6 GMC Acadia Years to Avoid and 3 Model Years to Choose

The GMC Acadia is a mid-size SUV manufactured by General Motors. It was first introduced in 2006 and has two generations.

The Acadia is popular and reliable, but some model years have issues. It is a midsize SUV known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride. Different model years have varying quality.

The GMC Acadia years to avoid and highlight the model years that have proven to be reliable and well-regarded by both critics and owners alike. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly vehicle or a practical daily driver, knowing which versions of the Acadia to choose or steer clear from can save you from potential headaches down the road. So buckle up as we dive into the world of GMC Acadia models!

6 GMC Acadia Years to Avoid

The GMC Acadia has long been a popular choice among SUV enthusiasts, offering a spacious interior, impressive towing capability, and a comfortable ride. Not all model years of this beloved vehicle are created equal. There are six particular years that you might want to avoid if you’re considering purchasing a used Acadia. From transmission issues to electrical problems, these model years have garnered less-than-stellar reputations for reliability and performance.

Before you make your decision, let’s delve into the details of these notorious GMC Acadia years to ensure you make an informed choice and drive away with confidence. When looking to buy a used GMC Acadia, It is recommended to avoid GMC Acadia models from 2007, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2017, and 2018. These specific years have known major issues that should be avoided.

Acadia’s Worst Model Year: 2007

• 2007 GMC Acadia has multiple reported issues by owners.
• Significant issues include transmission, engine, air conditioning, and brake problems.
• Malfunctioning components lead to severe issues and costly repairs.
• Owners spent between $600 and $2,900 on their 2007 GMC Acadia repairs.
• Initially praised for space and seating, but quickly became notorious for reliability problems.
• Infamous as one of the worst model years in Acadia’s production history.

Acadia’s Worst Model Year: 2008

• 2008 GMC Acadia is considered the worst model year in its history.
• Major problems include transmission failure, engine issues, air conditioning issues, and steering problems.
• Numerous complaints have been reported for the 2008 Acadia.
• Transmission problems commonly occur after 75,000 miles and are expensive to fix.
• Reputation tarnished and considered the most disappointing chapter for the vehicle.

Acadia’s Worst Model Year: 2012-2013

• The worst model years for GMC Acadia are 2012-2013.
• Common complaints include engine, air conditioner, and transmission issues.
• The 2011 model year has more complaints, but they are cheaper to fix.
• 2013 Acadia has severe problems with repair costs ranging from $500 to $4500.
• Many issues, including transmission and electrical problems.
• A cautionary tale for potential buyers.

Acadia’s Worst Model Year: 2017-2018

• 2017 and 2018 GMC Acadias have transmission and engine problems.
• These issues have hurt the reputation of these models for years.
• Avoid purchasing a GMC Acadia from these years.
• GMC Acadia is a crossover SUV known for its versatility, comfort, and reliability.
• The 2017-2018 model years are considered the worst for Acadia.
• Owners experienced mechanical failures, poor performance, and questionable design choices.
• These years have damaged Acadia’s reputation and left a negative impression on enthusiasts.

GMC Acadia Problems Count by Year

The GMC Acadia has become popular among drivers seeking a versatile and spacious SUV. With its sleek design, comfortable interior, and advanced technology features, it’s no wonder why the Acadia has gained such admiration. Like any vehicle on the market, the GMC Acadia is not without its fair share of problems.

A closer look at the different issues that have plagued the vehicle over the years. From transmission troubles to electrical glitches, the GMC Acadia problems count by year to help potential buyers make an informed decision about their next SUV purchase. The number of complaints for GMC Acadia model years varies, indicating differences in reliability. According to complaints: 

Arcadia Model	No. of Complaints
2007	114
2008	186
2009	60
2010	78
2011	63
2012	75
2013	25
2014	49
2015	23
2016	16
2017	100
2018	49
2019	18
2020	2
2021	5

4 GMC Acadia Common Problems

The GMC Acadia has long been a popular choice for families in search of a spacious and reliable SUV. Any vehicle on the market, it is not without its flaws. From transmission issues to electrical glitches, these problems can be frustrating and costly to fix. Whether you are considering purchasing an Acadia or already own one.

Understanding these potential pitfalls will help you make informed decisions about maintenance and repairs. The GMC Acadia has common problems, particularly in the mentioned model years, which buyers should be aware of. Four common problems that owners of the GMC Acadia may encounter.

1. Transmission Problems

• GMC Acadia’s most common problem is transmission issues.
• Transmission shifting issues, transmission failure, and transmission fluid leaks are common transmission problems.
• Some models of GMC Acadia, particularly model years, are more prone to these issues.
• Other GMC Acadia may have minor transmission problems.
• It is recommended to check for transmission failure symptoms before buying a used GMC Acadia.
• If experiencing transmission-related issues, consult a qualified mechanic for inspection.

2. Check the Engine Light Issue

• GMC Acadia commonly experiences check engine light issues with 7 specific codes. such as: P0011, P0024, P0014, P0336, P0341, P0346, P0391.
• A software update is usually the solution for fixing the check engine light problem.
• The check engine light can be concerning for car owners.
• It emphasizes the importance of not ignoring the warning light.

3. Engine Issues

• First-generation GMC Acadia models have a high likelihood of experiencing engine problems.
• The complaints were reported regarding engine issues in 2007, 2008, 2011, and 2012.
• Owners often had to incur significant costs to rectify these engine problems.
• GMC Acadia is popular but has hidden engine issues.
• An increasing number of complaints suggest a widespread issue.
• Engine problems include misfires, stalling, excessive oil consumption, and engine failure
• The growing number of complaints indicates a widespread issue with GMC Acadia’s engines

4. AC or Heater System Issues

• Many Acadians face air conditioning problems, especially the first generation.
• Issues with GMC vehicle AC or heater systems should be addressed promptly for comfort and safety.
• Common problems include no AC, weak airflow, strange smells, heater issues, temperature fluctuations, strange noises, and electrical problems.
• Possible causes include low refrigerant levels, faulty compressors, clogged filters, mold or bacteria growth, malfunctioning heater core or thermostat, and HVAC controls or sensors issues.

3 Best Years for GMC Acadia

The GMC Acadia has long been famous for families seeking a versatile and spacious SUV. With its comfortable interior, ample cargo space, and smooth ride, the Acadia has consistently delivered on its promise of providing a reliable and enjoyable driving experience. Like any vehicle, specific model years stand out from the rest in terms of performance, features, and overall value.

Some of the best years for the GMC Acadia to help prospective buyers make an informed decision when considering this exceptional SUV. The GMC Acadia’s top recommended used car models are 2015, 2016, and 2020 due to their reliability.

2015 GMC Acadia

• The 2015 GMC Acadia is reliable and complaint-free, with a spacious cabin and ample legroom.
• Comfortable riding on city roads and highways, excellent towing capacity of 5,200 pounds.
• A popular choice among SUV enthusiasts with revamped exterior styling and improved infotainment features.
• The spacious interior can seat up to eight passengers with ample cargo space.
• Sophisticated cabin materials, powerful performance with V6 engine or optional turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
• Reliable for city streets and long road trips.
• Offers the best value for money in the used GMC Acadia market.

2016 GMC Acadia

• 2016 GMC Acadia has good reliability and safety ratings.
• Spacious interior and comfortable riding experiences.
• Higher owner satisfaction ratings for this model year.
• 2016 GMC Acadia Denali is a top choice with a luxurious interior and advanced technology.
• SLT-1 trim level offers a comfortable ride, spacious interior, and advanced safety features.
• All 2016 GMC Acadia trims have third-row seating for ample passenger and cargo space.
• All models have a V6 engine for smooth acceleration and sufficient power.

2020 GMC Acadia

• The 2020 GMC Acadia is one of the best models in the second generation.
• Improved in all sectors and received minimal complaints.
• Independent research gave it an 81 out of 100 reliability rating.
• 2020 GMC Acadia has refreshed its exterior design and improved its interior.
• Offers three engine options: 2.5L four-cylinder, 3.6L V6, and turbocharged four-cylinder.
• 2020 GMC Acadia is highly rated in reliability and performance.
• Advanced safety features include forward collision alert, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control.
• Reliable midsize SUV with outstanding performance and advanced safety features.

Final Thoughts

The GMC Acadia has had reliability issues in specific model years. Avoiding the 2007-2009 and 2013-2015 models is advisable. Consider the 2016-2019 models for better reliability. Certified pre-owned or extended warranties can offer peace of mind. It is vital to research thoroughly and test drive before making a decision.

The 2007 and 2008 models have transmission issues, while the 2010 model year has engine problems. It is recommended to consider 2014 or newer models for trouble-free ownership. Checking for recalls and reading consumer reviews can help make an informed choice.

The GMC Acadia is usually dependable, but specific model years have transmission issues. It is recommended to avoid buying a used Acadia from these mentioned years. Before purchasing, it is essential to thoroughly examine the transmission, AC heater, engine performance, and other components. This evaluation is necessary to ensure satisfaction and prevent future problems.

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