GMC Acadia engine failure problems

Filed Sep 3, 2026 · Transmission · TX

Vehicle ran out of fuel and became disabled in an active roadway/exit ramp. The vehicle retained 12-volt electrical power and the dashboard and electronic controls remained operational. With the brake pedal depressed and the ignition/electrical system on, I attempted to shift the transmission from Park to Neutral so the vehicle could be pushed out of traffic. The vehicle repeatedly displayed “Conditions Not Correct for Shift” and remained locked in Park because the engine was not running. There appears to be no driver-accessible mechanical/manual override that allows the transmission to be placed in Neutral when the engine cannot run. As a result, a disabled vehicle with functioning electrical power can remain physically immobilized in a live traffic lane, creating a collision hazard and preventing occupants or bystanders from moving it to a safer location. This condition could occur not only from running out of fuel but potentially from any engine failure that prevents the engine from running. I believe the inability to place a disabled vehicle into Neutral under these circumstances presents a safety hazard.

Filed Aug 28, 2026 · Engine · GA

Technician told me the engine "grenaded itself". "Cylinder #4 melted into the side walls of the cylinder wall caused by air to fuel mix ratio controlled by the ECU failure to mix appropriately." My family and I were traveling for Easter and were stranded on the side of the highway. I had a private repair shop (Greenville Auto Clinic LLC) confirm as well as the local dealership Greenville Chevy. The vehicle required an engine replacement. I did contact GMC's Zone Manager out of Atlanta, GA for assistance, he reduced the bill from over $10,000 down to $6098. There was no error messaging, only an engine that would not respond to the accelerator pedal. The engine would try to accelerate, but struggled to the point it would die when I applied too much pressure on the gas pedal.

Filed Aug 17, 2026 · Engine · 81,126 miles · SC

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the battery low and steering assist warning lights were illuminated. The contact's minor children were occupants in the vehicle during the failure. The tow truck assistant arrived. The tow truck driver assisted with restarting the vehicle. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to Firestone; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact stated that a portable diagnostic tester was attached, but no error codes were displayed. The failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to Firestone, where it was diagnosed with a failed START/STOP module. The contact was informed about Technical Service Bulletin: 21-NA-139. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,126.

Filed Jul 27, 2026 · Transmission · LA

Engine has a noise (chirp) when vehicle delivered. Found out after purchase that a known problem was present in the engine compartment that engineering has been unable to identify. Bulletin #PIP6045B (Oct20,2025) Document ID:7006702 With the engine failures General Motors have had I have concerned about operating. A failure could result in danger to the occupants.

Filed Mar 31, 2026 · Fuel system, Transmission · 24,749 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, and the engine lost automotive power. The vehicle was able to restart. During a second failure, the vehicle lost automotive power and stalled in the middle of the highway, and the vehicle was unable to restart. An alert message was sent by OnStar reporting a transmission or engine failure and advised that the vehicle needed immediate service. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a fuel pump module failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 24,749

Filed Feb 19, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · TX

In the process of taking my daughter to the emergency room I receive a dash notification on my recently purchased 2024 GMC Acadia "car overheating, possible engine failure". My gauges were within normal range and being that I was in an emergency I kept traveling. Leave hospital to head home the error message is gone. The following Monday, January 5th, heading in to work I receive the same error message on my dash "car overheating, possible engine failure". Drove to the nearest mechanic, left my car, and they discover a leak in the upper radiator hose. They call with bad news that the part is on nationwide back order. GM admitted to a faulty design, in the process of redesign. A SPAC case with a local GM dealership was opened. GM would expedite my case if I towed to a GM dealer. I would have to pay for the tow. And just how can my case be expedited if the part isn't available? It can't. I was told the redesigned hose is going on the new models currently being built. I have lost all faith in GM. Today is February 19th and my car is still at the mechanic with no ETA on part delivery. I called every GM dealership parts department within 100 miles and get the same response, "we have two hoses with four cars needing it, we have 4 hoses with 8 cars needing it, the hose is hell to find, etc.". Why has GM not issued a recall on the upper radiator hose. If you have a 2024 GMC Acadia, you will incur this same issue.

Filed Feb 2, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 98,000 miles · IN

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that upon parking the vehicle and attempting to release the key from the ignition switch, the key seized inside the ignition switch. The contact stated that either the “Parking Assist” or the “Steering Assist” warning light was illuminated during the failures, and the A/C system became inoperable. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with Parking Assist and Steering Assist failures. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Dec 31, 2025 · Engine · TX

Apparently many vehicles like mine and including mine have defective radiator hoses or a poor set up with routing causing issues with the hoses. They are developing cracks/leaks causing poor circulation in the cooling system as well as possible engine failure. In speaking to mechanics and reading forum posts, it is evident that this is a large scale issue.

Filed Dec 16, 2025 · Engine · IL

On a highway about an hour from home, my brand new vehicle with 5,318 miles on it, alarmed me to turn off the vehicle. I was going 75 mph. I pulled over and called GMC being that I just had an oil change and thought maybe they possibly didn't reset something. The vehicle said the oil pressure was low. The dealership advised me to check the oil. It was full and clean. The service person advised that I should be able to continue to drive. I then called my husband. Upon starting the vehicle it was making a noise coming from underneath the vehicle. He said do not drive that vehicle and he headed to come get me. We had it towed to a nearby dealership around 6 pm. I called GMC again because the tow truck driver could not figure out how to put the vehicle in neutral. The told us to hold the start button down but do not push the brake. That didn't work. The tow truck driver put plastic slides under the back tires and dragged it onto the tow truck bed. The service center was closed so we were unable to speak to anyone. Days later we were told the engine seized. It took 3 guys to get into the bay. GMC advised the dealership service to take apart the engine in order to investigate the failure. They did and established it was a bearing. It was in the shop for 52 days. I was told the replaced engine was a remanufactured engine by GMC and by the service center more than once. I was very angry. I bought a new vehicle, not a used one. Then I was told it was a new engine. Since I purchased this vehicle I feel like there have been soft truths. I'm not sure what to believe. Upon picking up my repaired vehicle there was not a drop of gas in it and 77 miles added to the mileage. I get that the vehicle needs to be test driven but that seems like a lot. I think new engine, new odometer starting at 0? I bought a new vehicle for safety. I have a 2006 GMC Yukon that has been very reliable which is why we purchased the Acadia. I seriously do not feel safe.

Filed Nov 12, 2025 · Engine, Steering · 55,114 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Steering Assist Fault - Drive with Caution" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who retrieved DTC: P0128 (Engine Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature) and replaced the engine coolant thermostat. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was 55,114.