GMC Acadia research: recalls, reliability and buyer's guide

The Acadia is GMC's family crossover. The 2011-2016 models are large eight-seaters with a 288-hp V6; the 2017-2023 Acadia is a smaller, easier-to-park midsize SUV with a four-cylinder, turbo four or 310-hp V6; and the 2024-on Acadia grew again, with a 328-hp turbo four, a big touchscreen and available Super Cruise. Denali trims add upscale features at every stage.

Model years covered: 2011–2026. The Acadia is in production; verify 2026 trims, features and specifications against current GMC data and the window sticker. The 2017 model year includes both the new Acadia and the carryover Acadia Limited.

Last updated 2026-10-15.

Strengths

Upscale denali trims
Flexible three row seating
Available AWD
Strong 310 hp V6 2017 2023
Easier to park 2017 2023
Large cabin 2024 and later
Available super cruise 2024 and later

Things to know before you buy

Size changes by generation
First generation timing chain and transmission checks
2017 2018 driveshaft and fuel pump recalls
Air bag recall check by VIN
Smaller third row 2017 2023
2020 refresh adds 9 speed and turbo
Recall status should be checked by VIN

Generations

Generation 1 (2007–2016)

The original Acadia (2007-2016, plus the 2017 Acadia Limited; 2011-2016 in this file) is a large Lambda-platform crossover shared with the Traverse and Enclave, with a 288-hp, 270 lb-ft 3.6L V6, 6-speed automatic and seating for up to eight. The 2013 refresh brought new front and rear styling, an upgraded interior and a front-center air bag.

Buyer takeaway: Best for buyers who want maximum space on a budget; favor 2013-2016 models with service records and check the timing chain, transmission and air bag recall.

Generation 2 (2017–2023)

The 2017-2023 Acadia was downsized to a midsize SUV and lost several hundred pounds, with a 2.5L four (2017-2021), a 310-hp, 271 lb-ft V6, and from 2020 a 230-hp 2.0L turbo. The 2020 refresh added new styling, the AT4 and a 9-speed automatic; 2021 brought wireless CarPlay and Android Auto.

Buyer takeaway: Great for families who rarely use the third row and want an easier-to-park SUV. Pick the V6 for towing and a 2020-2023 for the 9-speed and updated tech.

Generation 3 (2024–present)

The 2024-on Acadia returned to a large footprint with a 328-hp, 326 lb-ft 2.5L turbo four and 8-speed automatic, Elevation, AT4 and Denali trims, a large portrait touchscreen and available Super Cruise. It is built in Lansing, Michigan.

Buyer takeaway: Best for buyers who need a usable third row and modern tech; confirm software updates and recalls on early builds.

GMC Acadia by model year

2026 GMC Acadia

The 2026 Acadia carries on with the 328-hp, 326 lb-ft 2.5L turbo four, 8-speed automatic, and Elevation, AT4 and Denali trims. Equipment and packages can change during the model year, so verify 2026 features and pricing against current GMC data and the window sticker.

Engines: 2.5 liter turbo I4 328 hp 326 lb ft
Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive
Body style: 4 door three row SUV

What changed:

Continues the third generation
Verify trim and feature changes against current gmc data

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine trim and drivetrain by VIN; Turbo engine operation and oil level; 8 speed automatic shift quality; Large touchscreen and software updates; Super cruise operation if equipped; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; AWD system operation if equipped; Third row seat mechanisms; Power liftgate; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Maintenance history.

2025 GMC Acadia

The 2025 Acadia continues the redesigned third generation with the 328-hp 2.5L turbo four and 8-speed automatic, FWD or AWD, and Elevation, AT4 and Denali trims. It offers adult-friendly third-row space and strong torque; confirm software updates and open recalls by VIN.

Engines: 2.5 liter turbo I4 328 hp 326 lb ft
Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive
Body style: 4 door three row SUV

What changed:

Continues the third generation

2024 GMC Acadia

The 2024 Acadia is all new and much larger again, with more third-row and cargo room. Every model uses a 328-hp, 326 lb-ft 2.5L turbo four and 8-speed automatic, with FWD or AWD. Trims are Elevation, AT4 and Denali, with a large portrait touchscreen and available Super Cruise. Production moved to Lansing, Michigan.

Engines: 2.5 liter turbo I4 328 hp 326 lb ft
Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive
Body style: 4 door three row SUV

What changed:

All new larger third generation
2.5 liter turbo four with 328 hp
Large portrait touchscreen
Available super cruise
Elevation at4 and denali trims
Built in lansing michigan

2023 GMC Acadia

The 2023 Acadia is the last of the midsize second generation, with the 230-hp 2.0L turbo or 310-hp V6, a 9-speed automatic and FWD or AWD. It is easier to park than the much larger 2024 redesign, and the last Acadia offered with a V6. Confirm trim and equipment by VIN.

Engines: 2.0 liter turbo I4 230 hp 258 lb ft; 3.6 liter V6 310 hp 271 lb ft
Transmissions: 9 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive
Body style: 4 door three row SUV

What changed:

Last year of the midsize second generation

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine trim and drivetrain by VIN; Automatic transmission shift quality; Electronic shifter and park engagement; Start stop operation; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Infotainment and smartphone integration; AWD system operation if equipped; Third row seat mechanisms; Power liftgate; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Maintenance history.

2022 GMC Acadia

For 2022 the 2.5L was dropped, making the 230-hp, 258 lb-ft 2.0L turbo the base engine and the 310-hp 3.6L V6 the upgrade, both with a 9-speed automatic and FWD or AWD. Trims include SLE, SLT, AT4 and Denali. The V6 is the better choice for regular towing.

Engines: 2.0 liter turbo I4 230 hp 258 lb ft; 3.6 liter V6 310 hp 271 lb ft
Transmissions: 9 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive
Body style: 4 door three row SUV

What changed:

2.5 liter engine dropped
2.0 liter turbo becomes the base engine

2021 GMC Acadia

The 2021 Acadia adds wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and keeps three engines: the 2.5L four, the 230-hp 2.0L turbo and the 310-hp V6, all with a 9-speed automatic. It is the last year EPA lists the 2.5L, so a 2021 SLE can be a lower-priced entry point.

Engines: 2.5 liter I4 194 hp; 2.0 liter turbo I4 230 hp 258 lb ft; 3.6 liter V6 310 hp 271 lb ft
Transmissions: 9 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive
Body style: 4 door three row SUV

What changed:

Wireless apple carplay and android auto
Last year of the 2.5 liter base engine

2020 GMC Acadia

The 2020 refresh brought new front styling, the rugged-looking AT4, a 230-hp, 258 lb-ft 2.0L turbo four between the 2.5L and the 310-hp V6, and a 9-speed automatic for every engine (the 2.5L FWD is rated about 21/27 mpg). Trims run SL, SLE, SLT, AT4 and Denali. Confirm the engine by VIN since three were offered.

Engines: 2.5 liter I4 194 hp; 2.0 liter turbo I4 230 hp 258 lb ft; 3.6 liter V6 310 hp 271 lb ft
Transmissions: 9 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive
Body style: 4 door three row SUV

What changed:

Refreshed front styling
New 2.0 liter turbo four
9 speed automatic across the lineup
New at4 trim replaces all terrain

2019 GMC Acadia

The 2019 Acadia is the last year before the 2020 refresh, with the 2.5L four or 310-hp V6, a 6-speed automatic, and SL, SLE, SLT, All Terrain and Denali trims. It is a good value if priced below the updated 2020, which added a 9-speed automatic, a turbo engine and the AT4.

Engines: 2.5 liter I4 194 hp; 3.6 liter V6 310 hp 271 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive
Body style: 4 door three row SUV

What changed:

Largely carryover
Last year before the 2020 refresh

2018 GMC Acadia

The 2018 Acadia carries over the redesigned 2017 with a 194-hp 2.5L four or 310-hp V6, 6-speed automatic and FWD or AWD. Certain 2017-2018 models were recalled for a right front intermediate driveshaft that could fracture and a high-pressure fuel pump that could detach, so confirm both fixes by VIN.

Engines: 2.5 liter I4 194 hp; 3.6 liter V6 310 hp 271 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive
Body style: 4 door three row SUV

What changed:

Largely carryover from 2017
Driveshaft and fuel pump recalls on some 2017 2018

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine trim and drivetrain by VIN; Driveshaft and fuel pump recall completion; Automatic transmission shift quality; Electronic shifter and park engagement; Start stop operation; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Infotainment and smartphone integration; AWD system operation if equipped; Third row seat mechanisms; Power liftgate; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Maintenance history.

2017 GMC Acadia

The 2017 Acadia was redesigned smaller and lighter, now a midsize SUV seating up to seven. Engines are a 2.5L four (about 194 hp) or a 310-hp, 271 lb-ft 3.6L V6, both with a 6-speed automatic, plus a new All Terrain trim. The old, larger model was sold alongside as the Acadia Limited. Some 2017-2018s had driveshaft and fuel-pump recalls.

Engines: 2.5 liter I4 194 hp; 3.6 liter V6 310 hp 271 lb ft; 3.6 liter V6 288 hp acadia limited
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive
Body style: 4 door three row SUV

What changed:

All new smaller and lighter second generation
New 2.5 liter four cylinder base engine
New 310 hp V6
New all terrain trim
Acadia limited sold alongside with the old design

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine trim and drivetrain by VIN; Driveshaft and fuel pump recall completion; Air bag recall completion on acadia limited; Automatic transmission shift quality; Electronic shifter and park engagement; Start stop operation; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Infotainment and smartphone integration; AWD system operation if equipped; Third row seat mechanisms; Power liftgate; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Maintenance history.

2016 GMC Acadia

The 2016 Acadia is the last full year of the original, larger design, with a 3.6L V6 (288 hp in most listings; verify by VIN), a 6-speed automatic and FWD or AWD. The design continued for 2017 as the Acadia Limited. Shoppers who want maximum third-row and cargo space may prefer it over the smaller 2017-2023 Acadia.

Engines: 3.6 liter V6 288 hp 270 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive
Body style: 4 door three row SUV

What changed:

Last full year of the first generation
Acadia limited continued the design for 2017

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine trim and drivetrain by VIN; Timing chain noise and correlation codes on 3.6 liter; 6 speed automatic loss of gears or reverse; Water pump and coolant leaks; Power steering and ac operation; Air bag recall completion; AWD system operation if equipped; Third row seat mechanisms; Power liftgate; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Maintenance history.

2015 GMC Acadia

The 2015 Acadia carries over: a 288-hp 3.6L V6, 6-speed automatic, FWD or AWD, and SL, SLE, SLT and Denali trims. It is one of the roomiest crossovers of its era, with seating for seven or eight. Check air bag recalls, the timing chain and the transmission.

Engines: 3.6 liter V6 288 hp 270 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive
Body style: 4 door three row SUV

What changed:

Largely carryover from 2014

2014 GMC Acadia

The 2014 Acadia continues the refreshed design with the 288-hp 3.6L V6, 6-speed automatic and FWD or AWD. Some 2014-2017 Acadias are covered by a 2023 driver air bag inflator recall (23V334), so run the VIN and confirm every open recall is fixed. Seating for seven or eight and a large cargo hold remain its strengths.

Engines: 3.6 liter V6 288 hp 270 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive
Body style: 4 door three row SUV

What changed:

Largely carryover from 2013
Driver air bag inflator recall on some 2014 2017

2013 GMC Acadia

The 2013 refresh gave the Acadia a redesigned grille, front fascia and liftgate, an upgraded interior with a touchscreen, and a front-center air bag between the front seats. The 288-hp 3.6L V6 and 6-speed automatic carry over, with FWD or AWD. Among first-generation Acadias, 2013-2016 models are the better buys.

Engines: 3.6 liter V6 288 hp 270 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive
Body style: 4 door three row SUV

What changed:

New grille front fascia and liftgate
Upgraded interior with touchscreen infotainment
Front center air bag between front seats

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine trim and drivetrain by VIN; Timing chain noise and correlation codes on 3.6 liter; 6 speed automatic loss of gears or reverse; Water pump and coolant leaks; Power steering and ac operation; Infotainment operation; AWD system operation if equipped; Third row seat mechanisms; Power liftgate; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Maintenance history.

2012 GMC Acadia

The 2012 Acadia carries over the 288-hp 3.6L V6, 6-speed automatic and FWD or AWD with seating for seven or eight. It is the last year of the original front-end styling and interior, so it should sell for less than a 2013. Check for timing-chain codes, transmission slipping and coolant leaks before buying.

Engines: 3.6 liter V6 288 hp 270 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive
Body style: 4 door three row SUV

What changed:

Largely carryover
Last year before the 2013 refresh

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine trim and drivetrain by VIN; Timing chain noise and correlation codes on 3.6 liter; 6 speed automatic loss of gears or reverse; Water pump and coolant leaks; Power steering and ac operation; AWD system operation if equipped; Third row seat mechanisms; Power liftgate; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Maintenance history.

2011 GMC Acadia

The 2011 Acadia is a full-size three-row crossover with seating for up to eight and a 288-hp, 270 lb-ft 3.6L V6, 6-speed automatic, and front- or all-wheel drive. Trims run SL, SLE and SLT, plus the plush Denali. It is roomy and comfortable, but high-mileage V6s should be checked for timing-chain stretch and transmission wear.

Engines: 3.6 liter V6 288 hp 270 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive
Body style: 4 door three row SUV

What changed:

Largely carryover
Denali luxury trim available
Seating for up to eight

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine trim and drivetrain by VIN; Timing chain noise and correlation codes on 3.6 liter; 6 speed automatic loss of gears or reverse; Water pump and coolant leaks; Power steering and ac operation; AWD system operation if equipped; Third row seat mechanisms; Power liftgate; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Maintenance history.

Known issues and what to check

3.6L V6 Timing Chain Stretch (First Generation) (2011–2016)
The first-generation Acadia's 3.6L V6 has a well-known history of timing-chain stretch, more common on earlier and high-mileage engines with long oil-change intervals. It typically shows up as cam/crank correlation codes and a rattle; the repair is labor-intensive.
What to do: Scan for codes and listen at a cold start; a documented timing-chain job is a plus.
6-Speed Automatic Wave Plate Failure (First Generation) (2011–2016)
First-generation Acadias use GM's 6T75 automatic, which has a reported pattern of 3-5-reverse clutch wave plate failure that causes loss of third, fifth and reverse gears.
What to do: Test reverse and every gear when warm before buying.
Driver Air Bag Inflator Recall (23V334) (2014–2017)
NHTSA campaign 23V334 covers certain 2014-2017 Acadia models (first-generation design, including the 2017 Acadia Limited) whose driver air bag inflator may rupture during deployment.
What to do: Run the VIN and have the air bag recall completed before purchase.
Driveshaft and Fuel Pump Recalls (2017-2018) (2017–2018)
Certain 2017-2018 Acadias are covered by NHTSA campaign 17V516 (right front intermediate driveshaft may fracture and separate) and 18V358 (high-pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting, risking a fuel leak). Some 2017s also had a front brake caliper seal recall (16V802).
What to do: Confirm by VIN that every applicable recall was completed.
Transmission Shift Quality and Shifter Check (Second Generation) (2017–2023)
Some 2017-2023 owners report rough or delayed shifts from the 6-speed (2017-2019) or 9-speed (2020-2023) automatic and occasional electronic shifter or park-engagement messages. Software updates address some cases.
What to do: Test the shifter and drive in traffic; ask whether transmission software updates were applied.
2.5L Turbo Four and Software Updates (Third Generation) (2024–2026)
The 2024-on Acadia uses a new 2.5L turbo four, 8-speed automatic and a heavily software-driven cabin. Confirm that software updates and any recalls are complete, and keep up with oil changes.
What to do: Confirm open recalls and software updates are done and review service records.
Acadia Generation, Size and Engine Disambiguation (2011–2026)
The Acadia changed size twice: the large 2011-2016 model (and 2017 Acadia Limited) with a 288-hp V6; the smaller 2017-2023 midsize model with a 2.5L four, 2.0L turbo (2020-2023) or 310-hp V6; and the large 2024-on model with a 328-hp 2.5L turbo. Related models are the Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave.
What to do: Confirm the generation, engine and seating before comparing prices.

Recalls

Recall applicability varies by model year, production date, engine, transmission, equipment, and VIN. Check the VIN for current open recalls and completed remedies. 2017 includes both the new Acadia and the Acadia Limited, which have different recalls.

Similar vehicles to consider

Questions this guide answers

Which Acadia generation is this?
What engine does this Acadia have?
What is the Acadia Limited?
Why is the 2017-2023 Acadia smaller?
What changed on the 2020 and 2024 Acadia?
Which Acadia is best for towing?
What should I inspect on a 2011-2016 Acadia?
What recalls should I check by VIN?
What fuel economy does the Acadia get?
What similar SUVs should I consider?