Owners have reported 6 crashes and 3 injuries to NHTSA for the 2021 GMC Acadia. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints27
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2021 GMC Acadia frequently report issues with the instrument cluster and infotainment system, with many experiencing the dashboard going completely black while driving, affecting the speedometer and other essential gauges. This issue often requires a software update, and some owners report recurring problems despite service interventions. Complaints also highlight failures in the fuel pump control module, leading to unexpected engine stalls while driving, sometimes at high speeds, which poses a significant safety risk. These electrical and fuel system issues are reported across a range of mileages, with some occurring as early as 5,000 miles. There are reports of crashes and injuries related to these failures, underscoring potential safety concerns for prospective buyers.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints15
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Owners report that the 2021 GMC Acadia frequently experiences failures related to the fuel pump control module, often resulting in the vehicle stalling or losing power unexpectedly while driving. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as the engine shutting off without warning, inability to restart the vehicle, and difficulty shifting out of park or neutral, particularly in traffic or on highways. These issues typically occur between 25,000 and 46,000 miles. Multiple owners describe dangerous situations where the vehicle stalls in traffic, posing a significant safety risk due to the potential for collisions. Prospective buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and the associated safety implications, particularly since some parts are reported as back-ordered, which may delay repairs.
Owner complaints14
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2021 GMC Acadia frequently report issues with the power train, particularly involving transmission slippage and shuddering. Common symptoms include the vehicle stalling, jerking during gear shifts, and unintended acceleration or deceleration. These issues are often noted at various mileages, with some complaints occurring at under 10,000 miles and others around 40,000 miles. One complaint involves a crash due to the vehicle stalling on the highway, highlighting potential safety risks. Buyers considering a used GMC Acadia should be aware of these reported transmission issues and the associated safety implications.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints13
STEERING
Owners of the 2021 GMC Acadia frequently report issues with the steering system, particularly a message indicating "Steering Assist is Reduced Drive with Care." This issue is often accompanied by additional symptoms such as the cooling fan running excessively after the vehicle is turned off, temperature gauge malfunctions, and the air conditioning system failing to work properly. Several complaints highlight that these problems can occur around 23,800 to 85,000 miles. A significant safety concern is noted in reports of steering becoming dangerously stiff while driving, with one owner describing a near-accident situation due to the inability to control the vehicle. These patterns suggest potential risks for buyers considering a used model, especially regarding the steering and cooling systems.
Owner complaints13
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2021 GMC Acadia report several issues related to the service brakes, with complaints frequently mentioning brake failure and grinding noises. A common problem involves the vacuum pump, which in some cases has exploded or leaked, leading to a sudden loss of braking power without any prior warning lights. Another pattern involves brake hoses becoming entangled or damaged, resulting in brake fluid leaks and compromised braking ability. Symptoms such as grinding or squeaking noises are often noted, particularly when the vehicle is cold or has been sitting overnight, with some owners experiencing these issues around 8,000 to 28,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with one report of a crash due to brake pedal interference and another instance of brake failure requiring evasive maneuvers to avoid a collision. These reports indicate potential risks for buyers considering a used 2021 GMC Acadia.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints13
ENGINE
Owners report several engine-related issues with the 2021 GMC Acadia. Commonly mentioned problems include thermostat failures, radiator leaks, and catalytic converter issues, with some complaints highlighting repeated repairs under warranty. Typical symptoms described are check engine lights, overheating, loud rattling noises, and engine stalls. These issues often occur between 32,000 and 86,000 miles. Safety implications are noted in several cases, with reports of engine stalls leading to near-miss situations on highways and one instance of a complete engine failure at highway speeds. Buyers should be aware of these potential issues, especially concerning the thermostat and catalytic converter, which appear frequently in owner complaints.
Owner complaints7
AIR BAGS
Owners report frequent issues with the airbag system in the 2021 GMC Acadia, particularly related to the "service safety restraint system" warning light, which activates and deactivates randomly. Complaints often describe the airbag warning light illuminating solidly, with some owners noting that repairs, such as seat belt tensioner replacements, do not resolve the issue. The problems typically arise at various mileages, with some as low as 2 miles and others around 16,000 miles. One incident involved a crash at low speed where airbags deployed, resulting in significant injuries, highlighting a potential safety concern. Buyers should be aware of these recurring airbag warning issues and the associated risk of unintended airbag deployment.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints4
FUEL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2021 GMC Acadia frequently report issues with the fuel pump module, with symptoms including the vehicle stalling or failing to restart, often accompanied by an illuminated check engine light. Complaints often describe incidents occurring at various speeds, with some reporting loss of motive power while driving, leading to potentially dangerous situations. The reported failures typically occur between 35,500 and 78,200 miles. Safety implications are noted, as one owner described a near-collision with a tractor-trailer due to sudden loss of power. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these fuel system issues and the associated safety risks.
Owner complaints3
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners of the 2021 GMC Acadia report issues related to vehicle speed control, with complaints highlighting a few distinct problems. One owner describes a situation where the accelerator pedal stuck to the floorboard, resulting in a crash into a garage wall at around 2,500 miles, though no injuries or police reports were noted. Another owner mentions transmission slipping at 8,900 miles, with subsequent diagnostics revealing dark and muddy transmission fluid, leading to further investigation by the dealer. Additionally, a vacuum pump failure is reported, causing brake malfunction, which has been addressed by a certified mechanic. These issues suggest potential safety implications, particularly concerning the stuck accelerator pedal incident.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Owners of the 2021 GMC Acadia report issues related to the engine and engine cooling, specifically involving the coolant control valve and the exhaust system. Common symptoms include the check engine light illuminating and the coolant fan running after the engine is turned off, with diagnostic codes indicating a fault in the coolant control valve, typically occurring around 69,000 miles. Another issue reported is a loud rattling noise from the exhaust, accompanied by increased RPMs, with the exhaust resonator failing and requiring replacement of the entire exhaust assembly, noted at approximately 28,000 miles. No safety implications such as crashes or fires are mentioned in these complaints. Buyers should be aware of these potential issues, particularly in vehicles with similar mileage.
