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2007 GMC Acadia Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2007 GMC Acadia has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Automatic transmission wave-plate failure and slipping.” GMC trucks and SUVs use the GM Oil Life System (OLS) — the same algorithm as Chevrolet. Because GMC's lineup is exclusively trucks and SUVs, severe-service intervals apply to most owners (towing, hauling, off-roading). The schedule below surfaces the items most relevant to GMC's truck-focused buyer.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2007 GMC Acadia.

Reported to NHTSA

Automatic transmission wave-plate failure and slipping

POWER TRAIN

81 NHTSA complaints · 2013-10 → 2021-08

“UPON ENTERING THE HIGHWAY THE 2007 ACADIA WOULD NOT SHIFT EITHER INTO OR OUT OF 3RD GEAR, I'M NOT SURE. I COULD NOT TELL WHAT WAS HAPPENING AND WHEN I DETERMINED THIS WAS NOT GOING TO CORRECT ITSELF I EXITED THE HIGHWAY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10723681
“OUR 2007 GMC ACADIA BEGAN SLIPPING AND STUTTER STEPPING IN REVERSE. IF ON A HILL IT WAS VERY NOTICEABLE AND FELT LIKE YOU WERE SLIPPING ON ICE BEFORE REVERSE GEAR WOULD ENGAGE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10651888
“10/27/2014 - 2007 GMC ACADIA TRANSMISSION SLIPS CONTINUALLY UNTIL IT HAD A COMPLETE FAILURE AT 111,000. I CALLED GM AND OPENED CLAIM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10651044

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sunroof and door water leaks causing electrical failures

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

23 NHTSA complaints · 2014-04 → 2024-11

“THE ACADIA HAD A RECALL ON THE SUNROOF FOR LEAKING LARGE AMOUNTS OF WATER INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11003782
“WE HAVE HAD WATER LEAKING IN THROUGH OUR THIRD ROW LIGHTS, AND THROUGH THE 3RD ROW SEAT BELTS, AND UNDER THE DASH WHEN IT RAINS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10789891
“WATER ON THE PASSENGER AND DRIVERS SIDE FLOOR CAUSING MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL ISSUES. VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON MY DRIVEWAY. RAIN OVERNIGHT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10786470

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Passenger air bag sensor and warning light faults

AIR BAGS

32 NHTSA complaints · 2014-03 → 2024-12

“PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG/ THE DEFECTIVEAIR BAG SENSOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT WILL NOT TURN ON THE AIR BAG WHEN A PARSON IS IN THAT SEAT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10935620
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2007 GMC ACADIA. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH FROM A STOP SIGN, A SPEEDING VEHICLE CRASHED HEAD-ON INTO THE FRONT CENTER OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10959190
“AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT (PASSENGER SIDE) STAYS ON. INITIALLY LIGHT WOULD STAY ON FOR A FEW MOMENTS. GRADUALLY WITHIN A FEW DAYS IT BECAME CONSTANT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10855630

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering loss at low speed and in rain

STEERING

23 NHTSA complaints · 2014-01 → 2020-08

“THE 2007 GMC ACADIA AND OTHER VEHICLES BUILT ON THE LAMBDA PLATFORM ARE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. THESE VEHICLES INTERMITTENTLY LOOSE POWER STEERING DURING THE RAIN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10632110
“WHILE ROUNDING A HIGHWAY OFF RAMP, POWER STEERING GOT EXTREMELY STIFF. THERE WERE NO OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE SYSTEM PRIOR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10578465
“I WAS DRIVING HOME AND AS I WAS MAKING A SLOW TURN INTO MY DRIVEWAY THE POWER STEERING ALL OF THE SUDDEN CUT OUT AND I SLID OFF THE ROAD AND INTO A DITCH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10825407

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine compartment fire while driving or parked

ENGINE

6 NHTSA complaints · 2015-01 → 2023-07

“MY 2007 GMC ACADIA SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING. NO WARNING LIGHTS AND OR NOTIFICATIONS CAME ON. MY CAR BEGAN TO FILL WITH SMOKE FROM THE FLOORBOARD AND SMOKE CAME FROM THE HOOD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11405586
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 GMC ACADIA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, SMOKE WAS PRESENT UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER STOPPING THE VEHICLE, FLAMES WERE PRESENT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11164610
“The contact owned a 2007 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, she heard an abnormal noise and the AC vent started to blow out hot air. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11446348

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power liftgate closing or failing to open

STRUCTURE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2015-10 → 2019-04

“TAILGATE GOES UP THEN SUDDENLY REVERSES AND HITS ME ON TOP OF HEAD. WORSE IN COOLER WEATHER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11202560
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 GMC ACADIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE REAR LIFTGATE WAS OPENED, THE LIFTGATE CLOSED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED AN ARM INJURY THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10786117
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 GMC ACADIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIFEGATE FAILED TO OPEN. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10785291

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Daytime running light housing melting

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

5 NHTSA complaints · 2014-05 → 2019-12

“DAYTIME RUNNING LAMP ON DRIVERS SIDE IS HEATING AND MELTING THE HOUSING CAUSING A RISK FOR A FIRE!”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11290203
“BOTH DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS HAVE MELTED THE BULB SOCKETS AND THE BULB HOUSING. THE SOCKETS HAVE MELTED SO BAD THAT YOU CANNOT REMOVE THE BULB AND THE HOUSING HAS MELTED SO BAD THAT THE HOUSING WILL NO LONGER HOLD THE BULB IN PLACE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10816308
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 GMC ACADIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS WERE CONTINUOUSLY BURNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE BULB WAS OVERHEATING CAUSING THE HOUSING TO MELT ON BOTH THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10586032

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (per Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change oil when OLS reaches 0% or every 12 months. dexos1-approved synthetic required on Sierra 1500 5.3L/6.2L; dexos2 specified on Duramax diesel.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Sierra and Yukon owners running 4x4 should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Towing accelerates pad wear by 30-50%; check more often if towing regularly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

DOT 3 brake fluid: test annually, replace when moisture exceeds 3% or fluid is darker than copper.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

Long-life cellulose filter rated 45,000 miles. Trucks driven on unpaved roads or construction sites should inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Severe service (towing 5,000+ lbs regularly, heavy stop-and-go): every 45,000 miles. Normal: 97,500 miles. Use Dexron-VI for 6L80/6L90, Mobil 1 LV ATF HP for 10L80/10L1000.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 45,000 mi

On 4WD models, replace every 45,000 miles. Use GM Auto-Trak II for active 4WD; GM 9986115 for selectable 4WD.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Differential Fluid (front + rear)

Every 50,000 mi

Replace front and rear axle fluid every 50,000 miles, or 25,000 miles if towing. G80 limited-slip rear axles require GM friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs on the L83/L84 5.3L and L86/L87 6.2L V8 are rated 100,000 miles. AFM/DFM cylinder deactivation can cause uneven plug wear — check at 75,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Dex-Cool Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Dex-Cool (orange): first change at 150,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000. Duramax diesel uses ELC (red) — different chemistry, do not mix.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 22,500 miles. Sierra HD and Yukon XL owners in dusty work environments should replace at 15,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

18 crashes 1990–2024

How the 18 occupant deaths break down

12

driver deaths

6

passenger deaths

18

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2007 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

13

complaints mentioning a crash

7

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2007 GMC Acadia reflects GMC's published service intervals and the Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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