2018 GMC Acadia Problems
Compared with other GMC Acadia years
More complaints than typical for this model
71/100 1.6× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.6× 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.
- 154 of its 398 complaints were filed by the end of 2020.
- Most reported problem: \"Shift to Park\" message with vehicle already in Park (286 complaints, median 32,000 mi).
- 2 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: 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
- 398filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 32,000miles, 181 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4–5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 23 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl FWD · 21 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2018 GMC Acadia (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2018 GMC Acadia most often report a "Shift to Park" message that appears after the shifter is already in Park, which can keep the vehicle from fully shutting down, locking, or confirming it is in gear. Complaints about the transmission come up second most, covering rough or delayed shifts, loss of power, and shifter or harness problems, usually in the 30,000-50,000 mile range, while a smaller group of reports concerns steering assist warnings, fuel pump failures, and electrical oddities such as the rear camera or liftgate behaving unexpectedly.
- Transmission and drivetrain
\"Shift to Park\" message with vehicle already in Park
- 286 complaints (72%)
- median 32,000 mi at 2.3 yrs old (145 state mileage)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $500 (median of 11 quotes)
- filed 2018–2026
Owners describe shifting into Park, pressing the start/stop button, and getting a "Shift to Park" message with a chime instead of the vehicle shutting down cleanly. Many say they have to cycle between Drive and Park several times, restart the engine, or jiggle the shifter before the vehicle recognizes Park and lets them turn it off or lock the doors. Some report the interior lights or radio staying on afterward, and a few mention the vehicle rolling despite the lever being in Park. Dealers have replaced the shifter assembly, shifter switch, harness, or transmission control harness, and in some cases the message came back after repair. Reported from roughly 10,000 to 130,000 miles, with many complaints clustered between 18,000 and 50,000 miles; it happens when parking and shutting the vehicle off, and some owners note it is worse on an incline.
What to check: Ask the seller whether the shifter assembly or shifter harness has been replaced, and test it yourself: park on a slight incline, shut the vehicle off, and confirm the display shows Park and the doors lock. Check that the interior lights and radio go off with the ignition.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Every time I park and try to shut car off the car refuses to turn off and gives a message that says shift to park. Requires 20+ attempts of restarting, shifting out of park and back into it before succeeding. Car is clearly in park, not rolling but I'm unable to turn off car fully. This has been occurring the last month or two. I bought the car brand new.”
NHTSA complaint #11348585, filed 2020-08, 30,000 miles“Shift to park warning is coming on, I am not able to turn the car off. The car is rolling either forward or backward while in the parked position. I have to turn the car on and off many times plus put it in forward, reverse, neutral and most of the time that still does not fix the problem. The car will not turn off, and it is rolling forward or backward while it is parked.”
NHTSA complaint #11415040, filed 2021-05, 28,500 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Rough or delayed transmission shifts and lost power
Mentioned in 5 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe the transmission slipping or hesitating between gears, often from 2nd to 3rd, with the engine revving before the gear engages and the vehicle briefly not responding to the throttle. Others report erratic acceleration and deceleration, a loss of motive power with the check engine light on, or a jerk and abnormal noise followed by smoke. Complaints mention valve body replacement and, in some cases, dealer diagnosis of transmission failure. Mostly reported between about 32,000 and 126,000 miles, with several complaints in the 30,000-50,000 mile range.
What to check: During a test drive, pay attention to shifts at light and moderate throttle, especially 2nd to 3rd, and watch for revving without acceleration. Ask whether the transmission fluid has been serviced and whether any valve body or transmission repairs were done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When trying to put in park won't shut off says shift to park, started around 25,000 miles have to be sure vehicle is level and not on an incline. Vehicle also surges at times loosing power when you're going down the highway. Also, at times when you go to start vehicle it will hesitate and disconnects from battery thus resetting everything. Had to replace battery at 25,000 . The rear wiper will go on it's on without turning it on.”
NHTSA complaint #11350842, filed 2020-08, 25,000 miles“When the vehicle is warm, the transmission appears to slip when shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear. The engine will rev between 500 to 1000 RPM while shifting. During this time (half to full second) the vehicle is not accelerating and does not respond to throttle inputs. The vehicle has been taken into dealerships 4 times for this complaint. At 35000 miles (3rd dealer visit), GM replaced the valve assembly. The problem reoccurred and GM is only offering to replace the same part, or extend the warranty on the transmission, but not both. …”
NHTSA complaint #11310226, filed 2020-02, 32,000 miles
Buying note. Focus a test drive and inspection on the shifter's Park recognition during shutdown and on shift quality, since these are the most frequently reported concerns, and ask for service records showing whether the shifter assembly, harness, or fuel pump has been addressed. A pre-purchase scan for stored transmission, steering, and fuel system codes is worth the cost on this model year.
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 398 consumer complaints for the 2018 GMC Acadia. 181 of the complaints include a mileage, and 81% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 32,000 miles. Of all complaints, 8 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 12 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 1,071 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 71 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.
- Transmission and drivetrain164 41%
- Other or unknown118 30%
- Electrical system109 27%
- Engine35 8.8%
- Steering24 6.0%
- Brakes22 5.5%
- Electronic stability control12 3.0%
- Fuel system10 2.5%
- Lane departure6 1.5%
Also reported: Seats (5), Suspension (5), Vehicle speed control (5), Seat belts (4), Wheels (4), Forward collision avoidance (3), Exterior lighting (2), Air bags (1), Engine cooling (1), Body and structure (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “1 out of 2 times a day when I put the vehicle in park it gives me a warning to shift to park on the electronic dash. Even though the shift is sitting in the park position. So I have to restart the car, take it out of park and shift back to park multiple times before the warning goes away. This warning prevents the car from completely shutting down”
NHTSA complaint #11270904, filed 2019-10, 43,000 milesOther or unknown: “I went to put my vehicle in park and it showed me a shift to park message. Took it to the dealer twice to get it fixed. Today it happened again, but this time it's stuck on drive and left me stranded in the parking lot. I had to put the emergency break on, disconnect my battery and leave my car for it to be towed to the dealer tomorrow or monday.”
NHTSA complaint #11269581, filed 2019-10, 21,000 milesElectrical system: “Receive a shift to park issue when trying to turn off the car. Have to move the shift to drive and back to park multiple times before it allows me to shut off the car. After a month or so it started draining my battery. I had to pay to replace the shift assembly and replace the battery. It's been less than 2 months and I'm starting to get the message again!”
NHTSA complaint #11280640, filed 2019-11, 36,000 milesEngine: “Put car in park went to kill it and it wont turn off says shift to park it is in park had to do this like 10 times ..twice today..my car wont turn off finally got it off. I have only had this 2018 Acadia lead than 1 mth.. I have read where this is a big major issue.. What do I do”
NHTSA complaint #11302677, filed 2020-01, 23,465 milesMileage when problems were reported
81% of the 181 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 20,200 and 45,900 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2018 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 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 15.0% risk |
| Acadia · SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 16.4% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2018 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2017: same overall rating; 2019: 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 2018 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 | 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 21 | 25 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Acadia AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Acadia FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Acadia FWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,200 |
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
- 18V358000May 31, 2018Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pumpCovers: GMC Acadia 2017–2018, Canyon 2015–2018, Chevrolet Malibu 2016–2018 +6 more
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel…
- 17V516000Aug 22, 2017Power train › Driveline › DriveshaftCovers: GMC Acadia 2017–2018, Chevrolet Equinox 2018, GMC Terrain 2018
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles and 2017-2018 GMC Acadia vehicles. The right front intermediate driveshaft may fracture and separate while driving.
Recall details for the 2018 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. 1,071 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.
- 11035340Jul 21, 2026Other or unknown. PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- 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
- 11023147Sep 8, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates a possible issue with an engine timing chain, gear or crankshaft key.
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 2018 GMC Acadia?
Owners of the 2018 GMC Acadia most often report a "Shift to Park" message that appears after the shifter is already in Park, which can keep the vehicle from fully shutting down, locking, or confirming it is in gear. The issues reported most often: \"Shift to Park\" message with vehicle already in Park; Rough or delayed transmission shifts and lost power.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2018 GMC Acadia have?
NHTSA recorded 398 consumer complaints for the 2018 GMC Acadia as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2018 GMC Acadia is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 164 complaints (41% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 118.
Has the 2018 GMC Acadia been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2018 GMC Acadia do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2018 GMC Acadia 4–5 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 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 2018 GMC Acadia get?
The EPA rates the 2018 GMC Acadia (Acadia FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 23 mpg combined, 21 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,900 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2018 GMC Acadia reported?
Among the 181 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 32,000 miles and the middle half falls between 20,200 and 45,900 miles; 81% 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.