2013 GMC Acadia Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 27about this part
- Share
- 20%of 135 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 99,250miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 27 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2013 GMC Acadia, 20% of the 135 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 99,250 miles. 1 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.
“While coasting up to a redlight the car engine lurched and stalled shutting off. This left me coasting with no power steering and no power brakes. Very scary. I was very fortunate I didn't hit anything. We have since found out this is due to a GM known problem with the torque converter. Gm has a service bulletin acknowledging this problem. Tsb 13120a”
NHTSA complaint #11092734, filed 2018-05, 94,000 miles“My 2013 Gmc Acadia car just started having shifting issues and turns out to be a transmission issue. The dealer states there is no recall and recommendation I replace the transmission which would cost about $4600. This is absolutely absurd. I just learned that Acadia's have transmission issues. And of course, nothing can be done because there is no recall on 2013 vehicles. Terrible business.”
NHTSA complaint #11060743, filed 2018-01, 116,000 miles“My Acadia engine light came on when I put it in drive won't go anywhere. Acadia doors keep unlocking and locking was at my house in driveway. Engine light went off everything is fine. Took it to dealership and they said it's the transmission module making car think it's in park but can't fix it unless my engine light is on when I get it to them. Question from me is if it's thinking it's in park what if I'm driving 55 and it thinks it's in park I'll wreck. …”
NHTSA complaint #11011190, filed 2017-07, 54,000 miles“My transmission has been acting up since 50,000 miles A/C acting up since 70,000 miles air bag light keeps coming on dealership wants to charge me for warranty work one dealership refuse to work on my car”
NHTSA complaint #11139242, filed 2018-10, 95,000 miles“2013 Gmc Acadia. Consumer writes in regards to transmission failure. The consumer stated the transmission needed to be replaced. The 35r drum and snap rings failed. The manufacturer was contacted and did not offer any assistance due to the vehicle being out of warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #11398376, filed 2021-03, 83,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011989Nov 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 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.
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 2013 GMC Acadia
38 complaintsAir bags
29 complaintsOther or unknown
22 complaintsEngine
21 complaintsExterior lighting
10 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsElectronic stability control
6 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsLane departure
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 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