The GMC Acadia is one of the most popular midsize SUVs in the USA, introduced in 2007.
Despite some drawbacks, Acadia is popular among SUV enthusiasts today.
But before purchasing an Acadia, the most common question is, Are GMC Acadias Reliable?
Well, if you have the same question, you have found out the right article to read.
I have explained how reliable Acadia is, its best and worst sides in depth below.
Are GMC Acadias Reliable?
The GMC Acadia is an average reliable SUV, which gets a 76 out of 100 scores by J.D. Power and a 3.0 out of 5.0 score by RepairPal.
These scores are based on GMC Acadia’s safety ratings and problems.
However, it is imperative to focus on other factors that impact a vehicle’s reliability.
These factors include the vehicle’s life expectancy, peak years, annual maintenance cost, safety features, performance, and warranties.
These factors determine how long a vehicle lasts and how well it serves its owner.
So, let’s discuss the factors in detail.
Pros and Cons of GMC Acadia
Pros of GMC Acadia are:
- Great fuel efficiency
- Smooth driving experience
- Helpful infotainment system
- Comfortable and spacious seats
Cons of GMC Acadia are:
- Competitors are more luxurious
- Third-row seating is tight
- Cargo space is limited
GMC Acadia Maintenance Costs
The average annual maintenance cost of GMC Acadia is $750, which is the same as its competitors.
However, maintenance costs highly depend on the vehicle’s age, mileage, repair location, and the mechanical shop.
So, depending on the GMC Acadia’s mileage, and age, the annual maintenance cost will rise slightly.
GMC Acadia Price
The 2023 GMC Acadia comes with 04 different trims, each with a few specific features.
Therefore, the price of GMC Acadia is slightly different for each trim.
The GMC Acadia SLE is priced at $36,600.
The starting price for the SLT trim is about $40,800.
The AT4 starting price is $43,200.
And DENALI’s starting price is $48,200.
DENALI is more advanced in features and control systems than all other trims of the Acadia.
GMC Acadia Performance
The GMC Acadia is popular among users because of its excellent performance and comfort.
The 2023 GMC Acadia has four trim levels with two engine options: a 3.6L V6 engine and a 2.5L four-cylinder.
The four trims, SLE, SLT, AT4, and DENALI, come with FWD and ADW drive options, except for AT4.
The AT4 trim offers only AWD drive options.
All trims come with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
According to my test, the GMC Acadia 2.0L turbo gets 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
On the other hand, the 3.6L V6 gets 18 mpg/city and 26 mpg/highway.
You will get 226 hp and 257 lb.-ft. of torque with the 2.0L engine, while the 3.6L engine provides 310 hp and 270 lb.-ft. of torque.
GMC Acadia Warranty
General Motors provides a 5-year or 60,000 miles warranty on the powertrain and a 3-year or 36,000 miles warranty on basic parts.
GM also provides warranties on the body-sheet metal, emission control systems, roadside assistance, and hybrid components.
Basic component warranties can vary by the make and model of the GMC Acadia.
GMC Acadia Safety Features
The GMC Acadia provides many safety features and driver assistance features.
GMC Acadia has 14 safety features, and assistance are given below:
- Traffic alert system on the rear cross
- Rearview camera
- Pedestrian detection system
- Alert for lane departures
- Blind-spot monitoring system
- Forward collision alert
- Parking sensors for front and back side
- Automating braking system for emergency
- Safety warning seat
- Head-up display
- Rearview mirror
- Adaptive cruise control or ACC system available
- 360-view parking camera
- Teen driver system etc.
GMC Acadia Safety Rating
The overall safety score of GMC Acadia is 9.5 out of 10.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or NHTSA, the GMC Acadia gets a 5.0 out of 5 safety rating.
Here is the safety raring chart of the GMC Acadia provided by NHTSA:
| Subject | Rate out of 5.0 |
| Side Crash | 5.0 |
| Frontal Crash | 5.0 |
| Rollover | 4.0 |
| Overall Rating | 5.0 |
If we consider Insurance for Highway Safety (IIHS), here is a chart provided by the IIHS:
| Side Impact Test | Good |
| Moderate Overlap Test | Good |
| Rear Crash Test | Good |
| Roof Strength Test | Good |
| Front Driver Protection | Good |
| Front Passenger Protection | Not Rated |
| Headlights | Margin |
| Crash Protection on the Front Side | Advanced |
GMC Acadia Reliability by Year
Since the article discusses GMC Acadia’s reliability, it is pertinent to mention Acadia’s more and less reliable years.
Some GMC Acadia models aren’t reliable.
A few model years have problems, while others are very reliable.
Here are the most reliable GMC Acadia model years:
- 2023 Acadia
- 2022 Acadia
- 2021 Acadia
- 2020 Acadia
- 2019 Acadia
- 2016 Acadia
- 2015 Acadia
- 2013 Acadia
The average reliability score for these model years is 82 out of 100.
Other model years have some problems that make them less reliable.
Here’s a chart from carcomplaints.com showing how many problems are reported each year:
| Model Year | Reported Problems |
| 2021 GMC Acadia | 05 |
| 2020 GMC Acadia | 02 |
| 2019 GMC Acadia | 15 |
| 2018 GMC Acadia | 44 |
| 2017 GMC Acadia | 97 |
| 2016 GMC Acadia | 13 |
| 2015 GMC Acadia | 22 |
| 2014 GMC Acadia | 45 |
| 2013 GMC Acadia | 25 |
| 2012 GMC Acadia | 71 |
| 2011 GMC Acadia | 62 |
| 2010 GMC Acadia | 75 |
| 2009 GMC Acadia | 57 |
| 2008 GMC Acadia | 185 |
| 2007 GMC Acadia | 113 |
Now you can easily identify which model years are more reliable.
GMC Acadia Common Problems
The 2007 and 2008 GMC Acadia’s most common problem is transmission failure after 90,000 miles (average).
Acadia’s overall reliability dropped because of the transmission problem in the 2007 and 2008 model years.
It costs around 3,000 dollars to fix the transmission issue.
The 2012 Acadia has an engine failure issue after 97,000 miles (average), which costs around 6,000 dollars to fix.
Apart from this, the check engine light is also a common issue with the GMC Acadia, and the following codes generate in the digital scanner:
- P0716
- P0776
- P0777
- P0717
- P2715
- P2714 etc.
How Long Do GMC Acadias Last?
The lifespan of any vehicle greatly depends on how well the vehicle is maintained.
Routine maintenance, timely oil and fluid changes, and tire rotation can increase the life expectancy of a vehicle.
You can expect a well-maintained GMC Acadia to last 13 to 14 years or about 200,000 miles.
FAQs
Is a GMC Acadia a good car?
Yes, as a midsize SUV, the GMC Acadia is a reliable vehicle, especially the 2023 GMC Acadia.
It has a comfortable interior and seats, two engine options, advanced driver-assistance features, and good fuel efficiency.
The 2023 GMC Acadia also offers an advanced infotainment system and safety technologies.
Is insurance high on a GMC Acadia?
GMC Acadia’s average annual insurance cost is about $1500, comparable to its competitors.
Within this amount, you’ll get a standard package in insurance.
Which SUV is better Explorer or Acadia?
The 2023 Ford Explorer is more advanced than the 2023 GMC Acadia.
Ford Explorer has advanced features and various engine options to choose from.
The Explorer has more cargo space and power than the Acadia.
But if we consider pricing, GMC Acadia is less expensive than Ford Explorer.
Also, the Acadia is a good choice in terms of longevity, reliability, and maintenance costs.
How often does the GMC Acadia need repairs?
According to GM’s recommendation, the GMC Acadia requires maintenance four times a year or every three months.
Or, every 6,000 to 7,500 miles, you should take your Acadia for routine maintenance.
Is 2008 a bad year for a GMC Acadia?
Yes, the 2008 GMC Acadia is the most disappointing model year.
According to carcomplaints.com, the 2008 GMC Acadia is the most problematic year.
This year’s main problem is the transmission issue, which costs a lot of money to fix.
Final Thoughts
The GMC Acadia is a generally reliable SUV that offers so many benefits.
However, some model years have reported some problems, but Acadia’s overall performance is excellent.
I hope this article gives you a better idea of how reliable the GMC Acadia is.
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