Last updated: 2026-10-10
2023 GMC Acadia Reliability Report
The 2023 GMC Acadia rates good but trails other 2023 SUVs, with sudden stalling and shifter faults as the main complaints.
Recalls
4
Complaints
37
Complaint Rate
N/A
Est. Repair Cost
$734
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,400–$2,850
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Among the weaker Acadia years, with four recalls and complaints of stalling and a stuck shifter. The 2024 rates better and has no recalls.
Top Issues to Watch
- POWER TRAIN (8)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (8)
- STEERING (3)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2023 is the last model year of the Second generation (2017).
- Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
- 1 year after the last refresh (2022).
- 2nd generation Acadia (US).
What this means for buyers
Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.
2017: Second generation (2017) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2020: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2021: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2022: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2023: This Model Year
2023 is the last model year of the Second generation (2017).
Should You Buy the 2023 GMC Acadia?
Good on paper, but weaker than most of its peers. Owner complaints and federal recall records place this Acadia below average among 2023 SUVs and among the weaker of its eight scored model years. It is the last year of the second generation. The 2024 rates better and has no recalls, while the 2022 rates about the same. Independent repair-cost data puts yearly repairs at $734, against $573 for the class. Federal crash tests gave it 5 of 5 stars.
Sudden loss of power is the main worry. Owners describe stalling on the highway, warning lights across the cluster, and a shifter that will not go into Park or Neutral. Dealers often could not duplicate the fault. One parked vehicle caught fire at about 13,000 miles. Vibration at highway speeds shows up between 11,000 and 19,000 miles. Four federal recalls cover visibility, equipment, and two power train areas.
Ask for proof that all four recalls were done. Request repair records for alternator, fuel pump control module, or shifting work. The 2024 is worth a look.
Compared to the 2024 GMC Acadia, which scored 12 points higher. See also the 2022 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
- −Moderate recall count
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Sudden shutdowns are the main pattern (8 complaints)
- −1 fire incident reported in owner complaints
Compare 2023 GMC Acadia With
2023 Chevrolet Traverse
Reliability: 72/100
2023 Toyota Highlander
Reliability: 73/100
2023 Honda Pilot
Reliability: 72/100
2023 Ford Explorer
Reliability: 71/100
2023 Kia Telluride
Reliability: 68/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 4 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- POWER TRAIN (8)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (8)
Recall Overview
4
recalls on record
A moderate 4 recalls are on file for the 2023 GMC Acadia. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
37
complaintsSafety Incidents
3
Crashes
1
Fires
4
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2023 GMC Acadia Recall Details
4 recalls have been issued for the 2023 GMC Acadia. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
VISIBILITY
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 GMC Acadia and 2024 Cadilac XT5 and XT6 vehicles. The windshield may have been assembled without the proper urethane sealant required to bond the windshield to the vehicle body.
Consequence
A windshield that is not properly bonded may detach during a crash and increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the windshield and apply primer and urethane sealant. If the windshield is damaged, the dealer will replace it. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 14, 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 N232419690.
POWER TRAIN
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac XT6, GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Blazer, Traverse, and 2022-2023 Cadillac XT5 vehicles. The transmission may have been built with an incorrect sun gear, which can result in the driver-side half-shaft disengaging from the transmission.
Consequence
A half-shaft disengaging from the transmission can result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the sun gears, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2023. The remedy is expected to become available August 31, 2023. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GMC's number for this recall is N222389310.
POWER TRAIN
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac XT5 and GMC Acadia vehicles. The right-front half-shaft assemblies may be improperly connected to the transmission, causing them to separate.
Consequence
Separation between the half-shaft and transmission can result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the right-front half-shaft assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 17, 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 N222393410.
Buying a used 2023 GMC Acadia? Check its history first
Power train problems lead owner complaints about the 2023 GMC Acadia, and 4 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2023 GMC Acadia NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 16.4%
Safety Technologies
GMC AcadiaRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3Maintenance rating: 3 out of 5Based 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
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
GMC Acadia Resale Value
The GMC Acadia is estimated to retain about 57.7% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.
This benchmark covers the GMC Acadia model overall and is not specific to the 2023 model year.
- Value Retained
- 57.7%
- Depreciation
- 42.3%
- Listings Analyzed
- 235
after 5 years
over the same period
U.S. used-car listings
Listings observed in . This is a historical market benchmark, not a current price quote.
Explore GMC Acadia depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.comMPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
21–25 MPG
Running cost: $3,150–$3,600/yr
Fuel + repair
19–22 city / 26–29 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 2023 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acadia FWD 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic 9-spd | 22 | 29 | 25 | $2,400 |
| Acadia AWD 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic 9-spd | 22 | 27 | 24 | $2,500 |
| Acadia FWD 3.6L 6-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic 9-spd | 19 | 27 | 22 | $2,700 |
| Acadia AWD 3.6L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic 9-spd | 19 | 26 | 21 | $2,850 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2023 GMC Acadia.
Run the VIN through federal recall records and confirm every open campaign repair has been completed.
Drive steadily between 45 and 65 mph and feel for shudder or vibration through the seat and wheel.
Accelerate gently from stops and listen for a clunk or gear hunting at low speeds.
Ask for service records showing alternator, fuel pump control module, or battery terminal work, and any towing history.
Watch the dash for Service StabiliTrak, Steering Assist Reduced, or a temperature gauge that drops to zero.
Test the infotainment touch screen, phone pairing, Android Auto, and backup camera for freezing or failure.
Lock the car, wait, and confirm the liftgate stays closed while parked.
Check oil and coolant levels and ask the owner how often they top them off.
2023 GMC Acadia Common Problems by Component
37 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
8 complaintsLoss of drive and shifting faults dominate. Several reports describe the engine stalling on the highway and not restarting. The transmission stays stuck in Drive and will not go into Neutral, so the car has to be pushed or towed. In some cases dealers found a failed fuel pump control module. Other complaints describe a shudder at 50 to 65 mph, gear hunting at low speeds, a clunk during low-speed shifts, and a car stuck in low gears with no Reverse. Long dealer stays and back-ordered repair parts also come up.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
8 complaintsSafety-relatedSudden shutdowns are the main pattern. The vehicle stalls or loses power while driving. The cluster lights up with brake, transmission and engine warnings, and the shifter may refuse Park or Neutral, which leaves the car stranded in traffic. Dealers often cannot duplicate the fault. Repeat alternator failures also appear. A parked vehicle caught fire at about 13,000 miles, and the insurer blamed the electrical system. Other reports cover a dead backup camera, a back-ordered telematics module, and jerking with a Service StabiliTrak message.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
4 complaintsElectronics misbehave in several ways. The infotainment screen freezes, shakes, or stops responding to touch, and phone and Android Auto connections drop. The liftgate opens by itself while the car is parked and turned off, and one dealer saw it happen. A recurring P04FB code tied to the crankcase pressure sensor comes back within days of the service fix, and the replacement sensor is back-ordered. One report says the car drove for over 30 minutes before warning that no remote was inside.
STEERING (3 complaints)
STEERING
3 complaintsVibration and reduced steering assist are the reported faults. One car vibrates between 45 and 60 mph, and the dealer found no cause. Another pairs a temperature gauge that drops to zero with a Steering Assist Reduced, Drive with Care message and a fan that runs after shutdown. That cycle repeats about every 2 weeks until a check engine light comes on, and a parts store read the code as a temperature sensor malfunction. One complaint gives no details.
ENGINE (3 complaints)
ENGINE
3 complaintsSafety-relatedUnexpected movement and stalling are the concerns. In one crash, the vehicle lunged forward when the brake was released in Park and struck a machine outside a building. The driver was injured, at about 20,000 miles. Other complaints describe the engine stalling just before a stop, hard or delayed shifts, and the digital instrument screen going dark while driving, which takes away the only speedometer. Heavy oil and coolant use from new is also reported, with a quart of oil needed every couple of weeks.
VISIBILITY/WIPER (2 complaints)
VISIBILITY/WIPER
2 complaintsThe sunroof glass shatters with a loud bang at highway speed, even with the roof and shade closed. Glass enters the cabin, and the noise startles the driver badly enough to nearly cause a collision. A separate complaint says windshield washer fluid fumes come into the cabin every time the washer runs, and it gets worse with the HVAC on. GMC representatives confirmed the odor over repeated inspections, and the owner is concerned about the fluid's labeled toxicity.
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)
AIR BAGS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedNothing deploys in either reported crash. In one, the vehicle hit a deer at 65 mph and one person was injured. In the other, the vehicle accelerated unexpectedly while parking with stop/start active, then went over a curb and hit a tree. The front end took severe damage, yet no bags went off. No cause was found for that acceleration, and the owner says it happened more than once.
SUSPENSION (1 complaints)
SUSPENSION
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2023 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken for maintenance, and the tech informed the dealer that the passenger’s side rear suspension toe link needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who confirmed that the passenger’s side rear toe link needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that no warning lights were illuminated. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to Manufacturer's recall number: N222364330; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 42,101.
SEAT BELTS (1 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
1 complaintWhile driving under normal conditions, the vehicle experienced a sudden, violent deceleration. The emergency braking and collision avoidance systems activated spontaneously, as if the vehicle had struck or was about to strike an object. There was no obstacle, impact, or external threat present. This uncommanded braking caused significant physical stress and injury to the occupants. Critically, multiple safety systems failed during the event: The seat belts did not lock, failing to restrain the occupants; The airbags did not deploy, despite the severity of the deceleration; no warning indicators or diagnostic alerts were present before or after the incident. These failures directly contributed to physical injuries, including TBI (concussion, spinal trauma, etc.) which required emergency medical treatment and ongoing care.
SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2023 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, while attempting to depress the brake pedal, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the brakes. A dealer and independent mechanic were contacted. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the brake pads wear was uneven on the driver’s side and the driver’s side front caliper needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the result was not provided. The brake pads were replaced; however, the caliper was not yet replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and informed the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 39,000.
When Do 2023 GMC Acadia Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst GMC Acadia Years
Best GMC Acadia Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreGMC Acadia Years to Avoid
2020
2023
(Current Model)
GMC Acadia Reliability Score Trend
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 62/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 66/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 64/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 76/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 76/100 | Good |
| 2026 | 76/100 | Good |
GMC Acadia Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2023 GMC Acadia reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2023 GMC Acadia?
Does the 2023 GMC Acadia have stalling problems?
How many recalls does the 2023 GMC Acadia have?
How much does the 2023 GMC Acadia cost to repair?
Don’t buy a 2023 GMC Acadia without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2023 GMC Acadia
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2023 GMC Acadia does best on recall impact (71/100) and worst on repair costs (60/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the GMC Acadia.
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