2019 GMC Acadia Complaints

SUSPENSION — Filed 09/28/2026

My driver side front control arm, and stabilizer bar snapped on me while on the highway without warning causing me to crash. I'm blessed to be alive.

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 07/23/2026

While attempting to turn vehicle off, the message shift to park was given. Could not shut vehicle off! Has happened multiple times in the past, then disappears for awhile. Comes back again at will. Have seen multiple complaints on this issue falling back to a defective micro-switch within the shifter assym. Former GM tech here---

ENGINE — Filed 04/12/2025

I own a 2019 GMC Acadia equipped with the 3.6L V6 engine. VIN. See form above In 2025, the engine coolant thermostat failed on my vehicle and required replacement at my expense. I am submitting this complaint because I believe this may represent a recurring component problem affecting 2019 GMC Acadia vehicles and I would like NHTSA to determine whether the condition presents an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety. General Motors has published service information addressing thermostat-related conditions on GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with the 3.6L engine. GM has also issued special coverage for an engine coolant thermostat condition on certain GM vehicles. GM’s special coverage describes a thermostat that can open at a lower temperature than intended, resulting in a malfunction indicator/check-engine light and diagnostic trouble code, and in some cases causing the engine cooling fans to continue running after the vehicle is shut off. My 2019 Acadia uses the 3.6L engine and the thermostat assembly addressed in GM’s service information. Despite this, my 2019 model year is not included in the current extended thermostat coverage. There is also a second, independent occurrence involving the same model year. My father owns a separate 2019 GMC Acadia, and the thermostat on his vehicle also required replacement in 2026. These are two separate vehicles that experienced thermostat failures requiring replacement. I understand that a thermostat failure is not necessarily a safety defect by itself. However, I am concerned that a recurring failure of this component could potentially create a safety risk depending on the failure mode and resulting vehicle condition. I am therefore asking NHTSA to review the available consumer complaints, manufacturer service information, warranty data, and GM special-coverage actions to determine whether there is a safety-related defect affecting 2019 GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with the 3.6L engine.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE — Filed 07/01/2025

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the fuel gauge displayed an inaccurate fuel level. The fuel sending unit was replaced twice; however, the failure persisted. The contact became aware of the recurring failure while refueling the vehicle and noticing that the vehicle consumed more fuel than the fuel gauge indicated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the fuel sending unit needed to be disassembled for further diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was 64,382.

STEERING,ENGINE — Filed 08/01/2026

I am submitting this complaint to request that NHTSA investigate a potential safety defect involving the engine coolant temperature monitoring system, thermostat/engine coolant temperature sensor system, and its relationship to reduced steering assist in 2019 GMC Acadia vehicles. My 2019 GMC Acadia, currently at approximately 91,500 miles, has experienced the following symptoms: • The engine temperature gauge remains flat or reads abnormally low/cold. • The cooling fans run continuously at extremely high speed, creating a loud "screaming" fan noise. • The vehicle displays the warning message "Steering Assist is Reduced — Drive with Care." • The vehicle has a history of diagnostic trouble code P0128, "Engine Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature." I am concerned that these symptoms are related and represent a potential safety defect rather than an isolated thermostat or cooling-system repair. GM has issued bulletin PIT5967, "Service Steering Message With P0128," which applies to GMC Acadia vehicles from model years 2017 through 2023. The bulletin states that when P0128 is present, the ECM may be reading coolant temperature incorrectly and that a "Service Steering Message" may be displayed to protect the steering gear in the event of an undetected overheating condition. GM instructs technicians to diagnose and repair P0128 first. GM bulletin 17-NA-158 also describes a relationship between P0128, an invalid coolant-temperature signal, and the "Steering Assist Reduced, Drive With Care" warning. The bulletin explains that the steering module relies on valid coolant-temperature information to provide additional steering assistance under cold conditions. Also will not register when put in park. Getting error message "shift to park" take multiple restarts of the vehicle and shifting gear back and forth for it to register.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 08/24/2026

Vehicle continued to have Shift to park message when car was already in park. This is a known issue in some other GMC vehicles. Safety issue that the battery could drain or the car could roll unexpectedly. This message repeatedly displayed on the vehicle. The dealer confirmed the problem and performed the repair. Repair order number is XXX for 549.17 on XXX at Boucher Buick GMC of Waukesha [XXX].While there isn't a recall on file for this specific VIN number, I believe it should be included in the recall and I am requesting reimbursement. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

POWER TRAIN — Filed 06/21/2026

On XXX at 1:56pm, I took the vehicle to Jiffy Lube service center #810 for the "Quick Oil Change Service" which includes checking and filling the Tranmission/Axle fluid. Per the attached receipt the Transmission/Axle fluid was "OK", and the next service was recommended after 5,000 addtional miles from the then current mileage of 153,317. On the morning o XXX, the car began experiencing issues identical to vehicle recall NHTSA ID Number: 20V668000. The check engine light turned on and the vehicle could maintain proper propulsion. On XXX at 3:25pm EST, I took the vehicle to AutoZone store #01664, whose "FixFinder" computer diagnostic inicated code PO700 "Transmission Control Module Requested MIL Illumination". On XXX, I had the car towed to a private mechanic who inspected the Vehicle and indicated that the transmission had "no fluid" despite having the fluids verified by Jiffy Lube on XXX. The mechanic suggested there may be a GMC service issue that required GMC remediation to due faulty internals which resulted in the transmission fluid leakage and subsequent triggering of the transmission computer module and related propulsion failure. As of today XXX, the vehicle is experiencing the same condition as indicated in vehicle recall NHTSA ID Number: 20V668000, which is creating additonal risk of vehicular accident/crash and vehicle fire in the presence of the ignition source. The milage is now 155,520. I am requesting this vehicle be serviced as part of recall NHTSA ID Number: 20V668000, you can verify from the vehicle registration from the Divison of Motor Vehicles and via CarFax that I purchased this vehicle used, the vehiclee has at least 1 (maybe 2) prior owners. I am requesting the vehicle (VIN [XXX]) receive the mandated recall service which will resolve the afformentioned issues and remove the related risks for myself, my passengers and all other motorists who are sharing the road. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ENGINE — Filed 08/14/2026

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the battery low and steering assist warning lights were illuminated. The contact's minor children were occupants in the vehicle during the failure. The tow truck assistant arrived. The tow truck driver assisted with restarting the vehicle. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to Firestone; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact stated that a portable diagnostic tester was attached, but no error codes were displayed. The failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to Firestone, where it was diagnosed with a failed START/STOP module. The contact was informed about Technical Service Bulletin: 21-NA-139. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,126.

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 08/08/2026

See attached file

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 08/01/2026

shifter micro-switch is not working and is available for inspection upon request. Vehicle is not shutting off as it is indicating shift to park. The vehicle unable to shut off can cause issues while parked in the garage still running and worried about causing a fire. Problem diagnosed by private individual but have plans on taking it to dealership. The shift to park indicator issue has been occurring for almost a year and has progressively gotten worse. I have noticed other vehicles with the same make/model/year have had similar issues with known defects that a recall was issued.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE — Filed 07/04/2026

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission failed to properly shift gears and the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH while driving. The contact stated that the transmission failed to shift above third gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who discovered that there was no transmission fluid inside the torque converter. The vehicle was scanned and displayed an issue with the transmission control module. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V668000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 154,429.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE — Filed 07/30/2026

I was at a red light, I went to drive as the light turned green and my car stopped and wouldn’t drive, I could go into neutral to get out of way but anything the car would stop. There is no codes or lights turned on my dash though.

STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 05/21/2026

I am submitting this complaint to request that NHTSA investigate a potential safety defect involving the engine coolant temperature monitoring system, thermostat/engine coolant temperature sensor system, and its relationship to reduced steering assist in 2019 GMC Acadia vehicles. My 2019 GMC Acadia, currently at approximately 61,500 miles, has experienced the following symptoms: • The engine temperature gauge remains flat or reads abnormally low/cold. • The cooling fans run continuously at extremely high speed, creating a loud "screaming" fan noise. • The vehicle displays the warning message "Steering Assist is Reduced — Drive with Care." • The vehicle has a history of diagnostic trouble code P0128, "Engine Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature." I am concerned that these symptoms are related and represent a potential safety defect rather than an isolated thermostat or cooling-system repair. GM has issued bulletin PIT5967, "Service Steering Message With P0128," which applies to GMC Acadia vehicles from model years 2017 through 2023. The bulletin states that when P0128 is present, the ECM may be reading coolant temperature incorrectly and that a "Service Steering Message" may be displayed to protect the steering gear in the event of an undetected overheating condition. GM instructs technicians to diagnose and repair P0128 first. GM bulletin 17-NA-158 also describes a relationship between P0128, an invalid coolant-temperature signal, and the "Steering Assist Reduced, Drive With Care" warning. The bulletin explains that the steering module relies on valid coolant-temperature information to provide additional steering assistance under cold conditions. When the coolant-temperature signal becomes invalid, this function can become inoperative, potentially resulting in a heavier-than-normal steering feel.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 11/01/2025

WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN PARK, I GET AN ERROR MESSAGE THAT SAYS SHIFT TO PARK AND IT TAKES PUTTING IN PARK NUMEROUS TIMES TO GET IT TO CLEAR SO I CAN TRUN THE CAR OFF AND LOCK IT. I KNOW THERE HAVE BEEN SOME MODELS THAT HAVE BEEN RECALLED DUE TO THIS PROBLEM, HOWEVER MINE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THAT RECALL. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY IT IS NOT INCLUDED AND IF THERE IS ANY HELP AVAILABLE TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 03/07/2026

For the past 4 months after turning off the engine, my vehicle is failing to recognize that it is in Park. I am getting a message on my display stating “Shift to Park”. This is preventing my vehicle from shutting down.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 07/08/2026

I purchased vehicle used 2 years ago last year. I noticed the air conditioner was not cooling. I summed it up too, and extremely hot summer.This summer I did the same thing.I took it in immediately. Catastrophic, I think I bought it like this. It fell apart, the air conditioning compressor fell apart.There is like shrapnel through everything, and they have to go through and clean everything out.It's gonna cost me over two grand. But it only be in 40000 miles on it. I understand it's a twenty nineteen, but owner said at forty thousand miles.This should never happen.

STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 01/02/2025

Steering assist code pops up and then the temperature gauge goes down and the air stops working and the screen in the cars starts going all crazy. Shift to park code keeps coming up and keeps all electronics on in car

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 07/06/2026

Fire Started in Center Console

AIR BAGS — Filed 06/25/2024

See attached document for complaint.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 06/14/2024

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, she noticed that the engine caught on fire with no warning light illuminated. The fire was put out by the Chicago Fire Department and after the vehicle was inspected the cause of the fire was determined as a failure with the electrical system. A police report was filed with the Chicago Police Department and a report was provided. No injuries occurred and no medical attention was needed. The vehicle was not towed. The dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 04/30/2024

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in park with the engine running, the vehicle suddenly rolled away. As a result of the failure, the vehicle crashed into another parked vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. A police report was not filed. There were no injuries reported. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the vehicle was operating as intended. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 42,000.

LANE DEPARTURE,BACK OVER PREVENTION — Filed 07/12/2019

Unnecessary safety feature sounds and alerts distract driver's normal driving and viewing habits. Any which could be turned off, have been. Every time the car is started, there is a message that these warnings have been turned off. The message never goes away and stays on the entire drive time unless manually turned off.] These type of messages need to turn off after a short delay.

AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 09/01/2020

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph, the brake pedal was applied but failed to slow the vehicle down. As a result, the contact rear ended a Chevrolet Tahoe. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. There was no reported fire. The contact sustained soreness to the body and medical attention was provided. The vehicle was towed to an independent body shop for structural damage. The contact stated that after the vehicle was in her possession the safety restraint system service message was displayed. The fuel gauge went from full to empty in seconds and the engine stalled. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the brakes were bleed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 33, 717.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 08/11/2021

The Rear Hood was opened to get groceries. All of a sudden the hood came down on my back. I had to push the hood up manually, and tried to close with remote or with button on the hood but the Rear hood would not close. I then had to manually close the hood. On August 11, 2021 I took the car to the dealer and they replaced both Rear Hood Struts that wear leaking fluid. This SUV is only 2 years old with 16000 miles and should not be having these type of safety issues that can potentially be life threatening.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 02/14/2021

THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP PROPERLY WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED HARD TO AVID A COLLISION.