2020 GMC Acadia Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 21%of 106 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 41,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2020 GMC Acadia, 21% of the 106 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 41,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When the vehicle is already in motion, it automatically shifts out of drive and I am left in the middle of the road unable to accelerate for a few seconds until the vehicle automatically shifts back to drive. This happens after pulling out of my gravel driveway which is a slight incline, and onto a highway. The cause is unknown.”
NHTSA complaint #11324506, filed 2020-05, 1,100 miles“Vehicle will shutter or buck at variable speeds like, 35-38 mph, 40-45 mph and so on. if I take my foot of the gas and reapply it will shutter buck again at almost any speed. I took it to a mechanic and there are no codes, no check engine light. Shop recommended changing the transmission fluid so we did. Car still responds the same way, shutters and bucks when reapplying fuel pedal or slow acceleration.”
NHTSA complaint #11689632, filed 2025-09“Car keeps throwing Poo14 code for VVt sensor, I’ve replaced the sensors and checked wiring on the side of the road and no damage found, went online and read multiple complaints and recalls on the same issue I’m having with my car. I enter my vin and no recalls have been found. I have a 2020 gmc Acadia Denali 3.6l v6. As well and the rear view camera cutting in and out multiple times anlmost causing an wreck. and a system update didn’t fix the issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11679487, filed 2025-08“The torque converter in the transmission has been vibrating for over a year now. I can imagine it is causing more damage to the rest of the transmission. Now I can feel the shifting starting to get rough, loss of power, and dark transmission fluid. I had the problem confirmed with an independent service center. There have been no warning lamps as of yet. But it's only a matter of time that I will need a torque converter replacement and/or full transmission replacement.”
NHTSA complaint #11722466, filed 2026-03“The vehicle stalls when air start kicks on so when stopped auto stop kick on and when your ready to go the go stalls to turn back on. I have also lost power to the car randomly. Power train issue on car keeps coming on with engine light. I have taken to dealer when car was under warranty and they were very dismissive to my issue. They changed some sensor under warranty And they said the issue was fixed. But the issue remains and it’s causing several issues to the car with Also a fueling code to the engine light”
NHTSA complaint #11650043, filed 2025-03Related recalls
- 20V668000Oct 29, 2020General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain…Covers: GMC Acadia 2019–2020, Chevrolet Equinox 2018–2020, Traverse 2018–2020 +9 more
Related 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.
- 11011904Nov 18, 2024This service bulletin provides 9th gear operation information to respond to customers that may comment on transmission shift operation.
- 11011225Oct 29, 2024This service bulletin advises the tech that the rotational Clicking Noise Heard After Engine Shut Down may be normal characteristics of the vehicle.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11009466Sep 27, 2024This service bulletin provides a procedure to correct a customer concern of Shudders or Shakes at Low Speeds.
- 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…
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 2020 GMC Acadia
29 complaintsElectrical system
28 complaintsSteering
20 complaintsOther or unknown
15 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsForward collision avoidance
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
3 complaintsLane departure
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 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