2008 GMC Acadia Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 279about this part
- Share
- 33%of 854 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 77,219miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 279 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2008 GMC Acadia, 33% of the 854 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 77,219 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My vehicle has 85,500 miles on engline and transmission. I bought the vehicle when it had 36,000 miles on it. I have never pulled anything behind my vehicle that would put strain on the transmission. I took it to the mechanic and found out I needed a new transmission. The vehicle would stay in 1st gear and would not shift to a higher gear.”
NHTSA complaint #11113379, filed 2018-07, 85,500 miles“This is the worst viechle we have every bought. You name it an it has gone wrong. Transmission twice, timing, power steering, tailgate, we have never pulled anything with our car. When it rains the steering locks up.. One minute we are going 70 and bam the car turns off. I can keep going. Gmc pretty much just said oh well. This have happened so many times I lost track.”
NHTSA complaint #11123474, filed 2018-08, 75,000 miles“The car transmission slipped into neutral, the engine revved to 5000 rpms. I was traveling on interstate 91 in springfield , mass. I had to shift the gear into manual and then back to drive to get the car into gear. The car reduced speed and it was very scary. I had my son as a passenger in the car. The GM dealer told me the wave plate cracked on the transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #10606986, filed 2014-06, 127,000 miles“I have had to replace a transmission on a car with just over 55000 miles. The windows leak when sitting outside in the rain. The power steering locks up when you drive thru a puddle. The braking system makes some god awful noise when going on or off a ramp. This was our very first brand new off the line car. Really wish we had waited until the bugs were worked out.”
NHTSA complaint #10632664, filed 2014-09, 58,000 miles“My car engine starting revving while driving at normal speeds. While driving with my 3 children in the car, it came to a dead stop and couldn't go in reverse. The vehicle was towed and then diagnosed with a broken 35r clutch wave plate. Had to have the transmission rebuilt at 48k miles. The car had been driven less than 10k miles a year for 5.5 years.”
NHTSA complaint #10508842, filed 2013-04, 41,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This 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…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000119Apr 26, 2024This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10250347Feb 2, 2024This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 10242934Sep 6, 2023This service bulletin provides information on RDM Axle Ratios for AWD Vehicles for Vibration Diagnostics When Using the Pico Scope.
- 10247768Sep 1, 2023This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician of a complaint of a sag or hesitation when accelerating. The concern is present when coasting at…
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 30% |
| 2025 | 4 | 6% |
| 2024 | 7 | 11% |
| 2023 | 13 | 26% |
| 2022 | 4 | 8% |
| 2021 | 17 | 11% |
| 2020 | 22 | 21% |
| 2019 | 154 | 40% |
| 2018 | 164 | 41% |
| 2017 | 236 | 33% |
| 2016 | 21 | 9% |
| 2015 | 18 | 7% |
| 2014 | 35 | 8% |
| 2013 | 27 | 20% |
| 2012 | 43 | 15% |
| 2011 | 33 | 12% |
| 2010 | 43 | 13% |
| 2009 | 72 | 22% |
| 2008 | 279 | 33% |
| 2007 | 184 | 43% |
Other parts of the 2008 GMC Acadia
153 complaintsAir bags
150 complaintsSteering
133 complaintsEngine
124 complaintsBody and structure
87 complaintsOther or unknown
66 complaintsElectronic stability control
57 complaintsExterior lighting
47 complaintsVehicle speed control
36 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
34 complaintsBrakes
31 complaintsEngine cooling
20 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 GMC Acadia
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology