2018 GMC Acadia Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2018 GMC Acadia has 395 NHTSA complaints, a complaint index of 72, and ranks 6th worst out of 19 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Transmission and electrical problems, including failure to register park, dominate the complaints, alongside two recalls.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 72/100
- #6 of 19 Acadia years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 395
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 8
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 12
- Top issue
- Transmission & Powertrain
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 22
- 19.5 city / 25 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 12 / 0
Top 2018 GMC Acadia problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain163 (41%)
- Other118 (30%)
- Electrical System109 (28%)
- Engine38 (10%)
- Brakes33 (8%)
- Steering24 (6%)
- Fuel System10 (3%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires9 (2%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras8 (2%)
- Lane Departure6 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Vehicles sometimes fail to register that the transmission is in park, keeping electrical systems active or allowing the vehicle to roll or shift unexpectedly.
- Some owners describe sudden unintended acceleration or brake failure while driving at highway speed, leading to loss of control.
- One report described a vehicle shifting itself from park into reverse after a remote start, then crashing into a building.
- A panoramic sunroof reportedly shattered outward with a loud noise while the vehicle was driving on the freeway.
- Owners report the shifter not recognizing park causes a cabin alarm to sound and can drain the battery overnight.
- A passenger seat was reported as too low with a seatbelt that hits under the chin and cannot be adjusted.
2018 GMC Acadia recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 18V358000May 31, 2018Fuel System895 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
Risk: A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.
- NHTSA 17V516000Aug 22, 2017Transmission & Powertrain2,905 vehicles
Power train:driveline:driveshaft
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles and 2017-2018 GMC Acadia vehicles. The right front intermediate driveshaft may fracture and separate while driving.
Risk: If the front right intermediate drive shaft assembly separates while driving, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. If the assembly separates while parked on a grade, without the park brake engaged, the vehicle may move unintentionally, increasing the risk of a vehicle roll-away.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right front intermediate drive shaft assembly, free of charge. The recall began August 25, 2017. 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 17329.
2018 GMC Acadia fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19.5 MPG
- Highway
- 25 MPG
- Combined
- 22 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,950
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2018 compared with other Acadia years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 GMC Acadia reliable?
- It ranks 6th worst among 19 model years with a complaint index of 72 and a Caution verdict. Transmission and electrical issues, including park-detection failures, are the most common complaints.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2018 GMC Acadia?
- Transmission and Powertrain issues lead complaints, making up 41% of reports with a median failure mileage of 37,000 miles, followed by Electrical System problems at 28%.
- Does the 2018 GMC Acadia have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists two recalls: one for a fuel pump/fuel pipe replacement and one for a right front intermediate driveshaft that could fracture and separate while driving.
- How does the 2018 Acadia compare to other years?
- Its complaint index of 72 is worse than the 2015, 2016, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 model years, all of which rate Good or Best, but better than 2008, 2009, 2014, and 2017, which are rated Avoid.
- What mileage do problems typically appear at on the 2018 Acadia?
- The median mileage at failure across all complaints is 32,000 miles, with transmission issues appearing around 37,000 miles and brake issues around 35,150 miles.