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 ↗2014 GMC Acadia powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2014 GMC Acadia have filed 32 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 87,000 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
32
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 Acadia | 36 |
| 2011 Acadia | 30 |
| 2012 Acadia | 39 |
| 2013 Acadia | 26 |
| 2014 Acadia (this page) | 32 |
| 2015 Acadia | 19 |
| 2016 Acadia | 20 |
| 2017 Acadia | 227 |
| 2018 Acadia | 155 |
2crashes
4injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 32 powertrain complaints filed for the 2014 GMC Acadia, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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 32 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.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 9 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
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
Owners consistently describe rough, delayed, or hard shifting with jerking and hesitation starting at low mileage (some report it from day one). Shifts often occur with high RPMs and pauses, especially between 10–20 MPH or during turns. Dealerships tell owners this is normal behavior or a programming issue with no fix available. Several owners report complete transmission failure requiring $6,000+ replacement out of warranty.
Vehicle stalling while driving ranks as a critical safety issue. Multiple owners report unexpected loss of propulsion on highways and city streets with no warning light beforehand—one at 70 MPH on a Chicago interstate forced a complete stop in traffic. Diagnostic codes P1682 (ignition relay failure) and P0689 appear in some cases; others log no codes at all. A recall (14V-614, GM #14515) exists for this stalling problem but some affected vehicles fall outside the recall window by build date.
Unintended gear shifting creates danger: vehicles roll backward downhill while stopped despite brake applied, shift from Drive to Low on their own (up to three times weekly in one case), or shift out of Reverse into Drive without input. One vehicle backed out of a garage unattended and struck a parked car, injuring family members. Dealerships confirm this behavior in testing but label it "normal."
Brake pedal play, water intrusion into electrical connectors, and repeated Stabilitrak/traction control warnings compound the issues. These vehicles fail independently at shop diagnosis and lack manufacturer remedy—owners face long repair waits and out-of-pocket costs.
Same GMC Acadia powertrain reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Harsh/Delayed Shifting and Transmission Jerking
Transmission exhibits rough, hard, or delayed shifts with jerking, lurching, and hesitation during acceleration or gear changes. Owners report sputtering, slipping feel, and high RPMs before or during shifts. Shifts often occur between 10-20 MPH and during turns. Some owners describe banging or slamming into gears.
When: Throughout vehicle ownership, often from early miles (reported at 5,000 miles); increases with mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Rough, hard, or delayed shifts; Jerking and lurching during acceleration; Vehicle sputtering and slipping sensation; High RPMs before or during shifts; Hesitation between 10-20 MPH; Banging or slamming into gears; Pause when accelerating
Codes mentioned: TCM (transmission control module) issues reported, Check Engine light, Traction Control and Stabilitrak errors
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers consistently unable to diagnose or repair; some suggest programming issue but state no software fix available from GMC. One owner faced $6,000 transmission replacement cost out of warranty. Transmissions failing and requiring full replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships told owners behavior is 'normal' or vehicle is 'learning'; referred to programming issue with no fix available. No recall issued despite high complaint volume. Owner notes multiple similar complaints on AcadiaForum.net.
Loss of Power and Stalling While Driving
Vehicle loses propulsion or stalls unexpectedly while in motion at various speeds, sometimes without warning. Engine dies or loses power suddenly, requiring driver to restart or coast to regain control. Occurs on highways and city streets, creating serious traffic safety hazards.
When: Intermittent, occurs at various speeds and conditions; one case at 70 MPH on interstate; another at 82,550 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls or loses propulsion without warning; Engine dies on highway and city streets; Cluster lights appear before stall; Power loss requiring restart or key cycle; No preemptive warning before stall events
Codes mentioned: P0689 (Engine Control Module power problem), P1682 (Ignition 1 Circuit/Relay failure), No codes logged in some cases despite failure
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership diagnostics unable to locate cause in some cases; no repairs completed. Electrical shorting in fuse box ignition circuitry suspected by one owner.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 14V-614 (GM #14515) exists for this issue but some affected VINs not included in recall per NHTSA database. Owner experienced vehicle stall matching recall description but was told VIN not under recall. No manufacturer assistance provided.
Unintended Gear Shifting (Neutral Roll, Shift Out of Gear)
Transmission shifts unexpectedly into neutral or out of intended gear without driver input. Vehicle rolls backward on hills when stopped, shifts from Drive to Low on its own, or shifts out of Reverse into Drive without warning. One case involved unmanned vehicle rolling backward out of garage.
When: Occurs when stopped on hills; can happen multiple times per week (reported as 3+ times/week in one case); at various driving situations
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward down hill when stopped despite brake applied; Transmission shifts to Neutral at stop on incline; Shifts from Drive to Low gear on its own; Shifts out of Reverse into Drive without input; Vehicle moved backward out of garage unattended
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership confirmed behavior in testing but claimed 'normal' operation after testing 2013 Acadia and 2015 Buick with same drivetrain. No repairs performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships declared behavior 'normal' and refused correction. One owner with 32-year Ford tech background stated this is abnormal. No recall or service bulletin addressing issue.
Unintended Forward Motion (Vehicle Drives Without Driver Input)
Vehicle accelerated backward or forward on its own without driver pressing accelerator or releasing brake. One case involved vehicle backing out of garage and colliding with parked vehicle while no driver was in vehicle; another involved vehicle shifting from Reverse to Drive and accelerating forward into garage refrigerator.
When: Garage/driveway situations; occurred during ignition startup sequence
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle backed out of garage on its own with no driver input; Transmission in Park indicator but vehicle moved; Vehicle accelerated forward into obstacle without driver input; Shift from Reverse to Drive without driver action
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle returned to Hendricks GMC of Cary, NC for diagnostics pending at time of complaint. Injuries sustained: contusions to occupants, dragging injuries to owner.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented; vehicle sent to dealer for diagnosis.
Engine Power Reduction and Control System Failures
Vehicle displays repeated warning lights (Service Stabilitrak, Service Traction Control, ABS, Brake, Check Engine) and loses engine power or reduces power below 40 MPH. 'Engine Power Reduced' message appears randomly. Affects drivability and safety systems including traction control, stability control, and braking.
When: Constant warning light illumination; power reduction occurs unpredictably; one case at 2-3 year duration
Symptoms owners cite: Service Stabilitrak warning light; Service Traction Control warning light; ABS warning light; Brake warning light; Check Engine light; Engine Power Reduced message on display; Vehicle won't accelerate past 40 MPH; Loss of power mid-intersection; Jerking and stalling in traffic
Codes mentioned: P1682 (Ignition 1 Circuit/Relay failure)
Repairs/costs cited: No official manufacturer inspection completed; failed component remains in vehicle. One owner reports multiple dealership visits over 3 years with no resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; manufacturer aware per complaint but no diagnosis or repair performed.
ABS/Brake System Noise and Engagement
Clunking or circular motion noise underneath vehicle body felt in gas pedal and floor area during acceleration between 10-20 MPH. Dealership testing confirmed GM bulletin identifying this as 'normal' ABS cycling in Acadia and Chevy Traverse models, but owner describes this as safety concern given brake system involvement.
When: Occurs 80-90% of the time after vehicle start, between 10-20 MPH acceleration
Symptoms owners cite: Clunking sound underneath vehicle body; Circular motion felt under gas pedal; Clunk felt in floor area; Hard shift into gear at 10-20 MPH; Noise consistent 80-90% of starts
Repairs/costs cited: GM bulletin on file identifies as normal ABS brake system cycling.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM bulletin issued labeling as 'normal' behavior; manufacturer unwilling to resolve despite owner safety concerns.
Electrical Short and Water Intrusion
Water enters door electrical connectors causing short circuits and intermittent system failures. Radio, alerts, blinker sounds, and informatique systems work intermittently. One case involved water in electronic modules after car wash.
When: After vehicle wash or water exposure
Symptoms owners cite: Water in door electrical connectors; Radio intermittent or non-functional; Alert and blinker sounds stop working; Electric short circuit sounds; Informatique radio system cycles on and off; Side blind zone alert module filled with water; Backup camera and TV/DVD systems quit working
Repairs/costs cited: Module water intrusion diagnosed; side mirror lights remain on after attempted repair in April 2019.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented.
Transmission Shift and Brake Pedal Interaction Issues
Brake pedal exhibits unusual play causing shift indicator problems and triggering stability control. Brake pedal play activates stop lights continuously and engages Stabilitrak, creating false speed-up/down sensations. This brake pedal issue triggers transmission malfunction preventing gear changes and reducing engine power.
When: Related to brake pedal wear/play condition
Symptoms owners cite: Unusual brake pedal play; Stop lights turn on constantly; Stabilitrak system triggered repeatedly; Transmission won't change gears; Engine power loss; False acceleration/deceleration feel
Repairs/costs cited: Issue related to water intrusion and electrical shorts in same vehicle.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented.
Failure to Shift Into or Out of Park
Transmission fails to shift into Park or key becomes ceases in ignition preventing vehicle shutdown. One case involved failure to shift into Park; another involved key stuck in ignition preventing vehicle off.
When: At 106,000 miles (one case)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to shift into Park; Key ceases in ignition and won't turn off vehicle; No warning light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not taken to dealer or mechanic for diagnosis or repair in one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer informed; stated VIN not under recall 14V092000 (Powertrain).
Synthesized from 32 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
As I am accelerating up any sort of incline, the vehicle strongly jerks until I apply more gas. The problem is occurring more frequently as I put more miles on the vehicle.
Had powertrain trouble with your 2014 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 2014 GMC Acadia?
It's a meaningful issue. 32 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 16 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 19,100 and 156,000 miles, with the median around 87,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 19,100; a quarter make it past 156,000. 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/2014/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.