2020 GMC Acadia Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA lists 22 transmission and powertrain complaints for the 2020 GMC Acadia, 21% of all 104 complaints filed for the year. The median mileage at failure is 41,000 miles, and one related recall (20V668000) covers the start-stop transmission accumulator bolts.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 22
- 21% of 104
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 41,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Vehicle unexpectedly shifts out of drive while moving, leaving the driver briefly unable to accelerate.
- Torque converter shudder or shake occurs across multiple gears, including during highway cruising, and reportedly persists after a dealer flush or torque converter replacement.
- Owners report hesitation from a stop followed by a lurch or jerk when the accelerator is pressed.
- Unintended downshifts and RPM spikes occur along with a loss of acceleration and locked rear wheels in some cases.
- A 'reduced drive' warning has appeared with the vehicle shutting down and the parking brake engaging on its own.
- Auto stop-start delays on restart cause the vehicle to lurch, especially when stopped on an incline.
When 2020 GMC Acadia transmission complaints were filed
First complaint May 14, 2020, latest Sep 21, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2020 GMC Acadia
- NHTSA 20V668000Oct 29, 2020Transmission & Powertrain194,105 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
Risk: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Acadia model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many transmission complaints does the 2020 GMC Acadia have?
- NHTSA lists 22 transmission and powertrain complaints for the 2020 Acadia, which is 21% of the 104 total complaints filed for that model year.
- At what mileage do 2020 Acadia transmission problems usually appear?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 41,000 miles.
- Is there a transmission recall for the 2020 GMC Acadia?
- Yes. Recall 20V668000 covers the start-stop transmission accumulator, which GM says will be inspected and replaced if bolts are found loose, across several 2018-2020 GM models including the Acadia.
- Have transmission problems caused crashes or injuries in the 2020 Acadia?
- NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2020 Acadia shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries reported.
- What kind of transmission symptoms do 2020 Acadia owners describe?
- Owners describe shuddering torque converters, unexpected shifts out of drive, hesitation and lurching from a stop, unintended downshifts, and sudden loss of drive warnings.