2012 GMC Acadia Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 43about this part
- Share
- 15%of 296 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 98,300miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 43 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2012 GMC Acadia, 15% of the 296 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 98,300 miles. 2 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.
“The car sputters and hesitates when changing gears. I took it to a Gmc dealer and found out the torque converter and transmission were bad. I researched and found multiple complaints of this happening with the Gmc Acadia. I received a price of approximately $4500 to correct the issue. I did contact Gmc and was told no assistance would be offered.”
NHTSA complaint #11271771, filed 2019-10, 118,000 miles“When driving my car and holding the speed at 50-60mph the RPM begin to fluctuate and the car shudders. Also when going up hills it does them same thing and and feels as if it has a harder time shifting.my car only has 97944 miles on it.”
NHTSA complaint #11246118, filed 2019-08, 97,500 miles“The torque converter is failing per dublin Gmc. That is the cause of the stuttering. In addition, the rear lift gate has failed and will not stay open in either power or manuel mode. Apparently my vehicle manufactur date is out side the recall months for this recall (per dublin Gmc and self check on this website) recall # 5420 and nhst #15v415000. How do I get the mfg to pay for this potentially lethal failure (it almost got me when it failed as I was taking groceries out of back)”
NHTSA complaint #11374923, filed 2020-11, 115,000 miles“While accelerating, the vehicle will shudder and jerk, even vibrate violently at times. The RPM meter jumps up and down while it does that. You cannot give it gas while it is doing this (you can but it does not accelerate). I was on the interstate when the vehicle began to do this and starting losing speed quickly. Luckily, that time it only lasted a few seconds before I was able to speed back up. This could easily cause a wreck. Took it to the dealer and they found no error codes or issues. …”
NHTSA complaint #11088558, filed 2018-04, 81,000 miles“We got this car in hopes it would last 3 years. When we drive it, the transmission shudders and acts like it is going to die driving down the road. It is very dangerous and annoying and I'm afraid to drive it. It is really such a shame, the car seems so nice but drives worse than a sherman tank. It seems to do it worse at low speeds, on the military base 15mph 20mph average speed it does it constantly. It also does it on the highway at any speed.”
NHTSA complaint #10779299, filed 2015-10, 99,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 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.
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 2012 GMC Acadia
46 complaintsOther or unknown
42 complaintsBody and structure
42 complaintsElectrical system
41 complaintsEngine
35 complaintsAir bags
33 complaintsFuel system
24 complaintsExterior lighting
21 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
10 complaintsElectronic stability control
9 complaintsBrakes
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 GMC Acadia
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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