GMC Acadia problems
137 owner complaints with NHTSA, no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced.
- 5 fire-related complaints on the electrical system
- Powertrain: 26 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 83,000–115,000 mi
- Reliability score 7.6/10 — above the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
The electrical motor for the side view mirror malfunctioned on the passenger side of the vehicle and no longer works. It will not turn in and is stuck outward. The driver's side works at this time. The vehicle was stationary in my garage.
First it started with the daytime running lights staying on hours after vehicle is shut off then it went to parking lights staying on as well and now the driver side lights are out including liscence plate lights nothing works but the headlight
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 GMC acadia. After the vehicle was parked, the vehicle continued to move forward and dragged the contact as she was exiting. The vehicle rolled over the contact's left leg and crashed into a light post. There was no warning indicator illuminated. The…
At 35-40 and 55-65 mph, the car slips/ pulls back. I took it to the dealer, my rep said it is a known issue and GMC issued a bulletin but will not recall it because it's too expensive. There are thousands of reports online. Please investigate.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2013 GMC Acadia reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.6 out of 10 based on 137 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 GMC Acadia is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2013 GMC Acadia?
On the NHTSA data, the 2013 GMC Acadia is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 5 fire-related complaints on the electrical system; Powertrain: 26 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 83,000–115,000 mi; Reliability score 7.6/10 — above the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What's the most common problem on the 2013 GMC Acadia?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 34 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 65,783 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 65,783 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my GMC Acadia has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2013 GMC Acadia?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 137 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.