2011 GMC Acadia Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 52about this part
- Share
- 19%of 269 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,637miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 52 complaints about the engine of the 2011 GMC Acadia, 19% of the 269 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,637 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“At 86,000 miles, the engine needed to be replaced. Despite our regular maintenance and oil changes, the vehicle began to make a loud ticking sound. We immediately pulled into the nearest auto shop. We had two mechanics (had car towed for second opinion) say that the engine needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #11351176, filed 2020-08, 86,000 miles“Under 100k miles and engine just blew up with out warning only had the car for 3 yrs prior when we first got it we had issues with the dvd cd player had to replace it and after 1 yr it went out again. Had issues with headlight bulb being replaced then blowing out. The big problem now is the engine and the car not running”
NHTSA complaint #11122883, filed 2018-08, 98,000 miles“The car has 77,000 miles and had to replace the timing chain and all components involved. The service manager said they had recalls on 2007-2009 vehicles buit had since fixed the problem but apparently not. I had my machanic fix this the cost was $1636.00 which was way cheaper than the dealer. I think that Gmc should resolve this problem as I heard this is a common problem still.”
NHTSA complaint #10993369, filed 2017-06, 77,000 miles“I was driving down the road with almost 1/2 a tank of gas, and I lost power suddenly, and had no control over my vehicle because the power steering and everything quit. Because I am fairly strong, I was actually able to turn off the road into a safe place, and not be stranded on a very busy two lane road. After having the car towed to paul's automotive garage, I was advised that the vehicle was out of gas.”
NHTSA complaint #10953666, filed 2017-02, 105,490 miles“I was driving my 2011 Gmc Acadia and all of a sudden the car started to decelerate. I pulled over and turn the car off and then the car would not start again. I had it towed to the dealership. The dealership is saying there is an issue with the timing chain. The dealership said that the timing chain failed. Upon doing research, I see that this is a common issue with Gmc models, especially the Acadia model. The dealership is saying that the repair is going to cost me $7500. …”
NHTSA complaint #11030021, filed 2017-09, 100,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11026017Jun 5, 2025This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
- 11024485May 15, 2025The 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…
- 11014230Jan 31, 2025This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11014233Jan 30, 2025This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 11011709Nov 5, 2024This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010490Oct 5, 2024This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11009532Sep 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009531Sep 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 10% |
| 2025 | 7 | 10% |
| 2024 | 10 | 16% |
| 2023 | 13 | 27% |
| 2022 | 15 | 29% |
| 2021 | 30 | 19% |
| 2020 | 29 | 27% |
| 2019 | 53 | 14% |
| 2018 | 35 | 9% |
| 2017 | 62 | 9% |
| 2016 | 13 | 6% |
| 2015 | 18 | 7% |
| 2014 | 45 | 10% |
| 2013 | 21 | 16% |
| 2012 | 35 | 12% |
| 2011 | 52 | 19% |
| 2010 | 74 | 22% |
| 2009 | 67 | 20% |
| 2008 | 124 | 15% |
| 2007 | 46 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2011 GMC Acadia
64 complaintsElectrical system
47 complaintsExterior lighting
38 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
33 complaintsAir bags
19 complaintsElectronic stability control
16 complaintsOther or unknown
16 complaintsVehicle speed control
13 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
10 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 GMC Acadia
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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