This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 GMC Acadia powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2013 GMC Acadia have filed 26 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 100,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
26
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Acadia | 59 |
| 2010 Acadia | 36 |
| 2011 Acadia | 30 |
| 2012 Acadia | 39 |
| 2013 Acadia (this page) | 26 |
| 2014 Acadia | 32 |
| 2015 Acadia | 19 |
| 2016 Acadia | 20 |
| 2017 Acadia | 227 |
1crash
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 26 powertrain complaints filed for the 2013 GMC Acadia, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 26 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Powertrain accounts for 19% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 8 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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 information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and information on Submission of Warranty Transaction in Global Warranty Management.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2013 GMC Acadia powertrain complaints center on a systematic pattern of transmission and torque converter failures starting as early as 50,000 miles. Owners describe sudden loss of power while driving, stalling at traffic stops, harsh or delayed shifts between gears (especially 2nd to 3rd around 30–40 mph), and shuddering/jerking—often accompanied by check engine lights, traction control warnings, and power steering loss.
Several owners report the vehicle nearly got rear-ended after losing power on highways or stalling in traffic. One owner had the transmission rebuilt at 85,000 miles, only to have identical symptoms return months later. Another has had the transmission rebuilt three times in ownership, with costs reaching $4,950 per rebuild.
Dealers have confirmed the issues are known (one stated it's "too expensive to recall"), but repairs fall outside warranty for most owners. An independent mechanic traced one failure to a stuck torque converter solenoid, citing TSB 10052215-6979. Multiple owners note transmission problems began around 50,000 miles and continued despite component replacements and full rebuilds. One vehicle with 120,000+ miles still exhibits transmission slip and shudder. Owners also report the all-wheel drive system suddenly disengaging while driving in snow, leaving the vehicle unable to move forward.
Same GMC Acadia powertrain reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Torque Converter Failure
The torque converter fails, causing shuddering, vibration, harsh shifts, loss of power, stalling at stops, and slipping. Owners report the component breaks down early in the vehicle's life and often requires full transmission replacement to fix properly.
When: 85,000–194,032 miles; some as early as 50,000 miles per owner experience
Symptoms owners cite: shuddering at 1800 RPM and other RPMs; vibration when accelerating from stop; jerking or jumping; harsh shifts; loss of power while driving; engine stalling while stopped at traffic light; vehicle nearly stops on freeway
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of torque converter; many owners report full transmission replacement needed. Costs cited: $1,500 (torque converter), $3,500–$5,800 for full transmission rebuild/replacement, $5,000+ when converter nearly shatters.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 10052215-6979 issued; dealer refused to repair under warranty after mileage exceeded coverage; one dealer stated issue is 'known' but too expensive to recall.
Hard Shifting / Delayed Shifts
Transmission hesitates or delays when shifting gears, then shifts abruptly and harshly. Occurs most commonly at 30–40 mph (2nd to 3rd gear transition) and 55–65 mph ranges. Delays in shift response create safety hazards during acceleration and highway merging.
When: 30,000–120,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: delayed or slow shifting; hard shifts that throw passengers forward; hesitation on take-off; struggle to shift between 2nd and 3rd gear around 30–40 mph; slip/pull-back sensation at 35–40 and 55–65 mph; difficulty maintaining RPM on hills
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission rebuild or replacement recommended by shops; costs $3,500–$4,950. One owner noted 35R drum and snap rings failed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated issue is 'known' but no recall on 2013 models (only 2014 recall applied). Dealers refused repairs citing warranty expiration.
Transmission Solenoid / Module Failure
Torque converter solenoid remains stuck open or transmission module malfunctions, causing vehicle to stall or lose motive power unexpectedly. Module may incorrectly signal transmission to park mode while vehicle is in motion or idling.
When: Variable; one case at 194,032 miles
Symptoms owners cite: stalling at traffic stops; loss of motive power; vehicle thinking it's in park when it isn't; doors locking/unlocking erratically; check engine light appearing intermittently
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic diagnosed torque converter solenoid stuck open; no repair completed. Dealer unable to repair transmission module issue without check engine light active.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 10052215-6979 referenced by mechanic; manufacturer did not respond to owner notification.
Engine Control Module / Electrical Failure (Powertrain-Related)
Engine control module fails or electrical short develops, causing loss of all dash lights, power steering shutdown, and inability to restart. Vehicle remains non-functional after dealership replacement of ECM.
When: Timing not specified; second occurrence
Symptoms owners cite: complete loss of power while driving; all dashboard lights extinguish; power steering loss at 45 mph; engine unable to restart; ignition key stuck in ignition; subsequent electrical short not located
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replaced engine control module; issue persisted. Dealership unable to locate electrical short. Vehicle remains unsafe.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Power Loss / Limp-Mode Activation
Vehicle loses motive power while driving, often accompanied by traction control shutting off, stability control messages, engine power reduction, and check engine light. Power typically returns after restart or engine sits overnight. Occurs intermittently but can strand vehicle on highway.
When: Over 2 years of intermittent occurrence; incidents months apart; highway speeds (45, 55 mph+)
Symptoms owners cite: sudden loss of power while accelerating; transmission unable to shift out of high gear; traction control off message; engine power is reduced message; service traction control message; service StabiliTrak message; check engine light; loss of power steering; loss of power brakes after shutdown; power and messages reset after restart or overnight
Repairs/costs cited: One owner paid $5,800 for transmission replacement in August 2018; symptoms recurred October 2018. No permanent fix achieved.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None. Owner notes GM vehicles have recurring issue but no real attention until fatal accident occurs.
All-Wheel Drive Disengagement
All-wheel drive system turns off unexpectedly while vehicle is in motion, leaving it stuck and unable to move forward on inclines or in snow. Vehicle only responds to reverse gear.
When: While driving uphill in snow (2–3 feet)
Symptoms owners cite: all-wheel drive disengages unexpectedly; vehicle stops moving in all forward gears except reverse; cannot move in any gear except reverse
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Transmission Fluid Leak (Post-Internal Repair)
After dealer replaces internal transmission components (unclear which), transmission develops persistent leak that dealer cannot resolve after multiple attempts.
When: Post-service; at least 4 return visits required
Symptoms owners cite: fluid leak after dealer repair; leak continues despite multiple repair attempts
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to stop leak after four service visits; no resolution documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Synthesized from 26 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
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 contact sustained injuries that required medical attention. The vehicle was damaged, but was drivable. The dealer and 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.
Air bag service light is on. Defective wiring harness. Transmition issues as per a common complaint on this vehicle. The vehicle shows all of these issues both when running parked and while in motion on all types of roadways
The torque converter went bad within 5 years and had to be replaced due to the engine shutting off when stopped and shuttering when accelerating. The repairs cost me $1500
My GMC Acadia has been experiencing transmission problems. It has been jerking and it has been failing to accelerate properly. The check engine light is not on and the mechanic says he can not find a problem with the vehicle.
These symptoms started over 2 years ago and is very intermittent. Driving on the highway, the vehicle suddenly loses power, unable to accelerate and the transmission will not shift out of high gear. The decrease in speed is significant enough that on now 3 occasions the vehicle has almost nearly been rear-ended. Additionally, on the instrument panel the following indicators and messages…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2013 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 powertrain problem on the 2013 GMC Acadia?
It's a meaningful issue. 26 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 17 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 83,000 and 115,000 miles, with the median around 100,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 83,000; a quarter make it past 115,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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/2013/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.