2023 GMC Acadia Owner Complaints

On XXX my Acadia started flashing dash lights and messages and had significantly reduced engine power and power steering. This caused it to come near to a stop in the middle of the [XXX] eastbound span. There is no area to pull over so I limped the car the rest of the way at 20 mph with hazards on. Vehicle was leaking oil and had camshaft trouble codes. I took it to a mechanic and was told it should go to a GM dealer because it needed major engine work. The dealer replaced the oil pan and other things. The car was returned to me only to have to go immediately back for the same camshaft trouble code. The car was repaired and again returned to me only for it to start leaking a significant amount of oil. The car went back to the shop (about 1 week after picking it up) and was diagnosed with a fault crankshaft seal. This was covered by GM because the mechanic had just replaced the crankshaft seal during the first visit. The car was returned to me, again, and is currently leaking oil again from what appears to be the crankshaft. If it is the crankshaft seal, this will be the 4th visit in 2 months, 3 directly involving the crankshaft area. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11774435

Incident

Sep 6, 2026

The back windshield randomly made a loud pop out of nowhere and completely shattered while I was driving in my car with 2 people in the backseat. This put everybody safety at risk bc the glass popped and shattered into the vehicle. There were no objects thrown at the vehicle and nothing hit the back window at that time.

NHTSA ID

11773406

Incident

Oct 24, 2026

I am reporting three safety-related incidents involving a 2023 GMC Acadia SLE purchased XXX. 1. XXX – Washer Pump: Since purchase, the windshield washer pump activated but no fluid sprayed. The issue was reported at purchase. During repairs on December 5, we were told the pump had smoked and nearly caught fire. Warranty records list a washer pump repair costing $474.81. 2. XXX – Severe Shaking and Loss of Power: The vehicle developed severe shaking, reduced power, and a flashing check-engine light. It could only travel about 25 mph and had to be towed to a dealership. Warranty records list a camshaft position actuator repair costing $516.36. 3. XXX – Unexpected Shutdown: While driving toward [XXX], the vehicle shut off without warning at a traffic light. Multiple warning lights illuminated, and the emergency parking brake activated. The driver disengaged the brake and moved the vehicle to a nearby parking lot. These separate incidents raise serious concerns about the vehicle's safety and reliability, including potential fire risk, loss of power, and unexpected shutdown while driving. The vehicle had approximately 47,490 miles at purchase and now has approximately 79,000 miles. I request that NHTSA document these incidents and determine whether they indicate a potential safety defect or warrant further investigation. Complete diagnostic reports and repair orders are not currently available. I can provide additional information if needed. The repeated failures create concerns about the vehicle's ability to operate safely and reliably. An unexpected shutdown in traffic could cause a collision or leave the vehicle in a dangerous position. I request that these incidents be considered together when evaluating whether further investigation is warranted.These incidents occurred on separate dates and involved different vehicle systems. I am concerned that additional failures could occur without warning. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11773239

Incident

Dec 5, 2025

My 2023 GMC Acadia has a toe link issue in the rear suspension. This is according to the GMC Service Department in Marquette MI. Is this a possible safety issue, I really don't know. It does make a horrible clunking sound when I steer sharply which vibrates the car. So I definitely believe this does affect the steering. No question I will have to get this fixed ASAP.

NHTSA ID

11772222

Incident

Oct 2, 2026

Vehicle Information: 2023 GMC Acadia VIN: [XXX] Description of Safety Defect: While operating the vehicle, a sudden and total loss of propulsion occurred without warning. The transmission completely disengaged from the drive gears while the vehicle was in motion. When depressing the gas pedal, the engine freely revved up to approximately 3,000 RPM, but no power or torque was transferred to the wheels, leaving the vehicle entirely stranded and unable to move. This severe mechanical failure matches the exact symptoms, hazards, and mechanical behavior detailed in NHTSA Campaign Number 23V172000 (General Motors Safety Recall N222389310) regarding a dimensionally incorrect transmission sun gear that causes driver-side half-shaft separation. My specific VIN is currently excluded from the active recall population, despite experiencing the identical manufacturing defect and catastrophic loss of motive power. This creates a severe highway safety hazard and a rolling/rollaway risk. I am requesting that the NHTSA investigate an expansion of the recall population for the 2023 GMC Acadia to include this vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11771044

Incident

Oct 14, 2026

While driving my 2023 GMC Acadia, I experienced intermittent abnormal brake pedal behavior. When applying the brakes normally, the pedal would travel partway and then suddenly encounter resistance/catch accompanied by a click, causing the vehicle to brake abruptly and unexpectedly. The vehicle remained straight, but the braking action was significantly harder than intended. This problem has created a serious safety concern. On one occasion, the unexpected braking behavior nearly resulted in my vehicle being rear-ended. I had the vehicle inspected at a GMC dealership, as well as by the dealer that I purchased the vehicle from. The problem was initially intermittent and was not reproduced during the first two inspections. I recorded a video of the braking behavior to document the issue. The vehicle has now been evaluated by GMC for a second time, which states that a failure has been diagnosed and that the vehicle requires replacement of GM part number 85718957. The estimated total repair cost is approximately $3,030. I contacted General Motors regarding assistance with the repair, but GM declined to provide goodwill assistance despite this sounding like a broader issue. I am concerned that this may represent a safety defect involving the vehicle's braking system and/or brake assist system. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA has a record of the failure and can consider it along with other reports involving similar braking-system issues.

NHTSA ID

11768312

Incident

Sep 30, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while reversing out of the driveway at 2-3 MPH, the brake pedal became firm for 3–5 seconds. The contact was able to depress the brake pedal after several attempts. The messages “Low Engine Power” and "Service ESC" were momentarily displayed after the failure. The vehicle was shifted into park(P), and the check engine and traction control warning lights illuminated. The check engine warning light remained illuminated. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle at the residence and retrieved DTC: C05CC. The dealer was notified of the failure via a voicemail message. The failure mileage was 80,606.

NHTSA ID

11768121

Incident

Sep 30, 2026

Mileage

80,606 mi

The car abruptly died in motion. Backing up it died and locked itself in park. I had no way to move it out of the road. There were no warning lights nor did the car stutter or seem any different. I was also nightime making me invisible to other drivers. There was no way to shift the car from park to neutral to get it out of the road. After the incident Onstar sent an email with an error code P023F. The fuel module. I realized the 2021-2022 were under recall but not the 2023 i have. I purchased my 2023 in 2022 it likley was fitted with same modules that were under recall. I loved this car but that was such a frigntening ordeal I will no longer have it nor will i Purchase a GM product. I was told by the dealer sales manager that it wasn't under warranty and roadside assistance would not cover towing nor would the dealer cover repair. I reach out to another dealer and got a totally different answer. They fixed it but could not gurantee or actually even be convincing that it was a fix. I wan't other owners to be more aware of this issue to avoid tragedy. I do realize things tear up. But, this was totally preventable knowing the issue was never corrected.

NHTSA ID

11764416

Incident

Sep 11, 2026

Oil leaks from the timing cover on the top and bottom.

NHTSA ID

11760606

Incident

Aug 29, 2026

The rear stationary/fixed sunroof glass spontaneously shattered while i was driving. I heard a loud pop, after i parked i checked the car to see what happened and found a shattered sunroof. There was no impact or known object that struck the glass.

NHTSA ID

11756784

Incident

Aug 11, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that after further inspection, the contact became aware that the second-row middle seat belt buckle failed to latch securely into the seat belt buckle and failed to remain securely locked. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

NHTSA ID

11755449

Incident

Mar 15, 2024

Mileage

35,000 mi

I find the location of the lower gear shifters + and - to be physically far away from a driver's normal reach, making a driving hazard. If you want to change gears as is typical in mountain driving in steep descents, the driver has to lean awkwardly away from all mirrors and standard driving position making it a potentially hazardous situation for the driver and occupants to be in. It has nothing to do with comfort, but rather normal functionality, keeping the driver and their attention unadjusted on the road, all surroundings with minimal, if any changes to their physical posture while in the drivers seat. The location of the gear shifters are in a totally unorthodox location, nearer to the passenger, rather than the driver.

NHTSA ID

11753346

Incident

Jul 28, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle lost motive power in low gears while accelerating. There was a slight shudder. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was shuddering and shaking every 30 seconds. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where unknown repairs were conducted under the EVAP warranty. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired for the initial failure. The dealer test drove the vehicle but did not experience a failure. The failure recurred after leaving the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA ID

11739034

Incident

Nov 1, 2025

Mileage

65,000 mi

Vehicle would not run due to a failed fuel pump control module. With a non-running engine, the transmission could NOT be placed into Neutral to be able to movie vehicle out of the road. Needed tow truck to move vehicle. This condition placed many people at risk as the vehicle could not be moved out of the way until a tow truck arrived.

NHTSA ID

11728726

Incident

Apr 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, and the engine lost automotive power. The vehicle was able to restart. During a second failure, the vehicle lost automotive power and stalled in the middle of the highway, and the vehicle was unable to restart. An alert message was sent by OnStar reporting a transmission or engine failure and advised that the vehicle needed immediate service. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a fuel pump module failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 24,749

NHTSA ID

11728307

Incident

Mar 15, 2026

Mileage

24,749 mi

I was driving on the highway, and the sunroof was closed and the cloth screen that would allow or not allow sun to come through was also closed. Then out of nowhere there was this explosion sound which scared me so much, I almost wrecked the car and at first, I thought maybe someone shot at my car and shot one of my windows but as I got to the side of the road I realized that none of my windows in the car had been shot and that it was the sunroof and I noticed that cause pieces of glass came into the car from the sides of the cloth barrier. This happened so fast and was so loud that it almost caused me to hit the other car in the lane to the left of me on the highway. Thank goodness I was able to react fast and pull the car back into my lane. I contacted the dealership and they indicated that they had not heard about this before and that I would need to talk with the service department but that it is closed now and not something that would typically fall under warranty. I did check online and see that this is a known issue for this vehicle so I don't understand why it would not be fixed cause it is going to hurt someone at some point. I am trying to get someone to look at it to get it fixed. There was no warning of anything. It just exploded all of the sudden and glass was all over.

NHTSA ID

11727817

Incident

Mar 28, 2026

Infotainment system freezing, screen shaking, touch screen not working, disconnecting from android auto, unable to connect to phone.

NHTSA ID

11726886

Incident

Jan 12, 2026

My 2023 GMC Acadia consistently makes a sound at lower speeds when it is changing gears. For example, accelerating or accelerating for stoplights. The sound is kind of a ka clunk. The technician can find nothing and does hear the sound when we go for a test ride. I am worried that the sound indicates a transmission problem. The VIN search does not show a recall for my vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11721182

Incident

Oct 10, 2025

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that with the stop/start feature activated and while attempting to park the vehicle, the accelerator pedal was slightly pressed in order to slowly move the vehicle forward. The vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and drove forward, over a curb, and crashed into a tree. During the crash, the front end of the vehicle sustained severe damage, but no air bags deployed. No injuries were reported, and no police report was taken. The cause of the failure was not determined. The contact indicated the failure had occurred on multiple occasions. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 5,665.

NHTSA ID

11720724

Incident

Jul 14, 2025

Mileage

5,665 mi

Temperature gauge dropped to zero or no reading, message displayed on screen "Steering Assist Reduced, Drive with Care", continued to drive speed limit, when parked fan runs after car is shut off, in a few days the temperature gauge started working again, then the cycle repeats about once every 2 weeks for a couple months before engine light came on last week & when checked at a local parts place was told temperature sensor malfunction. Read multiple accounts of this same issue online

NHTSA ID

11719045

Incident

Nov 2, 2025

From the day that I’ve gotten this vehicle it has been burning oil and water like crazy. There is no reason I should be putting a quart of oil every couple weeks

NHTSA ID

11716606

Incident

Jun 18, 2025

TELEMATIC CONTROL MODULE WENT OUT. ON RESEARCH, IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND THERE IS NO FIX BECAUSE THE MODULE IS BACK ORDERED. NO TIME GIVEN FOR WHEN AVAILABLE. WE WOULD LIKE TO ADD OUR NAME TO SEE IF IT CAN BE INCLUDED IN A RECALL. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11711729

Incident

Oct 8, 2025

My 2023 GMC Acadia experienced a complete electrical system failure while driving on an interstate highway. During the incident, the vehicle lost all electrical power, including hazard lights and steering assistance, and could not be shifted into neutral. The vehicle became immobile in active traffic and required police-ordered towing due to safety risk. This incident was the second alternator failure within six months. The second failure involved a GM-installed replacement alternator that failed prematurely. Both incidents required towing, and the second created a significant roadway safety hazard.

NHTSA ID

11706360

Incident

Dec 8, 2025

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken for maintenance, and the tech informed the dealer that the passenger’s side rear suspension toe link needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who confirmed that the passenger’s side rear toe link needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that no warning lights were illuminated. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to Manufacturer's recall number: N222364330; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 42,101.

NHTSA ID

11693647

Incident

Sep 19, 2025

Mileage

42,101 mi

While driving under normal conditions, the vehicle experienced a sudden, violent deceleration. The emergency braking and collision avoidance systems activated spontaneously, as if the vehicle had struck or was about to strike an object. There was no obstacle, impact, or external threat present. This uncommanded braking caused significant physical stress and injury to the occupants. Critically, multiple safety systems failed during the event: The seat belts did not lock, failing to restrain the occupants; The airbags did not deploy, despite the severity of the deceleration; no warning indicators or diagnostic alerts were present before or after the incident. These failures directly contributed to physical injuries, including TBI (concussion, spinal trauma, etc.) which required emergency medical treatment and ongoing care.

NHTSA ID

11681063

Incident

Aug 7, 2025