VehicleVerdict

2018 GMC Acadia problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 529 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.5 times the median Acadia year — the 2018 model ranks #6 of 20 Acadia years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 32 injuries in total across these filings.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 163 reports (31% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

529

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

19

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

32

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other Acadia years?

Acadia NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted1,297 complaints2007: 641 complaints2008: 1,297 complaints2009: 486 complaints2010: 436 complaints2011: 373 complaints2012: 401 complaints2013: 196 complaints2014: 603 complaints2015: 313 complaints2016: 280 complaints2017: 954 complaints2018: 529 complaints2019: 539 complaints2020: 163 complaints2021: 216 complaints2022: 74 complaints2023: 67 complaints2024: 80 complaints2025: 107 complaints2026: 13 complaints
Acadia NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Acadia years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 GMC Acadia problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission16331%
Electrical System12023%
Other11622%
Engine336%
Steering245%
Brakes224%
Driver Assistance153%
Fuel System92%
Suspension51%
Seats51%
Speed Control51%
Tires & Wheels41%
Seat Belts31%
Lighting20%
Visibility & Wipers10%
Body & Structure10%
Airbags10%

Does the 2018 GMC Acadia have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

18V358000Fuel SystemMay 31, 2018 · 895 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.

Consequence

A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.

17V516000TransmissionAugust 22, 2017 · 2,905 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles and 2017-2018 GMC Acadia vehicles. The right front intermediate driveshaft may fracture and separate while driving.

Consequence

If the front right intermediate drive shaft assembly separates while driving, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. If the assembly separates while parked on a grade, without the park brake engaged, the vehicle may move unintentionally, increasing the risk of a vehicle roll-away.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right front intermediate drive shaft assembly, free of charge. The recall began August 25, 2017. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17329.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 22, 2020 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 22, 2020 · crash

“WHEN YOU SHIFT TO PARK THE VEHICLE DOES NOT GO INTO PARK. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPLACED THE JUMPER HARNESS (84733196) ON MAY 1, 2020. THAT DID NOT FIX THE ISSUE ON JULY 24, 2020 DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE SHIFTER (84699764) TRANS CONTROL. THIS OCCURS WHEN WE ARE STATIONARY ATTEMPTING TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 1, 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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 22, 2020 · crash

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · March 15, 2019 · crash

2018 GMC Acadia — common questions

Is the 2018 GMC Acadia reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 529 complaints put the 2018 model at #6 of 20 Acadia years. It is one of the Acadia years to avoid.

What are the most common 2018 Acadia problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (163 complaints), electrical system (120 complaints), other (116 complaints).

Does the 2018 GMC Acadia have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 GMC Acadia. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which GMC Acadia years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Acadia years to avoid are 2008, 2017, 2007, 2014, 2019, 2018, 2025, 2024, 2026. The cleanest record among Acadia years belongs to 2023.

How safe is the 2018 GMC Acadia?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 GMC Acadia earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through August 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated August 28, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.