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ProblemsByVin File / 2021-GMC-ACADIA NHTSA data synced 3 days ago
2021 · GMC

GMC Acadia problems

142 owner complaints and 2 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, what a working mechanic would actually do about it.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.2 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2021 Acadia?
Acceptable — with caveats

Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.

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.

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Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

electrical
28 reports · fails ~31,400 mi · avg $850
severe
engine
17 reports · fails ~41,544 mi · avg $3,100
moderate
powertrain
15 reports · fails ~4,082 mi · avg $2,500
severe
steering
15 reports · fails ~27,792 mi · avg $700
moderate
brakes
14 reports · fails ~26,000 mi · avg $450
severe
airbags
7 reports · fails ~16,000 mi · avg $1,100
severe
fuel system
4 reports · fails ~49,168 mi · avg $1,200
moderate
cruise control
3 reports · fails ~2,500 mi · avg $600
severe
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2021 Acadia's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2021 Acadia?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2021 Acadia · brakes
Taken from service report; customer states brake pedal some times sinks to the floor and brake fluid on driveway. Tech performed brake fluid check and found that the brake fluid leak is coming from the left front and right front caliper hose, caliper hose has rub marking, making…
2021 Acadia · powertrain
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-60 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering inadvertently. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that he continued to drive the vehicle. The contact stated that the…
12/15/2021 · at 4,100 mi · NHTSA ODI #11443935.0 · see powertrain pattern →
2021 Acadia · steering
Car steers to left,volume does not work after a connected call while driving,screen blacks out and noise coming out of left driver door panel while car is off,also message that sd card was removed no apps working
2021 Acadia · powertrain Crash
While driving vehicle stalled multiple times in the middle of the road, with service transmission and engine light coming on, causing unsafe conditions, causing accident and leaving passengers stranded. Battery being drained and needing to be replaced multiple times within 2…
View all 142 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2021 GMC Acadia? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 2 of 2

severe NHTSA 22V709000 September 22, 2022

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with the optional Surround Vision feature

An inoperative rearview camera can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the coaxial cables, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 18, 2023. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222378380.
severe NHTSA 21V422000 June 3, 2021

General Motors, LLC

Improperly attached and seated fuel supply lines may loosen or separate, causing a fuel leak and increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace fuel supply lines as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212335590.

Common questions

Is the 2021 GMC Acadia reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.2 out of 10 based on 142 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2021 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 2021 GMC Acadia?

The 2021 GMC Acadia is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Electrical system: 28 complaints, classified severe; Reliability score 7.2/10 — around the segment average; 2 recall campaigns on file. 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 2021 GMC Acadia?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 28 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 31,400 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 31,400 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 2021 GMC Acadia?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 142 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.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 3 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/GMC/Acadia. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with GMC. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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