The GMC Acadia has been going strong for over a decade now due to its ute characteristics and that compelling value-for-money status. The SUV has given plenty of trouble to its owners in the recent past and the 2018 Acadia sees a similar fate too. The latest iteration of the vehicle has seen 193 complaints and 2 recalls so far according to the NHTSA records. The powertrain and electrical system of the vehicle have seen the maximum complaints from the users while the safety systems get the second-highest number of complaints against them. The 2018 GMC Acadia competes with the Ford Explorer, the Honda Pilot, and the Mazda CX-9 in its segment while carrying a base price tag of $29,000 for the base SL trim.
2018 GMC Acadia SUV Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and Which Year to Avoid
Updated on: May 4, 2022
Nathan Dyer
Senior Editor
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GMC Acadia user complaints and problems
Engine problems
- Shift to park error: There are a lot of owners who faced this issue with their 2018 GMC Acadia but the vehicles never saw a single recall regarding the same. All the reports stated that the affected vehicles’ transmissions failed to register when it was put into park mode. The incidents occurred while turning off the vehicle or reversing. While turning off the ignition, the failure would keep the system running despite several attempts to turn it off. In several cases, the owners were able to get it to work after numerous attempts.
- Shuddering and loss of power: One owner faced this issue while driving. While the owner was driving, the transmission shuddered and the engine lost motive power resulting in rapid deceleration.
- Transmission slipping: A single owner faced this issue where the transmission slipped. While driving, the automatic transmission appeared to slip while shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear. When the vehicle was taken to the dealership, the problem couldn’t be replicated.
Safety problems
- Braking system malfunction: The braking system malfunction affected a few models but the incidents were different in each case. One owner complained that while driving the brake pedal needed to be depressed but it went all the way to the floor without any warning sign on the instrument cluster. After a rotor replacement, the issue persisted. Another owner reported that while driving in slightly snowy areas, the electronic stability control and the antilock braking system failed to work as designed.
2018 GMC Acadia recalls
|
S.No. |
Recall Date |
NHTSA Campaign ID |
Issues noticed |
Additional remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
August 22, 2017 |
17V516000 |
Driveshaft Fracture and Separation |
If the front right intermediate drive shaft assembly separates while driving, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. If the assembly separates while parked on a grade, without the park brake engaged, the vehicle may move unintentionally, increasing the risk of a vehicle roll-away. |
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right front intermediate drive shaft assembly, free of charge. The recall began on August 25, 2017. |
|
2 |
May 31, 2018 |
18V358000 |
Fuel Pump Flange Weld may Fracture |
A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire. |
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began on July 2, 2018. |
Should you buy a used GMC Acadia?
The GMC Acadia is a steady seller among its siblings and gets a lot of things right that has helped it anchor its position too. The refined ride quality and a straightforward cabin layout make it preferable for urban cruising. However, the SUV has been facing too many complaints regarding the infamous shift to park error in its previous model year and the current model also has seen plenty of complaints regarding a similar issue too. Going for a used Acadia involves risks. You can look forward to getting an alternative option from the segment, especially the Mazda CX-9 since it boasts an impeccable reliability aspect and has a head-turning design along with all the practical features you’d expect.
