GMC · Acadia · 2021
2021 GMC Acadia
2
Recalls
135
Complaints
5/5
Safety Rating
The 2021 GMC Acadia has 2 recalls and 135 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: fuel/propulsion system (15 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 28, 2026
Research Context
The 2021 GMC Acadia page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most prominent complaint area is fuel/propulsion system with 15 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to understand what owners were actually reporting instead of relying only on the raw complaint total.
- Review the recall section even if the total is smaller, because a limited number of recalls can still point to meaningful safety actions.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2021 GMC Acadia currently shows 2 NHTSA recalls listed on this page and 135 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows 5/5 overall NHTSA safety rating.
- The most frequently reported complaint categories on this page are fuel/propulsion system (15), engine (11), service brakes (10).
- Vehicle
- 2021 GMC Acadia
- Recalls
- 2
- Complaints
- 135
- Safety Rating
- 5/5
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Crash Test Performance
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
16.4% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: OptionalLane Departure Warning: Optional
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 22V709000September 22, 2022
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with the optional Surround Vision feature. The rearview camera coaxial cable connectors may have been crimped improperly, causing the rearview camera to fail or function intermittently.
Remedy Status
Dealers will replace the coaxial cables, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 18, 2023. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222378380.
NHTSA ID: 21V422000June 03, 2021
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The fuel supply lines may be improperly attached and seated.
Remedy Status
Dealers will inspect and replace fuel supply lines as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212335590.
Owner Complaints
135 totalSERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Mar 27, 2026
On March 27, 2026, I experienced a complete brake failure while driving a 2021 GMC Acadia in a school zone at approximately 3:00 PM. When I pressed the brake pedal, the vehicle did not respond. I attempted multiple times, including using the emergency brake, which did not activa...
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ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Mar 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the coolant fan was running after the engine was turned off. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone to be diagnosed due to the c...
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STEERING
Mar 4, 2026
My vehicle’s steering became dangerously stiff while driving on the highway, nearly causing my wife to be involved in a serious accident. While she was traveling on I-95 in Miami, Florida, the steering suddenly got so hard that she could barely control the vehicle and was unable ...
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ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Mar 3, 2026
Car has had multiple issues with check engine light coming on for the last 2 years and stays on especially during the winter months. The purge pump has failed multiple times. The cooling fan has run after engine shutting off for multiple years now. The thermostat has been fail...
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ENGINE
Feb 18, 2026
Car was taken in for an oil change at 62k Miles. Dealer advised that it needed a radiator replaced. At 64k miles it was brought into the dealer for warranty work due to a failing thermostat. While being diagnosed, we were told not only the radiator needed to be replaced, but the ...
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FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Feb 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle started running rough before the vehicle stalled. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to restart. There was no warning illuminated. The veh...
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ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jan 31, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2021 GMC Acadia. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was approximately 29,000. The contact attempted to trade in the vehicle, and the purchasin...
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FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Jan 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle started, and the contact exited the vehicle and ran into the house for a while. The contact stated that while reentering the vehicle, the contact noticed that the check engine wa...
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UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jan 3, 2026
My car suddenly out of the blue started overheating. By the time I could get stopped safely and turn the car off the engine fan kept running to try to cool it down. I’ve never had any issues with my car. It only has 47,000 miles on it. I now have to have it towed to a mechanic sh...
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POWER TRAIN
Nov 30, 2025
Had vehicles looked at twice and serviced once for the transmission slipping. No issues were found when looked at and light was deleted. Took to another mechanic who drained and refilled transmission. Transmission still slips after service. This happens at acceleration and contin...
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Showing 10 recent complaints from 135 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2021 GMC models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
More GMC Acadia Years
2022 GMC AcadiaCompare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.3r44c2020 GMC AcadiaCompare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.6r86c2023 GMC AcadiaCompare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.4r37c2019 GMC AcadiaCompare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.2r354c2024 GMC AcadiaCompare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.51c2018 GMC AcadiaCompare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.2r372c
Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2021 GMC Acadia have?
The 2021 GMC Acadia has 2 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2021 GMC Acadia?
NHTSA has received 135 owner-reported complaints for the 2021 GMC Acadia.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2021 GMC Acadia?
The 2021 GMC Acadia received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 GMC Acadia?
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2021 GMC Acadia are fuel/propulsion system (15 reports), engine (11 reports), service brakes (10 reports).
Does the 2021 GMC Acadia have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 2 recalls on record for the 2021 GMC Acadia. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check Another Vehicle
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.