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GMC · NHTSA safety record

2026 GMC Acadia

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

Owners have filed 10 safety complaints about the 2026 GMC Acadia with the US government. Of those, 2 describe a crash, 2 people were injured and no death is recorded. 2 recall campaigns are open against it, covering the seats and equipment.

The most complained-about system is the electrical system, named in 3 complaints, 30% of the total.

Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files · Covers February 2026 to October 2026 · How this is counted

What is on file

10 complaints on file

10

Complaints

2

Describe a crash

0

Mention fire

2

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.

A recall is the manufacturer conceding a defect, and the repair is free. Whether one covers your particular car is a question only its VIN can answer, because a campaign covers a production range rather than a model year. A further 1 defect investigation is open and unresolved.

Which system owners named

Complaints naming each system
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 4 · 40%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 3 · 30%
POWER TRAIN 3 · 30%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 2 · 20%
AIR BAGS 1 · 10%
ENGINE 1 · 10%
LANE DEPARTURE 1 · 10%
SERVICE BRAKES 1 · 10%
0 4 8

Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it. One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 10.

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 2026 GMC ACADIA, and it is a separate question from what owners report going wrong later.

Test SUV N/A AWD SUV N/A 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.

Recall campaigns

2 on file

SEATS

26V696000 · October 21, 2026

The defect
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The driver or front passenger seat may not have sufficient welds where the seat back recliner pivot mechanism attaches to a bracket on the seat frame.
The risk
Seats with insufficient welds may not restrain an occupant as intended in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy
Dealers will replace the driver or front passenger seat back frames, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 7, 2026. 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 N262576830. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 21, 2026.

General Motors, LLC · up to 4 vehicles across all model years covered

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

26V114000 · February 26, 2026

The defect
General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Coupe, Corvette Convertible E-Ray, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, Silverado EV, Suburban 1500, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Acadia, Hummer EV Pickup, Hummer EV SUV, Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, Sierra EV, Terrain, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The radio may not have been set to the correct status to download the electronic owner's manual during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, “Occupant Protection.”
The risk
Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-467-9700, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. The manufacturer's number for this recall is N252540430. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 26, 2026.

General Motors, LLC · up to 5,861 vehicles across all model years covered

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.

AIR BAGS

2 injured · crash · towed · 4,700 miles

The contact owns a 2026 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while at a stop sign and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated and crashed into the rear passenger's side of a Semi Truck. Both the AEB and the IAEB failed to engage during the incident. The vehicle sustained severe front-end damage. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy, and the Forward Collision Avoidance System failed to engage to prevent the crash. The driver sustained a neck and right shoulder injury. The front passenger seat occupant sustained a right arm and left leg injury, and a headache. No medical treatment was received. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed away. The

NHTSA complaint 11743270, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES

crash · towed

Purchased NEW 2026 GMC Acadia on XXX XXX - Fastened seat belts, Started vehicle in a driveway, Switched into forward gear and Vehicle lurched forward while Depressing the brake with no braking action occurring (BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR). Shut off engine and depressed the Emergency Brake Button to stop the vehicle. Vehicle struck another vehicle upon stopping causing several thousand dollars damage. XXX - Notified [XXX]/[XXX] the dealer, no help. Called GM and filed a Case #XXX. Vehicle inspected by GM on XXX. No response forthcoming from GM or the dealer yet after 6 weeks since the incident. XXX - Called for a wrecker to have vehicle towed to the dealer where it was purchased. While

NHTSA complaint 11767037, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving on interstate 95, the sunroof exploded. Was not close to an overpass or other structure.

NHTSA complaint 11771781. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

900 miles

The contact owned a 2026 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that there were software updates perform on the vehicle and the vehicle experienced issues with a module failure with reading the information downloaded. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where technicians restarted and successfully corrected the module for that specific update. However, a much larger software update failed to download or update properly. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that there have been many failures with the software updates. The dealer confirm the failure and the repair was pending. The failure mileage was 900.

NHTSA complaint 11767817. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

POWER TRAIN
Vehicle ran out of fuel and became disabled in an active roadway/exit ramp. The vehicle retained 12-volt electrical power and the dashboard and electronic controls remained operational. With the brake pedal depressed and the ignition/electrical system on, I attempted to shift the transmission from Park to Neutral so the vehicle could be pushed out of traffic. The vehicle repeatedly displayed “Conditions Not Correct for Shift” and remained locked in Park because the engine was not running. There appears to be no driver-accessible mechanical/manual override that allows the transmission to be placed in Neutral when the engine cannot run. As a result, a disabled vehicle with functioning

NHTSA complaint 11762039, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Engine has a noise (chirp) when vehicle delivered. Found out after purchase that a known problem was present in the engine compartment that engineering has been unable to identify. Bulletin #PIP6045B (Oct20,2025) Document ID:7006702 With the engine failures General Motors have had I have concerned about operating. A failure could result in danger to the occupants.

NHTSA complaint 11753144. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
Blind spot monitor goes off for everything. Engine has chirping noise. Brand new

NHTSA complaint 11746874. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the GMC Acadia

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2025 69 0 —
2024 62 0 —
2023 50 4 —
2022 52 3 —
2021 156 2 —
2020 107 6 —
2019 388 2 —
2018 399 2 —
2017 707 4 —
2016 236 4 —
2015 243 4 —
2014 463 6 —
2013 135 3 —
2012 296 5 —
2011 269 5 —
2010 343 4 1

Other 2026 GMC models

Sierra 1500 150 Yukon 47 Yukon XL 41 Terrain 34 Sierra 2500 16 Canyon 8 Sierra 3500 5 Sierra EV 5

Complaints on file, same model year.

Every GMC on this site — 150 vehicles.

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.

Where these numbers come from

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.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst