- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Unsecured side curtain air bags may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
- The fix
- 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.
Vehicle safety record
2013 GMC Acadia Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 140 complaints about the 2013 GMC Acadia with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system (39) and the airbags (32). Those complaints describe 5 crashes, 8 fires and 4 injuries. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in April 2021 for the critical fasteners. For comparison, the 2012 has 302 and the 2014 has 468.
NHTSA data checked
BFewer problems than a typical Acadia year, for its age
#84 most complained-about 2013 vehicle
- Complaints
- 140
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 5
- Fires
- 8
- Injuries
- 4
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2013 GMC Acadia problems
Share of all 140 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2013 GMC Acadia recalls 3
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- 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.
- The 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.
- The fix
- 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. A second notice will be mailed to owners once parts become available. The recall for the 2009-2010 model years began on July 11, 2014. The interim letter for the 2011-2014 model years were distributed on July 11, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-462-8782 (GMC), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). General Motors recall number for this campaign is 14187.
- The problem
- 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.
- The 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.
- The fix
- 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. Buick owners may contact the owner center at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet owners at 1-866-694-6546, Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, and GMC owners at 1-866-996-9463. GM's number for this recall is 14030. Note: Vehicles repaired as part of Customer Satisfaction Campaign 10085 and special coverage 10335 have already had the subject condition repaired and therefore are not included in the safety recall.
What owners say
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140 complaints about the 2013 GMC Acadia
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 6.
Sunroof shattered driving on the interstate. Never saw a rock or anything. I think it shattered due to pressure and temperature changes.
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.
Transmission causes problems in can be on interstate and be switching lanes and it loses power and wont go takes forever to shift out. It will cut out and you can barely get pulled off side of rd in time. Electrical the battery voltage goes crazy up and down causing vehicle to power surge bad or at night time lights will go out for no reason while driving every now and then you can smell something melting or burning also the engine gets so hot but it's right temperature cooling fan runs constantly even when car is cool.since all the problem with Transmission the suspension is off some how. Its like it's not stable
The windows stopped working. Only the driver's window still goes down and if it does go down, it often won't go back up. If there was an accident and windows were the only escape option, you would probably be trapped in the vehicle. It has not been looked at, because I cannot afford to fix it. I do know other acadia owners that have the exact same problem.
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.
Dear Sir/Madam, For the 3rd time now, my transmission is being rebuilt. After purchasing it from the dealership and it was still under warranty GMC Bakersfield rebuilt the transmission, then again in 2020 at 119,000 miles it broke down again and All Automatic in Bakersfield rebuilt it for $3500 and now here it is 2026 and only 60.000 miles later again All Automatic is having to rebuilt the transmission again and asking now for another $4950. I was excited to finally hear there was a recall, only to find it was...
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only for 2014 GMC Acadia's. The transmission have failed again and yes it is available for inspection at All Automation in Bakersfield, CA on Quantico. During the course of breaking down the my safety and the safety of my children was at risk. My vehicle was jumping, jerking the RPM's were all over the place and at one point in the course of driving on the freeway it felt like it lost power and nearly stopped. This has been an ongoing problem since the purchase of the vehicle. It has been inspected and diagnosed by All Automatic. There were no warnings, messages or symptoms that were constant. It was sporadically slipping up until the time it gave out. I have spoke to several 2013 GMC Acadia owners who have the exact same problem along with the back light covers falling off and All the plastic coverings on the inside falling off.
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 at walker Chevrolet in nitro wv, I'm a single dad of 5 children and I can't afford to fix this vehicle at that price, I asked if they could take payments to replace it, and they...
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said not and that they would NOT Release the vehicle back to me until it is paid for, and now I'm stranded with 5 children with no way to go to the store or anything. The engine locked up on me in the middle of the four lane in st albans wv, and I almost got hit by vehicles that were behind me and everything.
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.
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 mechanic, where the alternator, the stabilizer, starter, ignition switch, the door panel, the axle, the matt sensor, the canister valve, gas cap, and power master window switch was...
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replaced; however, the failure persisted. The mechanic determined that the failure was related to the fuse box. The contact used a diagnostic scanner to scan the vehicle but was unable to retrieve any diagnostic trouble codes. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall related to the electrical system. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the vehicle was intermittently difficult to start. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The check engine and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the alternator, stabilizer, starter, ignition switch, door panel, axle, MAP sensor, canister valve, gas cap, and power master window switch were replaced. The mechanic determined that the...
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failure was related to the fuse box. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall related to the electrical system. The contact used a diagnostic scanner to scan the vehicle but was unable to retrieve any diagnostic trouble codes. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
My 2013 GMC ACADIA started fire on April 9, 2024 around 11PM in the driveway of our home. The vehicle was parked and off. The vehicle wasn't used during the day. The last day of use was on April 8, 2024 around 6PM. The fire department stated it was potentially an electrical fire within the engine of the vehicle.
I was tboned January 9, 2023 the side impact airbags didn't deploy nor does it seem the seatbelts engaged. There were 2 side impacts to the passengers side ZERO airbags deployed. It WAS part of a recall AND recall work had been completed almost immediately in 2014 (GM website screenshots attached for your easy reference for the 2 recalls showing completed). YET, they STILL failed! NO indication they had an issue nor would fail when needed as they did. The driver of the other vehicle was seemingly going a high...
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rate of speed when she failed to stop for the red light her direction and tboned me as I was traveling through an intersection for a green light my travel path. My vehicle was totaled, part of the total report attached indicated "Diagnose Airbags" as they didn't deploy. (Screenshots of a GM autobody shop estimate line item as well as CarFax report attached for your easy reference) Multiple injuries sustained, including a serious TBI.
The harzard lights button are no longer working. Unable to push button for them to come on. Can not check mileage on car that button is no longer working either. Information panel does not work any longer either.
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.
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 determined that the torque converter solenoid had remained in an open position, causing the vehicle to stall while stopped. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact stated that his...
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mechanic had researched online and related the failure to TSB Number: 10052215-6979 (Power Train). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 194,032.
Battery saver mode activated dinged then car talked to me. I've replaced the alternator and brand new battery.....car battery draining FAST n only pulling 11.03 volts when it's supposed hit 14.5-15.5volts. Also air bag lite is on saying service airbag. I've only had the car 3 months....bought it from a dealer march 13th n till 2-3 days ago been working fine. Now saying service air bag n battery saver mode activated. I have no clue to this .....I'm lost after replacing the battery n alternator.
Unknown. Engine blew. Was determined by independent service provider. Vehicle wouldn't start and blew white smoke from the exhaust.
I dont know exactly what is wrong but from online videos i think power train or transmission. When driving the vehicle will struggle/delay shifting. When it does finally shift its so hard it throws u forward. When having to quickly get on the gas it will delay to where your not really moving. This almost caused accidents multiple times. ( not pulling out in front of people) entering interstate is a good exsample. It has also lost power when crossing intersection!
Left rear brake light dose not work, that is also the left rear turn signal. Part number 13582912 brake/turn signal bulb. GMC can not provide me with one. Chevrolet can not provide me with one. None of the chain store parts companies have them either. I have call GMC customer service line and also Chevrolet customer service line. They are of no help. Thank You.
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 was up in flames.
The contact owned a 2013 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while driving at 25 MPH, the contact was struck by another vehicle that ran a red light at 60 MPH and struck the passenger side of the vehicle. No air bags deploy. The contact suffered a concussion and was taken to the hospital. The vehicle was towed to a collision center. The vehicle was deemed totally lost. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 135,000.
Light "Service Air Bag" came on and will not go off going at speed of 10 mph.
My GMC Acadia has been experiencing transmission problems. It has been jerking and it has been failing to accelerate properly. The check engine light is not on and the mechanic says he can not find a problem with the vehicle.
My service air bag light is on. The dealership says it's a sensor for which I will be responsible for replacing out of pocket. They stated my air bags will not deploy properly. As the faulty sensor is a manufacturing flaw why is GMC not responsible for the replacement?
The Airbag error message has been displaying on my dash board for awhile now. On November, 2021, I took it to the nearest GMC dealer and repairs to the connector were charged to the extended warranty. One month later the error message reappeared and disappeared after one day. It kept on like that for awhile until July 2022 when I took it to the dealers and they said they fixed it, next day the same error message. Now the dealers are lying that what they worked on was drivers seat side bag and that this time around,...
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the issue is with the bottom part of driver's seat..... My wife and small kids use this car for commute to and from school and this poses a huge risk and danger to my young family everyday.
GMC Acadia: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 707 | 4 | F |
| 2016 | 236 | 4 | C |
| 2015 | 261 | 4 | C |
| 2014 | 468 | 6 | D |
| 2013 | 140 | 3 | B |
| 2012 | 302 | 5 | C |
| 2011 | 280 | 5 | C |
| 2010 | 348 | 4 | C |
| 2009 | 333 | 7 | C |
2013 GMC Acadia vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 GMC Acadia | 140 | 3 | B | |
| 2013 Ford Edge | 2,447 | 2 | F | Compare |
| 2013 Kia Sorento | 985 | 5 | F | Compare |
| 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 805 | 10 | B | Compare |
| 2013 Dodge Durango | 640 | 11 | D | Compare |
| 2013 Hyundai Santa FE | 605 | 3 | D | Compare |
| 2013 Subaru Outback | 297 | 12 | D | Compare |
| 2013 Toyota Highlander | 212 | 3 | C | Compare |
| 2013 Nissan Murano | 74 | 1 | B | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2013 GMC Acadia
Does the 2013 GMC Acadia have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2013 GMC Acadia: critical fasteners (April 2021); seat belts (May 2014); side / window (March 2014). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 GMC Acadia?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the electrical system (39), airbags (32), transmission & drivetrain (27).
How many complaints has the 2013 GMC Acadia had?
140 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on June 24, 2013 and the latest on August 16, 2026. Of these, 5 describe a crash and 8 a fire, and together they report 4 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2013 GMC Acadia a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 73 out of 100 (grade B: fewer problems than a typical GMC Acadia year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which GMC Acadia years have the most complaints?
2008 (858), 2017 (707), 2014 (468). See every GMC Acadia year compared.
What should I do if my 2013 GMC Acadia has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data