This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, and/or B3935. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. If unable to duplicate the concern ask if the customer uses any Radio Frequency Identification Devices when the concern is present. Dealer should also direct their customers to the appropriate section in the Owner manuals that references that the device complies.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 GMC Acadia airbags problems
severe Owners of the 2011 GMC Acadia have filed 21 NHTSA complaints about the airbags, typically surfacing around 65,000 miles at roughly $1,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See airbags across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
21
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
| Model year | airbags complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 Acadia | 53 |
| 2008 Acadia | 110 |
| 2009 Acadia | 11 |
| 2010 Acadia | 11 |
| 2011 Acadia (this page) | 21 |
| 2012 Acadia | 29 |
| 2013 Acadia | 26 |
| 2014 Acadia | 226 |
| 2015 Acadia | 104 |
3crashes
2injuries
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering airbags 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 technical bulletin provides a procedure to complete a terminal replacement or connector re connection to correct a condition of Diagnostic Information for Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System, Intermittent AIR BAG Indicator/Lamp Illuminated with DTC(s) B0012, B0013, B0015, B0016, B0019, B0020, B0022, B0023, B0026, B0033, B0040, B0042 or B0044 Set (Inspect and Replace Connector Position Assurance (CPA) Retainer)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin provides Information on Passenger Presence Sensing System (PPS or PSS) Concerns with Custom Upholstery, Accessory Seat Heaters or Other Comfort Enhancing Devices
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗15536 - SPECIAL COVERAGE. CERTAIN 2008 2013 BUICK ENCLAVE, 2008-2013 GMC ACADIA, 2008-2010 SATURN OUTLOOK, AND 2009-2013 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE VEHICLES WERE RECALLED TO ADDRESS CORROSION AND/OR LOOSE CRIMPS IN THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER-SEAT MOUNTED SIDE-IMPACT AIRBAG (SIAB) WIRING-HARNESS CONNECTORS, WHICH COULD CAUSE AN INCREASE IN RESISTANCE THAT MAY DISABLE THE SIAB, FRONT-CENTER AIRBAG, IF EQUIPPED, AND SEAT-BELT PRETENSIONERS. GM HAS RECEIVED REPORTS THAT, IN SOME CASES, THE REQUIRED REPAIR MAY HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY PERFORMED BY THE DEALER SERVICE TECHNICIAN. THE GM RECALL NUMBER WAS N14030 (GFPE NUMBER N-140030) NHTSA RECALL 14V118. DEALERS ARE TO REMOVE THE SECTION OF THE WIRE WITH THE
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗BUICK/GMC/SATURN/CHEVROLET: TSB CONTAINS AN OWNER'S NOTIFICATION LETTER. SELECT DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON BELOW. SOME VEHICLES ARE EXPERIENCING, ON DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT MOUNTED SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG (SIAB) WIRING HARNESS CONNECTORS, LOOSE OR CORRODED CRIMPS, THAT IS CAUSING RESISTANCE THAT CAN DISABLE FRONT CENTER AIRBAG AND SEAT BELT PRETENSIONERS. MODEL 2008-13 ENCLAVE, OUTLOOK, TRAVERSE, ACADIA.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2011 GMC Acadias describe a cascade of airbag problems. The most visible is dashboard cracking—the one-piece dash develops splits running toward or into the passenger-side airbag compartment while parked. Owners fear that if the airbag deploys, cracked plastic will become shrapnel. GM refuses to cover the repair under warranty.
The bigger safety issue is the service airbag light. It comes on and stays on, or cycles on and off repeatedly despite multiple dealer repair attempts. When this light is lit, the airbags do not deploy—a fact dealers have confirmed to owners. One owner had the vehicle serviced four times between May and December 2012 for the same problem; the light came back within weeks of the final repair. Dealers cite faulty passenger-side sensors and, in at least one case, recommend a modular replacement quoted above $1,000.
There is one reported case where airbags failed to deploy during an actual collision, resulting in occupant injuries. A clogged AC evaporator drain caused water intrusion that disabled the entire airbag system in another vehicle. A dealership confirmed this happened to at least seven Acadias in a single month.
Recall efforts have stalled repeatedly due to parts shortages—owners receive notice, schedule appointments, then wait indefinitely while dealers have no inventory. One recall campaign (NHTSA 14V118000) explicitly lacked parts. Another involved the Takata bankruptcy, leaving owners with no clear timeline for repair.
Same GMC Acadia airbags reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2010 · 2012 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Dashboard cracking near airbag
One-piece dashboard (2007–2014 models) develops cracks that run from the instrument cluster or directly into the airbag compartment, primarily on the passenger side. Owners fear airbag deployment will propel cracked plastic pieces as projectiles.
When: Occurs while vehicle is parked in garage or during normal operation; cracks appear to spread over time with vehicle vibration
Symptoms owners cite: Visible cracks in dashboard extending toward or into airbag compartment; Cracks spreading or deepening over time; Risk of plastic pieces breaking loose during airbag deployment
Repairs/costs cited: GM informed owners they would not cover the repair under warranty; repair cost would be owner responsibility. No dealer estimate provided in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM stated there is no recall for this defect and refused to repair dashboards; owners report GM told them no problem exists.
Airbag warning light remaining on continuously or intermittently
Service airbag or check airbag warning light illuminates on the instrument panel and either stays on continuously or reappears repeatedly after dealer repairs. Passenger airbag detector sensor is frequently implicated.
When: Observed during normal operation; one case starting May 2012 with recurring failures through December 2012; another at 56,710 miles; another at 56,000 miles; another at 14,000 miles; another at 76,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light illuminated on instrument panel; Light comes on repeatedly or intermittently despite repair attempts; Dealer confirms airbags will not deploy when light is illuminated; Light reappears within weeks or months of dealer repair
Codes mentioned: B0014
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer attempted repairs at least 4 times in one case without lasting resolution; GM claimed a 'new repair' was 90% certain to fix passenger airbag detector, but light returned within one month. Another case required modular replacement quoted over $1,000. Repair parts often unknown or unavailable.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM attempted multiple repairs but failed to permanently resolve the issue; manufacturer refused assistance in some cases, stating defect was not covered under service warranty.
Airbag non-deployment during collision
Airbags failed to deploy when vehicle was struck by another vehicle during an accident, leaving occupants without the intended safety protection and resulting in injuries.
When: During vehicle collision at approximately 10 mph impact speed; approximate failure mileage 66,000
Symptoms owners cite: Airbags did not deploy on impact; Occupants sustained neck and shoulder injuries requiring medical attention
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle was not repaired; manufacturer stated parts for NHTSA campaign 14V118000 were unavailable.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA campaign 14V118000 issued for airbags; manufacturer stated repair parts were unavailable to perform the recall service.
AC evaporator drain clog causing airbag system short
Clogged AC evaporator drain tube allows water to accumulate inside the vehicle, which then shorts out the airbag system, disabling the entire airbag function.
When: Timing not specified; occurred in at least one 2011 Acadia, but dealership reported seeing this on 7 Acadias in one month
Symptoms owners cite: Water pooling inside vehicle from clogged evaporator drain; Airbag system disabled or non-functional; Airbag warning indicator likely present
Repairs/costs cited: Owner reported repair was expensive; specific cost not stated. Dealership confirmed this is a common issue affecting multiple Acadias.
Corrosion and loose crimps in seat-mounted side impact airbag wiring harness
Corrosion and/or loose crimps develop in the connectors of the side impact airbag wiring harness mounted in the seats, affecting airbag reliability.
When: Identified through recall notice; one owner received a second recall notice for additional repairs
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light (in some cases); Potential loss of side impact airbag function due to connector failure
Repairs/costs cited: Recall repairs performed at dealer; one case involved confusion when GM sent a second recall notice despite dealer claiming repairs were already completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA recall campaign issued; recall notice sent to owners. Dealer reported that second recall notice was sent in error after repairs were already performed.
Airbag recall parts shortage
Manufacturers unable to supply dealers with adequate replacement parts to perform airbag recall service, leaving vehicles unrepaired indefinitely and owners unable to complete recall repairs despite receiving recall notices.
When: Observed in 2012, 2014, 2017, and during ongoing recall campaigns
Symptoms owners cite: Owner receives recall notice but parts unavailable at dealer; Dealer places owner on waiting list for parts; Vehicle remains unrepaired despite multiple recall notices
Repairs/costs cited: GM stated parts were available (July announcement), but dealers did not receive sufficient quantities. One case involved Takata recall with Takata filing Chapter 11; dealer delayed service pending matter settlement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM announced parts availability but did not deliver sufficient quantities to dealers; manufacturer stated parts were unavailable for NHTSA campaign 14V118000; dealer informed owner GM was not addressing the Takata issue immediately.
Synthesized from 21 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had airbags trouble with your 2011 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 airbags problem on the 2011 GMC Acadia?
It's a meaningful issue. 21 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,100.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Across the 12 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most airbags failures cluster between 48,800 and 90,000 miles, with the median around 65,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 48,800; a quarter make it past 90,000. 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 $1,100 for airbags 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 airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags 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/2011/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.