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
GMC Acadia misfire problems
28 of the 5,599 owner complaints about the GMC Acadia describe misfire or rough idle, most of them for the 2009 model year.
- owner complaints
- 28
- worst model year
- 2009
- typical mileage
- 90,000
By model year
- 20241
- 20211
- 20201
- 20173
- 20151
- 20143
- 20123
- 20111
- 20102
- 20098
- 20083
- 20071
Often reported together
Check engine light 12Stalling 4Fuel pump 4Hesitation 3Loss of power 2Headlights 2Fire or smoke 2Airbag light 2
Trouble codes mentioned
P0008 1
What owners say
We have experienced multiple recurring issues with our 2024 GMC Acadia that raise significant safety concerns and affect the vehicle’s reliability and overall operation. First, the brake system exhibits persistent squeaking, even at low speeds or light applications. The dealership has inspected the brakes but the noise continues, raising concerns about premature wear or improper brake function. More concerning is the behavior of the automatic braking system while reversing. The system has repeatedly activated the brakes without any obstacle, vehicle, or person behind us. These unexpected braking events have created both physical and psychological stress for occupants and pose a real risk of causing a rear-end collision from another driver who may not anticipate sudden braking. Due to this hazardous condition, we have been forced to deactivate the automatic braking feature entirely, defeating a critical safety system the vehicle is equipped with. Additionally, the engine frequently runs rough during cold start and the initial warm-up period for the first couple of minutes. This rough operation is inconsistent with expected behavior for a new vehicle and has not been fully resolved despite service visits. The TPMS sensors have also been problematic. Several sensors have already been replaced by the dealership, yet we continue to experience intermittent TPMS faults involving at least two wheels. This results in repeated warnings, loss of real-time tire data, and uncertainty about actual tire pressure conditions while driving. We also experience rattling noises from the interior trim near the door seals whenever there is a cross breeze or windy driving conditions. This appears to be a structural or insulation-related issue. We have others, but this space only allows for 2000 characters, and after writing this sentence, there are only 113 characters remaining.
Violent shifting in the transaxle when vehicle is shifting between lowers gears. Transaxle causing a shuddering vibration on inclines. It feels like the engine is misfiring, but it is the torque converter/transmission/transaxle failing.
Vehicle engine shuts off randomly while driving, car goes into neutral, and I have to stop and try to restart it. Sometimes, the vehicle struggles to start up and requires multiple attempts before being able to drive again. The engine then misfires, the car shakes aggressively, and engine will shuts off again 1-2 more times before it will start smoothly. This is obviously a safety issue as it happens while driving and could lead to a major collision. Been to the dealership multiple times. First time, the dealership was unable to find anything wrong and could not replicate the problem. The problem continued to happen and returned to dealership where they replaced the purge valve in the fuel system. Problem started occurring again and returned to dealership. Dealership kept vehicle for a week and was unable to replicate the problem. Showed the dealership a video of the problem and they replaced the fuel pump control module. A few weeks out from the fuel pump control module replacement and the car shut off twice while driving to work.
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the parking brake, TPMS, and the stabili-trak warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an undisclosed dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake sensor failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine misfired. The air bag warning light then illuminated. The contact later received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. An undisclosed dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Airbag light on 24/7, ABS malfunction traction control system turns off randomly, wiper blade fluid not spraying (front, rear) engine misfire on idle, clear/white smoke from hood and burning smell.
Looking into a check engine light I found I had a misfire in a few cylinders. Looking into it I found oil in my spark plug tubes, my coils were perfectly dry and the top of the tubes were dry as well. Looking into this issue I found multiple tsb forms for the issue stating there was a manufacture defect in the head. It says it effects all vins for all years as they use the same engine.
I have 2 ongoing issues, 1st is the car will be driving fine then get a check engine light and have a code for cylinder misfire. Car was at dealer multiple times with issue and could not duplicate while under extended warranty. Mysteriously the intake has to come apart and be reworked since the warranty expired, and still has same issues. The 2nd and more concerning issue is the power steering. Initially took in and told the rack and pinion needs changed. Still had same issue and told power steering now needs to be changed, so we did. Sound and still stiff after 2 racks and 2 pumps. Mechanic refused to work it again. Took to dealer yesterday. Says needs new power steering pump. So dealer took for a test drive and said it's still doing it and needs another rack and pinion. At what point is gmc that has a known safety issue with steering going to fix this issue. I can't keep throwing money at this thing and I can't feel unsafe in it. What can I do?
While driving coming to our destination stop, at bout 1000ft left, my 2014 acadia just started shaking, and misfiring and losing power. On the steering column, the notification states, traction system light came on, and check engine light. We then came to a complete stop and put in park, then started driving again and went off after 2-3 minutes. Then powered off and check engine light remains, and others off.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 gmc acadia. The contact stated that at start-up, the engine misfire with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer to be diagnosed. The mechanic stated that the timing chain needed to be replaced. A secondary independent mechanic confirmed the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the GMC Acadia misfire
Which GMC Acadia years have misfire or rough idle problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2009 (8 complaints), 2008 (3 complaints) and 2012 (3 complaints).
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used GMC Acadia?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history