Last updated: 2026-04-20

2020 GMC Acadia
RELIABILITY SCORE: 62/100 (GOOD)

2020 GMC Acadia Reliability Report

The 2020 GMC Acadia scores 62/100 ("Good"). With 6 recalls and 84 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Recalls

6

Complaints

84

Complaint Rate

N/A

Est. Repair Cost

$734

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,500–$2,850

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint SeverityN/A

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs60/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact65/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue DiversityN/A

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues to Watch

  • POWER TRAIN (17)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (17)
  • STEERING (12)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Refresh Year

2020 received a 2020 facelift update for the Second generation (2017).

  • Changes: New exterior styling; Revised infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; New alloy wheel options; Introduction of AT4 trim.
  • Year 4 in this generation (2017–2023).
  • 2nd generation Acadia (US).

What this means for buyers

Refresh years bring updates but can also introduce new issues. Check early recall data before buying.

2017: Second generation (2017) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2020: This Model Year (Refresh)

2020 received a 2020 facelift update for the Second generation (2017).

2021: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

2022: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

Should You Buy the 2020 GMC Acadia?

At 62/100, the 2020 GMC Acadia lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2020 received a 2020 facelift update for the Second generation (2017).

Owners log 84 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.

Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to power train (17). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

Compared to the 2021 GMC Acadia, which scored 6 points higher. See also the 2018 GMC Acadia for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • +Acceptable reliability score
  • +Low complaint frequency
  • +5-star NHTSA crash rating

Cons

  • Above-average repair costs for its class
  • Above-average recall count
  • POWER TRAIN issues reported (17 complaints)

Compare 2020 GMC Acadia With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 6 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • POWER TRAIN (17)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (17)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

6

recalls on record

The 2020 GMC Acadia has 6 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

84

complaints
LowAvgHigh
Low

Safety Incidents

4

Crashes

0

Fires

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2020 GMC Acadia Recall Details

6 recalls have been issued for the 2020 GMC Acadia. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

22V7090002022-09-22

BACK OVER PREVENTION

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with the optional Surround Vision feature. The rearview camera coaxial cable connectors may have been crimped improperly, causing the rearview camera to fail or function intermittently.

Consequence

An inoperative rearview camera can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the coaxial cables, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 18, 2023. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222378380.

21V1150002021-02-25

TIRES

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC Acadia, Sierra 1500, and certain Continental tires sold to the aftermarket for various model year 2018-2021 vehicles. The affected tires were cured for too long during production.

Consequence

Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212329050.

20V6840002020-11-05

TIRES

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse vehicles and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. The vehicles may have been manufactured with Continental tires that were overcured.

Consequence

Overcured tires may experience a carcass break in the sidewall resulting in a sudden air loss or could develop a belt edge separation which could lead to partial or full tread/belt loss. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect vehicles and replace tires that have DOT number and production mold number combinations identified by Continental, free of charge. The recall began December 17, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202319030.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2020 GMC Acadia? Check its history first

Every 2020 GMC Acadia has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2020 GMC Acadia NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 15.1%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Front Center Air Bag)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

GMC AcadiaRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3Maintenance rating: 3 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$734

vs $573 avg for midsize SUVs

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.4

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

19%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

Acadia
$734
Category Avg
$573
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

21–24 MPG

Running cost: $3,250–$3,600/yr

Fuel + repair

18–21 city / 25–28 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2020 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
Acadia FWD 2.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic 9-spd212824$2,500
Acadia AWD 2.0L 4-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic 9-spd212723$2,600
Acadia FWD 2.5L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic 9-spd212723$2,600
Acadia FWD 3.6L 6-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic 9-spd192722$2,700
Acadia AWD 3.6L 6-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic 9-spd182521$2,850

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2020 GMC Acadia.

  • Test transmission for shuddering or rough shifting

  • Check engine thermostat for proper operation

  • Inspect fuel gauge accuracy and fuel pump function

  • Test steering system for reduced assist warnings

  • Verify all electrical components work after exposure to moisture

  • Ensure parking brake does not engage unexpectedly

  • Check for exhaust leaks, especially near catalytic converter

2020 GMC Acadia Common Problems by Component

84 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

17
17
12
17
POWER TRAIN (17)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (17)STEERING (12)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (6)ENGINE (5)FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (4)SEAT BELTS (3)SERVICE BRAKES (3)Other (17)

POWER TRAIN

17 complaints

Owners of the 2020 GMC Acadia frequently report issues related to the powertrain, particularly with the transmission and torque converter. Common symptoms include shuddering, rough shifting, and unintended gear shifts, with some vehicles stalling or losing power unexpectedly. These issues often appear around 15,000 to 80,000 miles, with some owners experiencing complete transmission failure. Safety implications are evident, as several reports mention loss of power while driving, which could pose a risk in traffic. Buyers should be aware of these recurring transmission problems, as they may require significant repair costs.

17 complaints total

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

17 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report recurring electrical system issues in the 2020 GMC Acadia, with problems often emerging shortly after purchase. Common symptoms include malfunctioning door locks, lift gates, and key fobs, particularly after exposure to moisture, as well as frequent failures of the rear-view and backup cameras. Multiple owners describe complete instrument cluster failures, where all gauges and indicators drop to zero, and various electronic aids become disabled. Complaints frequently mention error codes such as U0422 and P0128, with some owners noting temporary fixes by disconnecting the battery. Safety concerns are highlighted by reports of unintended automatic braking, leading to a crash incident. These issues are reported across a range of mileages, often within the first few years of ownership.

17 complaints total1 crash

STEERING

12 complaints

Owners of the 2020 GMC Acadia frequently report issues with reduced steering assist, often accompanied by a warning message to drive with care. Complaints consistently mention that this problem is linked with other symptoms, such as inoperable air conditioning, loud cooling fans, and malfunctioning thermostat gauges. Many reports indicate these issues begin to occur around 47,000 miles, and some owners have attempted temporary fixes like battery resets. Safety concerns are noted, with several owners describing difficulty in steering, particularly at lower speeds, which may compromise vehicle control. These patterns suggest potential buyers should be aware of possible steering assist and associated system failures in this model year.

12 complaints total
ENGINE (5 complaints)

ENGINE

5 complaints

Owners report frequent issues with the engine thermostat in the 2020 GMC Acadia, often resulting in engine codes such as P01F0 and P0128, and requiring thermostat replacement. Symptoms include the check engine light activation and unusual temperature gauge readings, typically occurring under 55,000 miles. Additionally, there are reports of exhaust leaks, particularly involving the catalytic converter and front exhaust pipes, with some incidents leading to exhaust entering the passenger compartment. These exhaust issues are noted around 58,000 to 60,000 miles and suggest potential safety implications due to exhaust fumes. Buyers should be aware of these engine-related concerns, especially regarding the thermostat and exhaust system.

5 complaints total
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (4 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

4 complaints

Owners of the 2020 GMC Acadia report issues primarily related to the fuel pump and fuel gauge. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle unexpectedly losing power or failing to start, often attributed to a malfunctioning fuel pump relay or module, with some owners noting repeated failures around 24,000 to 50,000 miles. Additionally, several owners describe inaccurate fuel gauge readings, leading to situations where the vehicle runs out of fuel despite the gauge indicating sufficient levels. Safety implications include sudden power loss while driving, though no crashes or fires are reported. These patterns suggest potential reliability concerns for prospective buyers, particularly regarding fuel system components.

4 complaints total
SEAT BELTS (3 complaints)

SEAT BELTS

3 complaints

Owners of the 2020 GMC Acadia report issues with the seat belt locking mechanisms. Complaints frequently mention that the front driver's side and front passenger's side seat belts fail to remain latched, with some seat belts becoming unlatched while driving. Additionally, owners describe difficulty latching the driver seatbelt on the first few attempts. These issues are typically reported around 35,000 miles. While no crashes or injuries are mentioned, these problems could have safety implications due to the potential for seat belts to become unlatched during vehicle operation.

3 complaints total
SERVICE BRAKES (3 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

3 complaints

Owners of the 2020 GMC Acadia frequently report issues with the parking brake engaging unexpectedly. Typical symptoms include the parking brake activating automatically when the vehicle is parked on an incline or while driving, which can cause sudden stops without warning. One complaint notes this occurred at approximately 6,276 miles, but other reports do not specify mileage. These incidents may pose safety risks due to the unexpected nature of the braking, potentially leading to loss of control. Buyers considering a used 2020 Acadia should be aware of these issues and investigate whether the vehicle has been inspected or repaired for this problem.

3 complaints total
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (3 complaints)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

3 complaints

Owners of the 2020 GMC Acadia report issues with the forward collision avoidance system, primarily involving unexpected activation and sensor malfunctions. Complaints frequently mention the automatic braking assist engaging without an apparent threat, causing sudden braking that could lead to rear-end collisions. Another common issue involves the front camera going dark, affecting the system's functionality. These problems occur without warning lights or messages, and some reports suggest the issues may become more frequent over time. The potential for unexpected braking raises safety concerns, particularly in scenarios where the vehicle could be rear-ended.

3 complaints total
AIR BAGS (3 complaints)

AIR BAGS

3 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2020 GMC Acadia report issues with air bag functionality, with two complaints involving crashes where air bags failed to deploy. In one case, a rear-end collision resulted in injuries and unconsciousness due to non-deployment of air bags, with the vehicle having approximately 10,000 miles. Another complaint describes autonomous acceleration leading to a crash where air bags did deploy, but no injuries were reported. These patterns suggest potential risks related to air bag deployment and unintended vehicle acceleration, particularly in vehicles with relatively low mileage. Buyers should be aware of these reported issues when considering a used 2020 GMC Acadia.

3 complaints total2 crashes2 injuries
LANE DEPARTURE (2 complaints)

LANE DEPARTURE

2 complaints

Owners report recurring issues with the blind spot detection system on the 2020 GMC Acadia. Complaints frequently mention the "Service vehicle detection" and "SIDE BLIND ZONE SYSTEM TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE" messages appearing on the driver information center, indicating system failure. One owner notes the issue has persisted despite previous repairs, while another highlights the unreliability of the system, which began malfunctioning in December 2022. These failures raise safety implications as the system's unreliability could potentially lead to accidents if drivers rely on it for blind spot detection. Used car buyers should be aware of these reports, especially if considering a vehicle with similar timelines or service histories.

2 complaints total

When Do 2020 GMC Acadia Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

15,000–80,000 milesTransmission shudder
55,000–60,000 milesEngine thermostat failure
24,000–50,000 milesFuel pump/module failure

Best & Worst GMC Acadia Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best GMC Acadia Years to Buy

The best GMC Acadia year is 2025 with a reliability score of 76/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2024 (76/100) and 2021 (68/100).

GMC Acadia Years to Avoid

The worst GMC Acadia year is 2020 with a score of 62/100, primarily due to power train (17) issues.

62
Good

2020

(Current Model)

6Recalls
84Complaints

GMC Acadia Reliability Score Trend

GMC Acadia reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 69/100.

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

GMC Acadia reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201868/100Good
202062/100Good
202168/100Good
202266/100Good
202364/100Good
202476/100Good
202576/100Good

GMC Acadia Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202672/100 (predicted)Predicted00
202576/1000Good051
202476/100+12Good051
202364/100-2Good437
202266/100-2Good344
202168/100+6Good2134
2020(selected)62/100-6Good684
201868/100Good2369

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2020 GMC Acadia reliable?
The 2020 GMC Acadia has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 62/100. It is reasonably reliable with 6 recalls and 84 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 GMC Acadia?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2020 GMC Acadia include: POWER TRAIN (17 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (17 complaints), STEERING (12 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (6 complaints), ENGINE (5 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2020 GMC Acadia have?
The 2020 GMC Acadia has 6 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2020 GMC Acadia expensive to maintain?
The 2020 GMC Acadia has estimated annual repair costs of $734/year, which is $161 more than the midsize SUVs average of $573. With a reliability score of 62/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2020 GMC Acadia without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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.

Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the GMC Acadia.

No spam. Only data updates for this model.

See incorrect data? Report an issue