Ford Explorer vs GMC Acadia: reliability compared
From 2007 to 2026, owners filed an average of 788 complaints per model year about the Ford Explorer and 280 about the GMC Acadia.
Side by side
| Ford Explorer | GMC Acadia | |
|---|---|---|
| Model years compared | 2007-2026 | 2007-2026 |
| Owner complaints | 15,763 | 5,599 |
| Complaints per model year | 788 | 280 |
| Recalls | 103 | 39 |
| Years to avoid | 20132014201520162017 | 20082017 |
| Best years | 200720192022 | 201320202022 |
| Most common problem | Steering | Transmission |
| Crash rating | No data | No data |
| Fuel economy | 19-24 mpg combined (2026) | 21-22 mpg combined (2026) |
A car that sells more collects more complaints, so the fairest test is the number of years to avoid, which compares each year with a typical year of the same car.
Complaints per model year
Problems compared
| Explorer | Acadia | |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 3,523 | 813 |
| Body | 3,192 | 250 |
| Engine | 2,311 | 822 |
| Transmission | 1,683 | 1,380 |
| Electrical | 1,224 | 1,090 |
| Driver assistance | 834 | 379 |
| Airbags | 423 | 910 |
Questions about the Ford Explorer vs GMC Acadia
Which is more reliable, the Ford Explorer or the GMC Acadia?
Between 2007 and 2026, the Ford Explorer has 5 years to avoid and the GMC Acadia 2. The GMC Acadia has been more consistent from year to year. By raw volume, the GMC Acadia drew fewer complaints per model year (280 vs 788), though sales volume affects that number.
Which has more recalls, the Ford Explorer or the GMC Acadia?
From 2007 to 2026, the Ford Explorer was covered by 103 recalls and the GMC Acadia by 39.
What years of the Ford Explorer and GMC Acadia should you avoid?
Ford Explorer: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. GMC Acadia: 2008 and 2017.
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