YearToAvoid

2018 GMC Acadia Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Avoid

Complaint Index

87/100

#3 most-complained of 16 Acadia years

The 2018 GMC Acadia ranks 3rd worst out of 16 model years, with a complaint index of 87 and 395 NHTSA complaints. Transmission & powertrain issues (41% of complaints) and electrical problems (28%) drive its Avoid verdict, with two recalls on file.

Complaints
395
Recalls
2
Crashes / fires
8 / 1
Injuries / deaths
12 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
22
19.5 city / 25 hwy

Top 2018 GMC Acadia problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Transmission & Powertrain163 (41%)
  2. Other118 (30%)
  3. Electrical System109 (28%)
  4. Engine38 (10%)
  5. Brakes33 (8%)
  6. Steering24 (6%)
  7. Fuel System10 (3%)
  8. Suspension, Wheels & Tires9 (2%)
  9. Collision Avoidance & Cameras8 (2%)
  10. Lane Departure6 (2%)

What owners report

  • Vehicles reportedly fail to register that the shifter is in park, causing warning beeps, prevented engine shutoff, or unexpected rolling.
  • Some owners describe the transmission independently shifting out of park into reverse during remote starts, leading to uncommanded movement.
  • Drivers report sudden loss of braking effectiveness combined with unexpected acceleration, resulting in loss of control.
  • One owner reported the rear panoramic sunroof shattering outward with a loud noise while driving on the freeway.
  • Owners describe dealers being unable to permanently fix park-position and transmission shift malfunctions despite repeat visits.
2018 GMC Acadia complaints: complaints filed per quarter512018 Q22019 Q32020 Q42022 Q12023 Q22024 Q32025 Q4
530 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2018 Q2 to 2026 Q3; peak 2019 Q4 (51).

2018 GMC Acadia recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. 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.

  2. 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

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2016Good47236417.5
2017Avoid100703420.5
2018Avoid87395222
2019Avoid80386221.5
2020Best7104623

All GMC Acadia years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 GMC Acadia reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2018 Acadia ranks 3rd worst among the 16 model years covered, with a complaint index of 87 and 395 owner complaints, giving it an Avoid verdict relative to other Acadia years.
What are the biggest problems with the 2018 GMC Acadia?
Transmission & powertrain issues make up 41% of complaints (163 complaints, median mileage 37,000), and electrical system issues make up 28% (109 complaints, median mileage 31,500), according to NHTSA data.
Does the 2018 GMC Acadia have any recalls?
NHTSA lists two recalls for the 2018 Acadia: one for a high-pressure fuel pump/pipe replacement (campaign 18V358000) and one for a right front intermediate driveshaft that may fracture and separate (campaign 17V516000).
Which GMC Acadia model years should I avoid?
Based on complaint index, the years flagged Avoid are 2014 (93), 2017 (100), 2018 (87), and 2019 (80), while 2013, 2020, 2022, and 2023 are rated Best.
What is the fuel economy of the 2018 GMC Acadia?
EPA rates the 2018 Acadia at 22 mpg combined (19.5 city/25 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,950.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.