2016 GMC Acadia Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 9%of 236 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 77,911miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2016 GMC Acadia, 9% of the 236 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 77,911 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The traction warning suddenly comes on then the stability service warning jumps on....automatically lowering my speed while I'm on the freeway driving. When I pull over and turn the car off then turn it back on...the light goes away. This happened several times. Dealership can not find anything wrong. It happens when I hit a pot hole or speed bump”
NHTSA complaint #11315756, filed 2020-03, 77,911 miles“'takata recall' while driving the vehicle it will not shift gears or has a hard shift. The vehicle stalls out before wanting to actually move which could result in fatal accidents. The car is nearly brand new with these types of issues.”
NHTSA complaint #11231841, filed 2019-07, 33,500 miles“Transmission seemed to hesitate while shifting and slip at different speeds. Took to jim ellis mall of ga dealer where they determined the torque converter clutch had failed causing the shutter at all speeds. Dealer indicated the complete transmission needed to be replaced. Vehicle only had 111,000 miles and all preventive maintenance programs were followed including transmission flush at 65,000 miles. Vehicle is only 4 years old and never pulled a trailer or abused in any way. …”
NHTSA complaint #11316867, filed 2020-03, 111,000 miles“The car started using more gas when the check engine light came on the dealer said it was the torque converter and it is locking up.it could fail when driven”
NHTSA complaint #11384877, filed 2020-12, 82,000 miles“I was driving about 30mph and accelerated to pass a truck and the transmission failed and the car lost any ability to accelerate and I had to coast to the side of the highway and have the car towed to the dealer. The dealer stated the transmission would need to be replaced and it would be $9000. Mileage is 77,013. This is the third time the transmission has malfunctioned and caused the car to lose power on the highway. It has been repaired twice previously.”
NHTSA complaint #11589420, filed 2024-05Related 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 2016 GMC Acadia
130 complaintsSteering
26 complaintsElectrical system
25 complaintsOther or unknown
22 complaintsEngine
13 complaintsLane departure
9 complaintsElectronic stability control
5 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 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