Shift to park caused by a faulty micro switch. Woukd take up to 30 min to get car in park, leading to engine shutdown failures and possibly battery drain I did replace battery before I knew this was causing this. Messages did appear saying this was an issue ,must shift to park but no indication of how to do it. I got this repaired at barkley GMC Dec 29:30
2019 GMC Acadia electrical problems
moderate 68 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
68
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1fire
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 68 electrical complaints filed for the 2019 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 68 electrical 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.
Electrical accounts for 19% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 8 categories tracked.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2019 Acadia has a widespread, well-documented electrical problem where the vehicle falsely claims it's not in park even though the shifter is in park, preventing engine shutdown and door locking. This issue affects numerous vehicles but many aren't covered by recall depending on VIN; repairs run $500–$2,000+, and the problem often recurs within months or years. Additionally, the center display screen glitches (cycling through functions and making calls), door locks fail intermittently in wet weather, battery drains repeatedly, and steering assist can vanish during driving—all electrical gremlins that dealers struggle to permanently resolve.
The 2019 Acadia has a persistent electrical defect where the vehicle displays "Shift to Park" on the dash even though the shifter is physically in park. The engine won't shut off, doors won't lock, and an alarm sounds continuously. Owners report cycling the shifter in and out of park anywhere from 3 to 30+ times before the vehicle recognizes it's in park—sometimes taking 20–25 minutes or longer. Once it finally clears, the car can be turned off and secured. This issue happens intermittently for some owners and constantly for others, and recurs even after dealership repairs. Repair costs range from $500 to over $2,000, typically involving replacement of the transmission control shifter assembly, park switch, and wire harness. The problem is covered under recall for 2017 and 2018 model years, but many 2019 owners report their VINs are excluded from the recall despite identical symptoms. Some owners have paid for repairs multiple times. A separate complaint describes the center touchscreen glitching during driving—cycling through radio stations, attempting phone calls, and changing settings without user input, a known issue across GMC models that costs roughly $800 to fix. Door locks also fail, especially in rain, leaving owners unable to lock or unlock doors via fob, buttons, or mobile app. Owners also report repeated battery failures, sudden loss of power steering assist, false tire pressure warnings, and in one case, an engine fire with no warning light. A/C condensation has fried the CPU module on at least one vehicle, triggering "theft mode" and wild electrical behavior during driving.
Same GMC Acadia electrical reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2018 · 2020 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Shift-to-Park Warning — Fails to Recognize Park Position
Vehicle displays 'Shift to Park' warning message even when the shifter is physically in park. Engine will not shut off, doors will not lock, and alarm sounds continuously until the issue clears. Owners report needing to restart the engine and cycle the shifter between park and other gears multiple times (sometimes 3-30+ attempts) before the vehicle recognizes it is in park. Issue is intermittent but can become persistent.
When: Occurs when attempting to shut off vehicle after parking; happens intermittently or constantly depending on the vehicle. Some owners report it starting after 1-2 years of ownership; others report it occurring near end of warranty or beyond.
Symptoms owners cite: Dash displays 'Shift to Park' message despite shifter being in park position; Engine will not turn off; Doors will not lock or unlock; Continuous audible alarm/dinging from vehicle; Shifter physically locked in park, cannot move forward; Battery drains due to vehicle remaining powered on; Vehicle may stall or fail to start on subsequent attempts
Codes mentioned: SAC001 (Battery Service), BCM low signal
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers typically replace transmission control shifter assembly, park switch, in-line shifter wire harness, and/or BCM. Owners cite repair costs ranging from $500 to $2,000+ out of pocket. Replacement parts include: Harness ASM-TRAS CONT WRG (Part # 84733196) and Switch ASM-TRNS CONT (Part # 84955379). Issue recurs in some vehicles within 6 months to 3+ years after repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls exist for 2017 and 2018 model years (e.g., NA-19-206 bulletin cited by owners), but many 2019 vehicles are not included in the recall per their VINs, despite exhibiting identical symptoms. Owners report GM stating 'no recall' for their specific VINs. Some dealers mention an expected recall that never materialized. Dealership told one owner GMC is aware of the issue but offers no fix. One owner reports an ongoing class action lawsuit.
Center Display Screen — Intermittent Malfunction / Ghosting
Touchscreen display cycles through menus, radio stations, phone functions, and settings on its own while vehicle is in motion or parked. Screen will turn itself back on after being powered off. Makes unsolicited phone calls or changes radio stations. Accompanied by audible sounds and is highly distracting. Temporary workaround is to reset the battery.
When: Began approximately 1 year after purchase for one owner; presented suddenly for another. No warning lights precede the failure.
Symptoms owners cite: Screen cycles through vehicle settings and menus without user input; Radio stations change independently; Phone calls initiated without owner action; Screen will not stay powered off; Navigation and connectivity features activate unexpectedly; Audible sounds accompany screen glitching; High distraction while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers report the display assembly costs approximately $800 plus labor for replacement. Owners note this failure is widespread across GMC models. No temporary permanent fix identified by owners.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GMC is aware of the problem. Service centers confirm it happens frequently. No recall or warranty extension mentioned.
Door Lock System — Electrical Failure, Rain-Related and Intermittent
Door locks malfunction intermittently; doors fail to lock or unlock via key fob, door buttons, or manual controls. Issue is often triggered or worsened by rain. One owner reports mother was trapped in vehicle twice due to lock failure during rain. Locks sometimes function normally for days before failing again when weather returns.
When: Can occur at any time but frequently coincides with rain or wet weather. Persists intermittently over extended periods despite multiple dealership visits.
Symptoms owners cite: Doors will not lock via key fob; Doors will not unlock via key fob; Door lock buttons on doors do not function; Manual lock operation does not work; OnStar lock/unlock function fails; GMC mobile app lock/unlock fails; Failure often triggered by rain or wet conditions; Rear hatch may be the only functional door lock during failure; Owner trapped or unable to secure vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have replaced unspecified 'mechanisms' but the problem recurs. One dealership replaced BCM and harness; issue persisted intermittently. Multiple visits (at least 4-6 times for one owner) have not resolved the issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or TSBs mentioned. Dealership states they cannot find the root cause despite multiple repair attempts.
Battery Repeated Discharge and Replacement
Battery fails and must be replaced multiple times in succession. One owner had battery replaced four times within first 3,000 miles of ownership. Triple A tested battery, starter, and alternator; issue persisted despite battery replacement.
When: Occurred at approximately 3,000 miles on vehicle for one owner.
Symptoms owners cite: Battery warning light illuminated; Steering warning light illuminated; Brake warning light illuminated; Battery discharge without explanation; Vehicle stalling after jump-start
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced four times; failure persisted. Dealership indicated diagnostic testing could be performed after battery replacement but owner did not pursue further.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified and case opened but no resolution documented.
Electrical Fire — No Warning Light
Engine caught fire while vehicle was parked with no warning lights illuminated beforehand. Chicago Fire Department extinguished fire. Vehicle inspection determined cause as failure with the electrical system.
When: Occurred while vehicle was parked at approximately 65,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine fire with no preceding warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle was not repaired; fire was extinguished by fire department.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer contacted but vehicle not repaired. Manufacturer not notified of failure.
CPU Module Water Damage — A/C Condensation
A/C condensation entered CPU module through insufficient protective tray, causing electrical system to malfunction. Multiple instances of the vehicle entering 'theft mode' unexpectedly, with alarm, wipers, and lights activating uncontrollably while parked or in motion.
When: First incident June 2020, second incident October 2020 while vehicle was in motion at busy intersection.
Symptoms owners cite: 'Remote not detected' warning; Vehicle enters theft mode unexpectedly; Manual lock failure — cannot lock vehicle; Electrical systems remain powered despite engine off; Alarm activates unexpectedly; Windshield wipers activate without command; Lights activate without command; False low fuel warning (tank full); Steering assist turns on and off unexpectedly; Brakes lock mid-driving on busy street; Steering wheel tightens unexpectedly; Power steering assist failure during driving
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership stated CPU module was 'fried' by water intrusion. Multiple towing incidents required (Triple A used twice). Owner paid out of pocket for tows. Dealership expressed uncertainty whether issue would recur if A/C continued to run.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership acknowledged water intrusion path but did not offer recall, warranty coverage, or redesign of protective tray. One dealership initially blamed owner's dash cam for secondary 'no remote detected' issue.
Rear Hood Struts — Fluid Leakage and Structural Failure
Both rear hood struts were leaking fluid and unable to hold the hood in the open position. Hood came down on owner during grocery retrieval and would not stay closed. Vehicle had only 16,000 miles and was 2 years old at time of failure.
When: Occurred at approximately 16,000 miles, August 2021.
Symptoms owners cite: Hood struts leaking fluid; Hood will not stay open; drops unexpectedly; Hood cannot be manually closed and stays open
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replaced both rear hood struts.
Steering Assist Reduced — Partial or Complete Loss of Power Steering
Warning message 'Power Steering Assist Reduced — Drive with Care' displays on dashboard. Vehicle loses steering assist control, making steering extremely sensitive and difficult. One owner reports the slightest steering wheel movement causes major unintended direction shifts, creating dangerous driving conditions.
When: Occurred in at least one case while vehicle was parked and during other instances while driving.
Symptoms owners cite: 'Power Steering Assist Reduced' warning message displayed; Steering becomes very difficult or extremely sensitive; Slightest steering input causes major direction shift; Loss of steering assist control; Temperature gauge stops registering correctly (in one related complaint); Heat may malfunction alongside steering issue
Codes mentioned: Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor inoperative
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports needing thermostat and sensor replacement. Owners suggest Engine Control Module (ECM) calibration update may be needed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One complaint references possible recall to update ECM with latest calibration.
Tire Pressure Monitor — False Low-Pressure Warnings
Tire pressure monitoring system sends warnings of low pressure when tires are actually properly inflated. Owners cannot trust the warning system to alert them to actual low-pressure conditions. Creates safety hazard requiring owners to pull over to manually verify tire pressure.
When: Reported to occur intermittently.
Symptoms owners cite: False low tire pressure warnings displayed; Warning continues despite proper tire inflation; Unable to trust system for actual pressure monitoring
Shifter Mechanical Lock — Unable to Move Out of Park
Shifter physically locks in park position and cannot be moved. Owner reports shifter refuses to move out of park function. Prior to complete lock, vehicle would display 'Shift to Park' warning even when already in park. Requires replacement of shifter assembly.
When: Occurred at least twice for one owner; first repair performed, issue recurred within 6 months.
Symptoms owners cite: 'Shift to Park' warning before shifter lock; Shifter physically stuck in park position; Cannot move shifter to drive or other gears
Repairs/costs cited: Shifter assembly replacement performed; issue recurred within 6 months of repair.
Seat Belt — Second Row Middle Seat Belt Non-Functional
Middle seat belt in second row of vehicle stops working. Occurs in conjunction with shifter electrical issues.
When: Reported to occur at same time as shifter problems.
Symptoms owners cite: Middle seat belt in second row does not function
Synthesized from 68 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
I would park my car and try to turn off car. The car would not turn off. The car continued to ding the car remained on. The safety issue is the car wouldn't turn off. After many many times shifting from park to drive it would finally park, this happened every time using the car. I discovered the same exact issue is a recall on 2017 & 2018 GMC Acadia our exact car ! Called the dealer explaining…
While driving the all the the service lights came on on the dashboard and the system as well as the stabilitrak notification. The car begin to not want accelerate and I had to put on the hazard lights on a drive very slow home. Upon arrival home the car would not start but would not power off either and the a "Shift to Park" warning message is displayed.
Code 0128 coolant temperature sensor failure triggered reduced lane departure assist
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle would not start. After several attempts, the contact was able to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the battery was replaced. On another occasion while the contact shifted the vehicle into park, the contact heard a beeping…
I randomly get a "shift to park" warning even though the vehicle is in park. It looks like there has been this same issue with older years but not my vehicle according to the VIN.
There are 2 issues im experiencing. The first is the vehicle won't allow me to shut down the engine because it doesnt recognize that its been shifted into "park". Ive already paid close to 800.00 to.have this repaired because my model year is not covered in the recall. Today, it started doing it again. The safety issue is that either I, my wife, or my teenage daughter (depending on who is…
Had electrical trouble with your 2019 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 electrical problem on the 2019 GMC Acadia?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 68 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 10,767 and 32,500 miles, with the median around 26,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 10,767; a quarter make it past 32,500. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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/2019/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.