Diagsheet

2016 GMC Acadia · symptom sheet

Airbag warning light or recall

  • 130owner reports
  • 130,000median miles
  • 3involved a crash

Newest report Apr 12, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

130 of the 236 complaints on this car describe airbag, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2016 Acadia.

Tick what matches of 130 reports

4
9
1
81

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the occupant sensor (9 reports) and the inflator (5 reports).

Recalls and investigations

2 recalls on the airbags cover the 2016 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.

23V-334May 10, 2023
Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.

Risk and remedy
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's air bag module, free of charge. GM began mailing final owner letters February 23, 2024 and will continue mailing through December 2025. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232404980.
21V-246Apr 8, 2021
Air Bags:Critical Fasteners

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2015, 2017 Buick Enclave, 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2011-2016 GMC Acadia vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not be properly attached.

Risk and remedy
Risk: Unsecured side curtain air bags may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, realign or replace the weld nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 24, 2021. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N202321200.

When it happens

Too few of these reports state a mileage to give a range.

119
121
5523
6024
1125
226

What owners wrote

“GM safety recall N232404980 received in June, 2023, states that fragments could may pass through the air bag which may result in injury or death to the occupants. As of 12/19/2023, GM is still saying that the parts to repair aren't available. Not acceptable.”

Filed Dec 19, 2023

“Safety recalled the airbag on my vehichle and dealers dont have the ability to order the airbag needed to replace per GMC Auto shops.”

Filed Dec 4, 2023

“Transmission is slipping Brakes / sometimes hydraulics not working properly Side and back sensors not working at all , malfunctioning of electrical components, while driving, all electronics inside vehicle went blank, anti theft system locked up, went to shut off car, will not start after the failed, oil consumption at 23% life oil cycle, oil pressure low, and engine locked up,”

Filed Aug 16, 2023 · 120,186 miles

“The manufacturer admits this defect can cause death but has no remedy and no estimated time for available parts. They also refuse a rental or loan vehicle in the meantime.”

Filed Aug 11, 2023

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 3 of 130 reports involved a crash and 5 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.

File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.