We purchased our 2024 Acadia in June 2025. Since we have had the vehicle, it has been in the shop going on 6 times. First the sunroof seal came off, then the antenna cover fell off, the driver side rear panel had to be replaced because it was coming off. Once all this was done then the vehicle started leaking transmission fluid, took it to the dealer to get fixed, once we get it back the coolant starts leaking from the radiator hose, took it in to get repaired, now there is knocking noise coming from the engine/hood. Every time we take it in to get repaired a new problem pops up. We purchased the vehicle to have a safe way to get our kids around and it has been nothing but a headache and run around from the dealership. GMC really needs to resolve this issue. Parts seem to be on never-ending backorder with no ETA.
GMC Acadia knocking problems
18 of the 5,598 owner complaints about the GMC Acadia describe engine knocking or ticking, most of them for the 2008 model year.
- owner complaints
- 18
- worst model year
- 2008
- typical mileage
- 72,000
By model year
- 20251
- 20241
- 20161
- 20152
- 20131
- 20111
- 20103
- 20094
- 20084
Often reported together
Steering noise 2Check engine light 2Transmission failure 1Pulling 1Stalling 1Rollaway 1Power steering loss 1Engine failure 1
What owners say
bought car brand new at 427 miles car started bucking shaking pulsating while driving bought to brennen gmc plattsburgh ny at 811 mile did same thing but worse brought back to dealership they put camshaft actuater and solenoid in at 6041 mile car was motor started knocking stalling controlable in traffic back at shop
I am writing a complaint in reference to the already issued recall number 23v334, for the acadia's and their airbags. It states that if the remedy is not taken care of or whatever the wording about a timely manner, to reach out and this recall was issued in May after already being aware for some time, and now we are approaching the one-year Mark and they still have absolutely no remedy available for the Acadia and they are Slow Rolling each model out to save money. I am literally driving around with a ticking time bomb in front of my face with the potential to kill me according to its own wording and according to the own manufacturer reading back the identical wording while they're telling you that they have no option available there is no new airbag that they have worked on in the 8 plus months since recall, and there's literally nothing I can do to ensure my safety so I am officially lodging another complaint for the safety of this already known issue that is not been remedy and whereas there appears to be no active and serious engagement and producing something. This is completely unacceptable and something needs to be done about it as there are plenty of people out here with the same potential Hazard right in front of them each and every day they're entering this vehicle.
since this recall, in the last month my car now is telling me air bags need to be serviced. I am scared to drive in fear i get hit and the shards will erupt. This is a ticking time bomb. I get told by GMC parts are not available, then i get told they don't know what the fix is; Which one is it. i have asked them to give me a substantial Owners Loyalty compensation so i can get a new vehicle and they keep dragging their feet. I am not the only person in this but this is [XXX] right scary. Give us 7500K as compensation towards a new GM or Chevy vehicle. i need answers. i have spoken to them 9 times and have documented each call. this is over the last 5 -6 weeks. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I brought the car to the dealer due to an AIRBAG warning light on my dash. My VIN, regardless of identical issues to those noted in the dealer recalls, was not included in them. The items below were noted by the dealer as requiring immediate attention and estimated to cost $2,400. Current Mileage: 95,635 - AIRBAGS LR and RS Side Impact Sensor faulty. If not replaced the airbag system will not function correctly at the time of impact, preventing the airbags from deploying, and putting the passengers of the vehicle in harm's way. Warning light on dash alerts to sensor's invalid data from the sensor. - TAIL LIGHT casings fill with water causing an electrical short and the bulbs to burn out. This also causes a double-time ticking when you try the turn signal, alerting you to the issues.
The contact owns a 2010 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start without warning. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact was informed by an independent mechanic that the failure was due to the timing chain and rod bearings. The failure mileage was approximately 133,208.
At 86,000 miles, the engine needed to be replaced. Despite our regular maintenance and oil changes, the vehicle began to make a loud ticking sound. We immediately pulled into the nearest auto shop. We had two mechanics (had car towed for second opinion) say that the engine needed to be replaced.
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 gmc acadia denali. While the driver was placing the kids in the car seat, with the key removed from the ignition switch and the gear shifter in park, a ticking noise was heard. The vehicle rolled away and crashed into a pillar. The fuel tank ruptured and caused a fire. The vehicle was towed to a safe location. The driver suffered minor injuries and the passengers were uninjured. The driver required medical attention. A police report was filed. The manufacturer and the dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 gmc acadia. While driving 55 MPH, the vehicle failed to shift correctly and a knocking/grinding noise was heard coming from the transmission. The dealer was not aware of any transmission failures. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the wave plate failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Five days later, the manufacturer issued a recall for the transmission wave plate. Two years later, the wave plate failed again and the vehicle failed to shift into reverse, third gear, and fifth gear. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and instructed the contact to seek reimbursement; however, the manufacturer denied the claim, stating that the contact exceeded the vehicle/age stipulations for the recall repair/reimbursement. The vehicle was included in a recall, but the details were not provided. The failure mileage was unknown.
We've had electrical issues beginning about 2 years after buying the acadia. Currently the check engine light stays on. We had it checked at the dealership and were told that it was safe to drive. The problem was probably part of the electrical issues. Well, it wasn't. Now the steering is difficult (and locks up at low speed turns) and the stabilitrek message comes on. We took it back to the dealership today and have been told that we need to pay for repairs to service the brake system, stabilitrek message, replace the brake power booster and master cylinder, and repair the tire pressure system light and sensor. They think this may fix the steering issue, but if not then they'll look more into that! I know there are at least 195 service bulletins for this year model acadia. We bought it new. It's seven years old with low mileage. They said it isn't safe to drive except in town at low speeds. I feel like we're being given the run-around by gm via our dealership. It's never been in an accident (other than knocking off the side mirror upon exiting the garage), and it's not driven in a rough-shod manner. Ugh! I've owned several vehicles, new and used, and never had trouble like this. My daughter is the primary driver of the acadia, so safety is of the utmost importance.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the GMC Acadia knocking
Which GMC Acadia years have engine knocking or ticking problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2008 (4 complaints), 2009 (4 complaints) and 2010 (3 complaints).
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