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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2021 GMC Acadia Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
17about this part
Share
11%of 155 total for the year
Median mileage
4,063miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2021 GMC Acadia, 11% of the 155 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 4,063 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.

“Wife was driving southbound on us287 between vernon, tx and wichita falls, tx in a 75mph speed zone. Vehicle abruptly and for no apparent reason slowed as if the brakes had been applied with sufficient force to cause her to bend forward at the waist. Subsequently, the vehicle speed became erratic and she slowed to 25 while moving onto the shoulder. Could easily have caused a fatal accident had traffic not been unusually light. I am enclosing GM service bulletin issued in july of 2020 (I found it posted on the NHTSA web site) regarding the transmission used in this car. …”

NHTSA complaint #11413574, filed 2021-04, 4,063 miles

“My vehicle stops working while in traffic when the auto stop is engaged. The abs, parking brake, and dash flashes prior to the engine stopping. I have been to the dealership multiple times and they are never able to recreate the issue. The check engine light codes produced are P0014 and c0800-03.”

NHTSA complaint #11574872, filed 2024-03

“This is a very known issue that has been reoccurring with GMC Acadia. The torque converter slipping. That cost alone is over $7.000 for the transmission. I am still making monthly payments for my 2021 Acadia. With rising cost above the board GMC could have resolved this issue before releasing this vehicle to the public for purchase. Only had this vehicle for 2 years and already a new transmission is needed. Other individuals i personally know have the same issue. From my research GMC is aware and fails to do a recall on this issue.”

NHTSA complaint #11737300, filed 2026-05

“I have had nothing but issues with this vehicle from the day I purchased it. I should have been more leery of purchasing a vehicle with so few miles on it as a certified vehicle. First issue lift gate wouldn’t work. Had to have sensors replaced twice. Next was the purge valve sensor that has went bad 3 separate times. Then the crankcase vent sensor. Paid a fee for diagnostics, it was not repaired took it back when the engine light came back on, they replaced it without charging but I was advised it’s not covered under warranty. …”

NHTSA complaint #11648891, filed 2025-03

“Was accelerating to approx 45-50mph when the vehicle gave no power, but my RPMs were revving. Once removing my foot off the gas pedal and trying to get power back, after the 2nd or 3rd time I resumed power. The car has less than 9000 miles on it. Right after, a message alerted me to have the vehicle brought in for service, and the engine light came on. According to the dealership, the found code P0700 which is normal, followed by P7224, something I am unable to locate anywhere online. They said they tested everything and all came back normal. …”

NHTSA complaint #11448795, filed 2022-01

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2026330%
202546%
2024711%
20231327%
202248%
20211711%
20202221%
201915440%
201816441%
201723633%
2016219%
2015187%
2014358%
20132720%
20124315%
20113312%
20104313%
20097222%
200827933%
200718443%

Other parts of the 2021 GMC Acadia

Electrical system
39 complaints
Engine
30 complaints
Fuel system
30 complaints
Other or unknown
22 complaints
Brakes
19 complaints
Steering
18 complaints
Air bags
10 complaints
Back-over prevention (rear camera)
7 complaints
Forward collision avoidance
7 complaints
Vehicle speed control
7 complaints
Lane departure
4 complaints
Engine cooling
3 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2021 GMC Acadia

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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