Last updated: 2026-04-20

GMC Acadia

1 GMC Acadia Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the GMC Acadia average of 69/100

The GMC Acadia years to avoid are 2020 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2020 with a reliability score of 62/100. The best GMC Acadia year to buy is 2025 76/100.

Verdict

The 2020 GMC Acadia scores significantly below the model average of 69/100. The weakest year is 2020 with a score of 62/100 due to power train (17) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2024 76/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

GMC Acadia Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the GMC Acadia average of 69/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202062/100Good684Power Train (17)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

62
GoodReliability score: 62 out of 100, rated Good

2020 GMC Acadia

The 2020 GMC Acadia has good reliability. There are 6 recalls and 84 owner complaints on file for the 2020 GMC Acadia. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (17), Electrical System (17), Steering (12).

6 recalls84 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Power Train (17), Electrical System (17), Steering (12), Unknown Or Other (6), Engine (5), Fuel Propulsion System (4)

View full 2020reliability report →

What Are Common GMC Acadia Problems?

Top reported issues across all GMC Acadia model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

POWER TRAIN

200 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020, 2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

139 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020, 2021

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

106 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2022, 2023

SERVICE BRAKES

70 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020, 2021

STEERING

55 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020, 2021

ENGINE

37 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020, 2021

Best GMC Acadia Year to Buy Instead

76
GoodReliability score: 76 out of 100, rated Good

2024 GMC Acadia

The 2024 GMC Acadia has good reliability. There are 0 recalls and 51 owner complaints on file for the 2024 GMC Acadia. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Service Brakes (14), Electrical System (7), Power Train (6).

Score: 76/100 (Good)0 recalls51 complaints
View full 2024reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the best GMC Acadia year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.

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  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All GMC Acadia Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

GMC Acadia Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What GMC Acadia years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following GMC Acadia years: 2020 (score: 62/100). These model years score significantly below the GMC Acadia average of 69/100.
What is the best year for the GMC Acadia?
The best year for the GMC Acadia is 2025, with a reliability score of 76/100 ("Good"). It has 0 recalls and 51 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the GMC Acadia have?
Across all years in our database, the GMC Acadia has a total of 17 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used GMC Acadia worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2025 model year, which scores 76/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 69/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common GMC Acadia problems?
The most common GMC Acadia problems are power train (200 complaints), electrical system (139 complaints), unknown or other (106 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the GMC Acadia reliable long-term?
The GMC Acadia has an average reliability score of 69/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which GMC Acadia generation is most reliable?
The most reliable GMC Acadia generation is the Second generation (2017) with an average score of 66/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a GMC Acadia?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the GMC Acadia is $734 based on independent repair cost databases. This may vary depending on the model year and driving conditions.
Is the 2025 GMC Acadia a good used buy?
Yes, the 2025 GMC Acadia is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 76/100 ("Good"). It has 0 recalls and 51 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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.

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