2025 GMC Acadia Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2025 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
- Brakes3643.4%
- Driver assistance2327.7%
- Engine56.0%
- Exterior lighting44.8%
- Electrical44.8%
- Steering44.8%
- Powertrain (other)44.8%
- Visibility11.2%
- Interior & seats11.2%
- Body & structure11.2%
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
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Today, June 11, 2026, my wife and 9 month old baby were on their way home from running errands in town when the vehicle started to violently shake, becoming frightened my wife tried to apply pressure to the brakes. When she pushed down on the brake pedal nothing happened and the pedal hit the floor. Our brand new 2025 GMC Acadia AT4 had just suffered catastrophic brake failure. So she pulled off onto the side of the road in hopes the uneven terrain would slow her down just enough to put it into park. Luckily enough it did. If it would have been 10 seconds later she would have been on a one way bridge where the speed limit is 60mph with no brakes. Four days prior to today on June 07, 2026 I sent a message to the individual that I bought the car from at the GMC dealership and told him that we had warning lights come up on the dash. He had me try and reset the screen but nothing happened. I asked when we could get it into a shop so it could be looked at he said that he would have someone reach out and schedule a time. I proceeded to ask if we were ok to drive the vehicle until then.To which he responded "If the vehicle isn't giving you issues mechanically, you should be good". Fast forward to today June 11, 2026 my wife is driving and has catastrophic brake failure. The vehicle was then towed by roadside assistance to the GMC dealership.
Telematic Modular Control is not working properly and part is on backorder. Dealership and GMC have refused to put into writing that my vehicle is safe to drive; however, they are refusing rental vehicle while awaiting arrival of part. Several of my safety features are not working correctly, my left turn signal went out randomly and my auto breaking has activated when there has been nothing near my vehicle.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2025 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving uphill at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated, jerked, and stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where a computer reprogramming was performed; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 65 MPH and merging into the left lane, the automatic emergency braking system erroneously engaged and the vehicle hard-braked, nearly causing a rear-end crash. The contact immediately depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle accelerated as intended. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent and had occurred approximately six times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the cause of the failure could not be determined; however, the dealer advised the contact that the failure might be related to the camera system. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000.
Today, June 11, 2026, my wife and 9 month old baby were on their way home from running errands in town when the vehicle started to violently shake, becoming frightened my wife tried to apply pressure to the brakes. When she pushed down on the brake pedal nothing happened and the pedal hit the floor. Our brand new 2025 GMC Acadia AT4 had just suffered catastrophic brake failure. So she pulled off onto the side of the road in hopes the uneven terrain would slow her down just enough to put it into park. Luckily enough it did. If it would have been 10 seconds later she would have been on a one way bridge where the speed limit is 60mph with no brakes. Four days prior to today on June 07, 2026 I sent a message to the individual that I bought the car from at the GMC dealership and told him that we had warning lights come up on the dash. He had me try and reset the screen but nothing happened. I asked when we could get it into a shop so it could be looked at he said that he would have someone reach out and schedule a time. I proceeded to ask if we were ok to drive the vehicle until then.To which he responded "If the vehicle isn't giving you issues mechanically, you should be good". Fast forward to today June 11, 2026 my wife is driving and has catastrophic brake failure. The vehicle was then towed by roadside assistance to the GMC dealership.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The vehicle has a serious transmission/drivetrain defect that repeatedly occurs when accelerating from a complete stop, especially onto an incline. The vehicle sometimes does not respond at all when the accelerator is pressed and fails to move, even though acceleration is being requested. In one recent incident, it remained stopped for about one minute before finally responding. During these events, the vehicle jerks and shakes severely and fails to gain speed as expected. This creates a major safety risk at stop signs, intersections, and uphill starts because the vehicle may not move when needed and cannot keep up with traffic. The problem has worsened, and during one of these incidents the check engine light came on. I have video evidence showing the loss of response to accelerator input, severe jerking/shaking, and the check engine light illuminating during the same event. The issue has been reported to dealers and GM customer service but has not been properly resolved.
This is ongoing from the purchase of the car. 1) Infotainment computer screen daytime illumination is so dark as to be a major safety issue as it causes too much time looking away from the road to operate the system. If you wear sunglasses you cannot see the screen at all. The dealer says nothing can be done to improve the problem. 2) Right rear tail light stopped working after 500 miles. Replacement requires dropping the rear bumper and quarter panel. The dealer actually damaged the body of the car while replacing the light. Where are the days of changing out a light bulb? 3) At 1200 miles the transmission torque converter is chattering and slipping on cruise control at 50 MPH. 4) Engine noise is very loud during acceleration. Seats seem flat with no bolsters and little cushioning.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
This is ongoing from the purchase of the car. 1) Infotainment computer screen daytime illumination is so dark as to be a major safety issue as it causes too much time looking away from the road to operate the system. If you wear sunglasses you cannot see the screen at all. The dealer says nothing can be done to improve the problem. 2) Right rear tail light stopped working after 500 miles. Replacement requires dropping the rear bumper and quarter panel. The dealer actually damaged the body of the car while replacing the light. Where are the days of changing out a light bulb? 3) At 1200 miles the transmission torque converter is chattering and slipping on cruise control at 50 MPH. 4) Engine noise is very loud during acceleration. Seats seem flat with no bolsters and little cushioning.
The driver and infotainment center is so dim during the day that it is dangerous to drive the vehicle. I have taken the vehicle in to the dealer 3 times and each time the dealer indicates that there doesn't appear to be a problem, but at no time to my knowledge have they taken the vehicle out into the sunlight, There have been 2 Software updates at the dealer and one OTA update so far with no improvement. The screens are so dim that there is no way you can tell what icons are there. If you try to do anything while driving, you are taking way too much time trying to look at the screens and as a result a serious and unnecessary amount of distracted driving is occurring. There is no way you could wear sun glasses and view the screen because it appears black. Don't open the panoramic sunroof or the problem is worse. Anti glare screen protectors make the situation worse. I have attached a document I provided to the dealer service department on my latest visit.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
I purchased my 2025 GMC Acadia on March 26, 2025. // My vehicle began to have electrical/communication/system issues in August 2025. // I took my vehicle to the dealer to address these issues at this time. When I got to the dealership, a representative performed diagnostics, and said "I can't even get a read on this. There is no signal coming from your module. You need to contact OnStar about this." // I called OnStar, and they ran a test, and stated that it is a manufacturing defect that needed to be handled with GMC. //No one informed me of the severity of the safety implications involved. // In March 2026, my vehicle was inoperable. The module controls everything, and was draining the battery at a severely high rate. I had my vehicle towed to the dealership. They tried to deny all liability and said that they weren't the dealership that sold me the vehicle. // I had my battery jumped so I could take it from the dealership have a new battery installed. My vehicle stalled and shut off while I arrived at the Auto Parts store. *** Answer to Questions: Q1: Yes. My vehicle is available for inspection. It is at the dealership. // Q2: My safety and others were put at risk because the brand new batteries were constantly draining and making me stall out in mid-traffic without having any control. // Q3: Yes. The problem has been confirmed by the dealer. They tried (and still are trying) to avoid responsibility. Other reports show that this is a significant safety issue with many GMC vehicles. // Q4: Yes. The vehicle was inspected by the GMC dealership. This is day-16 with no solution. // Q5: Yes, there were issues with the car, as stated above. But absolutely no indication that it would be safety issue. My engine was running normal the night before. No signs that the battery was low or dead and prohibit me from driving safely or that it would shut off.
This is ongoing from the purchase of the car. 1) Infotainment computer screen daytime illumination is so dark as to be a major safety issue as it causes too much time looking away from the road to operate the system. If you wear sunglasses you cannot see the screen at all. The dealer says nothing can be done to improve the problem. 2) Right rear tail light stopped working after 500 miles. Replacement requires dropping the rear bumper and quarter panel. The dealer actually damaged the body of the car while replacing the light. Where are the days of changing out a light bulb? 3) At 1200 miles the transmission torque converter is chattering and slipping on cruise control at 50 MPH. 4) Engine noise is very loud during acceleration. Seats seem flat with no bolsters and little cushioning.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
New vehicle. At 935 miles on odometer, displayed “Service Power Steering” “No Assist Soon” message on dash. Contacted OnStar and was advised of potential loss of power steering & advised to take car to dealership. Car spent 10 days in service to have a new steering gear installed at GMC dealership.
Bought new 2025 GMC Acadia in March of same year. At ~4500 miles I started getting Brake Assist, Forward Collision and Electronic Stability Control warning messages on dash. Upon researching, this is an increasingly common issue with this vehicle that can render the brakes unusable. I no longer feel safe in the vehicle and want it refunded. Car is now in the shop. Taken in on 9/11. Problem has been confirmed by dealer.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
I purchased my 2025 GMC Acadia on March 26, 2025. // My vehicle began to have electrical/communication/system issues in August 2025. // I took my vehicle to the dealer to address these issues at this time. When I got to the dealership, a representative performed diagnostics, and said "I can't even get a read on this. There is no signal coming from your module. You need to contact OnStar about this." // I called OnStar, and they ran a test, and stated that it is a manufacturing defect that needed to be handled with GMC. //No one informed me of the severity of the safety implications involved. // In March 2026, my vehicle was inoperable. The module controls everything, and was draining the battery at a severely high rate. I had my vehicle towed to the dealership. They tried to deny all liability and said that they weren't the dealership that sold me the vehicle. // I had my battery jumped so I could take it from the dealership have a new battery installed. My vehicle stalled and shut off while I arrived at the Auto Parts store. *** Answer to Questions: Q1: Yes. My vehicle is available for inspection. It is at the dealership. // Q2: My safety and others were put at risk because the brand new batteries were constantly draining and making me stall out in mid-traffic without having any control. // Q3: Yes. The problem has been confirmed by the dealer. They tried (and still are trying) to avoid responsibility. Other reports show that this is a significant safety issue with many GMC vehicles. // Q4: Yes. The vehicle was inspected by the GMC dealership. This is day-16 with no solution. // Q5: Yes, there were issues with the car, as stated above. But absolutely no indication that it would be safety issue. My engine was running normal the night before. No signs that the battery was low or dead and prohibit me from driving safely or that it would shut off.
The vehicle has a serious transmission/drivetrain defect that repeatedly occurs when accelerating from a complete stop, especially onto an incline. The vehicle sometimes does not respond at all when the accelerator is pressed and fails to move, even though acceleration is being requested. In one recent incident, it remained stopped for about one minute before finally responding. During these events, the vehicle jerks and shakes severely and fails to gain speed as expected. This creates a major safety risk at stop signs, intersections, and uphill starts because the vehicle may not move when needed and cannot keep up with traffic. The problem has worsened, and during one of these incidents the check engine light came on. I have video evidence showing the loss of response to accelerator input, severe jerking/shaking, and the check engine light illuminating during the same event. The issue has been reported to dealers and GM customer service but has not been properly resolved.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2025 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH at nighttime, there was an abnormally loud explosion and the contact became aware that the sunroof had exploded unexpectedly, causing shattered glass to fall inside the vehicle onto the contact's head, face, and body. The contact stated that two of her children were occupying the third-row seats when the failure occurred. The contact stated that a larger quantity of shattered glass fell near or in the car seat of the contact's son, who was not occupying the vehicle during the failure. There was no reported injury. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the sunroof needed to be replaced; however, the repair was not covered under warranty. The contact was referred to the insurance company for assistance. The dealer informed the contact that an engineering inspection had been requested. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed that the vehicle could be repaired under warranty at the discretion of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 9,000.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2025 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the sunlight reflecting off the dashboard chrome onto the windshield was blinding, forcing the driver to use a cardboard to protect their eyes. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure via an online chat. The failure mileage was approximately 10.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
The antenna fin cover came off while driving down the road. I had been a possession of the car less than six weeks. I’ve contacted the dealership- it’s covered under warranty, but the part is backordered because it’s such an issue.
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .