This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 GMC Acadia engine problems
severe 19 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
19
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
3fires
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides inspection/diagnosis/correction information on a cold start misfire and/or rough idle and DTC P0300 that may also be set.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners consistently describe timing chain wear requiring costly engine-out service, often hitting between 50k and 160k miles. GM has issued a recall for at least some of these failures, but owners still foot partial bills.
Transmission problems are the clearest pattern here. Vehicles shed transmissions suddenly—some with zero warning, others after a brief check engine light. Several owners report total transmission failure between 55k and 89k miles. A few describe the transmission refusing to shift, getting stuck in first gear for months, or hard shifts. One owner replaced the car entirely after the first one failed; the replacement did the same thing. Software updates attempted by dealers haven't stuck.
Engine fires appear in at least three narratives—vehicles catching flame while driving or parked, with fire departments called to extinguish them. One was totaled at 169k miles.
Other documented engine faults include cylinder head and valve damage (requiring 33-day repair), incorrect piston rings causing oil burn, and an engine that runs even after the key is removed. One owner reports an oil leak dripping onto the manifold shield and smoking.
Several owners note that post-repair work—particularly after timing chain service—left vehicles idling erratically and stalling. Dealer diagnostics frequently show nothing even as vehicles fail, and GM has pushed work beyond warranty coverage despite owners' complaints about known design flaws.
Same GMC Acadia engine reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2009 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Timing Chain Premature Wear
Timing chains wear prematurely and require replacement, often necessitating engine removal. Some narratives cite this as a known design flaw that was later corrected.
When: Between 52,788 and 157,000 miles; one case cited as recall-covered at 52,788 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light; Rattling from engine; Erratic engine behavior; Engine won't start (timing belt fault)
Repairs/costs cited: Engine and transmission removal required for timing chain replacement; repair costs not specified but labor-intensive
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Timing chain failure on 2007 Acadia covered under recall (per narrative #3); design flaw later corrected per owner reports
Transmission Failure
Multiple reports of sudden transmission failure, including complete loss of drive, inability to shift, hard shifts, or loss of reverse. Many failures occur well within typical vehicle life with no prior warning.
When: Between 39,000 and 89,500 miles; several cases shortly after ownership or service
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not shift or shifts hard; Loss of reverse; Complete loss of drive; Vehicle shuts off while stopped or turning; Hesitation during driving; Check engine light
Codes mentioned: PO752 (per narrative #9)
Repairs/costs cited: Full transmission replacement in several cases; TCM replacement suggested in one case; one owner paid $2,000 premium for replacement vehicle; another paid $1,253.05 out of pocket after warranty expired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Software upgrades attempted in narrative #2 but failure recurred; owner reports this is a known design flaw; GM refused coverage in some cases citing warranty expiration
Engine Fires
Vehicle caught fire while parked or during operation, with flames visible and fire department called to extinguish.
When: At 160,000 and 169,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Flames visible from engine area; Smoke from under hood; Grinding noise followed by smoke and fire; Vehicle totaled
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle totaled in one case; fire department report filed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer advised reporting to NHTSA; no recall noted at time of one incident per dealer
Check Engine Light with Cylinder Head and Valve Damage
Check engine light illuminates, revealing damaged cylinder heads and valves requiring replacement. Owner suspects improperly manufactured camshaft components as root cause.
When: Mileage not specified; repair took 33 days
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Stabilitrak warning light; Engine shuddering
Repairs/costs cited: Cylinder head and valves replaced; repair took 33 days; owner states this is an ongoing problem with GM engines and suspects camshaft defect
Engine Won't Shut Off / Runs After Key Removed
Engine continues to run after ignition key is removed, creating theft and safety hazard.
When: At 39,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine runs after key removed from ignition
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable or unwilling to repair; stated failure could only be verified if consistent
Oil Leak Causing Smoke and Fire Risk
Engine oil leaks onto manifold shield, causing smoke and presenting fire hazard that is progressively worsening.
Symptoms owners cite: Oil dripping onto manifold shield; Smoke from engine area; Progressive worsening
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; owner concerned about fire risk
Incorrect Piston Rings and Excessive Oil Consumption
Vehicle diagnosed with incorrect piston rings causing excessive oil consumption.
When: At approximately 218,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine warning light; Excessive oil consumption
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer advised contact to call NHTSA hotline; related to unknown recall
Hard Shift and Delayed Transmission Engagement
Vehicle won't shift out of first gear smoothly, getting to nearly 5 RPM before shifting and shifting hard when it does engage.
When: Started August 2012, ongoing through July 2015
Symptoms owners cite: Will not shift out of first gear; Hard shifts when engagement occurs; Reaches nearly 5 RPM before shift
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to diagnose issue
Complete Loss of Engine Power
Engine completely loses power while driving and won't restart; requires towing and engine replacement.
When: At 2,005 miles (likely data entry error; likely much higher)
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power while driving at 50 MPH; Vehicle won't restart
Repairs/costs cited: New engine installed by dealer
Low Idle and Starting Issues After Timing Chain Service
After timing chain replacement requiring engine removal, vehicle idles very low, stalls at stops, and starts slower than before.
When: Immediately after 5/4/13 timing chain service
Symptoms owners cite: Very low idle to point of stalling; Slower cold start than before service; Check engine light after 6+ weeks of service
Repairs/costs cited: Service performed by Jim Salerno GMC in Randolph, NJ; subsequent rattling from engine required towing; owner trusted dealer and didn't report issues immediately
Synthesized from 19 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had engine trouble with your 2007 GMC Acadia?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2007 GMC Acadia?
It's a meaningful issue. 19 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 18 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 55,000 and 125,000 miles, with the median around 89,500. A quarter of owners report trouble before 55,000; a quarter make it past 125,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2007/GMC/Acadia.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.