2025 GMC Acadia Problems
Compared with other GMC Acadia years
Too new to compare
- Model years are compared once their first three years of complaints are in; the 2025 can be compared from 2028.
- Most reported problem: Brake warning lights and loss of brake assist (master (36 complaints).
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2022, 2023
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
- 69filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 3,000miles, 3 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- Too newThis model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 23 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl FWD · 20 city / 27 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2025 GMC Acadia (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Complaints on this model year cluster heavily around the brake system: owners describe brake warning messages, a hard or low pedal, and loss of power assist, with dealers most often pointing to the master cylinder and/or the electronic brake control module. Most reports arrive in the first several thousand miles, and many owners say the replacement parts were back-ordered. A smaller but repeated set of complaints covers the brake-adjacent safety systems (forward collision, automatic emergency braking), shake or hesitation from a stop, a dim center screen in daylight, and occasional electrical/infotainment faults.
- Brakes
Brake warning lights and loss of brake assist (master
- 36 complaints (52%)
- typically at 0.9 yrs old
- filed 2025–2026
Owners describe a cluster of dashboard messages at startup or while driving: service brake assist, service ESC, ABS, and traction control warnings, sometimes with a brake pedal that pulses, feels mushy, or travels to the floor. Many reports say the dealer diagnosed a failed master brake cylinder, and some also had the electronic brake control module replaced. Owners frequently mention the repair part was on nationwide back order, leaving the vehicle at the dealership for weeks with no loaner or timeline. Mostly reported within the first several thousand miles of ownership, often within days to a few months of purchase.
What to check: Ask for the service history and whether the master cylinder or brake control module has already been replaced, and confirm the brake pedal feel is firm at startup with no warning chimes. Watch for any brake, ABS, or ESC lamp on a test drive.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The master cylinder failed under 10,000 miles. I was at 5000 miles. I am reading a lot of people have had issues with the master cylinder in the 2024 early 2025 models. Luckily I was in the driveway barely moving, but man if i were on a highway and it happened it could've been fatal!”
NHTSA complaint #11739018, filed 2026-05“Dropping my children off at school, 4 lights came on on the dash. Two messages came across my dash as well. Service esc service abs. EBCM master cylinder needed to be replaced at local GMC dealership.My brakes were failing…This is a known safety issue by GMC and there’s no recall!”
NHTSA complaint #11761817, filed 2026-09 - Forward collision avoidance
Forward collision / automatic emergency braking engages
Mentioned in 9 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners report the automatic emergency braking system braking hard on its own when there is no obstacle ahead, sometimes at highway speed with cruise set. A few describe warnings about forward collision or lane departure being unavailable alongside brake-system messages. Some say a software update and camera recalibration did not stop the behavior. Typically reported in the first few thousand miles; several describe it happening repeatedly on the open road.
What to check: Ask whether any front camera or driver-assist software work has been done, and test the forward collision alert settings on a drive. Note that GM has issued service bulletins about front camera module replacement rates and image processor communication.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Telematic Modular Control is not working properly and part is on backorder. Dealership and GMC have refused to put into writing that my vehicle is safe to drive; however, they are refusing rental vehicle while awaiting arrival of part. Several of my safety features are not working correctly, my left turn signal went out randomly and my auto breaking has activated when there has been nothing near my vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11740057, filed 2026-05“I have the little feature that will brake for me if it thinks ima get in a wreck. However it’s glitchy!! I can be the only vehicle on road in BOTH directions, cruise set at 60 when out of nowhere the car slams on the breaks. We go down to like 52 then like nothing ever happened we are back to 60. This has happened several times. I have brought the car into my dealership tomorrow have the software updated and the camera recalibrated. Even after these steps were made this issue is still occurring. …”
NHTSA complaint #11695923, filed 2025-10 - Transmission and drivetrain
Hesitation, shake, or stalling when accelerating from a stop
- 10 complaints (14%)
- median 3,000 mi at 0.5 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- filed 2025–2026
Owners describe pressing the accelerator and having the vehicle fail to move, then jerk and shake before finally catching, most often pulling away from a stop sign or up an incline. Some report the engine revs without corresponding acceleration, and one had the transmission replaced after the vehicle would no longer shift. A few mention a dealer reprogramming that did not resolve it. Reported at low mileage, often within the first few thousand miles.
What to check: Test from a dead stop on an incline and see if the vehicle responds promptly without shudder. Ask whether the dealer has applied any transmission or powertrain software updates.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“bought car brand new at 427 miles car started bucking shaking pulsating while driving bought to brennen gmc plattsburgh ny at 811 mile did same thing but worse brought back to dealership they put camshaft actuater and solenoid in at 6041 mile car was motor started knocking stalling controlable in traffic back at shop”
NHTSA complaint #11682547, filed 2025-08“Around 7k miles on the vechicle, driving down the road it kept coming to a stop and skipping. Pulled into the parking lot the best that I could and put it into park. After it wouldn't shift into anything. Never gave any dash signals. It is currently in the shop getting a whole new transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #11678964, filed 2025-08 - Electrical system
Electrical, connectivity and infotainment faults
Mentioned in 5 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe navigation losing position, Wi-Fi hotspot and connected apps dropping out, the vehicle failing to shut off or dying while driving, and warnings cascading across the dash. Several mention OnStar or the telematics module as the suspected cause and say dealers could not get a diagnostic reading. A few report the vehicle was at the dealer awaiting a back-ordered module. Reported from the first weeks of ownership onward, at low mileage.
What to check: Check that navigation, Wi-Fi hotspot and remote services work during the test drive, and ask whether over-the-air or dealer software updates have been applied.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Our onstar module has stopped working since last November after a software update and now issues are starting to cascade causing many other electrical issues to the point that I expect the car to leave my wife and 15 month old daughter stranded. Ours and many other vehicles are having this issue and when any question is asked to gm no response is given or we’re just told to keep waiting.”
NHTSA complaint #11753902, filed 2026-07“I bought this vehicle in August 2025 and October was the first incident that this occurred. What happened was I was driving to pick up my husband and all the warning lights on my car dash started going off and then it died. After we got it started again we took it to the nearest GM dealership and after we parked, we could not get it to shut off then when we started driving again, it died in their parking lot. This has happened multiple times since.”
NHTSA complaint #11715974, filed 2026-02 - Exterior lighting
Center screen too dim to read in daylight
- 5 complaints (7%)
- typically at 0.7 yrs old
- filed 2025–2026
Owners report the infotainment display and instrument cluster wash out in bright sunlight, making climate and other controls hard to see and requiring long glances away from the road. Several say dealers told them nothing could be done or that all vehicles behave this way, and software updates did not improve it. Not mileage-specific in the complaints; described as present from early ownership onward.
What to check: View the screens outdoors on a sunny day before buying, and ask whether any display or radio software updates have been installed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My 2025 Acadia Denali's Main tablet sized screen is impossible to view in bright daylight. This screen has controls for most of the vehicle's settings. If I want to change something such as the temperature setting, I can't see the proper button. This is clearly a safety issue as taking eyes off the road for an extended period just to make a simple setting change is a recipe for disaster. My dealer claims there is no solution as they are all like that.”
NHTSA complaint #11671945, filed 2025-07“The driver and infotainment center is so dim during the day that it is dangerous to drive the vehicle. I have taken the vehicle in to the dealer 3 times and each time the dealer indicates that there doesn't appear to be a problem, but at no time to my knowledge have they taken the vehicle out into the sunlight, There have been 2 Software updates at the dealer and one OTA update so far with no improvement. The screens are so dim that there is no way you can tell what icons are there. …”
NHTSA complaint #11675163, filed 2025-07
Buying note. The brake and driver-assist complaints dominate this model year and mostly appear at very low mileage, so a careful test drive plus a service-history check for master cylinder, brake module and camera work matters more than the odometer here. Confirm any open software updates have been applied and that no warning lamps remain lit.
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 69 consumer complaints for the 2025 GMC Acadia. 3 of the complaints include a mileage, and 100% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 3,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 371 technical service bulletins for this model year.
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.
- Brakes41 59%
- Other or unknown13 19%
- Engine7 10%
- Exterior lighting5 7.2%
- Electrical system4 5.8%
- Steering4 5.8%
- Vehicle speed control3 4.3%
Also reported: Lane departure (2), Body and structure (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “Bought new 2025 GMC Acadia in March of same year. At ~4500 miles I started getting Brake Assist, Forward Collision and Electronic Stability Control warning messages on dash. Upon researching, this is an increasingly common issue with this vehicle that can render the brakes unusable. I no longer feel safe in the vehicle and want it refunded. Car is now in the shop. Taken in on 9/11. Problem has been confirmed by dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #11687148, filed 2025-09Forward collision avoidance: “Automatic brake engaged unnecessarily/ unexpectedly while driving forward at a low speed. There was no reason for the brake to engage. There were no objects or people infont of us. This has happened twice in less than a month. Both times we were in a forward motion. It could have been a serious situation if the car behind us had been any closer when we suddenly breaked for no reason.”
NHTSA complaint #11726073, filed 2026-03Other or unknown: “I was driving on a two-lane road when unexpectedly my front moonroof spontaneously shattered sending glass down on top of me, the console area, and the passenger and rear seating areas of my 2025 GMC Acadia. It happened without warning and no external factors. It was a pleasant sunny November day. The moonroof was not open at the time. Fortunately no one else was in the vehicle with me at the time and no other cars were nearby since the two-lane is not a heavy traffic area. …”
NHTSA complaint #11699041, filed 2025-11Engine: “Engine cooling system malfunction, Ive had to receive maintenance on my Acadia 2025 elevation 3 times in the pass 2 months for the same issue, The coolant system. This is becoming a reoccurring issue that needs to be investigated thoroughly. Ive had to get a rental car all 3 times, and this is becoming frustrating and financially draining. My biggest concern is what is to happen once my warranty expires? guess I'll be paying a note and repair cost until a recall is opened on this issue and then will have to wait for reimbursement. This is horrible to say this car was made 2 years ago. …”
NHTSA complaint #11766323, filed 2026-09Mileage when problems were reported
100% of the 3 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 10 and 9,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
This model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2025 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 · 18.5% risk |
| Acadia · SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 17.4% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2025 model year: forward collision warning standard on some versions, lane departure warning standard on some versions, automatic emergency braking standard on some versions.
Neighbouring years: 2024: same overall rating; 2026: 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 2025 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 | 8-speed automatic | 19 | 24 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Acadia FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,900 |
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
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2025 GMC Acadia in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by 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. 371 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038585Oct 16, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates a potential chirp noise coming from the engine compartment.
- 11038461Oct 7, 2026Other or unknown. This PI communicates the possibility of dtc U11E2 setting as current or history due to poor connection at Intake Cam Actuator
- 11038136Sep 28, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information is for technicians that may see DTCs that are history and should not perform any part replacements. They should follow the notes mentioned prior to anything being…
- 11038132Sep 28, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates to dealers a procedure to reset the radio.
- 11037797Sep 28, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates an issue with the virtual garage door opener not programming to a garage opener. Engineering is working on a new module.
- 11037555Sep 26, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- 11037446Sep 15, 2026Other or unknown. If a vehicle has an issue with super cruise inoperative tech is directed to follow a diagnostic path before replacing the Image processing module.
- 11037320Sep 10, 2026Other or unknown. This PI is to instruct dealer on diagnostic procedures that need to be completed prior to replacing a radio or IPC display
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11037256Sep 2, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information is to inform technicians and customers that GM is aware of the issue and the vehicle can still be driven. When a repair is available, this PI will be updated.
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 2025 GMC Acadia?
Complaints on this model year cluster heavily around the brake system: owners describe brake warning messages, a hard or low pedal, and loss of power assist, with dealers most often pointing to the master cylinder and/or the electronic brake control module. The issues reported most often: Brake warning lights and loss of brake assist (master; Forward collision / automatic emergency braking engages; Hesitation, shake, or stalling when accelerating from a stop.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2025 GMC Acadia have?
NHTSA recorded 69 consumer complaints for the 2025 GMC Acadia as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2025 GMC Acadia is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 41 complaints (59% of the total), followed by forward collision avoidance with 21.
Has the 2025 GMC Acadia been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2025 GMC Acadia do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2025 GMC Acadia 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 2025 GMC Acadia get?
The EPA rates the 2025 GMC Acadia (Acadia FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 23 mpg combined, 20 city and 27 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 2025 GMC Acadia reported?
Among the 3 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 3,000 miles and the middle half falls between 10 and 9,000 miles; 100% 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.