The Lemon Index2011 GMC Acadia.
The 2011 GMC Acadia is better than average by owner complaints: 72 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 78, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about steering, it has 5 recalls, and it gets 19 mpg combined. The best GMC Acadia year is 2013.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 269 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every GMC Acadia year. 2011 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 43K to 97K miles on the car (210 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- steering complaints mostly came at 47K–100K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 53K–105K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 51K–100K miles
Recalls 5
- airbags 2021
The side curtain air bags may not be properly attached.
- body structure 2015
The affected vehicles, equipped with the power liftgate option, have gas struts that hold the power liftgate up when open.
- seat belts 2014
In the affected vehicles, the flexible steel cable that connects the seatbelt to the front outboard seating positions may fatigue and separate over time.
Show all 5 recalls
- airbags 2014
In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the driver and passenger seat mounted side impact air bag (SIAB) wiring harnesses may result in the SIAB and seat belt pretensioners not deploying in the event of a crash…
- visibility 2012
GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE, BUICK ENCLAVE, AND GMC ACADIA VEHICLES CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MA…
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems GMC told dealers about
GMC sent dealers 1497 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Buick/chevrolet/gmc/pontiac/saturn/suzuki: all wheel drive system inoperative and dtc c0550 set
- Pontiac/saturn/buick/gmc/chevrolet/cadillac/hummer: vehicle start and stalls after theft…
- Buick/chevrolet/gmc/saturn: squeak, moan or rub type noise when turning steering wheel at slow…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedOutboard front seat belt anchor cable failure2020–2024
- ClosedSeat belt anchor cable failure2019–2020
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GMC Acadia SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| GMC Acadia SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3400 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.6L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
I had to have my steering pump replaced because of a loud whining sound. I bought this car new. Also the heating element went out in my heated seat on passenger side where it is rarely used. All repairs over $1100.
2011 GMC Acadia owner · NHTSA complaint 10585808
More owner reports
The vehicle loses its power steering while backing into parking spaces and while the steering wheel is turned sharply. No power steering at all.
NHTSA complaint 10614625
Power window controls intermittently not working to close all passenger windows from driver door control panel. Only work around discovered is to lock/unlock windows and then close windows, works approx. 75% of time.
NHTSA complaint 10520101
Quick answers
Is the 2011 GMC Acadia reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.3× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 78; 100 is average, lower is better). The best GMC Acadia year by this measure is 2013.
What are the most common 2011 GMC Acadia problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are steering (19%), electrical (15%) and lights (15%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2011 GMC Acadia have?
5 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2011 GMC Acadia get?
19 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2011 GMC Acadia safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2011 GMC Acadia problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 43,900 and 97,000 miles. The middle report was at 68,700 miles, from 210 complaints.
Does the 2011 GMC Acadia have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 12% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2011 GMC Acadia cost in fuel a year?
About $3400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2011 GMC Acadia have?
3.6L 6-cyl.
What GMC Acadia year is better than the 2011?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2013, 2016 and 2015.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works