2011 GMC Acadia
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 269
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Steering
Campaigns on file for 2011
Opened by NHTSA
24% of complaints
Complaints per year
2011: 269 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 428 |
| 2008 | 854 |
| 2009 | 331 |
| 2010 | 343 |
| 2011 | 269 |
| 2012 | 296 |
| 2013 | 135 |
| 2014 | 462 |
| 2015 | 243 |
| 2016 | 236 |
| 2017 | 704 |
| 2018 | 395 |
| 2019 | 385 |
| 2020 | 106 |
| 2021 | 150 |
| 2022 | 49 |
| 2023 | 44 |
| 2024 | 60 |
| 2025 | 66 |
| 2026 | 9 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Steering
24% · 64 reportsEngine
19% · 52 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the front of the vehicle caught on fire as it tried to enter the interstate from a ramp. The contact and her passenger quickly exited the vehicle after she pulled off to the shoulder.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-01-31
I had issue with the timing chain an have check engine light is on I have heard other people having problems with there timing chain. It starts hard. I've had it looked at multiple times. I feel like this is a safety concern. It has low miles on…
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-04-12
Electrical system
17% · 47 reportsShow complaint excerpts
The relay for the fan at the top of the fuse/relay box on the right side when facing the front of the vehicle. (under the hood) Gets hot and blows the relay and melts the spot where the relay prongs plug in.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-05-10
Exterior lighting
14% · 38 reportsMost commonly citing headlights.
Power train
12% · 33 reportsMost commonly citing differential unit and driveline.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl*the contact owns a 2011 GMC Acadia. The contact was involved in a crash. The vehicle was destroyed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-03-15
Also filed under Suspension
Tl*the contact leased a 2011 GMC Acadia. While the contact was driving between approximately 10-15 MPH on the entrance ramp, the accelerator pedal was engaged, followed by a delayed response of several seconds.
NHTSA ODI report, 2010-11-12
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2012-04-27Visibility12V151000 General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Chevrolet traverse, Buick enclave, and GMC Acadia vehicles currently registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho…
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the wiper arm nuts, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 20, 2012.
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2014-06-16Air bags14V118000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia and 2009-2013 Chevrolet Traverse and 2008-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected harness connections with soldered connections, free of charge. The recall began on June 16, 2014.
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2014-07-11Seat belts14V266000 General Motors is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured April 14, 2008, through May 14, 2014, Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured June 6, 2008, through May 14, 2014, and GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured...
Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, repair and replace the lap pretensioner, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. An interim notice will be mailed to owners in July 2014.
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2016-11-15Structure15V415000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured January 3, 2007, to February 29, 2012, 2009-2012 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured July 6, 2008, to March 9, 2012, 2007-2012 GMC Acadia...
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the power liftgate actuator motor control unit so that the motor will prevent the rapid closing of the lift gate, free of charge. The recall began on November 15, 2016.
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2019-05-28Recall queryClosed 2020-08-31 Seat Belt Anchor Cable Failure
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2020-08-31Engineering analysisClosed 2024-08-30 Outboard Front Seat Belt Anchor Cable Failure
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2021-05-24Air bags21V246000 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.
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2011 GMC Acadia — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Steering: 64 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 52 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 47 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 12V151000 · Visibility
- Recall 14V118000 · Air bags
- Recall 14V266000 · Seat belts
- Recall 15V415000 · Structure
- Recall 21V246000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2011 GMC Acadia reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 GMC Acadia is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2011 GMC Acadia?
- The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2011 GMC Acadia have?
- 5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.