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 2022-01Related 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 2021 GMC Acadia
39 complaintsEngine
30 complaintsFuel system
30 complaintsOther or unknown
22 complaintsBrakes
19 complaintsSteering
18 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
7 complaintsForward collision avoidance
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsLane departure
4 complaintsEngine 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