Second generation
2021 GMC Acadia
The most reported problem on the 2021 GMC Acadia is stalling, with 28 complaints, usually around 41,000 miles.
- 149owner complaints
- 2recalls
- 7involved a crash
- 28,972median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 14, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
What is your Acadia doing?
Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2021 model year.
Is the 2021 GMC Acadia reliable?
The 2021 GMC Acadia has 149 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, below the median of 216 for 2021 SUVs on this site. Of the 12 Acadia model years since 2014, it has the 7th most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2020 and 2022
- The 2021 stands out from the model years on either side. It draws 25 complaints for each year on the road, while the 2020 draws 15 and the 2022 10.
- Top problem
- No problem dominates. The largest, stalling, covers 28 of the 149 complaints (19%), and infotainment is next with 22 (one complaint can fall under more than one problem, so these overlap). A quarter of the 9 owners who gave a mileage for stalling saw it by about 24,000 miles, and half by about 41,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 8 of the 149 complaints (5%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, about the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 7 reports mention a crash and 3 people were hurt. The most crash reports, 3 of 7, fall under infotainment.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- No recall on file is on the same system as stalling. For those, the complaints are all there is.
- When owners filed
- Complaints are still climbing. 2025 brought 43, the most of any year so far. So far in 2026, 29 more have come in.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: engine stalls or loses power while driving, 28 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
149 complaints is 1.3 times fewer than the median 2021 model on this site and 1.4 times fewer than the median 2021 SUV. Among the 8 Acadia model years here it ranks 7th for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2021 GMC Acadia
GMC filed 846 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2021 GMC Acadia. 83 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car, 1 of those a warranty extension. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Engine stalls or loses power while driving 10 bulletins · 28 complaints
This service bulletin provides a procedure to replace the FPDCM if found to cause customers concerns of Crank No Start, Stalling, Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated – DTC P023F or P129F Set.
This service bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of No Crank, No Start, Quick Start/Stall, No FOB Detected, Key FOBs Inoperative, B3924 00, B3925 00, B3926 00, B3927 00, B3928 00 Set.
8 more on this problem
This service bulletin advises the tech that the rotational Clicking Noise Heard After Engine Shut Down may be normal characteristics of the vehicle.
This Preliminary information communicates a vehicle may come to the dealer with a complaint of no start, stalling, rough idle, no acceleration, loss of power, erratic shifting, fuel gauge inoperative, MIL illuminated with various codes stored.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on.
This bulletin provides a procedure to replace the FPDCM if found to cause customers concerns of Crank No Start, Stalling, Loss of Power, Fuel Gauge Inoperative/Erratic, MIL Illuminated - DTC P023F and/or P129F Set.
This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of No Crank, No Start, Quick Start/Stall, No FOB Detected, Key FOBs Inoperative, B3924 00, B3925 00, B3926 00, B3927 00, B3928 00 Set.
This service bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of No Crank, No Start, Quick Start/Stall, Key Fobs Inoperative with DTCs B2924 00, B3925 00, B3926 00, B3927 00, or P0513 set.
This engineering information (EI) is requesting information from technicians to perform the check list provided and contact the engineer listed in regards to Loss of Power, Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) Gauges are Inoperative and/or Fluctuate, Multiple ...
This service bulletin provides a procedure to correct a customer concern of Loss of Power Steering Assist, Service Power Steering and/or Steering Assist is Reduced Drive with Care Message Displayed on Driver Information Center (DIC).
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 21 bulletins · 22 complaints
This service bulletin provides a procedure to correct radio software concerns.
This service bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concerns of Radio Software issues.
19 more on this problem
This PI states that a vehicle may exhibit a concern of the cross traffic alert indicators not displaying on the radio screen.
This service bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of Instrument Cluster DIC Displays Programming in Progress Message and Progress Bar.
This service bulletin provides repair information to update radio software to correct customer concerns of Software related issues.
This service bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of Rear View Camera Issues - DTCs B395A, B395B, B395C, B101E, B101D.
This service bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of Rear View Camera Coaxial Related Issues - DTCs B395A, B395B, B395C, B101E, B101D.
This service bulletin provides repair information on Radio Software Version U168 Update to correct customer concerns of radio software issues.
This service bulletin provides repair information on release of Radio Software Version V160 Update to correct customer concerns of radio software issues.
This service bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of Blue or Black Screen and Service Rear Vision System Message on Radio Display Shifting into Reverse.
This service bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of Rear View Camera Display Gridlines Dim.
This Preliminary information communicates that a customer may notice that the gridlines on the backup camera are very dim. They may mention that this occurred after an OTA update. The dealer technician is advised to perform no repairs.
Plus 9 older ones not listed here.
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 4 bulletins · 18 complaints
This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of hearing front brake grind/groan noise after sitting overnight.
This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that after performing a brake inspection, brake pad replacement, or any other repair that requires the caliper piston to be reseated may be causing DTC C05B0 to falsely set for eBoost ...
2 more on this problem
This service bulletin provides information for tire pressure monitoring (TPM) system concerns.
This Preliminary information communicates that a dealer may encounter a vehicle that is making a grinding or growling noise on the first few brake applications after the vehicle has been sitting overnight.
Check engine light or misfire 23 bulletins · 16 complaints
Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition that could cause the engine coolant thermostat to open at a lower temperature than intended.
This Preliminary information communicates the potential for condensation to freeze up inside the Crankcase Pressure Sensor causing dtc P04FB to set.
21 more on this problem
This service bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of Vehicle Will Not Lock and Unlock (Loss of Active Functions) Crank or Start (Loss of Passive Functions) with DTC P0513 Set.
This Preliminary information communicates a possible issue with the active fuel management rockers causing a misfire and the correction for this concern.
This service bulletin provides inspection/diagnosis/correction information on a cold start misfire and/or rough idle and DTC P0300 that may also be set.
This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce ...
Special Coverage. Certain vehicles, equipped with a 2.0 gasoline engine (RPO LSY), may have a condition that could cause the evaporative emissions purge pump to fail.
This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to ...
This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of an Intermittent Check Engine Lamp On with Various DTCs Set.
This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of Vehicle Will Not Lock and Unlock (Loss of Active Functions) Crank or Start (Loss of Passive Functions) with DTC P0513 Set.
This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Rough Idle, Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated After Engine Repairs with DTCs P0016 and/or P0018 Set.
Plus 11 older ones not listed here.
Engine overheats or leaks coolant 9 bulletins · 12 complaints
This service bulletin provides a procedure to test and replace the battery distribution fuse block if found the cause of the DTC and electric coolant pump inoperative.
This engineering information (EI Lite) closure ends the need for technicians to submit pictures using the FPR App process in regard to coolant leaking around the Coolant Control Valve (CCV).
7 more on this problem
This Preliminary information communicates to dealers? information related to a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated due to a U0672 setting. Advises the technician to perform Electric Engine Coolant Pump connection inspections.
This engineering information (EI Lite) is requesting technicians use the FPR App process in regard to finding coolant leaking around the Coolant Control Valve (CCV).
This service bulletin provides a repair procedure to correct a customer concern of Coolant and/or Oil Leak, Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminatedâ.
This Preliminary information communicates the possibility of the engine running hot or overheating with no DTC's due to inaccurate coolant temperature sensor located on the coolant pump outlet pipe.
This Preliminary information communicates the possibility of a inaccurate #1 Coolant Temperature Sensor causing the engine to run hot or overheat with possible over temperature message displayed on DIC
This service bulletin provides diagnostic information for the technician regarding a customer concern of engine overheating, cooling system contaminated with engine oil.
This Preliminary information communicates that a customer may bring a vehicle in with an SES light on. If the technician finds a code P2B87 (auxiliary coolant pump underspeed) set in the ECM they are directed to not replace the G17 heater coolant pump because ...
Airbag warning light or recall 2 bulletins · 9 complaints
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the air bag and air bag harness to correct a condition of Airbag Malfunction Warning and Airbag Malfunction Indicator Illuminated with DTC B0001-1B due to corrosion.
This engineering informational bulletin is requesting information from technicians to perform the check list provided and contact the engineer listed in regards to the Airbag Warning Lamp illuminated on the Driver Information Center (DIC).
Battery dies or the car will not start 8 bulletins · 8 complaints
This bulletin provides a procedure on how to check for a battery drain utilizing the Picoscope and how to measure the load on the system that may be causing a drain.
This service bulletin provides a procedure to add deadener to the batter tray bracket to correct customer concerns of a Service Engine Soon (SES), Reduced Power, Service Brake, Reduced Steering and/or Stabilitrak Message Illuminated on DIC, multiple DTCs.
6 more on this problem
This service bulletin provides a procedure to replace the FPDCM if found to cause customers concerns of Crank No Start, Stalling, Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated – DTC P023F or P129F Set.
This Preliminary information communicates a vehicle may come to the dealer with a complaint of no start, stalling, rough idle, no acceleration, loss of power, erratic shifting, fuel gauge inoperative, MIL illuminated with various codes stored.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to add deadener to the batter tray bracket to correct customer concerns of a Service Engine Soon (SES), Reduced Power, Service Brake, Reduced Steering and/or Stabilitrak Message Illuminated on DIC, multiple DTCs.
This Preliminary information communicates that a vehicle may come into the dealer with various concerns which may include a service engine light or various warning messages on the DIC.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about a no start or another concern after swapping an Engine Control Module or other modules from one vehicle to another.
This service bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of Possible Crank No Start or Extended Crank with DTC P12A6.
Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 6 bulletins · 7 complaints
This service bulletin provides a procedure to correct a customer concern of Shudders or Shakes at Low Speeds.
This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise.
4 more on this problem
This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to correct the condition of Shudders or Shakes at Low Speeds.
This Preliminary information communicates to perform a transmission fluid drain and fill to correct a TCC shudder concern.
This informational bulletin provides information on Transmission Adaptive Functions and Correcting Low Mileage Harsh Shifts, Slips, or Flares.
Complaints filed by year
43 complaints came in 2025. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
NHTSA investigations
Rear-view camera failure. Closed nov 21, 2022, led to recall 22V-709.
NHTSA summary
Recalls that include the 2021 GMC Acadia
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The fuel supply lines may be improperly attached and seated.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace fuel supply lines as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212335590.
All 2 recalls on the 2021 GMC Acadia, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide Buying one used? How to research one car’s history before you pay
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2021 GMC Acadia?
Stalling, with 28 of the 149 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 41,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2021 GMC Acadia problems start?
Of the 52 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 10,000 miles and half by about 29,000.
Is the 2021 GMC Acadia better or worse than the 2020 and 2022?
Counted per year on the road, the 2021 has more complaints than both the 2020 and the 2022: 25 a year against 15 and 10.
How many 2021 GMC Acadia complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
8 of them (5%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for stalling on the 2021 GMC Acadia?
No recall on file for the 2021 GMC Acadia is on the same system as stalling. Another recall may still cover your car, so check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.