VehicleVerdict

2021 GMC Acadia problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2021 GMC Acadia sits mid-pack among Acadia years: 213 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 344, with 2 recalls and one closed investigation.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (38), engine (32), and fuel system (26), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

213

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

13

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other Acadia years?

Acadia NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted1,296 complaints2007: 641 complaints2008: 1,296 complaints2009: 485 complaints2010: 436 complaints2011: 373 complaints2012: 397 complaints2013: 191 complaints2014: 603 complaints2015: 309 complaints2016: 279 complaints2017: 939 complaints2018: 521 complaints2019: 521 complaints2020: 155 complaints2021: 213 complaints2022: 70 complaints2023: 63 complaints2024: 79 complaints2025: 103 complaints2026: 11 complaints
Acadia NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Acadia years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 GMC Acadia problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System3818%
Engine3215%
Fuel System2612%
Other209%
Driver Assistance209%
Brakes188%
Transmission178%
Steering157%
Airbags84%
Speed Control73%
Suspension31%
Visibility & Wipers21%
Body & Structure21%
Seat Belts21%
Tires & Wheels10%
Latches & Locks10%
Lighting10%

Does the 2021 GMC Acadia have recalls?

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

22V709000Driver AssistanceSeptember 22, 2022 · 95,231 units

Defect

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with the optional Surround Vision feature. The rearview camera coaxial cable connectors may have been crimped improperly, causing the rearview camera to fail or function intermittently.

Consequence

An inoperative rearview camera can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the coaxial cables, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 18, 2023. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222378380.

21V422000Fuel SystemJune 3, 2021 · 572 units

Defect

General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The fuel supply lines may be improperly attached and seated.

Consequence

Improperly attached and seated fuel supply lines may loosen or separate, causing a fuel leak and increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace fuel supply lines as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212335590.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I got into an accident because my back up crap camera did not warn me that a car had turned behind me. Also when and backing up and a car is coming it doesn’t indicate the car is coming until it’s behind me. I’ve taken it to the dealer and they say there’s nothing wrong with it. Also there…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 4, 2021 · crash

“I got into an accident because my back up crap camera did not warn me that a car had turned behind me. Also when and backing up and a car is coming it doesn’t indicate the car is coming until it’s behind me. I’ve taken it to the dealer and they say there’s nothing wrong with it. Also there…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 4, 2021 · crash

“Vehicle stalled on major interstate while giving no warning Vehicle would not start after failure Had to be towed to dealership Found to be a faulty fuel pump module Service advisor even said this is a common problem Vehicle mileage was at 33,478 This could have been a deadly accident ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 13, 2024

“I got into an accident because my back up crap camera did not warn me that a car had turned behind me. Also when and backing up and a car is coming it doesn’t indicate the car is coming until it’s behind me. I’ve taken it to the dealer and they say there’s nothing wrong with it. Also there…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · December 4, 2021 · crash

“The exhaust resonator failed only a few hundred miles after warranty (60,300) and not covered by dealer under warranty. It creates a noise and reduces power/performance, which could inherently create a safety concern. The vehicle was inspected by an independent service center. The following code…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 26, 2024

2021 GMC Acadia — common questions

Is the 2021 GMC Acadia reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 213 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Acadia year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2021 Acadia problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (38 complaints), engine (32 complaints), fuel system (26 complaints).

Does the 2021 GMC Acadia have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 GMC Acadia. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2021 GMC Acadia under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which GMC Acadia years should you avoid?

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

How safe is the 2021 GMC Acadia?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 GMC Acadia earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.