2011 GMC Acadia Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 33about this part
- Share
- 12%of 269 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 71,796miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 33 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2011 GMC Acadia, 12% of the 269 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 71,796 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was traveling to daytona fl from ohio for vacation. The transmission started slipping and as I got off the exit for daytona the transmission went out I barely made it to my rental. I had no extra money and can not rent a car because I have no major credut card. So I had to take out a loan for 3200.00 for a1 transmission shop to rebuild the transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #11258350, filed 2019-09, 154,000 miles“When I drive the vehicle for 2 hours or more the transmission hot idle engine come on the dash and I have to slow down or park the vehicle for it to cool off. I can not drive at 75 MPH or 80 MPH when on the highway without it coming on.”
NHTSA complaint #11118327, filed 2018-08, 130,000 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 miles“My vehicle has 136,000 miles and the timing chain is out, I have had to have the front passenger axle repaired, there is an oil leak. I had the vehicle checked while under warranty because the check engine light would come on, the service department said it was because the gas cap wasn't tightened. Now I have no warranty and the timing chain needs replaced. The first day I drove my vehicle the brake system failed, it was brand new. It had had several recalls.”
NHTSA complaint #10909672, filed 2016-09, 136,000 miles“Passenger side air vent not blowing all the other vents work. Dealer said it was the air door actuator. This is the 2nd time we have had our Acadia in for cooling issues each time we have had to pay big bucks we do not have!!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10860981, filed 2016-04, 69,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 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…
- 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…
- 11005311Jul 9, 2024This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
- 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…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 30% |
| 2025 | 4 | 6% |
| 2024 | 7 | 11% |
| 2023 | 13 | 27% |
| 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 2011 GMC Acadia
64 complaintsEngine
52 complaintsElectrical system
47 complaintsExterior lighting
38 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 30, 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