While traveling a busy highway going uphill, my transmission began to have what felt like slipping clutch issues, and finally failed - leaving me stranded on a very busy stretch of highway 80 east bound. It was very scary to be just barely off the roadway (was lucky to make it all the way off the road) with huge trucks whizzing by. I have had it diagnosed and the clutch waveplates on these acadia gmcs have a well known and common failure issue. A $3500 bill is not what I need right now, it's going to really hurt. This transmission needs to be recalled before someone gets killed on a busy freeway. The problem is there was not much warning of an eminent failure before it basically left me dead in the water - I was just fortunate this time that I was traveling in the right lane. If I had been in the left lane or middle, I am not sure I would have been able to get over before it would just leave me in the middle of the road. It's definitely a safety issue. Who could make an argument that it is not unsafe?
2008 GMC Acadia transmission complaints
Page 6 of 10: complaints 131 to 160 of 279, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 gmc acadia. The contact stated that while traveling various speeds, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was found that the clutch had failed. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. The VIN was unavailable. Updated 5/27/14
Transmission originally started skipping around 75,900 miles. At 100,000 miles started system alert of " transmission running hot, idle to cool down". Transmission serviced on 11/11/13. Transmission drained and refilled by gmc dealer in el paso, tx. Ran ok until 2/06/14. In gmc repair shop in richmond,ca . Transmission completely failed! $4000.00 repair.
Tl- the contact owns a 2008 gmc acadia. While traveling about 30 MPH, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to increase speed despite the accelerator pedal being depressed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for inspection. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be rebuilt or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 94,000.- ll
Engine light came on took it in to get checked the gmc dealer said it was purge valve and may be my timing chain belt! And my master cylinder was leaking into my booster, and they had to replace a sensor for the tire and service the track/stabilitrak! Services came to $1000 now come 2 months later to jan 2014 engine light is on service stabilitrak is on take it back, my timing chain needs replaced@ 74000 miles which is about a $2000 job and my transmission platelets need changed! Transmission is now slipping we called gm and there is nothing they will do as I was informed these are "command problems " in these vehicles!! What!! I feel like I've been sold a lemon and no one are gm cares because these are command problems for them! Never again will I buy a gm and I'm confused on how so many people have these same issues and gm is doing nothing about it! Oh did I mention you can't park on a slant or an incline with a 1/4 tank of gas because your acadia won't start! This car has been a nightmare!
Wife driving along and transmission dropped out. Car is vary well taken care of. In 5 years and ten months of owning the vehicle the tranny goes? Car only has 49000 miles, and apparently there is a none problem with the tranny. Vehicle repairs cost 4000, completely unacceptable. Code on vehicle wasp0776.00, just like every other complaint I have seen on the internet. Something must be done. Would not recommend this car to anyone. My father is a gm employee and he is disgusted with this.
Warning indicators turn on for the system braking components such as ABS brake failure, traction control and loss of engine power while accelerating between 35 to 50 miles per hour. Engine power decrease and the car speed and power is decreased with the loss of engine power warning. The car would just stop at this point. I contacted onstar each time this issue occurred to a diagnostic scan and each report indicated that same warning reported on the console. After 10 minutes the vehicle would re-start and I was able to drive it. This issue has re-occurred within 2 years and the gmc service department was unable to diagnose the problem but during the latest incident the mechanic had ruled the issue as low brake fluid. I've investigated this issue online on various blog forums for the gmc acadia with the same description of braking system failure and others report the failure as an internal braking malfunction in which the master cylinder leaks into the brake booster. I'm concerned that this problem could potential become fatal is it recurs. The gmc service department refuse to look into my concern and investigate the problem. There are no visible signs of a leak because the leak is internal.
Transmission started failing and finally went out at 108,000 miles, sitting in our driveway and we had to have it towed to dealer. Gm dealer replaced it under warranty but the labor cost us several thousand dollars. Now at 170,000 miles, this remanufactured transmission is now going out. It sticks in low speed and then overheats driving 65mph in 40deg weather. The dealer claims that a stretched timing chain has to be fixed first, before the transmission, at a cost of $1944. They also said the on board computer didn't store the numerous overheated transmission events that began occurring immediately after the remanufactured transmission was installed at 108,000 miles. The gm dealer is trying to tell me that the transmission is probably ok and that the overheating is due to some other reason, but he then couldn't even guess at what the other reasons might be! The fluid level is good, and the vehicle has a tow package with a cooler for the transmission fluid. Gm dealer said the transmission will be covered by warranty, which will likely mean another several thousand dollar labor charge on top of the so called stretched timing chain cost of $1,900. The power steering pump has been whining for about a year and is getting loud. The navigation and dvd player system failed twice. Might be time to trade the vehicle for something more reliable. My wife is getting scared to drive it too far and end up being broken down in atlanta traffic...very dangerous.
After exiting the interstate while driving my 2008 gmc acadia, I stopped at the end of exit ramp and while trying to accelerate, I lost power and unable to reach posted speed limits. The car lost power and had to be towed to a gmc dealership and was told that the 3-5 wave plate failed and caused further damage to the transmission. The dealership stated that no signs of operator abuse were observed and it appeared that the wave plate failed on its own. The costs of repair was approx. $4700 since the car was out warranty by 8 months and had 60,400 miles. I have called gmc customer service and waiting for resolution on my claim that my costs to repair should be mitigated since it appears that the wave plate failure was a design or manufacturing issue.
I have experienced multiple issues with my 2008 gmc acadia my first problem was with the transmission having to be replaced. Which just barely was covered under the warranty I had after buying the vehicle used since that first incident I have had continual problems. My engine will stay running after the key is turned to the off position and the key is removed from the ignition the car continues to stay running the engine does that is all other lights go off no radio or AC stay on. I have had it in the shop different times no one can correctly diagnose and fix the issue. I am now watching the tow truck hook my car up to be taken to the gmc dealer which is going to cost more than I am sure I can afford to pay as a single mother trying to make ends meet. So besides the engine running with no key in it. It also kills the battery drains it when it sits. I have also had issues with the wiring harnesses to the head lights melting to the back if the bulbs having to be replaced costing over $200. There has to be some kind of electrical issue with this car there seem to be many people on here with similar issues with transmission and odd issues. Please help I can't afford this car and the continual issues.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 gmc acadia. The contact stated that while traveling various speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate over 20 MPH. The stabilitrac and several other warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle shook violently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure could not be diagnosed. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 92,000. The VIN was unavailable.
I had started noticing slipping of the transmission, this primarily occurred when reversing and then when trying to gain speed like on the on ramp trying to get on the highway. I made an appointment to have it looked it with our local mechanic who preceded to tell me they could find nothing wrong and to bring it back if the check engine light came on that way they could hook it up and get the code. I had an upcoming trip out of state and prayed the vehicle would make it and it did. I continued to notice the slipping of the transmission and approximately 2 weeks later I was driving in town, going about 35 MPH and my check engine light popped on. I parked the vehicle and dropped my daughter at daycare, got back in the car to leave and the vehicle would not go into reverse or move forward. I had to have the vehicle towed to the dealership where I was informed it was a problem in the transmission with a broken wave plate and 3-5 reverse clutch plate. My vehicle was out of warranty by time however still under the mileage so I was offered the repair at a "discounted" rate. I then researched to find out what a common problem this has been with this vehicle.
Transmission started slipping. I would pull out onto a street and it would slip and I almost got his by a car. I took it in repeatedly to dealer and they couldn't duplicate and after repeatedly taking it back and them keeping it for a month they finally replaced the transmission. Repeated steering issues. I took it in constantly and was told nothing wrong but after looking at it myself I found melted bushing and after being told all that had been replaced already. Steering problems from day 1. 4 times of having power steering replaced and steering column and every time I got the vehicle back the vibration was worse, today I found the problem on my own. The rack and pinion has a major leak. Not sure how repeated trips to the dealership and they couldn't see this. My steering also locks up while driving almost hit a car..and the dealership never has loaners so im stuck driving an unsafe vehicle while I wait because I was told I can only go where I bought my vehicle because of the extended warranty. This vehicle goes in to the shop and as soon as it is picked up it needs to go right back the same day. Worst vehicle and most unsafe of anything I've ever owned.
Transmission failure while traveling on interstate. Only to find out this is only one of multiple acadias with this few miles to have this happen and leave us stranded miles from home. And unfortunately we are now finding out that a lot of people have had this happen but noone bothered to tell us about it or warn us that this might be a problem. And of course our warranty has expired because we have owned it 5 years and have taken very good care of our vehicle having the oil changed every 3000 miles and tires rotated and balanced routinely and you could look at it and it looks brand new.. But now we are out $4000.00 + which should not be happening with this vehicle.. We are very disappointed and angry that we could have been in a very dangerous situation had my husband not been the one driving that day.
Transmission wave plate failure a few months out of warranty now I am stuck with repairing it when it is a known part defect.
I was merging onto highway when the RPM's on my vehicle went to 5 (or above) and the vehicle lurched into gear. After that happened, the vehicle would not go above 45mphs. Every time the vehicle would need to change gears after this the rpms would climb before changing gears. The vehicle was taken to the dealership and I was advised it was the transmission.
On the freeway, power went out. Car was towed . Transmission was out and was replaced.
Transmission went while driving. Gmc aware of transmission problems with this truck. Will not fix problem because my 5year 100,000 mile warranty expired in august. Dealer where truck was brought will not help nor gmc is helping. This is not right. This is USA, I want justice!!!! Can't afford to get this fixed. Truck needed to take my son to school and for work, church. My whole life has been disrupted. They use tax dollars to bail out auto makers. But the auto makers (gmc) will not honor the customer.
Purchased 2008 acadia in march 2012. Eight (8) months after purchase while driving with infant son in vehicle, without any warning or lights the car lost all power. Luckily, a serious accident didn't occur. The transmission had completely failed. The cause was a broken 3-5 waveplate, the transmission had heat damage, and material throughout. Our local gmc dealer service department removed, torn down, and overhauled the transmission. This service was covered under a 5 year 100,000mi warranty. It has been 1 year and the transmission is slow to change gears and shaking rumbling at 20mph and 40mph. I called my local dealer they were unable to set up an appointment for 4 days, the car is now at the dealership. I was told it needs $4,900.00 of work. The cause of the shake and rumble during acceleration is the failure of the torque converter ($2,000). The torque converter was replaced with a remanufactured torque converter, when the transmission was rebuilt 13 months ago. When I asked gm to replace the torque converter, I was told I was lucky it lasted more than 12,000mi. Very disappointed with gm. The transmissions are defective and the are aware of this issue, they put a band aid on the car until it passed 100,000mi,and no longer covered by warranty and now the consumers problem. I do not consider myself lucky that my car spent 7 days in the shop last november and now has been in the shop 4 days with no end in sight, for the same issue.
The transmission in our 2008 acadia has begun slipping and first gear shifts engage with a very noticeable clunk (thump); there is also a delay when the car is shifted into drive (~3 to 5 seconds); gm needs to perform.
The transmission would not shift into third gear. Took to dealer. They were aware of the problem and "offered to help" by discounting the price of rebuilding the transmission. The transmission is still not right. Shifting is poor and clunky.
Started car and it would not go into gear. No issues with the transmission prior to this. Mechanic says the transmission needs to be replaced. Contacted gm and was told my warranty expired a couple of months ago and there was nothing they would do. Now I see that this is a common occurrence for the acadia.
Driving on interstate at 75 MPH. Car suddenly lost power and slowed immediately. Had to cross lane in heavy traffic to get to side of road. Luckily did not get hit. Had wife and dog along. Stuck on side of road in cold weather for over an hour. Sudden loss of power on busy interstate was very dangerous. In reading forums on internet, this appears to be common problem. Gmc needs to take responsibility for this common defect.
Complete transmission failure. Fluid was checked and full after feeling the transmission slip moments before. Turned to go back home and the vehicle lost power. Thankfully we were not yet on the interstate and coasted off the road. Vehicle was towed to dealership where it was confirmed that the transmission was ruined and total replacement was required at a cost of $4200. After reading about the many issues with this vehicle and speaking to a mechanic who said they were always fixing major issues with this model/year we opted to trade instead. Didn't want to invest that amount of money and always be waiting for the next issue to arise.
While driving our gmc acadia we had lost our transmission with no warning. We were 300 miles from home and had to have the vehicle towed back to our home so we could figure out what had happened. Upon doing research we had learned that the wave plate inside the transmission had broke and destroyed the transmission with know warning sign. Fortunately enough I had just exited the freeway to pull into a shopping center for rest. The potential for this problem to happen while on the freeway would have had a much worse outcome and had the potential to be very dangerous to me and my family. I have learned through research that gm is aware of the problem and has refused to recall the vehicle to repair this issue. This is negligence on gm's part as they were advised by their own engineers to use a $30 wave plate, but do to cost effectiveness and negligence decided to select the $1.50 part that breaks down over time costing their consumers thousands of dollars in repair. To repair the wave plate is not costly, but when it breaks it destroys the transmission and it needs to be completely replaced at a cost between $4000.00 - $6000.00. This is completely uncalled for and gm needs to own up to their deficiencies. I have contact gm and advised them of my displeasure with their product and choice of parts. I was told that they are aware of the issue, but will not do anything to help their consumers.
Vehicle RPM's would start going up and down. Then there would be hesitation when you accelerated. I pulled out from doctor's office and it would not move in reverse or forward. Car had to be towed to a local mechanic.
While merging onto the highway the vehicle was revving up, but not speeding up. I would take my foot off the accelerator for a second and then try to accelerate again. The gear would sometimes "catch" and sometimes not "catch". The mechanic discovered that the one cooling line was corroded and another was "sweating". The transmission, torque converter, and cooling lines all had to be replaced. I think its a premature time for my vehicle to need a new transmission with only 76k miles as the vehicle is well maintained.
I was driving home when my transmission suddenly started to lurch and hunt for gears, then hesitate. My car then wouldn't move forward nor would it go into reverse. Two codes showed up when I had the vehicle scanned, p2715 and p0700. After doing research I concluded the wave plate in my transmission had failed. My vehicle is no longer drivable. Thankfully I wasn't on the freeway when this incident happened because once the transmission quit the vehicle came to a stop rather quickly. In reading reports online it appears transmission failure of this particular model is highly probable and that gm knows it's an issue but has refused to recall the vehicle.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 gmc acadia. The contact stated that the vehicle suddenly failed to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was found that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 59,000...updated 12-30-13 *bf updated 1/22/2014
I purchased a used 2008 gmc acadia in december 2012. At time of purchase, the vehicle car fax report was clean and indicated one previous owner. The vehicle mileage at the time of purchase was approximately 81,000 miles. My personal mechanic inspected the vehicle prior to purchase and also gave the vehicle a clean report. For the first 11 months of ownership, this vehicle ran like a champ. Today, at 99,728 miles (mostly highway mileage on my behalf) I find that I am having to replace the entire transmission (rebuild) at an out-of-pocket expense of $4,300. I called the gmc dealer where I purchased this vehicle and they advised that there were no recalls/warranties available on the transmission. They also advised that in the event the entire transmission needed replaced, that the cost would be in the vicinity of $4,500 and they were able to provide this estimate with certainty because "they had just completed a rebuild on another '08 acadia last week". I find it highly disturbing that at only 99,728 miles, and 5 years of age, a transmission completely gives out. I am also disturbed that with the number of complaints out there on various internet chat forums regarding this vehicle and specific model, that gmc, to date, has yet to issue any recalls or extended warranties. I felt it necessary to report this matter as soon as possible. I will be getting in touch with a class action lawsuit attorney to look into this matter further because I genuinely am concerned that gmc should be held accountable if the number of people out there with the same issue have found there checkbooks much lighter as a result of this.
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