This page covers 3 recalls, 269 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2011 GMC Acadia.
19 mpg combined
12.4 L/100km
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Steering complaints dominate the 2011 GMC Acadia's owner reports, with many drivers describing loss of power assist, stiff or unresponsive steering, and in some cases the steering locking up or requiring significant force to turn. Exterior lighting is the second most-reported area, where owners frequently describe headlights failing prematurely or flickering, with some noting burned-out low-beam bulbs requiring repeated replacement. Engine complaints round out the top three, covering issues like stalling, rough running, and coolant-related problems. A recurring theme across multiple reports involves a cooling fan relay under the hood running hot, which owners say melts the relay socket and damages the fuse box, leading to broader electrical problems. Scattered reports also mention the airbag warning light illuminating without a prior collision and transmission shudder linked to the torque converter.
269
Total Complaints
8
Crash-Related
10
Fire-Related
9
With Injuries
By System
The 2011 GMC Acadia has 3 recalls, the most serious being an unsecured liftgate that can fall without warning and strike anyone standing behind the vehicle, and side curtain airbags that may not be properly attached and can fail to protect occupants in a crash.
The liftgate issue affects vehicles where the gas struts that hold the hatch open lose their holding force, allowing the door to drop suddenly on whoever is loading or unloading the cargo area. The airbag concern involves side curtain bags that were not correctly fastened to their mounting points, meaning they may not deploy properly or stay in position during a side impact or rollover, reducing protection for anyone seated along that side of the cabin. There is also a visibility concern limited to vehicles registered in northern and midwestern states where road salt and winter conditions are common: the wiper linkage can corrode and seize, causing the wipers to stop mid-sweep or fail entirely in rain or snow and leaving the driver with a largely obstructed windshield.
At a glance
What can fail
The side curtain air bags may not be properly attached due to weld nut issues, which could prevent them from deploying correctly in a side-impact crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the side curtain air bag weld nuts and realign or replace them as needed at no charge to you.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The gas struts that hold the power liftgate open may wear prematurely, causing the liftgate to suddenly fall when open.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the power liftgate motor control software to prevent rapid closing of the liftgate.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Snow or ice buildup on the windshield or wiper can restrict wiper arm movement, causing the arm to loosen and the wiper to stop working.
What the fix does
Dealers will tighten the wiper arm nuts at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
