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 ↗2021 GMC Acadia powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2021 GMC Acadia have filed 15 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain 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 →
Complaints
15
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 Acadia | 227 |
| 2018 Acadia | 155 |
| 2019 Acadia | 145 |
| 2020 Acadia | 19 |
| 2021 Acadia (this page) | 15 |
| 2022 Acadia | 4 |
| 2023 Acadia | 9 |
| 2024 Acadia | 6 |
| 2025 Acadia | 4 |
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 15 powertrain complaints filed for the 2021 GMC Acadia, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 4 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 service bulletin provides 9th gear operation information to respond to customers that may comment on transmission shift operation.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin advises the tech that the rotational Clicking Noise Heard After Engine Shut Down may be normal characteristics of the vehicle.
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 transmission problems starting early in vehicle life. The most critical issue is torque converter failure: shuddering and stalling at highway speeds, with one vehicle stopping abruptly at 75 mph and entering neutral unprompted—both incidents occurred under 4,100 miles. Transmission slipping during acceleration, jerky shifts, and loss of power with high RPMs are widespread. One owner had transmission fluid serviced per service bulletin PIP5608H without resolution, requiring torque converter replacement. Another's PCM was replaced to address the same symptoms.
Beyond transmission failures, owners report cascading electrical and sensor faults. Multiple sensors fail within short intervals: liftgate sensors, purge valve sensors, crankcase vent sensors, and temperature sensors—with some failures recurring three times. One owner faced new issues every 3-6 months. Check engine lights come on repeatedly, often with codes dealerships cannot fully diagnose (P0700, P7224). Battery drain is chronic, with cooling fans running excessively after shutdown. One owner's vehicle stalled on the highway causing an accident; another experienced dangerous speed loss on a 75 mph interstate with light traffic the only factor preventing a fatal collision. Several owners report dealerships unable to recreate or fully resolve issues despite multiple service visits.
Same GMC Acadia powertrain reports on nearby years: 2018 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission Torque Converter Failure
Vehicle shudders and stalls while driving at normal highway speeds. Owner #1 diagnosed with failed torque converter requiring replacement after transmission fluid service per bulletin PIP5608H did not resolve the issue. Owner #2 experienced abrupt loss of power and erratic speed at 75 mph with only 4,063 miles. Owner #6 reported transmission slipping and vehicle entering neutral unprompted, requiring PCM replacement.
When: 4,100 miles (owner #1); 4,063 miles (owner #2); 41,172 miles (owner #6)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shuddering or shaking; Engine stalling while driving; Unable to restart vehicle; Abrupt loss of power; Erratic vehicle speed; Transmission slipping; Vehicle entering neutral without driver input
Codes mentioned: P0700, P7224
Repairs/costs cited: Owner #1: Transmission fluid replaced per service bulletin PIP5608H; torque converter replaced. Owner #6: DTR1 PCM replaced.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner #1: Dealer advised to drive 200 miles and return if failure reoccurs; manufacturer notified. Owner #2: GM Service Bulletin issued July 2020 (referenced by owner). Owner #6: Transmission place replaced DTR1 PCM.
Transmission Slipping and Hard Shifting
Transmission slips during acceleration and shifts jerky between gears. Owner #4 experienced loss of power with revving RPMs at 45-50 mph. Owner #5 reported engine revving to 15,000 RPM and hard transmission shift while stopped at traffic light. Owner #8 had transmission drained and refilled but slipping persisted at acceleration and continued through 3rd gear with jerky shifts.
When: Under 9,000 miles (owner #4); 249 miles (owner #5); unspecified mileage (owner #8)
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power during acceleration with high RPM; Engine revving without corresponding vehicle acceleration; Hard transmission shifts; Jerky shifts between gears; Transmission slipping during acceleration; Vehicle stopping then restarting if stopped
Codes mentioned: P0700, P7224
Repairs/costs cited: Owner #4: Dealership tested components, all normal. Owner #5: Test drive found no failure. Owner #8: Transmission drained and refilled without resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner #5: Manufacturer notified; no assistance offered. Owner #4: Dealership noted to monitor if issue recurs.
Engine Stalling and Stopping While Driving
Vehicle stalls or stops unexpectedly while in traffic or on highway. Owner #1 vehicle stalled after shuddering. Owner #6 transmission slipped then vehicle went into neutral and would not start; repeated after restart. Owner #7 vehicle stalled multiple times on highway causing accident and stranding passengers. Owner #12 vehicle stops when auto stop engaged with ABS and parking brake flashing.
When: 4,100 miles (owner #1); 41,172 miles (owner #6); unspecified (owner #7, #12)
Symptoms owners cite: Unexpected stalling while driving; Vehicle stops in middle of road; Vehicle unresponsive to restart attempts; Service transmission light illuminated; Service engine light illuminated; Vehicle stops when auto stop engaged; ABS and parking brake warnings before stopping
Codes mentioned: P0014, C0800-03
Repairs/costs cited: Owner #1: Vehicle towed to dealer. Owner #6: Vehicle towed to transmission place. Owner #7: Safety incident resulted in accident.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner #1: Manufacturer notified. Owner #7: No manufacturer response mentioned. Owner #12: Dealership unable to recreate issue.
Electrical System and Battery Drain
Battery drains rapidly requiring multiple replacements within short timeframe. Cooling fan runs excessively after vehicle shutdown, drawing down battery. Owner #7 reported battery drain and electrical system failures. Owner #10 cooling fan runs extremely loud and long after shutdown, draining battery. Owner #9 cooling fan runs extended periods after shutdown.
When: Multiple times within 2 years (owner #7); unspecified (owner #9, #10)
Symptoms owners cite: Battery drains and requires multiple replacements; Cooling fan runs excessively after shutdown; Radio and lights flickering; Radio freezing and shutting off; Electrical system not working properly; System overheating
Repairs/costs cited: Owner #7: Battery replaced multiple times within 2 years.
Temperature Sensor and Cooling System Malfunction
Engine temperature gauge shows incorrect readings and cooling fan operates erratically. Owner #3 reported engine cooling system issue with check engine light. Owner #9 engine temperature shows cold after 30 minutes of driving, cooling fan runs extended periods, check engine light comes on in cycle. Owner #14 faulty thermostat and temperature sensor related to steering assist warning.
When: Unspecified (owner #3, #9, #14)
Symptoms owners cite: Incorrect temperature gauge readings; Engine shows cold after 30 minutes driving; Cooling fan runs for extended periods; Check engine light comes on; Cycling of temperature and cooling issues; Steering assist reduced warning (related to temperature sensor per owner #14)
Repairs/costs cited: Owner #9: Battery unplugged and reconnected to reset system; issue returns after short period.
Driver Assist System Warnings and Steering Assist Reduced
Vehicle displays steering assist warnings and driver assist system malfunctions. Owner #10 received 'Driver assist reduced Drive with care' warning randomly; lane change feature stops working; check engine light comes on. Owner #14 received steering assist reduced warning, attributed to faulty thermostat and temperature sensor.
When: Sporadic occurrences (owner #10)
Symptoms owners cite: Driver assist reduced warning displayed; Lane change feature disabled; Check engine light comes on; Steering assist reduced warning; Warnings come and go sporadically
Multiple Sensor Failures and Check Engine Lights
Vehicle develops recurring check engine lights related to various sensor failures. Owner #3 had liftgate sensors replaced twice, purge valve sensor failed three separate times, crankcase vent sensor failed with new issues every 3-6 months. Owner #4 received P0700 and P7224 codes; dealership found all components normal. Owner #11 shuddering with no check engine lights initially, but issue ongoing.
When: Various failures every 3-6 months (owner #3); under 9,000 miles (owner #4); September onwards ongoing (owner #11)
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated repeatedly; Liftgate sensors failing; Purge valve sensor failures (3 times); Crankcase vent sensor failure; Engine cooling system warning; New faults every 3-6 months; Shuddering without warning lights (initially)
Codes mentioned: P0700, P7224
Repairs/costs cited: Owner #3: Liftgate sensors replaced twice (charge unknown); purge valve sensor replaced three times; crankcase vent sensor diagnostics charged but not repaired initially, then replaced without charge but not covered under warranty.
Synthesized from 15 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
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 failure reoccurred while driving and the vehicle stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle after several…
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 years. Vehicle stopping and shutting off on the highway causing dangerous driving conditions!! Radio and lights flickering,…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2021 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 2021 GMC Acadia?
It's a meaningful issue. 15 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?
Based on the 15 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 4,082 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2021/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.