Grade a car

GMC Acadia Reliability Grade

B-Overall

Average reliability

EngineB
TransmissionC

Grade a specific GMC Acadia

Reliability changes from year to year. Pick a model year to see its grade, then add mileage and price to get a deal score and estimated miles remaining.

The GMC Acadia earns a B- overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a B for its engine and a C for its transmission. It ranks 7th of 23 midsize SUVs we grade. The transmission (C) is the weaker of its two major components, so ask for transmission service records and pay close attention to shifting on a test drive. Grades are based on 2,940 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.

GMC Acadia reliability by year

Overall grade for each model year, from owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Tap a year to see its full grade.

Years to avoid: 2008–2009 (transmission slipping / rough shifting) and 2017 (transmission slipping / rough shifting)

Faded years are recent, so fewer complaints have come in. Their grades may change.

How long does the GMC Acadia last?

160,000Estimated lifespan (miles)

A rough estimate for the model across all years, not measured for each model year.

Known GMC Acadia problems

We track 2 known problem areas for the GMC Acadia, including which model years they affect. They're in the full report, along with miles remaining and a deal score for the car you're looking at.

See Acadia problems

GMC Acadia vs. other midsize SUVs

ModelEngineTrans.Overall
Nissan Murano A A A
Toyota 4Runner A A A
Buick Enclave A- B+ A-
Toyota Highlander A- B- B+
Mazda CX-9 B- B+ B+
Subaru Outback B+ B B
Chevrolet Traverse B C+ B-
GMC Acadia B C B-
Dodge Journey B- B- B-
Honda Pilot C C+ C+
Nissan Pathfinder B- C C+
Subaru Ascent B C- C+
Chevrolet Blazer C+ C- C+
Dodge Durango B- C+ C+
Jeep Grand Cherokee C C- C
Volkswagen Atlas C- B C
Ford Explorer C+ C C-
Honda Passport C C C-
Hyundai Santa Fe D C- D
Kia Sorento D C- D
Ford Edge C D D
Hyundai Palisade D D F
Kia Telluride D D F

Most reliable midsize SUVs →

Own a GMC Acadia?

Tell other buyers how yours has held up: mileage, engine, and any problems with what they cost to fix. It takes about a minute, and your first car earns a free full report.

Rate your Acadia

GMC Acadia reliability FAQ

Is the GMC Acadia reliable?

Average reliability. The GMC Acadia earns a B- overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a B for its engine and a C for its transmission. It ranks 7th of 23 midsize SUVs we grade. The transmission (C) is the weaker of its two major components, so ask for transmission service records and pay close attention to shifting on a test drive. Grades are based on 2,940 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.

How many miles will a GMC Acadia last?

We estimate a well-maintained GMC Acadia lasts around 160,000 miles. That's a rough figure for the model across all years, not measured for each model year, so check the grade for the year you're looking at.

What are the best years for the GMC Acadia?

No GMC Acadia model year stands out as exceptionally reliable in NHTSA owner complaints. The best-graded years are 2013, 2016 and 2022.

What GMC Acadia years should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the GMC Acadia years to be most careful with are 2008, 2009 and 2017. The 2008 grades an F overall (engine D, transmission F), and its top engine/transmission problem is transmission slipping / rough shifting. The 2009 grades a D overall (engine C-, transmission D), and its top engine/transmission problem is transmission slipping / rough shifting, which a recall covers.

Is the GMC Acadia transmission reliable?

GradeMyCar grades the GMC Acadia transmission a C (below-average reliability). Reliability varies by model year, so grade the specific year you're looking at.

Is the GMC Acadia engine reliable?

GradeMyCar grades the GMC Acadia engine a B (above-average reliability).