RoadVitals

2023 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.
40
Latest Aug 7, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
14
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 2023 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

  • Engine1119.3%
  • Driver assistance712.3%
  • Fuel system35.3%
  • Steering35.3%
  • Airbags23.5%
  • Brakes23.5%
  • Seat belts23.5%
  • Visibility23.5%
  • Body & structure11.8%
  • Suspension11.8%
  • Exterior lighting11.8%
  • Tires & wheels11.8%

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

Powertrain (other)

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

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed 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 · filed May 20, 2026
All 12 reports naming powertrain (other)

Engine

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

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Apr 2, 2026

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 · filed Feb 26, 2026
All 11 reports naming engine

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jan 18, 2026

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 · filed Dec 21, 2025
All 9 reports naming electrical

Driver assistance

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

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jul 28, 2026

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

NHTSA ID 11726886 · filed Mar 25, 2026

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Mar 31, 2026

I am experiencing a recurring P04FB diagnostic trouble code on my 2023 GMC Acadia, related to the crankcase pressure sensor. GM issued Bulletin No. PIP5841C, which attributes the issue to moisture buildup freezing inside the sensor. Their recommended fix is to remove the sensor, blow out any moisture, and reinstall it. However, this is not a permanent solution—the code returns within days, suggesting an inherent design flaw in the PCV system. Additionally, the replacement sensor (Part #12718935) is on national backorder, making it impossible to obtain. Many owners across multiple GM models using this engine (such as the Chevrolet Blazer and Cadillac XT4) are experiencing the same problem, yet GM has not provided a real solution. A properly designed PCV system should not allow excessive moisture to accumulate in the sensor. Instead of addressing the root cause, GM’s bulletin merely delays the issue by temporarily clearing the moisture. This approach does not prevent the problem from recurring, and it does not fix the underlying defect. If the sensor fails or provides inaccurate readings, it can affect emissions and engine performance. The fact that the replacement part is unavailable suggests GM may be restricting access to it, possibly because they know it is defective. This raises concerns that GM is quietly managing a widespread issue rather than issuing a formal recall or warranty extension. I am requesting that the NHTSA investigate this issue, as GM's current approach does not resolve the problem. Owners should not be forced to repeatedly clear moisture from a sensor that is failing due to a design flaw. If GM has internally identified a better solution, it should be made available to affected owners instead of delaying action with ineffective temporary fixes.

NHTSA ID 11643702 · filed Feb 19, 2025

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

Steering

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

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Feb 19, 2026

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID 11645913 · filed Mar 3, 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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Feb 26, 2026

Struck a deer traveling at 65 mph & air bags did not deploy

NHTSA ID 11608274 · filed Aug 13, 2024

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Aug 16, 2025

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, while attempting to depress the brake pedal, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the brakes. A dealer and independent mechanic were contacted. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the brake pads wear was uneven on the driver’s side and the driver’s side front caliper needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the result was not provided. The brake pads were replaced; however, the caliper was not yet replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and informed the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 39,000.

NHTSA ID 11676817 · filed Jul 28, 2025

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Aug 7, 2026

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 · filed Aug 16, 2025

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Mar 29, 2026

Whenever the vehicle's windshield washer is used the smell of the fluid enters the vehicle. This is particularly acute when the HVAC system is used at the same time. Since the label on the washer fluid container says the fluid is poisonous and the vapors are harmful and cannot be made nonpoisonous, I feel I should report this. I have had 4 GMC representatives confirm this is indeed happening. One rep was the Field Engineer Supervisor. All of this is documented as I have had this examined 4 times at the request of the GM customer service representative. Case [XXX], Status update for your 2023 GMC Acadia concern INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11631765 · filed Dec 20, 2024

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle, it was discovered that there was water and condensation inside the rear middle brake light assembly. The contact later discovered that during rainstorms, rainwater had leaked into the rear seating and hatch area of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who determined that the failure was due to a manufacturing structural error and the vehicle needed body work to be performed to correct the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 5,200.

NHTSA ID 11672148 · filed Jul 9, 2025

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Oct 15, 2025

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

When approaching on coming traffic with bright light on high beam, my car will not change from high beam to low beam , nor can I manually. change. also Right mirror has indicator of on coming traffic approaching comes on for no reason

NHTSA ID 11584011 · filed Apr 19, 2024

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID 11645913 · filed Mar 3, 2025

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 .