The GMC Acadia has succeeded in carving out a very nice niche for itself in the relatively crowded field of mid-size SUVs, offering space, style, and features that families embrace. Now in its third generation, the Acadia continues to offer a competitive package for people who need a practical three-row SUV. When it comes to choosing the right used GMC Acadia, though, reliability should be top of mind. No matter your favorite year model or trim level, you should be able to rely on the Acadia for safe, hassle-free journeys for many years to come. Unfortunately, not every Acadia is worth investing in, despite a solid track record over the years. Before you head to the dealership, let’s learn more about the worst Acadia models to date—but more importantly, the best ones worth considering.
We used data from reputable sources like
Car Complaints
and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to determine the most and least reliable GMC Acadia model years, based on the number of complaints and recalls.
GMC Acadia History
The Acadia’s story began in 2006, when it arrived to replace several models in the Buick-GMC-Pontiac lineup, including the GMC Safari van, the GMC Envoy, and the Pontiac Montana SV6. Each of these vehicles seats up to seven or eight people, a trait the Acadia would inherit right off the bat. Just three years after debuting the Acadia, GM would retire the Pontiac brand.
There have been three generations of the Acadia so far, with the first generation running from the 2007 to 2016 model years. Unlike its predecessors, the Acadia was a stronger, more versatile, and more comfortable SUV for passengers. At launch, the Acadia was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine.
The second generation was even more streamlined, with a lightened build and improved fuel economy. The early second-gen models retained the 3.6L V6 engine but added a 2.5L four-cylinder engine for enhanced gas mileage.
Meanwhile, the third and current generation was released for the 2024 model year, and with it brought a retooled, redesigned Acadia experience. All models now have a 328-hp turbocharged engine, while the latest Acadia also receives a fresh redesign and the latest technologies.
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GMC Acadia: Generations Overview |
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|---|---|---|
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Generation |
Model Years |
Engines |
|
First |
2007-2016 |
3.6L V6 |
|
Second |
2017-2023 |
2.5L I4, 3.6L V6 or 2.0L turbo I4 |
|
Third |
2024-Present |
2.5L turbo I4 |
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The Best GMC Acadia Model Years
2016 GMC Acadia
The 2016 Acadia shines as one of the best years for the GMC Acadia in terms of reliability. It boasts a relatively low frequency of complaints compared to other models, and it’s faced minimal recalls from the NHTSA. Owners consistently praise its dependability and longevity, making it a standout choice in the used market. This is perhaps no surprise since this is the final model year of the first-gen Acadia – by this point, GMC had evidently resolved most of the issues faced by older model years. If you can live with the slightly dated styling and technologies, this is one of the safest Acadia models you can buy.
2019 GMC Acadia
One of the earlier second-gen models, the 2019 Acadia has established a solid reliability record and is now among the best years for the GMC Acadia. It strikes a balance between modern styling, improved fuel efficiency, and solid reliability. Complaints and recalls are notably low for this model year, contributing to its strong reputation among owners. This is particularly impressive for the many issues reported with its immediate predecessor. Whether you opt for the base 2.5-liter engine or the more powerful 3.6-liter V6, the 2019 Acadia promises a dependable driving experience.
2022 GMC Acadia
Part of the second-gen model, the 2022 Acadia exemplifies GMC’s commitment to continuous improvement. It boasts the latest technology and safety features while maintaining a commendable reliability record. Early data suggests minimal complaints and recalls, making it a promising choice for those seeking a modern and dependable Acadia. It also has a great 85 out of 100 quality and reliability score from J.D. Power. The 2022 model year also offers a choice between the efficient 2.0L turbocharged engine and the robust 3.6-liter V6, catering to a variety of driving preferences.
The GMC Acadia Models You Should Avoid
While the Acadia has its share of reliable model years, there are a few that have garnered more complaints and recalls, raising concerns about their long-term dependability.
2007 GMC Acadia
As the inaugural model year for the Acadia, the 2007 version faced some teething problems, which is mostly to be expected. It’s not uncommon for first-year models to experience issues as manufacturers iron out kinks in the design and production process. Unfortunately, these complaints related to engine problems, transmission troubles, and electrical glitches. Of all these issues, Car Complaints reports that transmission issues were the biggest headache for the 2007 model, typically leading to a repair cost of around $3,000 at an average mileage of 93,200 miles.
2008 GMC Acadia
Things wouldn’t improve for the 2008 Acadia, though. The sophomore season for the Acadia ranks among the worst Acadia to date in terms of reliability, according to Car Complaints, and it isn’t close. Drivers have experienced a plethora of issues, primarily transmission failure, including transmission going out twice, alongside transmission fluid leaks. This model year also has the most complaints on the NHTSA, at 853 and counting.
No matter how you spin it, this isn’t an Acadia model worth investing any money in.
2017 GMC Acadia
The first year for the second-gen Acadia wasn’t a great one. This model year has attracted over 560 complaints on the NHTSA, second only to the 2008 model. Car Complaints reports the following as the most common trouble areas for the 2017 Acadia:
- Transmission faults
- Problematic interior accessories
- Electrical faults
We recommend opting for a newer second-gen Acadia, as reliability steadily improved the longer the second-gen model was on sale.
Summary: Which GMC Acadia Is Best For My Wallet?
Choosing the right GMC Acadia model year can significantly impact your ownership experience. While the Acadia has generally proven to be a reliable SUV, some years stand out for their exceptional dependability, while others warrant caution due to reported issues.
If you’re in the market for a used Acadia, the 2016, 2019, and 2022 model years represent some of the best options in terms of reliability. On the other hand, it’s advisable to steer clear of the 2007 and 2008 model years, as they have a higher likelihood of experiencing problems that far exceed their current value.
Regardless, it’s critical to thoroughly research any used car you’re buying, and when you’re eager to make a purchase, take time to check vehicle history reports, and owner reviews, and get a pre-purchase inspection. You can never be too safe.