There are 33 owner-reported electrical system complaints for the 2013 GMC Acadiain NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
My 2013 GMC ACADIA started fire on April 9, 2024 around 11PM in the driveway of our home. The vehicle was parked and off. The vehicle wasn’t used during the day. The last day of use was on April 8, 2024 around 6PM. The fire department stated it was potentially an electrical fire within the engine of the vehicle.
Battery saver mode activated dinged then car talked to me. I've replaced the alternator and brand new battery.....car battery draining FAST n only pulling 11.03 volts when it's supposed hit 14.5-15.5volts. Also air bag lite is on saying service airbag. I've only had the car 3 months....bought it from a dealer march 13th n till 2-3 days ago been working fine. Now saying service air bag n battery saver mode activated. I have no clue to this .....I'm lost after replacing the battery n alternator.
Car had sat most of the day. By approximately 2:30CST, we decided to go do a little shopping. We drove about 1 mile and the dash displayed "check battery charging system". My husband assumed it was the alternator going out so we turned around swapped vehicles. Probably 45 mins after swapping vehicles I received a call stating my vehicle was up in flames.
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 SERVICE SIDE DETECTION SYSTEM HAS APPEARED IN THE DIC DUE TO WATER INTRUSION IN THE SENSORS. THEY WERE ORIGINALLY REPLACED PER THE TSB16-NA-178 IN APRIL OF 2019. THE ISSUE HAS SINCE RE-OCCURRED 2/18/21 WHILE DRIVING, WHICH JEOPARDIZES MY SAFETY. I ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT THIS MAY LEAD TO ADDITIONAL ELECTRICAL ISSUES AND MAY CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO ENTER LIMP MODE.
DRIVER SIDE DETECTION BLIND ZONE, INTERMITTENTLY COMES ON, THEN AFTER SEVERAL DAYS JUST STOPPED WORKING, I REPLACE THE BLIND ZONE MODULE LOCATED UNDER REAR BUMPER, IT WORKED FINE FOR A WEEK AND THEN SHOWS SERVICE SIDE DETECTION SYSTEM, AND BOTH SIDES BLIND LIGHTS ON MIRRORS DON'T WORK, ALL THIS HAPPENED WHILE THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING
On 02/10/2022 my side warning detection monitors are both activated/lit up intrmittently while parked or driving indicating faulty operation and therefore replacement. The vehicle has around 120K miles so out of any warranty. But this will be the third or fourth time ( not original ow er so dealer has records) that this has happened. Last time in December 2020 I had an extended warranty that covered the passenger module but was not the "improved" module with some type of casing to address the corrosion causing the failures as they wanted an extra $3-400 for that part. Why they still manufacture the bad part is interesting since they have recognized they have a pro lem with the older part. Have seen other complaints that not fixing these can result in other electrical failures that can be dangerous even an electrical fire was reported from this. Obviously I feel the issue is widespread enough for a blanket recall beyond the one issued for 6 y3ears or 80K miles.
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that intermittently, the vehicle was difficult to start. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light and the traction control warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the alternator, the stabilizer, starter, ignition switch, the door panel, the axle, the matt sensor, the canister valve, gas cap, and power master window switch was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The mechanic determined that the failure was related to the fuse box. The contact used a diagnostic scanner to scan the vehicle but was unable to retrieve any diagnostic trouble codes. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall related to the electrical system. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the vehicle was intermittently difficult to start. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The check engine and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the alternator, stabilizer, starter, ignition switch, door panel, axle, MAP sensor, canister valve, gas cap, and power master window switch were replaced. The mechanic determined that the failure was related to the fuse box. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall related to the electrical system. The contact used a diagnostic scanner to scan the vehicle but was unable to retrieve any diagnostic trouble codes. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
THE SIDE BLIND ZONE DETECTION SYSTEM BECAME DEFECTIVE, FROM DEFECTIVE MODULES DAMAGED FROM THE ELEMENTS. THIS CAUSES MANY ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS TO BECOME DISABLED AND EVEN DISABLES THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY. THERE IS A SPECIAL WARRANTY BUT ONLY UP TO 80,000 MILES. MY VEHICLE IS BEYOND THAT. IT IS STILL EXTREMELY DANGEROUS FOR MANY GM CUSTOMERS AND REPLACEMENT PARTS AND LABOR SHOULD BE COVERED FOR ALL!
FIRST IT STARTED WITH THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS STAYING ON HOURS AFTER VEHICLE IS SHUT OFF THEN IT WENT TO PARKING LIGHTS STAYING ON AS WELL AND NOW THE DRIVER SIDE LIGHTS ARE OUT INCLUDING LISCENCE PLATE LIGHTS NOTHING WORKS BUT THE HEADLIGHT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC ACADIA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE 'SERVICE SIDE DETECTION SYSTEM', 'LOW VOLTAGE' AND 'TRACTION CONTROL' MESSAGES SUDDENLY DISPLAYED BEFORE THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER RESTARTED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.
SIDE VIEW INDICATOR LIGHTS ARE CONSTANTLY ON, DISRUPTED BY WATER INTRUSION INTO THE SENSORS. INITIAL RECALL STOPPED AT 80,000 MILES. THE LIGHTS CONSTANTLY BEING ON ARE A HAZARD AT NIGHT AS THERE IS INDIRECT LIGHT AFFECTING MY VISION AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. ADDITIONALLY, THE MIRRORS ARE LOOKED AT DIRECTLY WHILE DRIVING AND THE FACT THAT THE INDICATOR LIGHTS ARE ALWAYS ON MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO VIEW THE MIRRORS AT NIGHT. I HAVE NEARLY CAUSED >10 ACCIDENTS DUE TO THIS.
WHEN STARTING MY ENGINE, IT ROLLS OVER AND STARTS BUT CONTINUES TO CRANK/TURN (EVEN AFTER IT HAS STARTED).
WIPERS TURN OFF IF BLINKER ON AND ONLY WORK ON HIGH
SIDE DETECTION MODULE IS A WARRANTY RECALL BY GM AND THEY WILL NOT REPLACE THE PART DUE TO MILEAGE. I WAS NEVER INFORMED OF THE RECALL BY GM SO THEY SHOULD HONOR THEIR RECALL.
GM IS IN NON COMPLIANCE WITH GLOBAL SAFETY FIELD INVESTIGATIONS DCS5011 ...D&S MOTORS RUGBY ND [A GM DEALER] STATES THEY CAN NOT GET THE KIT-ACADIA MY 2013-14 PART NO. 84651473 ---- MY VEHICLE REQUIRED REPAIR WITHIN THAT EXTENDED WARRANTY TIME FROM. I AM NOW ON MY 3RD FAILED BECAUSE OF WATER INTRUSION , THE NEW WIRING HARNSS IS SUPPOSE TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM AND SUPPOSE TO HAVE BEEN INSTALLED AT NO COST TO THE CUSTOMER. THEY FIGURE THEY JUST CAN NOT GET IT AND THAT'S IT, THEY ARE DONE WITH ME! THEY STATE EVEN TODAY THEY CAN NOT GET THE KIT--THEY HAVE THEM FOR OTHER VEHICLES, BUT NOT MINE--I KNOW I WILL HAVE ANOTHER FAILER DOWN THE ROAD--YOUR PAPER SAYS IT IS URGENT --YES, IT ISW AS A LOT OF THINGS GO WACKY WHEN IT GOES! GM PAPER SAYS SPECIALCOVERAGE ADJUSTMENT N172097060 SIDE BLIND ZONE? HELP?
AFTER THE "SERVICE BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM" ANNOUNCEMENT, MY HUSBAND WENT ONLINE TO FIND I PROBABLY NEEDED A NEW BATTERY. I DROVE A FEW BLOCKS AND HAD THE BATTERY/ALTERNATOR TESTED (THEY WERE FINE). WHEN DRIVING HOME THE VEHICLE ENTERED LOW POWER MODE. MANY SYSTEMS STARTED TURNING OFF: RADIO, HEATER, STABILITY, TRACTION, ABS, SPEEDOMETER, AND THE VEHICLE STARTED CHUGGING. BY NOW I WAS ON A PORTION OF THE HIGHWAY THAT WAS RURAL AND TRYING TO MAKE IT TO CLOSEST MECHANIC. HOWEVER, THE CAR LOST POWER/TURNED OFF. WITH THIS WAS LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND I LET IT COAST TO THE FURTHEST/SAFEST SPOT. I'VE READ OTHERS LOST POWER BRAKING, BUT I LET IT COAST SO FAR THAT I WOULDN'T KNOW. THE CAR LOST POWER TO THE POINT MY 4-WAY FLASHERS WOULDN'T WORK. I'VE PAID A TOW BILL AND HAVE NO IDEA WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN. VERY, VERY FRUSTRATED AND DISAPPOINTED. PLEASE KNOW ONE HOUR ELAPSED BETWEEN MY BATTERY/ALTERNATOR BEING TESTED AND THE CAR DYING ON THE HIGHWAY (I STOPPED QUICK FOR GROCERIES).
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC ACADIA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE LIGHT ON THE SIDE VIEW MIRROR ILLUMINATED WITHOUT WARNING AND CAUSED THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND INTERIOR LIGHTING TO BLACK OUT. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND LIGHTING RETURNED TO NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS, INCLUDING CHAMPION BUICK GMC (855-587-3503, LOCATED AT 7885 GRAND RIVER AVE, BRIGHTON, MI 48114). THE DEALER STATED THAT SINCE THE VEHICLE HAD MORE THAN 80,000 MILES, IT WOULD NOT BE REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND AGREED WITH THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 82,000.
I PURCHASED A 2013 GMC ACADIA FROM CAR MAX ON FEBRUARY 16TH OF THIS YEAR. AFTER 3 WEEKS THE BATTERY WAS COMPLETELY DEAD, BUT CAR MAX REIMBURSED THE COST TO REPLACE. FAST FORWARD TO MAY 24TH...AS I TRY TO LEAVE FROM WORK THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE DASH DISPLAYED SEVERAL MESSAGES: REDUCED ENGINE POWER, STABILITRAK OFF, AND BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO TIRE KINGDOM AND THE DIAGNOSIS WAS A BAD FUEL PUMP/FUEL PUMP MODULE. THE PART WAS REPLACED AND COMPUTER RESET. ALL WAS WELL FOR 3 DAYS AND THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED INCLUDING A DEAD BATTERY! I DROVE THE VEHICLE APPROXIMATELY THREE MORE DAYS BEFORE THE SAME ISSUE HAPPENED AGAIN. THIS TIME, I HAD IT TOWED TO THE GMC DEALERSHIP. THEY HAD MY VEHICLE FROM JUNE 5TH- JUNE 12TH AND EVEN THOUGH THEY RECEIVED 6 ERROR CODES, THEY STATED IT WAS THE BATTERY (THE SAME ONE REPLACED IN FEBRUARY AND WAS RECHARGED A WEEK PRIOR). I WAS SURE THAT WASN'T THE ONLY PROBLEM, BUT THEY WERE CONFIDENT IT WAS. I HAD TO PAY $508 OUT OF POCKET FOR BATTERY/ DIAGNOSTIC BECAUSE MY WARRANTY ONLY COVERS THE DIAGNOSTIC WITH REPAIRS. ALL SEEMED WELL FOR 3 DAYS. THIS TIME AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE AND REACHING MY DESTINATION THE TRUCK WOULD NOT SHUT OFF! I IMMEDIATELY CALLED GMC (CEL ILLUMINATED) AND AFTER 10 MINUTES THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. I TOOK IT TO THEM THE NEXT DAY AND THEY STARTED IT HAD A BAD FUES BLOCK. THEY REPAIRED IT, BUT 8 DAYS LATER THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T START AGAIN! ON JULY 2ND IT WAS TAKEN TO A SHOP FOR THE 6TH TIME! THIS TIME THEY ARE SAYING IT IS THE ECM. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE MY HUSBAND'S 2003 GMC YUKON HAS 286,000 MILES AND LITTLE THINGS ARE STARTING TO GO. IRONICALLY IT HAS BEEN MORE RELIABLE THAN THIS 2013!! I HAVE ONLY HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR 4 MONTHS AND HAVE ALREADY PAID OUT OVER $1000 IN REPAIRS/DEDUCTABLES. WHAT A NIGHTMARE!
Showing 1–20 of 33 complaints
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on Apr 25, 2026