can be found below: 11343838, 11390254, 11406709, 11415261, 11415501, 11425365, 11429267, 11431846, 11446363, 11463278, 11463901, 11471702, 11475437, 11476809, 11477176, 11481806, 11484360, and 11484360.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERALed to recall 22V709000

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Electrical
Filed Oct 29, 2026

Vehicle stalled several times. Check engine light and many code came up. Crack sensors replaced. Veh still stalls. Dealer and independent dealer believes it might be cpu. All wires from cpu checked with no issue found. When veh stalls if you manipulate the wire veh will start and run with demished power and demished steering control. Rpm go to off mode. Has happened on highway and side road. Very scary with 3 kids in car on highway.... not able to resolve issue. Veh has a little less then 60k

NHTSA ID
11774480
Incident
Oct 15, 2026
EngineSteering
Filed Oct 25, 2026

Car was running great and mins later I get an error stating steering assist is reduced -Drive with care. Vehicles temperature gauge is stuck at cold and fans turn on after turning off the vehicle. I had the vehicle serviced at Dave White on Alexis Rd in Sylvania almost exactly a year ago for the same reason. Was told by the service manager the issue was a computer update and not the thermostat and proceeded to charge for the "update" no issues with vehicle until now.

NHTSA ID
11773562
Incident
Oct 23, 2026
AirbagsDriver assistanceElectrical
Filed Oct 16, 2026
Crash reported1 injury reported

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, traffic stopped abruptly, and the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard; however, the vehicle continued to accelerate while the Forward Collision Avoidance warning feature activated with a red warning light on the instrument panel. The contact attempted to steer off the road to avoid a collision; however, the vehicle crashed into the vehicle ahead, resulting in a three-vehicle collision. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. Another driver involved claimed unknown injuries, and the contact sustained whiplash but did not seek medical attention. Police were called, but a police report was not filed at the scene. The vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.

NHTSA ID
11771675
Incident
Oct 2, 2026
Mileage
64,000 mi
Other / unspecified
Filed Oct 16, 2026

The magnetic chest clip does NOT latch. It can easily be pulled apart by hand. It compromises my child’s safety tremendously by allowing the harness straps to slip off of her shoulders in event of a crash leading to a projected infant. Upon doing further research and posting in my moms group on facebook i’ve found countless reports dating back to 2023 where this magnetic chest clip is a terrible design and idea. Many consumers reported to the manufacturer and received multiple replacements and regretted buying the $360+ car seat. It needs recalled and removed IMMEDIATELY before they have an ejected child lawsuit or many.

NHTSA ID
11771605
Incident
Oct 1, 2026
Fuel system
Filed Oct 15, 2026

exhaust flex pipe is cracked. Causes fumes of gas to be released through the crack. inspected by GMC Repair shop Vibrating noise started, then a few days later the smell of gas, and now yes the Engine light is on. This has been on going for about 3 weeks.

NHTSA ID
11771296
Incident
Sep 23, 2026
Steering
Filed Oct 13, 2026

My 2021 GMC Acadia steering wheel dangerously stiffened while I was turning off the road into a busy shopping parking lot making it difficult to continue my turn. Having to put on my brakes sharply as to not collide with the out going traffic. There was no warning prior to the incident and had to make a quick safety judgement call and hoped the steering wheel would turn. Only after does the warning come on saying there is an issue with the steering assist and to drive carefully! The following morning I took it to Eagle Buick/GMC. There the tech experienced the same. I was told the parts for the repair would take around a week with an estimated cost of $1604.25. I had to carefully drive back with traffic and unable to continue my days work. As I look up this issue I am finding other GMC vehicles with the same dangerous issues that should not wait until it causes an accident, injury or even death. Please make this an important priority as the occurrence has no warning and after it gives only a drive carefully?

NHTSA ID
11770938
Incident
Oct 12, 2026
Fuel system
Filed Oct 5, 2026

My 2021 GMC Acadia that has 63,768 miles on it was idling Wednesday 9/30 when it died and would not start back we had to have it towed to a shop to get it checked out and it was throwing the P023F code for the fuel pump control module that has a recall bulletin for the same thing make model problem and under their 80,000 miles but recall not on my vin number and GM is refusing to pay for it. It's going to cost me 937.27 to get it fixed.

NHTSA ID
11768954
Incident
Sep 30, 2026
ElectricalFuel system
Filed Sep 14, 2026

While driving home from work the car displayed a "No Fuel" warning, despite having a full tank of gas. Within seconds of the display showing the car stalled out and stopped right in the middle of the road. It would not go into neutral and I had to be towed from the middle of the road to a mechanic close by. Upon reading forums online it looks like this is a known and common issue affecting the fuel pump sensor and system in these models. There are no open recalls but being this is known and happens so often I am shocked GMC has not taken ownership to recall and correct this issue. If I had not been on a slower road I could have gotten into an accident and, as I said, the car would not go in neutral so I couldn't even safely get off the road.

NHTSA ID
11764031
Incident
Sep 13, 2026

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

PIC5650N

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3

PIT5698F

This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.

PIP4902W

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

PIC6551C

This Preliminary information communicates to dealer to perform a MEC reset for wireless projection issues

PIT5099J

PI to help diagnose A/C concern

PIT5966F

This Preliminary information communicates an issue with an OTA pending message still displayed after an OTA event and how to reset/clear the message.

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

GMC Acadia by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2027000—
2026102164.7
2025690145.6
2024620148.5
2023504060.7
2022523058.2
2021Viewing1562159.5
20201076164.5
20193892053.6
20183992050.8
20177074051.4
20162364052.4
20152434051.2
20144636258.4
20131353260.9
20122965259.2
20112695258.2
20103434255.3
20093317461.6
20088545255.7
20074285254.9

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.