SUV · Gas
GMC Acadia 2013–2016 (1st gen)
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- Price
- $34,000–$46,000
- MPG
- 19
- Strength: Excellent safety
- Strength: Strong capability
- Strength: Strong passenger space
- Watch-out: Poor running costs
- Watch-out: Below-average reliability
How it scores for you10 scores
A roomy, top-crash-rated seven-seater with genuine 5,200-lb tow chops, but thirsty running costs and a spotty air-bag/steering complaint record undercut it.
Recalled about as often as cars of the same model years; 3 of its 6 recalls were serious. About 3% of its owner complaints describe a crash, fire or injury. Based on recalls and serious defect reports — it doesn't capture everyday repairs or problems fixed by warranty extensions. Limited history so far, so this score may move as more recalls are filed. Adjusted -4 points for its wider reputation.
5-star overall NHTSA crash rating (frontal 5, side 5, rollover 4).
About $3,550 a year in fuel (EPA estimate) — cheaper to run than about 12% of cars we track.
24.1 cu ft of cargo space — more than about 48% of other SUVs we track.
Genuine 7-seat 3-row layout with usable space and huge 116.9 cu ft max cargo. One of the roomier large crossovers of its era, well above average.
3.6L V6 with 281 hp provides adequate power for a large 3-row crossover, but the Lambda-platform Acadia is heavy, soft-riding and steers vaguely. Built for hauling, not enthusiasm.
Typical of mid-2010s GM: IntelliLink touchscreen, available rear camera and nav, but by current standards dated with no modern driver-assist suite. Below today's average.
Roomy cabin with a smooth, comfortable ride tuned for cruising. Decent seating, though older interior materials and no advanced features keep it merely above segment-typical.
SUVs and hybrids usually hold their value better than average.
Rated to tow 5,200 lb; all- or four-wheel drive available.
Safety & recalls8 recalls
8 recalls · 5 common complaint areas across 2015–2016
- Airbags — 129 complaints (2016)
- Recall — Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor (2016)
- Airbags — 104 complaints (2015)
2016
- RecallVisibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor15V609000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured August 18, 2015 to September 24, 2015. Due to a manufacturing defect, the windshield wiper motor may overheat when used.
- RecallSeats15V833000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured November 6, 2015, to November 12, 2015. The affected vehicles have a the third row left lower seat frame that may have welds that are not in the correction location.
- RecallAirbags: critical fasteners21V246000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2015, 2017 Buick Enclave, 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2011-2016 GMC Acadia vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not be properly attached.
- RecallAirbags: frontal: driver side: inflator module23V334000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
- Complaint clusterAirbags129 complaintscomplaints:AIR BAGS
Safety recall that has not been addressed by the dealership in over 4 months
- Complaint clusterSteering26 complaintscomplaints:STEERING
While operating my vehicle, the power steering suddenly failed without adequate warning. The steering became extremely difficult, creating a significant safety hazard for myself, my passengers, and other drivers on the road. A sudden loss of steering assist increases the risk of collision, especiall
- Complaint clusterPowertrain21 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
Transmission torque converter required replacement
- Complaint clusterElectrical21 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 GMC Acadia on February 28, 2026. After purchasing the vehicle, the contact obtained a Carfax report and discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. The contact called the dealer and was informed that the vehicle was pur
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other13 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Hello. I got a recall and fixed in July 2021 for Blind Spot Sensors/Modules on my 2016 GMC Acadia SLT. Now 3.5 years later Im having the same issue with these sensors that are located in the rear bumper of the car, they get water damage, corrosion, and then fail. A very poor design. And seems l
2015
- RecallTires15V044000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured December 9, 2014, to January 14, 2015, 2015 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured December 9, 2014, to January 20, 2015, and 2015 GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured December 9, 2014, to January 16, 2015
- RecallAirbags: critical fasteners21V246000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2015, 2017 Buick Enclave, 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2011-2016 GMC Acadia vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not be properly attached.
- RecallAirbags: frontal: driver side: inflator module22V246000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
- RecallAirbags: frontal: driver side: inflator module23V334000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
- Complaint clusterAirbags104 complaintscomplaints:AIR BAGS
The airbag emblem keeps popping up.
- Complaint clusterSteering33 complaintscomplaints:STEERING
Not inspected by anyone else because they have no idea where to look because the light and actions happen on and off. Warning light and message appears. Service Traction Control and service Stabilink Light yes I will bring it in. It will turn on randomly at this point for about 4 months and the brak
- Complaint clusterElectrical29 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the instrument panel went blank before the panel began to flash when it returned. The contact then stated that several various warning messages began to appear all of which were related to the vehicle's electrical f
- Complaint clusterPowertrain20 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
2015 gmc Acadia, vin ending 7457,p2635,stuttering/hesitation and engine stalling when Arizona temperatures exceed 100* f , and mechanic advising that the condition corresponded to a known gmc issue for which they could not obtain an applicable corrective part / repair
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other16 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have a 2015 Acadia Denali with 95000 miles. I am getting the "service side detection system" message whenever I start my car, and the blindspot lights, cross-traffic detection etc. do not function at all. A"nationwide" problem I was told. I was also told that it would cost $800+ to replace if/when
Cost to own$28,600 / 5 yr
MSRP, new
$34,000–$46,000
Estimated used price, by model year
$3,550/yr
EPA estimate, combined fuel cost per year.
Specs
City MPG
17
Highway MPG
24
Combined MPG
19
Horsepower
281 hp
Doors
4
Length
201.2 in
Width
78.7 in
Height
72.8 in
Wheelbase
118.9 in
Curb weight
4,850 lb
Cargo volume
24.1 cu ft
Cargo (seats folded)
116.9 cu ft
Towing capacity
5,200 lbs
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