Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government
holds on this vehicle.
Owners have filed 65 safety complaints
about the 2025 GMC Acadia with the US government. Of those, 1 describes a crash, 1 person was injured and no death is recorded. No recall campaign has been matched to this year, make and model.
The most complained-about system is the brakes,
named in 39 complaints, 60% of the total.
Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files
· Covers March 2025 to September 2026 · How this is counted
What is on file
65 complaints on file
65
Complaints
1
Describe a crash
0
Mention fire
1
People injured
0
Deaths
A complaint is an unverified account by the person who filed it, not a
finding of fault. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts
them.
No recall campaign was matched to this year, make and model. That is not
the same as a clean vehicle: recalls are issued against production
ranges, and the only reliable check is your own VIN.
Which system owners named
Complaints naming each system
SERVICE BRAKES 39 · 60%
39 60%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 21 · 32%
21 32%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 13 · 20%
13 20%
ENGINE 6 · 9%
6 9%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 4 · 6%
4 6%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 4 · 6%
4 6%
POWER TRAIN 4 · 6%
4 6%
STEERING 4 · 6%
4 6%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 3 · 5%
3 5%
BACK OVER PREVENTION 2 · 3%
2 3%
LANE DEPARTURE 2 · 3%
2 3%
STRUCTURE 2 · 3%
2 3%
01938
One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 65.
When the complaints arrived
By the year NHTSA received them
By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures
happened. They peaked in 2025 at 37.
40 30 20 10
252025262026
This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure
happened. The range runs from 2025 to 2026, the last of them a part year, which is why its column is drawn faint.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA crashes a car into a barrier and a pole and measures what
happens to the dummies inside. This is what it awarded the 2025 GMC ACADIA, and it is a separate
question from what owners report going wrong later.
Test
SUV AWD
SUV FWD
Overall
Frontal crash
Frontal, driver
Frontal, passenger
Side crash
Side barrier
Side pole
Rollover
Chance of rollover
18.5%
17.4%
Stability control standard Forward collision warning standard Lane departure warning standard
A rating belongs to a tested body style and drivetrain, not to the model as a whole, which is why more than one is listed.
A dash means NHTSA did not rate that test for this vehicle.
Defect investigations
1 on file
An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A
preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering
analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.
Electronic Brake Module Component Failure
EA26006
Still open engineering analysis · opened August 21, 2026
the brakes
On April 11, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE24011 after receiving complaints concerning a loss of brake assist in 2023 MY Cadillac Lyriq vehicles. These complaints allege a hard brake pedal, followed by a “Brake System Failure” message at start up or while driving. GM shared records regarding several internal investigations for loss of brake assist due to alleged spindle fractures in the eBoost system. GM has stated that in the event of a spindle fracture, anti-lock brakes (ABS), stability control, and traction control remain functional until the vehicle comes to a complete stop. At this point, ABS, brake assist, stability control, and traction control functions are lost. The loss of these functions causes the vehicle to set one of three Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) based on failed performance criteria for the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM). These DTCs, in turn, activate several driver alerts: an audible chime, a visual “Service Brake System” message in the display, and multiple illuminated Malfunction Indicator Lights (MILs) for the ABS, Traction Control, and Brakes informing the driver of loss of functionality. The vehicle speed will also be limited to 70 KPH (43 MPH). Since opening PE24011, ODI has continued to receive reports of loss of brake assist. Some of these reports describe symptoms inconsistent with GM’s description of a spindle failure. These reports allege an immediate loss of brake assist functionality as opposed to the loss occurring after the vehicle comes to a complete stop. The sudden loss of brake assist during a braking event could result in extended braking distance, which increases the risk of a crash or injury. ODI believes further analysis is necessary to assess the potential for failures in GM’s eBoost system to resulting in safety-related outcomes. At this time, ODI is aware of the following vehicles that are equipped with this eBoost system: 2023-2026 MY Cadillac Lyriq, Chevrolet Colorado, and GMC Canyon; 2024-2026 MY Buick Enclave, Envision; Chevrolet Blazer EV, Equinox EV, Traverse; Cruise Origin; and GMC Acadia; 2025-2026 MY Cadillac Celestiq and Optiq. ODI is also aware of 2024-2026 MY Acura ZDX and 2024-2026 MY Honda Prologue vehicles that were built with this system. The Acura and Honda vehicles were manufactured by GM in a joint venture with Honda, and will be included in the Engineering Analysis as peer vehicles. ODI is opening this Engineering Analysis to further assess the safety-related consequences of a failed eBoost system. In addition, ODI is expanding the scope of the investigation to encompass all GM vehicles that share this eBoost system. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
In owners’ own words
Quoted from the complaint file
Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the
people who filed them, not findings of fault.
SERVICE BRAKES
crash · towed
We filled a report on 04/04/2026 with NHTSA at 12:16 pm but can't find a copy of the whole report. My husband John Chandler was driving our 2025 GMC Avadia Elevation. He was backing out of a parking place when he noticed it wouldn't stop while putting his foot on the break. He was able to put it into drive and it lundged forward and wouldn't stop. He kept pushing with both feet on the break and wouldn't stop. I tried pushing the start button to stop but because his feet were on the break it would restart so then pushed the park button and it stopped as we hit the building. The air bags did not depoy so not going that fast. I pushed the button for 911 and they came on to assist and call …
NHTSA complaint 11733581, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
ENGINE
Engine cooling system malfunction, Ive had to receive maintenance on my Acadia 2025 elevation 3 times in the pass 2 months for the same issue, The coolant system. This is becoming a reoccurring issue that needs to be investigated thoroughly. Ive had to get a rental car all 3 times, and this is becoming frustrating and financially draining. My biggest concern is what is to happen once my warranty expires? guess I'll be paying a note and repair cost until a recall is opened on this issue and then will have to wait for reimbursement. This is horrible to say this car was made 2 years ago. Attention is needed on this defective part. I'm so frustrated to I might just trade in this vehicle. I pay …
NHTSA complaint 11766323, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
SERVICE BRAKES
While driving my 2025 GMC Acadia, the vehicle experienced a sudden and severe failure of the brake master cylinder assembly, causing a significant loss of hydraulic pressure and braking assistance. Multiple dashboard warnings illuminated simultaneously, including ABS and brake system alerts. The brake pedal feel altered abruptly, drastically increasing the required stopping distance and creating an immediate collision hazard. The vehicle is currently grounded at a certified GM dealership awaiting a total replacement of the defective master cylinder assembly under factory warranty. Mileage at the time of failure was 19,000.
NHTSA complaint 11765882. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
SERVICE BRAKES
Dropping my children off at school, 4 lights came on on the dash. Two messages came across my dash as well. Service esc service abs. EBCM master cylinder needed to be replaced at local GMC dealership.My brakes were failing…This is a known safety issue by GMC and there’s no recall!
NHTSA complaint 11761817. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
SERVICE BRAKES
I was driving my 2025 GMC Acadia Denali on [XXX] with cruise on. Suddenly sound and banner notifications were telling me that I had no brakes. I immediately hit brake to break cruise and vehicle went faster. I managed to get cruise off from steering wheel. Put flashers on and took foot completely off gas. I was very fortunate that I didn’t hit someone or that no one hit me. After about 2 miles, I was able to pull in an empty church parking lot and get stopped. After getting stopped I was 2.4 miles from [XXX]. I was towed to GMC dealership in Montgomery, AL and diagnosed with defective master cylinder and no brakes. Very concerned because GMC has not issued a recall because the master …
NHTSA complaint 11758810, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Since delivery, my 2025 GMC Acadia AT4 has had severe wind noise from the driver's side window at highway speeds. The noise sounds like fingernails on a chalkboard and at times as though the window may shatter. I have taken it to the dealership 4 times with no resolution. I provided video clearly capturing the noise and was still told they could not hear it. I have confirmed the dealer road tests the vehicle in morning traffic at low speeds — where the noise cannot occur. It only happens at highway speeds. Their "cannot duplicate" finding is the result of inadequate testing, not the absence of a defect. After sitting for approximately 7 days, condensation builds up inside the cabin, …
NHTSA complaint 11755203, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Our onstar module has stopped working since last November after a software update and now issues are starting to cascade causing many other electrical issues to the point that I expect the car to leave my wife and 15 month old daughter stranded. Ours and many other vehicles are having this issue and when any question is asked to gm no response is given or we’re just told to keep waiting.
NHTSA complaint 11753902. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.
If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's
lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. How
many repair attempts it takes, and how long you have to file, is set by
the state you bought in and by nothing on this page.
Complaints: NHTSA's ODI
complaint file, published October 2, 2026. One
complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.
Recalls: NHTSA's recall
campaign API, no campaign on file for this vehicle.
Investigations: NHTSA's ODI
investigation file, published October 2, 2026.
A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by
us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that
sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.
G
Compiled and maintained by guarledes Independent developer and analyst