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.
50
Latest Oct 29, 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

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

Engine

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

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Oct 29, 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 · filed Sep 30, 2026
All 14 reports naming engine →

Powertrain (other)

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

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Oct 14, 2026

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
All 13 reports naming powertrain (other) →

Electrical

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

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Oct 14, 2026

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
All 10 reports naming electrical →

Driver assistance

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

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Oct 1, 2026

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
All 8 reports naming driver assistance →

Brakes

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

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Oct 1, 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 · filed Sep 30, 2026

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.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Oct 19, 2026

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

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.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Sep 15, 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 · filed Mar 31, 2026

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.

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 .