Last updated: 2026-05-15
Acura vs GMC: Which Make Is More Reliable?
Acura
5 models tracked
GMC
5 models tracked
Comparing Acura and GMC on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
Acura currently leads with an average score of 74/100 compared to 69/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Acura More Reliable Than GMC?
| Metric | Acura | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 74/100 | 69/100 |
| Models Tracked | 5 | 5 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 16 | 29 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 466 | 1162 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $577/yr | $647/yr |
GMC Models
5 models ranked by reliability
Acura vs GMC: The Verdict
The numbers favor Acura here, but GMC isn't far behind. We scored 10 models between the two makes: Acura at 74/100 and GMC at 69/100, based on recalls, complaint severity, repair costs, and issue diversity.
On the cost front, Acura is cheaper to maintain at $577/year versus $647/year. For buyers watching long-term costs, Acura's lower maintenance bill is a real differentiator.
Where Acura and GMC Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Acura | GMC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 58/100Mixed | 61/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 84/100Excellent | 66/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 79/100Good | 78/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 80/100Excellent | 82/100Excellent |
Acura's advantage in repair costs (+18 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Acura vs GMC: Strengths and Weaknesses
Acura
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (74/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($577/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 5 of 5 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
GMC
Strengths
- Above-average reliability (69/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($647/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 5 of 5 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 34 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
How Reliable Are Acura and GMC Lineups?
Distribution of model reliability ratings across each make's lineup:
Acura
GMC
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Acura or GMC?
Based on independent repair cost data, Acura is cheaper to maintain at an average of $577/year compared to $647/year for GMC. The difference is relatively small, so maintenance costs shouldn't be a major deciding factor between these makes.
Acura Repair Cost Range
$440 – $801/yr
Average: $577/yr
GMC Repair Cost Range
$548 – $747/yr
Average: $647/yr
Acura vs GMC Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Acura | GMC | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(3 vs 3 models) | 76/100 | 69/100 | Acura |
Acura wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Acura vs GMC
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Acura | GMC |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | 10%204 | 27%1,443 |
| POWER TRAIN | 13%252 | 22%1,163 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 11%227 | 14%742 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 15%299 | 7%372 |
| STEERING | 16%315 | 5%287 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5%106 | 8%410 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 4%88 | 5%245 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 7%148 | 0%23 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | — | 3%169 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Acura vs GMC Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Acura owners reported 39 crash-related, 10 fire-related, and 33 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. GMC owners reported 128 crash-related, 34 fire-related, and 138 injury-related complaints. Acura has fewer severe incident reports overall. These counts reflect owner-reported incidents and don't establish causation — but they're a useful signal for comparing safety profiles.
Acura
39
Crash reports
10
Fire reports
33
Injury reports
GMC
128
Crash reports
34
Fire reports
138
Injury reports
Every Acura and GMC Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Acura Models
Acura vs GMC Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Acura's reliability is improving — recent model years average 79/100, up from earlier years. GMC's reliability is improving — recent model years average 76/100.
Interestingly, both Acura and GMC show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Acura | GMC | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 80/100(5) | 76/100(5) | Acura |
| 2024 | 77/100(5) | 75/100(5) | Acura |
| 2023 | 76/100(4) | 67/100(5) | Acura |
| 2022 | 74/100(2) | 67/100(5) | Acura |
| 2021 | 74/100(2) | 66/100(5) | Acura |
| 2020 | 67/100(3) | 68/100(5) | GMC |
| 2019 | 66/100(3) | 69/100(4) | GMC |
| 2018 | 71/100(3) | 68/100(5) | Acura |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
The Bottom Line: Acura or GMC?
The data favors Acura, but remember: the best model from the "losing" make often beats the worst model from the "winning" one.
If you want the single most reliable option: the Acura ZDX leads both lineups with a score of 82/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that Acura costs less to maintain — $577/year vs $647/year.
All scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data combined with independent repair cost databases. Check individual model pages for year-specific reliability data before making a final decision.
Acura vs GMC: Common Questions
Is Acura more reliable than GMC?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Acura or GMC?
Which make has more recalls, Acura or GMC?
What are the most reliable models from Acura and GMC?
What are the least reliable models from Acura and GMC?
What are the most common problems with Acura and GMC vehicles?
Which make has more reliable models overall, Acura or GMC?
How many Acura and GMC models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Acura or GMC?
Are Acura and GMC getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Acura or GMC?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Acura or GMC?
Comparing Acura vs GMC? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.