2016 GMC Acadia
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › GMC › Acadia › 2016
These records cover every 2016 GMC Acadia. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2016 GMC Acadia. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the driver's air bag module, free of charge. GM began mailing final owner letters February 23, 2024 and will continue mailing through December 2025. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232404980.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Unsecured side curtain air bags may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, realign or replace the weld nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 24, 2021. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N202321200.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the seat frame is not welded in the correct places, the seat may not perform as intended, and in the event of a crash, the seat occupant could be at an increased risk of injury.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the third row left side lower seat frame, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 29, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is 21930.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
A wiper motor that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
GM has notified owners, and dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor cover assembly, free of charge. Owners are advised not to use their front windshield wipers until the wiper cover has been replaced. If weather conditions prevent operation of the vehicle without using the windshield wipers, GM will make arrangements to pick up the vehicle for servicing. The recall began on September 30, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 15780.
Owner complaints
236 complaints8 involved a crash2 involved a fire16 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Power train
Transmission torque converter required replacement
- Engine
Technician told me the engine "grenaded itself". "Cylinder #4 melted into the side walls of the cylinder wall caused by air to fuel mix ratio controlled by the ECU failure to mix appropriately." My family and I were traveling for Easter and were stranded on the side of the highway. I had a…
Technician told me the engine "grenaded itself". "Cylinder #4 melted into the side walls of the cylinder wall caused by air to fuel mix ratio controlled by the ECU failure to mix appropriately." My family and I were traveling for Easter and were stranded on the side of the highway. I had a private repair shop (Greenville Auto Clinic LLC) confirm as well as the local dealership Greenville Chevy. The vehicle required an engine replacement. I did contact GMC's Zone Manager out of Atlanta, GA for assistance, he reduced the bill from over $10,000 down to $6098. There was no error messaging, only an engine that would not respond to the accelerator pedal. The engine would try to accelerate, but struggled to the point it would die when I applied too much pressure on the gas pedal.
- Seat belts
The cable that attaches the front driver seatbelt to the base of the seat (left side), suddenly broke when simply buckling the belt.
- Power train
Transmission began hesitating around 1800rpm with only 92,000 miles showing on the odometer. It feels like a flutter as the transmission shifts into the next gear. I have heard the 2016 year group has had transmission problems. Believe a recall IS justified.
- Power train
Without warning transmission overheated, blew out fluid and caught the front end of the vehicle on fire
- Power train
The torque converter has been going since before I bought this vehicle. When the RPMs are between one and two, the entire vehicle starts shaking and there is no acceleration. This is a huge safety concern, especially with traffic.
- Lane departure › Blind spot detection · 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…
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 like the recall didn't fixed the issue either. This must to be a common issue for this car, lots of complaints online even after the recall. And the car dealership wont cover it because it was already fixed at that time and my warranty on my car expired not to long ago. They said it would be about $2000 to fix. I feel like this prematurely failed and it was recalled once for the same issue but now failed again is crazy after 3.5 years. This shouldn't be a on going thing especially after a recall. I shouldn't have to pay for this outta my own pocket for a flawed design and would like my repairs for this to be covered again. Please help. Attached is a invoice from July of 2021 recall that was repaired. I only got a verbal estimate from the dealership (text messages) which I do have. saying that it would be a $2000 fix this time. I didn't go through with it because I feel like it should be covered. Attached pictures of sensor/module in rear bumper that is corroded. Lights on both side mirrors will come on and stay on. Won't shut off. Messages on dash saying "Service Side Dectection System". Blind zone setting won't shut off.
- Air bags
Safety recall that has not been addressed by the dealership in over 4 months
- Unknown or other
The shift to park. It does not want to stay in park. I feel that if it does not stay in park, the vehicle could roll forward or backwards. Yes, it was looked at by an independent service center, and they thought it was on a recall. This is a 2016 GMC Arcadia and the 2017 model and newer have this…
The shift to park. It does not want to stay in park. I feel that if it does not stay in park, the vehicle could roll forward or backwards. Yes, it was looked at by an independent service center, and they thought it was on a recall. This is a 2016 GMC Arcadia and the 2017 model and newer have this problem and were on recall. No one else has looked at it. I do not drive the vehicle that often, so it does not have many miles on it. I took it out a few weeks ago and I noticed it.
- Electrical system › Instrument panel › Speedometer/odometer
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…
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 purchased at an auction. The dealer agreed to refund a portion of the cost of the vehicle. The contact attempted several times to contact the dealer afterwards but was unsuccessful. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 92,400, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 192,000.
- Air bags
I have a recall on this vehicle that GMC has failed to provide me parts/repair and this recall will be 3 years old in June. I have emailed the local dealer, the manager of the local dealer, GM corporate, and no one has followed through. The best I came to getting the repair was that Corporate…
I have a recall on this vehicle that GMC has failed to provide me parts/repair and this recall will be 3 years old in June. I have emailed the local dealer, the manager of the local dealer, GM corporate, and no one has followed through. The best I came to getting the repair was that Corporate made sure I had an appointment and dealer had my part, I went to that appt at my local dealer in Jan 2025 (Premiere GMC of Carlsbad, CA) and waited 2 hours with cars ahead of me (even thought I had an appt) only to be told the part was not there, they would order it and get back to me. Happy to [provide proof of emailing local dealer, GM Corporate etc. with no resolution. I cannot sell my vehicle without this repair done. And I continue to drive daily in an unsafe car.
- 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, especially at lower speeds, during turns, or in emergency maneuvers.
- Electrical system › Instrument panel › Speedometer/odometer
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 GMC Acadia. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after purchasing the vehicle. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 180,000. The contact stated that it was later discovered upon checking the vehicle information settings, that the mileage was 300,000.
- Air bags
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Acadia. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
- Air bags
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Acadia. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. Two local dealers were contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
- Seat belts
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the second-row seat belts become inoperable. The contact stated that the seat belt buckle failed to latch as intended. An unknown dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 206,000.
- Air bags · Fuel/propulsion system
After the air bag recall i went and had them do it and 3 days later is still coming on. Saying service air bag. And alot of people is having issues with tighen gas cap light. I have replaced everything it could be and still does it. Now i believe its a bigger problem and there is alot of ppl having the same issues. I dont remember the exact date either. This is the absolute worst vehicle ever.
- Electrical system · Power train
unknowingly what the actual issue is in This 2016 gmc has major safety risk in Electrical major different problems it has caused me safety issue with little one in the car and my family not knowing the issue with not understating it is a safety risk it has shut off 20 times restarting the radio…
unknowingly what the actual issue is in This 2016 gmc has major safety risk in Electrical major different problems it has caused me safety issue with little one in the car and my family not knowing the issue with not understating it is a safety risk it has shut off 20 times restarting the radio for no reasoning also it sounds like the powertrain is going to stop working unless u put in L shift which i think that is nuts i was on the highway and it just stopped with the key locked in it like what actually f is going on this SUV has had problems since day one
- Air bags
I was in an accident and my AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. Filed claim with progressive insurance (claim # [XXX]) which they have declared the vehicle a TOTAL LOSS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Air bags
The contact owned a 2016 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that when she had placed the vehicle in reverse (R), and was applying the accelerator pedal, all of the air bags deployed. The contact stated that she lost control of the vehicle and crashed into her neighbor's house. The contact stated that…
The contact owned a 2016 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that when she had placed the vehicle in reverse (R), and was applying the accelerator pedal, all of the air bags deployed. The contact stated that she lost control of the vehicle and crashed into her neighbor's house. The contact stated that she was rendered unconscious. The contact stated that when she recovered consciousness the police were on scene and issued her a traffic citation. The contact stated that no emergency medical personnel were called to the scene of the accident. The contact stated that she had not gone to a doctor, but she had pain in her back and had bruises on both legs and feet. The contact stated that the vehicle had been towed to an impound lot. The contact stated that she had called here insurance provider who had declared the vehicle a total loss. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact stated that she had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) and related the failure to the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
- Child seat › Handle (infant) · Other/i am not sure
This issues is regarding the front of the canopy. The base of the canopy clip, where it attaches to the car seat nearest the handle, has broken off pieces. These pieces have flow into the car seat where my child sits. It I had not noticed this happening, my child could have tried to put that piece…
This issues is regarding the front of the canopy. The base of the canopy clip, where it attaches to the car seat nearest the handle, has broken off pieces. These pieces have flow into the car seat where my child sits. It I had not noticed this happening, my child could have tried to put that piece in their mouth and choked or because for the sharp edges on the splintered piece, cause more serious damage. This breakage is on both end of the canopy clip. In addition, the piece that the clip is supposed to attach to has become warped from repeated use.
- Air bags
GMC has failed to repair/replace airbag due to recall
- Air bags
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Acadia. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time…
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Acadia. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Electrical system · Lane departure › Blind spot detection
In March of 2022 the vehicle displayed a warning to service the side detection system. on March 31st 2022 the dealership diagnosed that the Side Blind Zone Alert Module failed due to water intrusion. The replacement of the modular was completed free of charge under "Campaign - N172097060 Special…
In March of 2022 the vehicle displayed a warning to service the side detection system. on March 31st 2022 the dealership diagnosed that the Side Blind Zone Alert Module failed due to water intrusion. The replacement of the modular was completed free of charge under "Campaign - N172097060 Special Coverage Adjustment". In December of 2024 the same warning to service the side detection system was activated again, several weeks later the warning lights on the side view mirrors lite up and remained on. Upon bringing the vehicle on February 13th 2025 for service, in it was determined to be caused by the same failed part as the first occurrence. This time the repair was not covered by the dealer, and was 1099.22. GMC has not solved the underlining problem with these parts. The side detection system is critical when driving a larger SUV for blind zone awareness to avoid collisions while driving in multi lane traffic. When the system failed, the lights on the side view mirrors made driving difficult due to the distraction and glare. Although this problem is known by the manufacture it has provided a permanent solution, as they continue to use the flawed original parts. Due to the sensor being electrical, there was no symptoms prior to failure; the warning appears and continued at each start up. The cost of repairing safety features on an ageing vehicle becomes a burden, especially when those features can only be repaired by a dealership at high prices. This keeps many people from maintaining or fixing their cars, putting others at risk. I have the modular from the most recent repair, and will include a photo if possible.
- Air bags
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Acadia. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the…
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Acadia. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11011990This service bulletin provides a procedure to clean the back side of the rims and rotors and to correct the customer concern of wheel clicking.
- 11011989This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11011900This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 11011805This Preliminary information communicates a GM part number forreflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.
- 11011782This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking tension or probing the .64 series terminals. The test probe terminal has been released in the terminal repair kit (J-38125-620H) located in Lear Tray 7 part number 963716-2. There are 5 terminated leads in a package part number is 13505346, which can be ordered through your normal General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales parts channel.
- 11011709This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11011444This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer a process for accessing the procedure to add attachments to a GM technical assistance case using the dealer case management tool.
- 11011420This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer technician that TAC recommends the utilization of the GDS2 software to aid in diagnosing automatic transmission concerns. TAC is requesting the GDS2 session logs be sent in before the dealer contacts TAC.
- 11011205This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11011119This Preliminary information communicates to dealers GM is working on a solution for outdated Apps
- 11010576This service bulletin provides information on All hazmat parts being returned to the Warranty Parts Center (WPC) must be shipped using Central Transport. Hazardous materials should never be sent by air transportation to the WPC.
- 11010545This service bulletin provides information on key code security rules and information on GM keycode look-up applications (U.S).
- 11010495This bulletin provides information on Warranty Administration Required Operating Procedures - 8 Points (U.S. Only).
- 11010491This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
- 11010490This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11010488This Warranty Administration bulletin provides information on the Global Warranty Management (GWM) Warranty Parts Center (WPC) Parts Return Program.
- 11010421This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
- 11009764This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 11009756This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and information on Submission of Warranty Transaction in Global Warranty Management.
- 11009532This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009531This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009170This Preliminary information communicates additional information on how a LIN bus operates and diagnostic tips when working on a LIN bus.
- 11009156This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 11009088This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.
- 11009039This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information, proper labor operation selection and causal part identification for warranty transactions (U.S. Only).
- 11009037This service bulletin provides information on Enhancing Field Product Reports with Digital Pictures.
- 11008986This Preliminary information communicatesdirection and examples when diagnosing multiple DTCs, one of which includes U**** Byte 71 DTC.
- 11008956This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 11008906This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 11008898The bulletin provides direction on how to locate the Temporary Service Part (TSP) form in GlobalConnect.
- 11007936This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007935This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007744This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007743This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007721This service bulletin provides information on AGM batteries that require less frequent charging in storage.
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11007196This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, and/or B3935. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. If unable to duplicate the concern ask if the customer uses any Radio Frequency Identification Devices when the concern is present. Dealer should also direct their customers to the appropriate section in the Owner manuals that references that the device complies.
- 11007155This informational bulletin advises the technician that the engine and related parts will be debited if found that the tech did not properly prepare the engine block from dirt and debris in bolt holes or if found that the block was damaged by the tech.
- 11007121This bulletin provides information on Engine Concerns that could result from lack of scheduled maintenance, improper service or aftermarket calibrations.
- 11007116This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
Every GMC Acadia model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.