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2020 GMC Acadia transmission problems

22 complaints (21% of all complaints for this car).

owner complaints
22
of this car's complaints
21%
crashes
0
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

GMC Acadia transmission problems in other years

20072010201520202026

Specific symptoms reported on the 2020 GMC Acadia transmission

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Jerking 5

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmissionReported October 29, 2020 · 194,105 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
Risk
Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1‑888‑988‑7267, Buick Customer service at 1‑866‑608‑8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.

Recall number 20V668000 · Recall details

What 2020 GMC Acadia owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 21, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · VT

2020 GMC Acadia bucks/hesitates when I take off or slow down and speed back up. Mechanic looked at it can see engine is having random misfires. We have tried plugs, transmission fluid, looked at everything we could think of. The condition improves if I put into AWD but still exists and worsens for a period of time after it shifts back into FWD mode. My mechanic has done a lot of research and found that one possible issue was a stretched timing chain but since it is out of warranty I just couldn't afford to have them tear it down it is an enormous job to see if that was the issue. It also lines up with other known issues like the auto stop issues and possibly a fuel pump issue. I have seen many people complaining online about this particular issue but not many on here and no recalls on my vehicle regarding the known issues

Filed Jun 26, 2026 · Fuel system, Transmission · MD

I believe my car should be included in this recall. I've had the dealer check and they say it's nothing wrong with my car. 2020 GMC Acadia Fuel Pump Recall GMC has announced that 2781 vehicles have been affected by a Fuel Pump recall. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5, Cadillac XT6, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The fuel pump's jet nozzle may have a plastic burr remaining from the manufacturing process, possibly causing a blocked nozzle and an insufficient fuel supply to the engine. Insufficient fuel supply can result in an engine stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. 2020 GMC Acadia Recall Fuel Pump GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module. The recall began November 16, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1‑888‑988‑7267, Buick Customer service at 1‑866‑608‑8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006. GM's number for this recall is N202314760.

Filed Jun 22, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · CA

Thermostat and cooling sensor went out on my car. GMC issued a special coverage bulletin for 2021 Acadia since it's a widespread issue but not the 2020 (mine) which is also a widespread issue looking online. The repair is over $1000 and should be covered!

Filed Apr 4, 2026 · Steering, Transmission · PA

Thermostat

Filed Mar 6, 2026 · Transmission · WI

The torque converter in the transmission has been vibrating for over a year now. I can imagine it is causing more damage to the rest of the transmission. Now I can feel the shifting starting to get rough, loss of power, and dark transmission fluid. I had the problem confirmed with an independent service center. There have been no warning lamps as of yet. But it's only a matter of time that I will need a torque converter replacement and/or full transmission replacement.

Filed Nov 24, 2025 · Electrical, Steering · VA

1. Shift to Park failure, P0700/P187e internal sensor, causing me to have to get a rebuilt transmission. 10/2025 2. Transmission shudder/hard-shifting ongoing 2022-2025 3. Coolant/thermostat issues. Steering Assist Reduced" message, fans stay on HIGH, no AC, engine temp on ZERO ongoing since 2024 3. Start/Stop button failure multiple times (replaced 3 times) 4. Rack and pinion/steering gear (would not return/ got stuck while turning) got new rack and pinion 2023 5. Water pump leaking, replaced 4/2024 6. Since 2023, have had ongoing “Timing OVER ADVANCED”, warning issues since 2023. This is TOO MUCH for a New car!!! I’ve owned MANY cars and NEVER had this many issues!!! There appears to be multiple design flaws with this model and similar models!

Filed Nov 3, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · IL

I own a 2020 GMC Acadia that has experienced multiple major mechanical failures within one year. In January 2025, at around 74,000 miles, the transmission failed completely with no warning or clear indication of what was wrong. The vehicle suddenly lost power while driving, creating a safety risk for me and my child. I was quoted around $12,000 for the transmission replacement initially before getting GM involved. GM covered all but approximately $3,600 out of pocket for me and also covered 100% of the timing cover replacement, which was found to be defective during the same repair. Now, at about 84,000 miles, the thermostat has failed, triggering the check engine light. This repair has not yet been completed and is estimated at around $1,500. My dealership informed me they keep thermostat parts in stock because this failure is so common on Acadias. There were no warning lamps or symptoms before any of these failures occurred. All repairs and diagnostics—including the current issue—were done at the same GMC dealership where I’ve always had my vehicle serviced on time. I’ve been a loyal customer and maintain my vehicle according to the recommended schedule. Despite that, I have faced repeated high-cost repairs on a 5-year-old vehicle with relatively low mileage, which has been financially and emotionally overwhelming—especially as a parent who recently lost employment. Having the transmission, timing cover, and now thermostat all fail in such a short time clearly raises concerns about the reliability, safety, and manufacturing quality of the 2020 GMC Acadia’s powertrain and engine systems. Given that GM has already covered most of the transmission and timing cover repairs and dealerships acknowledge frequent thermostat failures, this appears to be a systemic defect that warrants formal investigation.

Filed Sep 25, 2025 · Fuel system, Transmission · NJ

Vehicle will shutter or buck at variable speeds like, 35-38 mph, 40-45 mph and so on. if I take my foot of the gas and reapply it will shutter buck again at almost any speed. I took it to a mechanic and there are no codes, no check engine light. Shop recommended changing the transmission fluid so we did. Car still responds the same way, shutters and bucks when reapplying fuel pedal or slow acceleration.

Filed Sep 14, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · OH

My 2020 GMC Acadia has experienced significant transmission issues, including [slipping / shuddering / “Service Transmission” warnings / loss of drive]. The problem has been diagnosed as a torque converter/transmission failure. GM has acknowledged known defects and issued recalls for 2019–2020 Acadia transmissions related to missing bolts in the start-stop accumulator endcap, which can cause fluid leaks and lead to torque converter/transmission failure. Many other owners have reported similar transmission issues, suggesting a systemic defect with the 9-speed transmission used in these vehicles. Despite these known issues, GM has declined to provide assistance with repairs. This failure compromises the safe operation of the vehicle, and I believe it warrants further investigation and potential recall.

Filed Aug 9, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · OK

Car keeps throwing Poo14 code for VVt sensor, I’ve replaced the sensors and checked wiring on the side of the road and no damage found, went online and read multiple complaints and recalls on the same issue I’m having with my car. I enter my vin and no recalls have been found. I have a 2020 gmc Acadia Denali 3.6l v6. As well and the rear view camera cutting in and out multiple times anlmost causing an wreck. and a system update didn’t fix the issue.

Questions about the 2020 GMC Acadia transmission

Does the 2020 GMC Acadia have transmission problems?

Owners have filed 22 complaints about the transmission of the 2020 GMC Acadia, 21% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2020 GMC Acadia transmission problems start?

Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.

Was there a recall on the 2020 GMC Acadia transmission?

Yes, 1 recall: 20V668000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the GMC Acadia have bad transmission?

The GMC Acadia model years with the most transmission complaints are 2008 (279 complaints), 2017 (236 complaints) and 2007 (184 complaints).

Other 2020 GMC Acadia problems

Engine 31Electrical 29Steering 20Driver assistance 15Fuel system 11Brakes 8Acceleration 4Airbags 3Seat belts 3Visibility 3Body 2Lights 1Locks 1Seats 1Wheels 1

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