The Lemon Index2021 GMC Acadia.
The 2021 GMC Acadia is worse than average by owner complaints: 77 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 124, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 21 to 25 mpg combined. The best GMC Acadia year is 2013.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 153 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every GMC Acadia year. 2021 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 4K to 40K miles on the car (27 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 2
- back over prevention 2022
The rearview camera coaxial cable connectors may have been crimped improperly, causing the rearview camera to fail or function intermittently.
- fuel system, gasoline 2021
The fuel supply lines may be improperly attached and seated.
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 847 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This Preliminary information communicates that a dealer may encounter a vehicle that is making…
- This service bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of a water…
- This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of hearing…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedRear-view camera failure2022
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 $2550–3050 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
Car stalled on major roadway. Could not restart of shift to neutral. Car blocked traffic for 3 hours until tow. Faulty fuel control module was the cause. Car was almost hit numerous times by passing traffic.
2021 GMC Acadia owner · NHTSA complaint 11535170
More owner reports
Vehicle purchased new mid-march 2021 and in less than 30 days the rear back-up camera stopped working intermittently. This has occurred several times and the vehicle is currently at the dealer being diagnosed.
NHTSA complaint 11415501
The vehicle, without any warning, suddenly stopped. I was unable to restart and unable to put the vehicle in Neutral for pushing to a safer location. Had to be towed to the dealership.
NHTSA complaint 11604229
Quick answers
Is the 2021 GMC Acadia reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.2× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 124; 100 is average, lower is better). The best GMC Acadia year by this measure is 2013.
What are the most common 2021 GMC Acadia problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (23%), fuel or ev drive system (19%) and brakes (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 GMC Acadia have?
2 safety recalls (latest: back over prevention). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2021 GMC Acadia get?
21 to 25 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 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 2021 GMC Acadia problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 4,800 and 40,000 miles. The middle report was at 27,800 miles, from 27 complaints.
Does the 2021 GMC Acadia have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2021 GMC Acadia cost in fuel a year?
About $2550 to $3050 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 GMC Acadia have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
What GMC Acadia year is better than the 2021?
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