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2015 GMC Acadia Complaints

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

261

Total

6

Crashes

3

Fires

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

Most Reported Components

AIR BAGS
108
ENGINE
34
STEERING
28
ELECTRICAL
22
OTHER
16

Owner Complaint Reports

Showing 25 of 261 reports, crash, fire and injury reports first, then the most recently filed. The full set is on NHTSA.gov.

ODI #11758928

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 06/02/2025

2015 gmc Acadia, vin ending 7457,p2635,stuttering/hesitation and engine stalling when Arizona temperatures exceed 100* f , and mechanic advising that the condition corresponded to a known gmc issue for which they could not obtain an applicable corrective part / repair

ODI #11748965

SEAT BELTS — Filed 07/07/2026

the flexible steel cable connecting the seat belt to the seat separated and broke resulting in no way to use the seatbelt/connecting the seat belt to the connector on the seat.

ODI #11743111

SEAT BELTS — Filed 05/28/2026

Drivers side seat belt broke where it connects to floor part. Cable broke. Never have had this to happen in my life!!!

ODI #11739276

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES — Filed 05/18/2026

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the tailgate was opened, however the tailgate failed to function as intended. The contact noticed an abnormal grinding sound and the tailgate independently closed while the contact was removing packages from the trunk of the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure occurred when using the key to open the tailgate or when opening manually. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed tailgate actuator. The contact was informed that the tailgate actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 111,222.

ODI #11738470

SEAT BELTS — Filed 05/14/2026

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while parked he observed the drivers seat belt that the braided steal cable was broken and the seat belt clasp was barley hanging on. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the drivers seat belt was broke and was hanging off and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure was 178,600.

ODI #11735634

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 04/28/2026

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the instrument panel went blank before the panel began to flash when it returned. The contact then stated that several various warning messages began to appear all of which were related to the vehicle's electrical features. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where a code reader found no defects with the vehicle. Close to a week after the initial failure, the vehicle failed to start after multiple attempts as previous failure returned. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it had yet to be serviced or diagnosed. Upon his own inspection and research regarding the vehicle, the contact linked the failure to the vehicle's BCM(Body Control Module). The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 177,000.

ODI #11733153

LANE DEPARTURE — Filed 02/12/2026

Issue: Repeated failure of safety‑critical module Description: The Side Blind Zone Alert system on my 2015 GMC Acadia has failed multiple times over the life of the vehicle. The system becomes inoperative and displays “Side Detection System Unavailable.” A local GMC dealer has diagnosed the issue as a failure of the SBZA module due to loss of communication. This failure has occurred repeatedly, approximately every two years, despite prior repairs and replacement of the module at my own expense. This is a safety‑critical driver‑assist feature, and the repeated failure pattern suggests a defect in the design or durability of the module. The system is unreliable and cannot be depended on for safe lane‑change operation. GM Customer Assistance has declined to provide support or escalate the case further, despite the safety implications and documented repeat failures. I am reporting this because the failure affects safe operation of the vehicle and appears to be a recurring defect affecting multiple owners of this model.

ODI #11729800

AIR BAGS — Filed 02/06/2026

The airbag emblem keeps popping up.

ODI #11726905

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 03/07/2026

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the automatic alert system anti-theft system locked up. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. Additionally, the safety sensors in the mirror and the rear of the vehicle became inoperable. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that the driver’s and passenger’s side mirrors, and reverse light sensors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired on three occasions, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there was no recall for the failure. No assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

ODI #11726030

VISIBILITY/WIPER — Filed 03/01/2026

Wipers stopped working an it’s not showing an active recall but research shows this model does have wiper blade motor recalls

ODI #11722821

POWER TRAIN — Filed 03/01/2026

Transmission jerks and shakes the vehicle when shifting in certain conditions.

ODI #11708680

POWER TRAIN — Filed 01/08/2020

Torque converter is bad, shudders when shifting

ODI #11696393

EXTERIOR LIGHTING — Filed 07/15/2025

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the center taillight was inoperable. The halo light was working as designed and then ceased operating. The headlights also became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the bulbs and the headlight assembly. The rear signal light was blinking fast, and the light became inoperable. The message that the hood was ajar was displayed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there were no recalls on the VIN related to the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 196,448.

ODI #11687789

AIR BAGS,SEATS — Filed 01/01/2024

I have pictures the seat, the airbag in the seat.The driver's seatIt didn't come through the seat, but it deployed or ruptured.But it didn't bust through the seat.It's like a big bubble. I was just driving and I heard a pop but it didn't come through the seat. It left the lump in the seat. I still think it's dangerous, cuz. It's busted.

ODI #11611112Crash

AIR BAGS,ENGINE,LANE DEPARTURE — Filed 05/05/2024

I was curious about recalls because I totaled my 15 Acadia SLT2 and when I hit the impact didn’t deploy airbags and I had no idea until after my accident that they were recalled!!! This incident totaled my Acadia caused my face to be slammed into my steering wheel, cutting me in 2 places and shattering my eye glasses. I now have a scar that looks like a 2nd chin from my impact to hitting the steering column! What should I do? I wasn’t or hadn’t received anything from GMC about this recall until recently and damage has already been done and I’m at a loss of tremendous amounts because my air bags could have saved $300+ glasses and doctors appointments etc…

ODI #11599551Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 07/06/2024

Drivers side door caught on fire overnight. Burned up the interior of the vehicle and smoldered out. Windows were up, car was completely closed and locked. Still starts and drives. Door, seat, steering, ceiling , visor all burnt and melted to some degree. Seems to have been electrical.

ODI #11567076Crash

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS — Filed 01/07/2024

Was in a car accident in my Acadia. Someone hit me going 55 miles an hour on my front passenger side. My airbag never deployed and my seat belt did not lock causing me to fly around. I didn’t see a recall for either of those things

ODI #11536515Crash

AIR BAGS — Filed 06/11/2023

No airbags deployed in the event of an accident. As a result of hydroplaning, my vehicle's drivers' side slammed into the concrete median on the highway before spinning out across the highway. I would have expected side/curtain airbags to deploy which would have prevented my children from hitting their heads on the windows during impact.

ODI #11509273Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 12/21/2022

Vehicle was destroyed by electrical fire on December 21, 2022. It caught on fire after ‘SERVICE BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM’ warning light displayed.

ODI #11498836Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 12/22/2022

The electrical wiring started a fire that destroyed the engine compartment. I was in the vehicle and barely escaped injury while pedestrians were walking by and could have been injured when an explosion occurred. GEICO is now investigating the incident. A Service Battery Charging System warning light displayed on the dashboard and heavy smoke began to emit from the engine compartment then, a small fire started and escalated to a full and life threatening condition.

ODI #11428162

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 08/07/2021

Power liftgate suddenly fell about 3 ft, hitting the back of my head. The liftgate then forcibly closed, pinning my hand. There was a recall for 2008-2012 vehicles to due faulty Stabilus struts that cause failure. This is a serious defect that has already caused numerous head injuries, fractured hands, neck pain, etc. This recall needs extended and consumers need to know of the possibility. Lastly, the warning mechanism that GM claims is the presence of flashing rear brake lights and a chime to warn when liftgate failure occurs only happens AFTER the gate fails, not before. The warning is of NO use. Another consumer posted an exact same complaint in July 2021 for an Acadia outside of the current recall dates.

ODI #11407980Crash

AIR BAGS — Filed 04/13/2021

VEHICLE HIT OTHER VEHICLE THAT WAS STOPPED AT INTERSECTION AT 50 MPH AND AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY

ODI #11365222Crash

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 10/11/2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 GMC DENALI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THEIR HUSBAND WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, WHEN THE TRAFFIC CAME TO A SUDDEN STOP CAUSING THE CONTACT TO APPLY THE BRAKES TO THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER HAD TO DEPRESS THE BRAKING PEDAL EXCESSIVELY, HOWEVER, THE BRAKES DID NOT STOP AND THE BRAKES WERE FLOORED. THE VEHICLE ENDED UP REAR ENDING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. THE AIR BAGS DID DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND TOTALED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE PASSENGER RECEIVED INJURIES TO THE CHEST AND LOWER ABDOMEN AREA. THE ONLY MEDICAL ATTENTION RECEIVED WAS BY EMT AT TIME OF THE CRASH. THE DEALER (CARDINALE GMC 2 HEITZINGER PLAZA, SEASIDE, CA 93955, (831) 322-4112) WAS MADE AWARE. THE CONTACT STATED THEY RECEIVED A NOTICE REGARDING THEIR VEHICLE HAVING ANTI-LOCK BRAKING ISSUES AFTER THE CRASH HAD OCCURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *LN*DT*DT*JB THE CONSUMER PROVIDED PHOTOS. *TR

ODI #11128775Crash

STEERING — Filed 09/04/2018

ON SEPTEMBER 4, 2018 I WAS GETTING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND I HIT A CONCRETE BARRIER. THE OFFICER COULD NOT TURN MY STEERING WHEEL AND THE REPAIR ESTIMATE GUY SAID THAT WHEN OPERATING THE VEHICLE TO TEST THE STEERING THE POWER WOULD COME AND GO. THE STEERING WOULD BE SOFT AND WHEN TRYING TO TURN, THE STEERING WOULD BECOME DIFFICULT TO OPERATE. MOST OF THE REVIEWS THAT I READ HAVE THE SAME ISSUE BUT THEIR MODELS ARE OLDER THAN MINE. MY ACADIA IS A 2015 WHEN IS THIS SAFETY HAZARD GOING TO BE CORRECTED? IT HAS BEEN 8 YEARS (2007) SINCE THIS STEERING MALFUNCTION WAS DISCOVERED AND MY VEHICLE WAS PUT INTO PRODUCTION AND GMC IS STILL PUTTING PEOPLE AT RISK WITH THEIR CONTINUED USE OF THE SAME STEERING DESIGN, MATERIALS, ASSEMBLY OR WHATEVER IT IS THAT CAUSES THIS MALFUNCTION. SOMETHING NEEDS TO CHANGE IN ORDER TO KEEP EVERYONE SAFE.

ODI #10786048

SEAT BELTS — Filed 10/08/2015

ON OCTOBER 8, 2015, OUR FAMILY WAS DRIVING ON I-85 NEAR HUNTERSVILLE, NC. WE WERE IN OUR 2015 GMC ACADIA, WHICH WE'D BOUGHT NEW IN AUGUST. WE WERE IN STEADY, MOVING TRAFFIC. THE CABIN WAS QUIET; I WAS DRIVING, MY WIFE WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, AND OUR TWO CHILDREN (AGES 9 AND 7) WERE IN THE SECOND ROW CAPTAIN'S CHAIRS. BOTH CHILDREN WERE WATCHING THEIR IPADS. SUDDENLY WE HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A PISTOL BEING FIRED INSIDE THE CABIN, FOLLOWED INSTANTLY BY OUR 7 YR OLD SON ('SON') SCREAMING AND YELLING, 'IT HURTS, IT HURTS.' MY WIFE AND I BOTH TURNED AROUND AND SAW SON CLUTCHING HIS LOWER BACK. I NEGOTIATED THE CAR TO THE SHOULDER AND SAW THAT THE ENTIRE HOUSING/CASING OF HIS SEATBELT BUCKLE HAD SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED. THE BUCKLE WOULDN'T UNLATCH, BUT MY WIFE GOT HIM OUT OF THE SEAT AND EXAMINED HIM. HE HAD A PUNCTURE/GASH IN HIS LOWER BACK, WHERE SOME OF THE SHRAPNEL HAD HIT HIM. WE FOUND BOTH PLASTIC AND METAL SHARDS IN THE CAR. TO GIVE YOU AN IDEA OF THE FORCE THE EXPLOSION CAUSED, THERE WAS ALSO A 2-4 INCH HOLE IN THE INTERIOR DOOR'S PANELING. ONLINE RESEARCH SUGGESTS THAT A PRETENSIONER MAY HAVE MALFUNCTIONED; A GMC SERVICE MANAGER STATED THAT THE SECOND-ROW CAPTAIN CHAIR SHOULD NOT HAVE A PRETENSIONER.

About This Data

Complaints are filed by vehicle owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). They represent individual consumer experiences and do not necessarily indicate a widespread defect.

View on NHTSA.gov