The Lemon Index2013 GMC Acadia.
The 2013 GMC Acadia is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 16 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 15, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 18 to 19 mpg combined. It's the best GMC Acadia year we track.
One of the most reliable. 6.7× fewer complaints than average.
Worst year 2017
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 135 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every GMC Acadia year. 2013 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 47K to 107K miles on the car (91 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- electrical complaints mostly came at 44K–101K miles
- airbags complaints mostly came at 69K–124K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 75K–115K miles
Recalls 3
- airbags 2021
The side curtain air bags may not be properly attached.
- 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.
- 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…
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 1694 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Electrical concerns
- Buick/chevrolet/gmc/saturn: see document search button for owner letter
- On some trucks and passenger vehicles, accessory power outlets (apo) and trailer lighting are
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 | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| GMC Acadia Denali SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| GMC Acadia Denali SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3400–3550 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.6L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
Right headlight harness shorted out, needs replacement
2013 GMC Acadia owner · NHTSA complaint 10930253
Quick answers
Is the 2013 GMC Acadia reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 6.7× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 15; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2013 GMC Acadia problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (44%), lights (12%) and engine (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2013 GMC Acadia have?
3 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 2013 GMC Acadia get?
18 to 19 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2013 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 2013 GMC Acadia problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 47,000 and 107,000 miles. The middle report was at 83,000 miles, from 91 complaints.
Does the 2013 GMC Acadia have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2013 GMC Acadia cost in fuel a year?
About $3400 to $3550 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2013 GMC Acadia have?
3.6L 6-cyl.
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