2018 GMC Acadia Complaints

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 10/30/2025

I get error electric Steering assist reduced or unavailable drive with care at around 84234 miles on my car . Upon looking up problem on Internet it has to do with the Thermostat. I also found where Gm has a bulletin N252508350 which only seems to cover certain vehicles with the same problem. This seems to happen at all different miles driven on vehicles. I don't see how Gm can get away with only fixing certain vehicles with this safety problem when it shuts down the electric steering assist . This problem from what I can find on the internet is common to all years from 2017 up in Acadia with the 3.6L engine . The Thermostats seem to be defective and I feel Gm needs to address this problem for all of these vehicles . Not just for there special bulletin N252508350 which covers some vehicles in 2021with 3.6L engines. If the engine design was like the old engines and easy to replace the Thermostat by just taking out 2 bolts , I would say no problem I will replace it .But when you have to take half the Engine apart just to replace a 20.00 part that is defective that affects the steering of the vehicle, they need to have a safety recall.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE — Filed 09/20/2026

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering message was displayed, and the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the temperature gauge remained at zero. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed high-pressure fuel pump. The contact was informed that the high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,300.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 09/12/2026

Urgent code going off due to thermostat not being red gauge is stuck

ENGINE — Filed 09/10/2026

The car will frequently but not always fail to shut off when the start/stop button is pushed while in Park. The message "shift to park" come up on the display and a yellow light comes on in the button. I have to restart the engine and it often takes as many as 10 attempts to finally shut off the engine. Between each attempt I have to shift the transmission out of park and back into park. This has been happening for more than a month.

SEAT BELTS — Filed 08/01/2026

I am unknown of what the issue is with the seatbelts on all seats will not properly lock.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 08/29/2026

I’m getting a shift to park on my dash after it’s already in park. This causes the break to get stuck when driving.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 01/01/2022

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the gear shifter was shifted into park(P); however, the message “Shift to Park” was displayed. The gear shifter was moved back and forth, then shifted into park (P) before the proper gear was recognized. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the gear shifter was replaced, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and the gear shifter, switch, and harness were replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 10,000.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 01/01/2026

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that after parking and then attempting to turn off the vehicle, the message " Shift to Park" was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to be parked and turned off successfully after various attempts, which included restarting the vehicle and engaging the parking brake. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or a dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 12/26/2025

When trying to put car in park a "shift to park" notice appears on dashboard not allowing the car to be turned off. It takes multiple attemps be able to get the car into park and turn OFF. This has been an ongoing problem for several years and reported to the dealer. To date the dealer tells me there is nothing wrong with the car. Battery has been changed multiple times.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 05/05/2026

While driving the temperature gauge drops from normal to cold , the dash displays " steering assist reduced" and the fan is very loud . My mechanic said the thermostat and or sensor needs to be replaced . When he resets with the reader its good for about a week and temperature gauge is normal. After seven days it repeats I only have 40,000 miles on the vehicle and its a 1,400 dollar job. I believe this should be a recall because i have seen a lot of the same complaints in this forum and what about the people who have the same problem but don't complain ?

STEERING — Filed 05/04/2026

When I’m driving on the highway, I get a message on my dashboard saying steering assist reduced, drive with care. I have taken to the GMC dealership and they will not cover this repair even though it would be covered for 2021 GMC. When this happens, my car makes a loud noise and my steering wheel does not feel right. I do not feel safe.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 10/17/2024

Gear shifter is not registering that the vehicle is in park. Because of this issue I have to sit in the vehicle for up to 15 mins trying to get it to register that it is in fact in park and can turn off. If I didn't take the time to do this, it would kill my battery. Unfortunately with the heat index, the vehicle gets hot very quickly and im now worried about getting hot stroke trying to get it to register it is park. This is a known issue with the vehicle that has an active recall for other vin numbers with the same issue.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE — Filed 06/01/2026

Hesitants and Shudders when shifting into 2nd gear.

STEERING — Filed 06/11/2026

this is the second time I am having to replace gear shift with under 160000 miles. Turn the car off and it tells me the car is not in park when it is. It can not tell what gear it is in or when. AGAIN. This is the second repair

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING — Filed 05/28/2026

Shift to park Malfunction again, 4 th time!! 1000$ to fix is ridiculous

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE — Filed 09/04/2024

The vehicle has experienced repeated electrical and engine-related malfunctions, including random engine shutdowns while driving and random no-start conditions. The thermostat and cooling system failed and were replaced in 2024. Multiple sensors have failed. The braking system remains noisy even after brake replacement. The lane detection safety system does not provide audible alerts. The vehicle is currently operational and available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The vehicle has randomly shut off while driving on both highways and city roads in Azle, Texas. This occurred while my two children were in the vehicle. When the engine shut off, there was a risk of losing power steering and braking assist, which could have caused an accident, especially at highway speeds and in traffic. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The thermostat and cooling system failure were confirmed and repaired by a service center in 2024. Electrical and sensor issues have occurred repeatedly but have not been fully diagnosed or resolved. Brake noise persists despite replacement. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? UNKNOWN. The vehicle has been serviced by repair facilities, but the manufacturer has not provided a definitive diagnosis for the engine shutdown and electrical failures. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure? When did they first appear? Yes. Various warning lights and symptoms appeared prior to failures, including cooling system warnings and sensor alerts. Electrical issues and battery failures have occurred repeatedly, with batteries lasting only 2–3 years. Symptoms began after purchase and have continued throughout ownership. Additional details The brakes have been noisy even after replacement, and the lane detection system does not produce audible warni

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 04/08/2025

Shifting to park and vehicle stating the vehicle is not in park, won't let me turn the vehicle off. Transmission going out, brought to many shops letting me know that the transmission is not working properly but won't give an engine light if anything is wrong with vehicle, Wont show on readers what is wrong with vehicle. Electrical, Doors will automatically lock and unlock most times lock and locks me in the vehicle having me have to climb through the windows and having to leave my windows open or locks me out the vehicle and can only get in by climbing in the trunk. Testing has been done and brought to GM to figure out the issue, and they replace the computer in it but still has the problem. I have had shops tell me these are all huge issues that needs to have a recall because my vehicle is not the only GMC Acadia that does all this. How is any of this safe for me and my kids.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 07/09/2025

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Acadia C1. The contact stated that his wife was parking in the driveway and upon shifting into the park gear, the vehicle sensor would not register that it was in park, therefore not allowing the engine to be shut off. The contact stated that his wife proceeded to turn the vehicle on and off while continuously shifting the gears until finally placing the shifter into park, and successfully turning the vehicle's engine off. The contact noted that his wife exited the vehicle; however that moments after a loud bang could be heard, and upon inspection, the contact noticed that the vehicle rolled into the garage with the entire front bumper. No property damage was reported. The vehicle came to a stop upon impact. The vehicle was going 3 MPH at the time of the crash. The vehicle did not need to be towed. No warning lights were illuminated however, the "Shift to Park" message will display on the instrument panel. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not destroyed. The local dealer was contacted however, the vehicle was not diagnosed as the contact was advised that the vehicles VIN was not included in any open recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 02/15/2025

Sold 2018 GMC Acadia by LEE GMC in auburn. Acadias shift to park was defective, dealership replaced before sale did not disclose, shift to park and transmission malfunctions occurred. I returned Acadia to the dealership several times and they would never properly fix or address my concerns now my vehicle is unsafe to drive. I have documentation to support the claims in my letter, I can send as well if you’d like. Thank you Will send attachment

STEERING,SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN — Filed 07/26/2024

On July 26, 2024, I was driving my 2018 Acadia, with my cruise control set to 48 in a 45 MHP zone. Nearing a bad curve, I sneezed. When this happened, I tapped the brakes to disengage the cruise control, my passengers side tires exited the road and with both hands on the wheel I tried to slowly bring my tires back to the road. However, I was unable to gain control and totaled the vehicle. A witness stated that she heard a loud pop coming from the vehicle before the wreck happened. I later learned from my insurance that the vehicle had a Recall 17V516000 on it and I was never made aware of it. I believe that this was a factor in me not being able to control the vehicle.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 10/19/2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 GMC ACADIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED REMOTELY WHILE STILL IN PARK, HOWEVER IT INDEPENDENTLY SHIFTED OUT OF PARK AND INTO REVERSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE TRAVELED ACROSS THE YARD ONTO THE MAIN ROAD AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT AUTOBODY SHOP BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,972.

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 02/22/2020

VEHICLE WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THAT IT IS IN PARK. FORCES ELECTRICAL TO STAY ON, AND SOMETIMES WILL NOT ENGAGE PARK SO VEHICLE CAN MOVE AS IF I'M NEUTRAL. HAS THUS FAR HAPPENED WITH VEHICLE STOPPED, BUT YOU CAN SOMETIMES SHUT OFF ENGINE AND EXIT VEHICLE WHEN IT IS NOT IN PARK AND CAN ROLL AGAINST YOU, OR ON KIDS EXITING ETC. VEHICLE ROLLED IN GARAGE AND STRUCK, AND COULD HAVE CRUSHED CHILD AGAINST DOOR.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 12/05/2019

ON DECEMBER 5TH 2019, I ARRIVED HOME FROM WORK TO TAKE MY SON TO HIS DR. APT. I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY AROUND 10:30AM. I LEFT THE CAR ON SO MY SON WOULDN'T HAVE TO GO INTO A COLD CAR, BEING HE WAY SICK. I RAN INTO MY HOUSE WHERE MY MOTHER WAS WATCHING BOTH MY SONS. I SAID TO MY MOM, LET ME USE THE RESTROOM QUICKLY BEFORE I GET HIS COAT ON. I WAS NO MORE THAN 2 MINS. AS I STEPPED OUT THE BATHROOM, I HEAR MY HUSBAND SCREAMING FROM UP STAIRS THE CAR IS ON FIRE! HE COMES RUNNING DOWN THERE STAIRS AS FAST AS HE CAN, ALMOST INJURING HIMSELF BECAUSE HE DIDN'T SEE ME YET AND THOUGHT I WAS IN THE CAR! HE THEN SEES ME AND GRABS THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER. HE RUNS OUTSIDE TO TRY AND EXTINGUISH THE FIRE..AS I CALLED THE FRANKLIN SQUARE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND 911. BUT IN UNDER THE 5 MINS THE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES! WE HAD TO THEN EVACUATE THE HOUSE BECAUSE THE GARAGE IS AN ATTACHED GARAGE AND THE CAR WAS IN THE DRIVEWAY OF THE GARAGE. MY POOR KIDS WERE FRIGHTENED FOR THEIR LIFE AS WE RUSHED THEM OUT THE HOUSE AS THEIR MOMMYS CAR WAS UP IN FLAMES..THEY WERE CRYING THEIR EYES OUT IN FEAR. THE FIRE CAUGHT ONTO THE TREE ON THE FRONT LAWN AS WELL AS DESTROYING THE GARAGE AND DRIVEWAY. I CRIED EXTENSIVELY THINKING OF THE WHAT IFS...WHAT IF I PUT MY SON AND I DIRECTLY INTO THE CAR, WITHOUT USING THE RESTROOM THAT DAY. WHAT IF THIS HAD OCCURRED WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON THE PARKWAY WITH MY WHOLE FAMILY IN THE VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE WAS A DEATH TRAP THAT ALMOST TOOK MY LIFE AND MY FAMILY. WE FOUND THAT THEIR HAD BEEN A RECALL ON THE GMC ACADIA FOR THE 2017-2018 EDITIONS. I HAVING A 2018, WHERE WAS MY NOTIFICATION OF A RECALL? WHERE WAS MY LETTER..EMAIL..CALL FROM GM? I HAVE NUMEROUS FRIENDS THE RECOMMEND THE GMC ACADIA AS A GREAT FAMILY CAR. THEY ARE ALL NOW SCARED TO DEATH BECAUSE OF WHAT HAPPENED TO ME. NON FEEL SAFE USING THEIR VEHICLE NOW.

STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 03/15/2019

IN MOTION ON THE HIGHWAY 401 NORTH ONTARIO CANADA, THE VEHICLE ERRATICALLY INCREASED SPEED AND BRAKES WERE NOIR EFFECTIVE, LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL WHICH CAUSED A MASSIVE ACCIDENT INVOLVING MULTIPLE CARS AND RESULTED IN MULTIPLE INJURIES. *DT

SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE — Filed 03/15/2019

TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2018 GMC ACADIA. WHILE THE CONTACT'S FRIEND WAS DRIVING 40 MPH, THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE DROVE THROUGH A PARTITION AND CRASHED INTO A BRICK WALL. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. ALL FOUR OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHICLE WERE INJURED AND RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT SUFFERED CHEST PAIN, ANOTHER OCCUPANT SUSTAINED A CUT ON THE HEAD, AND THE OTHER TWO OCCUPANTS SUFFERED FRACTURES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A TOW LOT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. .*BF .*BF 'PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB