One of the better Acadia years
Owners filed about 50% fewer complaints than a typical Acadia year. The area owners reported most is the electrical system, which half of owners reported by about 65,000 miles.
Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Acadia years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
Owners have filed 135 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 GMC Acadia. The most reported problem area is the electrical system (38, 28% of complaints), followed by the air bags and the transmission and drivetrain. That ranks 9th of 13 Acadia years from 2012 to 2024 for complaints. It has 3 recalls.
1 of these complaints came from Utah owners.
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Start my car searchMost reported problems
Problem areas ranked by how many complaints mention them. One complaint can name more than one area. Open an area to see what to check on a 2013 GMC Acadia before you buy.
Electrical system
38 complaintsDead batteries, warning lights, failed screens and cameras, and electrical shorts.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 65,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Test every switch: windows, locks, mirrors, seat heaters, the screen, the backup camera, Bluetooth and every USB port.
- Watch the dash at startup. Every warning light should come on briefly and then go out.
- Have the battery and charging system tested. A weak alternator or battery drain shows up here.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that intermittently, the vehicle was difficult to start. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light and the traction control warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 92,000 miles
Car had sat most of the day. By approximately 2:30CST, we decided to go do a little shopping. We drove about 1 mile and the dash displayed "check battery charging system". My husband assumed it was the alternator going out so we turned around swapped vehicles. Probably 45 mins after swapping vehicles I received a call stating my vehicle…Owner complaint, filed 2023
Air bags
29 complaintsAir bag warning lights, air bags that did not deploy, and inflator recalls.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 95,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The air bag (SRS) light should come on at startup and go out within a few seconds. If it stays on, the system may not work in a crash.
- Air bag recalls are some of the most serious. Check this exact VIN for open recalls and get proof any recall work was done.
Tools that help
What owners said
I think my vehicle is apart of this recall: March 17, 2014 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V118000 Side Impact Air Bags Wiring Connections Failure of the side impact air bags and seat belt pretensioners to deploy in a crash increase the risk of injury to the driver and front seat occupant.Owner complaint, filed 2026
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Acadia. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V118000 (Air Bags); and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer was contacted but the manufacturer was not contacted.Owner complaint, filed 2026
Transmission and drivetrain
27 complaintsHarsh or delayed shifts, slipping, shuddering, CVT whine, and drivetrain clunks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 99,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive it from cold if you can. Shifts should be smooth in every gear, including reverse.
- Feel for slipping (revs rise without the car speeding up), shudder at low speed and a delay when you put it in gear.
- Listen for whining, which is a common CVT complaint, and clunks when you go from drive to reverse.
- If it has 4WD or AWD, engage it on the test drive and ask when the transmission and differential fluids were last changed.
Tools that help
What owners said
Unknown, The vehicle will begin to jerk or shake when it gets up to about 30 - 40mph then levels out. Sometimes it will repeat the jerking when traveling at speed of 50 - 60mph for a few seconds then levels out. Sometimes the vehicle hesitate on take off from a stopped position.Owner complaint, filed 2025
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that after coming to a stop for a traffic signal or stopping for other traffic, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was unaware if any warning lights were illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and…Owner complaint, filed 2023, at 194,032 miles
Engine and cooling
21 complaintsStalling, misfires, oil consumption, leaks, overheating and engine failure.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 78,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Ask the seller not to warm the car up, and start it cold. Listen for ticking, knocking or a rough idle in the first minute.
- Pull the oil dipstick and the oil cap. Low oil, a gasoline smell or a milky film on the cap are reasons to walk away or get an inspection.
- Plug in an OBD2 scanner. Stored or pending codes matter, and so do readiness monitors that show "not ready", which usually means the codes were cleared right before the sale.
- Ask for oil change records. A gap in the records on a model known for engine complaints is a negotiating point at minimum.
Tools that help
What owners said
I bought a 2013 gmc Acadia with a 3.6l engine and I was driving it home, and the engine locked up on me, and it didn’t throw a code or anything, it just shut off and wouldn’t start back up, and later I find out that it had an oil leak from somewhere and now I have to have the engine replaced, which is 13k dollars, the vehicle is located…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Unknown. Engine blew. Was determined by independent service provider. Vehicle wouldn’t start and blew white smoke from the exhaust.Owner complaint, filed 2023
Lights, wipers and visibility
12 complaintsHeadlights that dim or fail, wiper and washer failures, and windshield cracks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 86,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Check every light: headlights on low and high, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights.
- Run the wipers on every speed with washer fluid, and run the defroster front and back.
Tools that help
What owners said
2013 GMC Acadia left brake light, tail light, turn signal bulb is burned out. There is no way to purchase another bulb. Retail stores don't have it. General Motors Corporation discontinued it. 2013 to 2017 GMC Acadia all affected. I've tried GM direct,GM parts online no one has it. GMC customer service was no help, Chevrolet customer…Owner complaint, filed 2022
The headlights on this vehicle are horrible , it is a safety hazzard . When driving the headlights only light up the road about 6 ft in feont of you on low beam and there is a distinct line where they stop shining upwards which is only about 4 ft up into the sky . This does not give you enough time to see anything in front of you let…Owner complaint, filed 2019, at 107,000 miles
Brakes and stability control
10 complaintsBrakes that feel soft or grab, grinding, ABS and stability control faults.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 92,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The pedal should feel firm and the car should stop straight without pulling, grinding or a pulsing pedal.
- The ABS and stability control lights should go out after startup and stay out.
- Look through the wheels at the rotors. A deep lip on the edge means brakes are due soon, which is a fair thing to negotiate on.
Tools that help
What owners said
About 3 weeks ago, while driving on the highway, the entire dash blacked out for a few seconds, then would go thru checks as it would come back on. The morning I took it to dealer, the problem stopped. They could find nothing. Two days ago while driving very slow (maybe 10 MPH) in heavy traffic the dash began going thru its checks again.…Owner complaint, filed 2019, at 96,700 miles
My car will flash engine warning signs that the stability control is off. The car then looses power and must be shut off. It has happened while driving at various speeds (25 mpg, 65 mpg) and while stopped. Lights say service stability track, service traction control, engine power reduced.Owner complaint, filed 2018, at 69,890 miles
Steering
8 complaintsLoss of power steering assist, wandering, play in the wheel and noises when turning.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 89,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for groaning, clicking or binding.
- On a straight road the car should track straight with the wheel centered and no loose feeling.
- A power steering warning on the dash, even briefly, deserves a mechanic’s look before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
At low speeds or stops the power steering get super tight like I don't have any power steering. Took it to the dealership and they said the pump is leaking and it should be replaced. I haven't even had it a year and it not covered. They even know its an issue. Seen a lot of other people have the same problem. Why is this not fixed ????Owner complaint, filed 2019, at 112,000 miles
My power steering pump is failing and my car is jolting forward when moving from a stopped position. The power steering is whining and has been for 6 months. The technician at my car dealership said it is a known issue, so why hasn't there been a recall on it? I travel highway a lot and fear for my safety and the safety of my children.Owner complaint, filed 2018, at 110,000 miles
Fuel system
6 complaintsHesitation, stalling, fuel smell, fuel pump and injector failures.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Smell around the engine bay and under the rear of the car for raw fuel.
- On the test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and up a grade. Stumbling, surging or a flashing check engine light are red flags.
- Fuel pump recalls are common. Check this exact VIN for open recalls before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
Won't take fuel just jumps at one point then every time I fill up with fuel it will just set and grind I have to keep pumping the gas for it to finally start then it starts jumping for awhile between fill ups and I'm afraid it will die when I go to pull on the road it's that bad.Owner complaint, filed 2021
The contact owns a 2013 gmc acadia. The contact stated that the day after refueling the vehicle to the full level, the fuel gauge indicated that the fuel tank was empty. The contact then refueled the vehicle again however the fuel level indicated half when it was completely full. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled as…Owner complaint, filed 2020, at 98,000 miles
Cruise control and acceleration
6 complaintsHesitation, loss of power, sudden acceleration and cruise control problems.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- On the test drive, press the gas gently and firmly. The response should be smooth with no lag or surge.
- Set the cruise control, then use resume and cancel to make sure each one works.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2013 gmc acadia. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed and ceased on the floorboard. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to whiteside chevrolet buick gmc cadillac (50714 national rd e, st clairsville, oh 43950) where it was…Owner complaint, filed 2021, at 99,000 miles
At 35-40 and 55-65 mph, the car slips/ pulls back. I took it to the dealer, my rep said it is a known issue and GMC issued a bulletin but will not recall it because it's too expensive. There are thousands of reports online. Please investigate.Owner complaint, filed 2023
Seats and seat belts
5 complaintsBelts that will not latch or retract, seat adjusters and passenger occupancy sensors.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Pull out and latch every seat belt, and let each one retract on its own.
- Try every seat adjuster, and watch for a passenger air bag "off" light when an adult is in the seat.
Tools that help
What owners said
The side piece of the two font seats broke, I can't sit properly into my car without literally sitting on top of the side of the seat first. It concerns me because the seat belt sometimes gets stuck. Also the electrical buttons are all fallen, hanging from the side of both front seats do to the same issue.. I would really appreciate if I…Owner complaint, filed 2020
Drivers side seat squeaks when driving and braking. Basically whenever the seat rocks back and forth. Mechanic said he can't understand why it does it but he thinks it's the mounting track on the base into the connection to the backrest. Said most likely an entire seat or frame of seat would need replacing.Owner complaint, filed 2019, at 124,000 miles
Body, doors and structure
5 complaintsRust, doors and liftgates that will not latch, leaks, and frame or structure concerns.What to check before you buy
Parts named most: Body (5).
What to check before you buy
- Look underneath with a flashlight. Utah road salt is hard on frames, brake lines and the bottoms of doors.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the liftgate, and lock and unlock each one.
- Use a paint thickness gauge and compare panels. A panel that reads very differently from the rest has likely been repaired.
Tools that help
What owners said
Power lift gate failed and dropped closed while person under it. No injury but continues to fail each time now. Will be going in for repair next week. Looks like there was recall on 2007-2012 for this issue.Owner complaint, filed 2022
The electrical motor for the side view mirror malfunctioned on the passenger side of the vehicle and no longer works. It will not turn in and is stuck outward. The driver's side works at this time. The vehicle was stationary in my garage.Owner complaint, filed 2018, at 118,000 miles
Driver assist systems
4 complaintsPhantom braking, false collision warnings, and lane keeping or backup sensors that act up.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Where it is safe, try the adaptive cruise and lane keeping on the test drive and watch for sudden braking or warnings with nothing there.
- Check the windshield in front of the camera and the bumper sensors for cracks, chips or poor repairs.
- Ask whether the windshield has been replaced. The camera has to be recalibrated afterward, and many shops skip it.
Tools that help
What owners said
The original side detection system is not an enclosed system. Allowing water, snow, sleet, and salt can penetrate the system. Once, there is penetration and corrosion in the system it effects the entire automobile's electrical system and instrument cluster. Causing the vehicle to come to a complete halt.Owner complaint, filed 2022
On 02/10/2022 my side warning detection monitors are both activated/lit up intrmittently while parked or driving indicating faulty operation and therefore replacement. The vehicle has around 120K miles so out of any warranty. But this will be the third or fourth time ( not original ow er so dealer has records) that this has happened.…Owner complaint, filed 2022
Suspension
1 complaintClunks over bumps, broken springs, worn struts and uneven tire wear.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Drive over a few bumps and potholes slowly with the radio off and listen for clunks or rattles.
- Check the tires for uneven wear on the inside or outside edges, a sign of alignment or suspension trouble.
- Look behind the wheels for oily, wet shocks or struts.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2013 gmc acadia. While approaching a stop sign, the vehicle made an abnormal fluttering sound near the front end. The noise was heard daily for six months. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The [VIN] was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 8,000.Owner complaint, filed 2014, at 8,000 miles
GMC Acadia complaints by year
Compare the 2013 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.
Compare with similar 2013 midsize SUVs
Each car is rated against its own other years, since popular models always get more complaints than rare ones.
| Car | Vs. its other years | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 GMC Acadia | One of the better years | 3 |
| 2013 Toyota Highlander | About average | 3 |
| 2013 Honda Pilot | One of the better years | 6 |
| 2013 Ford Explorer | Worse than most years | 12 |
2013 GMC Acadia recalls
Air bags Critical fasteners
- Risk
- Unsecured side curtain air bags may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, realign or replace the weld nuts, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Seat belts
- Risk
- If the steel cable becomes fatigued and separates, the seatbelt may not properly restrain the seat occupant increasing the risk of an injury in a crash.
- Fix
- General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, repair and replace the lap pretensioner, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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 April 9, 2008, through May 14, 2014, and 2009-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles manufactured April 14, 2008, through March 18, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the flexible steel cable that connects the seatbelt to the front outboard seating positions may fatigue and separate over time.
Air bags
- Risk
- Failure of the side impact air bags and seat belt pretensioners to deploy in a crash increase the risk of injury to the driver and front seat occupant.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected harness connections with soldered connections, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the driver and passenger seat mounted side impact air bag (SIAB) wiring harnesses may result in the SIAB and seat belt pretensioners not deploying in the event of a crash.
2013 GMC Acadia questions
What are the most common problems with the 2013 GMC Acadia?
The most reported problem areas on the 2013 GMC Acadia are the electrical system (38 complaints), the air bags (29 complaints) and the transmission and drivetrain (27 complaints).
Is the 2013 GMC Acadia a good year to buy?
One of the better Acadia years. Owners filed about 50% fewer complaints than a typical Acadia year. The area owners reported most is the electrical system, which half of owners reported by about 65,000 miles. Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Acadia years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
How many recalls does the 2013 GMC Acadia have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2013 GMC Acadia. The most recent, from Apr 2021, covers the critical fasteners. Recalls cover the whole model year, so check the VIN of the car you are looking at to see which are still open.
At what mileage do 2013 GMC Acadia problems start?
Half of the owners who reported a problem with the electrical system gave a mileage of about 65,000 miles or less. Half of the owners who reported a problem with the air bags gave a mileage of about 95,000 miles or less. Plenty of cars have these problems later or never, so ask for service records.
Which GMC Acadia years should I avoid?
The Acadia years with the most complaints compared with the rest are 2017. Years with clearly fewer complaints are 2013, 2020 and 2021. Years from 2022 on are too new to rate fairly yet.
Check the exact car
These problems are for the model year as a whole. Here is how to find out about the one you are looking at.
Looking at a 2013 GMC Acadia?
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