2014 GMC Acadia Problems
Compared with other GMC Acadia years
More complaints than typical for this model
78/100 1.9× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.9× that of a typical GMC Acadia year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 76 of its 463 complaints were filed by the end of 2016.
- Most reported problem: Service Air Bag light on (seat/air bag wiring) (228 complaints, median 80,000 mi).
- 6 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2013, 2015, 2016
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 463filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 59,500miles, 206 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 6campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 4 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 19 mpgcombined, 3.6L 6-cyl FWD · 17 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2014 GMC Acadia (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often report two things: an air bag warning light that comes on and stays on, and episodes where the engine cuts power or shuts off while driving with StabiliTrak, traction control and check engine messages. Complaints cluster from roughly 60,000 to 140,000 miles, and many describe the problems as intermittent, which makes them hard to pin down at a dealer.
- Air bags
Service Air Bag light on (seat/air bag wiring)
- 228 complaints (49%)
- median 80,000 mi at 6.0 yrs old (67 state mileage)
- 6 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $530 (median of 11 quotes)
- filed 2014–2026
Owners describe a "Service Air Bag" message and air bag warning light that appear while driving or at startup and often stay on. Dealers and mechanics in the complaints pointed to wiring and connectors under the front seats, corroded or loose contacts, and wiring that needed re-soldering or replacement; some repairs were repeated and the light returned. A number of owners also say they were told the driver's inflator recall part was not yet available. Reported across a wide mileage range, most commonly between about 55,000 and 140,000 miles.
Recall 23V334000Recall 21V246000
What to check: Ask whether the air bag warning light has come on and what was repaired; check that the 23V334000 driver inflator recall was completed, and have the seat and door wiring connections inspected. Scan for stored air bag codes before buying.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The service air bag light just came on this Gmc has been well maintained and clean no damage at all to the car it just came on , I googled it and have seen complaints apon complaints about it but nothing done I put my children and girlfriend and myself in this car and it makes me sick to my stomach now to know the airbag or something is wrong”
NHTSA complaint #11351440, filed 2020-08, 86,000 miles“Timing chain/belt. Suv is making a loud rattle when turning vehicle on. I got this issue fixed last yea right at 79,000 miles. Warranty paid for it. 20,000 miles late I am having the same issue again, rattle noise, engine light on, air bag light is on. It worries that this will be a major if it gives out while I am driving with my kids.”
NHTSA complaint #11373977, filed 2020-11, 79,000 miles - Electrical system
Reduced engine power, StabiliTrak/traction warnings
- 68 complaints (15%)
- median 76,290 mi at 5.3 yrs old (45 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $972 (median of 6 quotes)
- filed 2014–2026
Owners report the vehicle shuddering, displaying "Reduced Engine Power," "Service StabiliTrak" and "Traction Control Off," then slowing sharply or shutting off entirely, sometimes on the highway. Restarting often clears the warnings for a while. Complaints describe dealers saying they could not reproduce the problem, and diagnosis pointing to the fuse box, ignition switch circuit, battery voltage or control modules; several repairs did not resolve it. Mostly reported between about 45,000 and 130,000 miles, at all speeds including highway driving.
Recall 14V614000Recall 14V2230002 related service bulletins
What to check: Take a test drive long enough to reach highway speed and ask whether the reduced-power or StabiliTrak warnings have appeared. Have the battery, chassis control module and fuse box checked, and confirm any open recall work was done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving coming to our destination stop, at bout 1000ft left, my 2014 Acadia just started shaking, and misfiring and losing power. On the steering column, the notification states, traction system light came on, and check engine light. We then came to a complete stop and put in park, then started driving again and went off after 2-3 minutes. Then powered off and check engine light remains, and others off.”
NHTSA complaint #11364793, filed 2020-10, 84,000 miles“While driving on the highway my car began shuttering and the warning system went off stating the traction control had gone off. Then it said engine power reduced, service engine, and service traction. The car began shaking and immediately slowed down. I pulled over and turned off the car. Upon restarting the car I received a message that said traction control on. But the engine light came on. This is the second time this has occurred. …”
NHTSA complaint #11378643, filed 2020-12, 84,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Harsh or missed transmission shifts
- 53 complaints (11%)
- median 72,000 mi at 5.1 yrs old (33 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2014–2026
Owners report loud thumps when shifting, shaking and jerking between gears, unexpected downshifts, and in some cases the vehicle failing to shift into gear or into Park. Complaints describe dealers being unable to reproduce the fault or calling it normal, and one owner linked a no-shift condition to the shift cable recall. Reported from very low mileage up to about 160,000 miles, with several under 60,000.
Recall 14V0920001 related service bulletin
What to check: Drive through all gears, including a slow roll and a firm acceleration, and ask whether the 14V092000 shift cable recall was completed. A transmission code scan can show stored shift faults.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The contact owns a 2014 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into Park. The contact stated that the key ceased in the ignition and would not allow him to shut-off the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer nor independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 14V092000 (Power train). …”
NHTSA complaint #11420155, filed 2021-06, 106,000 miles“The contact owns a 2014 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, the transmission shifted from 2nd gear to 3rd gear, and the vehicle shuddered before shifting. The failure also occurred while shifting from 4th gear to 5th gear. The contact ran a diagnostic scan and retrieved information for a loss of communication between the TCM and BCM. The failure was intermittent, and there was no warning light illuminated during the failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #11717318, filed 2026-02, 147,000 miles - Steering
Power steering loss and whine from the pump
- 23 complaints (5%)
- median 45,000 mi at 3.7 yrs old (16 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2014–2024
Owners describe the steering becoming very hard to turn, especially at low speed or when stopped, along with a loud whine from the hydraulic power steering pump even with fluid at the proper level. Some had fluid replaced and the problem returned; others report the assist coming back only at higher engine speed. Reported from roughly 45,000 to 135,000 miles.
What to check: Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for whine or uneven assist, and check power steering fluid level and condition.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My SUV that I like very much recently started having issues while turning. After researching online it seems that this is an ongoing issue with Gmc Acadia models. This could easily cause a wreck and is a safety issue when driving. Since there are alot of reports for this issue I thought that there would be a recall , unfortunately when I searched my VIN no recall was found. There are alot off issues with this model and problem therefore it should be covered by Gmc.”
NHTSA complaint #11311186, filed 2020-02, 90,000 miles“45,000 miles. 2014 Acadia slt2 awd. Power steering failure. Fluid driven power steering is failing, loud whine noise from hydraulic fluid pump. Fluid is full. Steering is very hard to turn, no power assist especially at slower speeds or at a stop. Slightly better if raising engine speed above 2500 rpms”
NHTSA complaint #11338608, filed 2020-07, 45,000 miles - Fuel system
Fuel gauge reads wrong or empty after fill-up
- 25 complaints (5%)
- median 42,500 mi at 2.3 yrs old (14 state mileage)
- filed 2014–2025
Owners report the fuel gauge dropping to empty or reading low after filling the tank, sometimes gradually climbing back as they drive, and one owner had a no-start traced to a failed fuel pump. Dealers and shops attributed the gauge fault to electrical or fuel system issues, and one complaint notes a software recall for fuel gauge accuracy. Reported across a wide range, from about 30,000 up past 105,000 miles.
What to check: Fill the tank and watch whether the gauge reads full, and ask whether the fuel gauge software recall 14V223000 was applied.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My fuel gauge occasionally registers as empty even after I fill the gas tank. This typical happens if I let the fuel go below 1/4 tank. This has happened since the first 30,000 miles and I was told by the dealership there was no recall or safety alert for this condition. It gradually goes up as I drive. It is my understanding this is a common problem with this vehicle and model year.”
NHTSA complaint #11415629, filed 2021-05, 30,000 miles“The contact owns a 2014 Gmc Acadia. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. A local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11301118, filed 2020-01, 60,000 miles
Buying note. Check that the driver inflator and shift cable recalls were completed and that the fuel gauge software update was applied, then drive the vehicle at highway speed to watch for reduced-power warnings and test the steering and transmission closely. Records of any air bag wiring or fuse box repairs are worth asking for, since owners report these faults returning.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 463 consumer complaints for the 2014 GMC Acadia. 206 of the complaints include a mileage, and 41% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 59,500 miles. Of all complaints, 15 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 17 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns and 1,573 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 15 GMC Acadia model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 78 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags246 53%
- Electrical system90 19%
- Engine45 9.7%
- Transmission and drivetrain35 7.6%
- Other or unknown31 6.7%
- Steering26 5.6%
- Fuel system25 5.4%
- Exterior lighting20 4.3%
- Electronic stability control19 4.1%
- Brakes9 1.9%
Also reported: Body and structure (8), Vehicle speed control (8), Seat belts (7), Seats (7), Lane departure (6), Suspension (5), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (4), Tires (3), Engine cooling (2), Latches, locks and linkages (2), Wheels (2), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (1), Equipment (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “I'm getting service air bags on my 2014 Gmc Acadia. There was a recall on airbags previously for this vehicle from 2009-2013 but not this model. I've read enough complaints on the airbags failing and this is a safety concern that needs to be addressed. This car has not been in any accidents or flood damage. There should be no reason why I should be getting service air bag message”
NHTSA complaint #11208340, filed 2019-05, 77,000 milesElectrical system: “There is a water leak every time it rains. Once I could not shut off my car had to take it to the dealership. Said the drain line for sunroof had debri and water was sitting on fuse box. Water leaks in floor board. Yesterday, there is no sound in vehicle at all (no radio no blinking noise when blinker is turned on.)”
NHTSA complaint #11172764, filed 2019-01, 95,000 milesEngine: “I was driving at roughly fifty MPH when engine shutoff and put vehicle into neutral to pullover avoiding rear end crash by semi truck I attempted to start vehicle but vehicle engine locked without any warning I called dealer and towed into service and it was something internal in engine and told to wait for more info.”
NHTSA complaint #10695220, filed 2015-03, 10,500 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “When stoped on a hill the transmission goes into neutral & the car rolls backward down hill when you take your foot off the brake to take off again. Took it to a Gmc dealer &a they told us they drove a 2013 Acadia & a 2015 buick with the same drive train as ours & both cars rolled back like ours so they determined it was normal ! I was a ford tech for 32 years and never ran into a problem like this, I do not feel it's normal. What will happen if we roll back into another car or hit someone who walks behind the car?? …”
NHTSA complaint #11043925, filed 2017-11, 59,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
41% of the 206 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 22,000 and 90,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2014 GMC Acadia. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acadia · SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 15.5% risk |
| Acadia · SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 16.9% risk |
| Acadia Denali · SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 15.5% risk |
| Acadia Denali · SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 16.9% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2014 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2013: same overall rating; 2015: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2014 GMC Acadia version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acadia AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 16 | 23 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Acadia FWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 23V334000May 10, 2023Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator moduleCovers: GMC Acadia 2014–2017, Chevrolet Traverse 2014–2017, Buick Enclave 2014–2017
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
- 21V246000Apr 8, 2021Air bags › Critical fastenersCovers: GMC Acadia 2011–2016, Chevrolet Traverse 2010–2019, Buick Enclave 2010–2015, 2017
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2015, 2017 Buick Enclave, 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2011-2016 GMC Acadia vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not be properly attached.
- 14V614000Oct 1, 2014Electrical systemCovers: GMC Acadia 2014, Chevrolet Suburban 2013–2014, Cadillac CTS 2013–2014 +12 more
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Cadillac CTS, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL, and 2014 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Express, Impala, Silverado HD, Traverse, GMC Acadia, Savana, and…
- 14V266000May 20, 2014Seat beltsCovers: GMC Acadia 2009–2014, Chevrolet Traverse 2009–2014, Buick Enclave 2009–2014 +1 more
General Motors is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured April 14, 2008, through May 14, 2014, Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured June 6, 2008, through May 14, 2014, and GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured April 9…
- 14V223000Apr 30, 2014Electrical system › SoftwareCovers: GMC Acadia 2014, Chevrolet Traverse 2014, Buick Enclave 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured March 26, 2013, through August 15, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the engine control module (ECM) software may cause the…
- 14V092000Feb 21, 2014Power train › Automatic transmissionCovers: GMC Acadia 2014, Chevrolet Impala 2014, Cruze 2014 +6 more
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Buick Regal, LaCrosse, Verano, and Enclave, and Chevrolet Impala, Malibu, Cruze, and Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. In the affected vehicles, the…
Recall details for the 2014 GMC Acadia → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,573 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037555Sep 26, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11027601Jan 8, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11025755Nov 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit…
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- 11022084Aug 14, 2025Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11021792Aug 7, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming…
Other model years of the GMC Acadia
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 10 | 2,800 | 1 | 5 | 22 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 69 | 3,000 | 0 | 5 | 23 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 61 | 7,000 | 0 | 5 | 23 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 49 | 24,749 | 4 | 5 | 25 | 25 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 52 | 31,500 | 3 | 5 | 25 | 8 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 155 | 27,896 | 2 | 5 | 23 | 47 · Typical | Rising |
| 2020 | 106 | 9,500 | 6 | 5 | 23 | 55 · Typical | Rising |
| 2019 | 388 | 40,000 | 2 | 4–5 | 23 | 46 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 398 | 32,000 | 2 | 4–5 | 23 | 71 · More | Stable |
| 2017 | 706 | 33,000 | 4 | 4–5 | 21 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2016 | 236 | 50,000 | 4 | 5 | 18 | 25 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2015 | 243 | 50,000 | 4 | 5 | 19 | 30 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2014 | 463 | 59,500 | 6 | 5 | 19 | 78 · More | Rising |
| 2013 | 135 | 83,000 | 3 | 5 | 19 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 296 | 75,000 | 5 | 5 | 19 | 54 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 269 | 68,694 | 5 | 5 | 19 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 343 | 75,000 | 4 | — | 19 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 331 | 75,417 | 7 | — | 19 | 67 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 854 | 82,000 | 5 | — | 19 | 82 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 428 | 77,500 | 5 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All GMC Acadia model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2014 GMC Acadia?
Owners of this model year most often report two things: an air bag warning light that comes on and stays on, and episodes where the engine cuts power or shuts off while driving with StabiliTrak, traction control and check engine messages. The issues reported most often: Service Air Bag light on (seat/air bag wiring); Reduced engine power, StabiliTrak/traction warnings; Harsh or missed transmission shifts.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2014 GMC Acadia have?
NHTSA recorded 463 consumer complaints for the 2014 GMC Acadia as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2014 GMC Acadia is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 246 complaints (53% of the total), followed by electrical system with 90.
Has the 2014 GMC Acadia been recalled?
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2014 GMC Acadia do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2014 GMC Acadia 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 4 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2014 GMC Acadia get?
The EPA rates the 2014 GMC Acadia (Acadia FWD, 3.6L 6-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 17 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2014 GMC Acadia reported?
Among the 206 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 59,500 miles and the middle half falls between 22,000 and 90,000 miles; 41% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.