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2008 GMC Acadia Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2008 GMC Acadia has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Power liftgate unexpected closing or falling.” 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.

Save this car as:

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 2008 GMC Acadia.

Reported to NHTSA

Power liftgate unexpected closing or falling

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

11 NHTSA complaints · 2017-03 → 2026-05

“Liftgate Malfunction: When rear liftgate is manually opened on vehicle, it continues to make a noise after it is completely opened. This noise sounds as though the liftgate is still in the process of opening. There is also an issue when closing the liftgate. Although it is”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11489021
“HAD THE VEHICLE IN THE GARAGE CLEANING IT OUT. HATCH WAS UP AND DOORS WERE OPEN. VEHICLE WAS NOT RUNNING. I WAS IN THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE PUTTING THE 2 BACK SEATS DOWN. I HAD 1 LEG INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND THE OTHER HANGING OUT OF THE BACK. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE BACK GATE CAME”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11052398
“MY LIFT GATE DOOR FELL AND HIT ME IN THE HEAD OUT OF NO WHERE AND MY CAR IS NOT ON THE LIST FOR THE RECALL FOR THAT EXACT PROBLEM. MY AIRBAG INDICATOR GOES OFF ALL THE TIME EVEN IF NO ONE IS IN THE FRONT SEAT. MY SPEEDOMETER BARELY WORKS, IT GOES COMPLETELY AROUND AND I CAN'T”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11258275

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering assist loss or lockup

STEERING

13 NHTSA complaints · 2017-03 → 2021-12

“I AM EXPERIENCING STEER LOSS WHEN AT LOW SPEEDS WHICH INVOLVE TURNING STREET CORNERS, PULLING AND OUT OF PARKING LOT SPACES AND ANY OTHER TIME A 90 DEGREE TURN IS REQUIRED (MOST OFTEN IN ANY CITY TRAVEL). THE STEERING BECOMES SO TIGHT IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT WIDER TURNS ARE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10992797
“2008 GMC ACADIA WITH INTERMITTENT LOSS OF POWER STEERING, I HAVE 112,396 MILES AND MY SUV AS WELL AS A LOT OF OTHERS PEOPLE ON THE INTERNET HAVE LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING. THIS WAS A SPECIAL COVERAGE AND THIS IS STILL HAPPING TO PEOPLE IN THESE VEHICLE BECAUSE THEY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11091353
“I JUST RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE AND THE SECOND DAY OF HAVING IT ME AND MY HUSBAND WERE DRIVING HOME AN THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED TO TURN ONTO ANOTHER ROAD AS WE FINALLY GOT THE STEERING WHEEL TO TURN THE POWER STEERING KICKED IN AN WAS MUCH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11183842

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Timing chain failure and engine stall

ENGINE

19 NHTSA complaints · 2017-03 → 2022-11

“I HAVE A 2008 ACADIA WHICH IS EQUIPPED WITH A TIMING CHAIN THAT HAS BEEN KNOWN BY GENERAL MOTORS TO PREMATURELY STRETCH AND FAIL, AND WHICH CAN CAUSE SERIOUS DAMAGE TO OTHER ENGINE COMPONENTS, AS WELL AS ACTIVATE CERTAIN SENSORS EITHER PREMATURELY OR NOT AT ALL. YOUR ENGINE AND”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10959915
“AS I WAS DRIVING TO PICK MY KIDS UP FROM SCHOOL, MY TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT COME ON INDICATING THAT MY TRACTION CONTROL WAS TURNED OFF. THEN THE STABLITRACK LIGHT CAME ON. I PULLED OVER BECAUSE MY VEHICLE FELT LIKE IT WAS MISSING AND ABOUT TO GO DEAD. I CUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10991829
“TIMING CHAIN WAS REPLACED ABOUT 3,000 MILES AGO. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED JUST MINUTES BEFORE EXITING ONTO THE HIGHWAY. I ACCELERATED TO A MAXIMUM OF 45MPH BEFORE THE ENGINE STARTED TO "PUTT" AND THEN I THOUGHT THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT ON THE VEHICLE, THE RPM SKYROCKETED, I”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11010567

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sunroof water intrusion into electrical components

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STRUCTURE

16 NHTSA complaints · 2017-02 → 2022-04

“DURING TIMES OF HEAVY RAIN OR WHEN DRIVING THROUGH A CAR WASH, WATER ENTERS VEHICLE INTERIOR. WATER CAN BE HEARD MOVING AROUND IN HEADLINER OF REAR WHILE VEHICLE BEING DRIVEN. WITH VEHICLE IN MOTION WATER CAN BE SEEN LEAKING OUT OF AIR BAG LABEL ON DRIVER SIDE PANEL BETWEEN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10956676
“2ND TIME TO DEALER FOR WATER LEAK FROM SUNROOF (THIS TIME FROM SUNROOF THAT DOES NOT OPEN). SOAKING WET PASSENGER FLOOR, FUSE BOX OPENED FROM WATER, WATER COMING FROM SIDE PILLARS. DIAGNOSIS LAST TIME WAS TUBES, THIS TIME WINDOW REPLACED AND ENTIRE ROOF SEALED. THIS IS SO”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10981171
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 GMC ACADIA. THE CONTACT NOTICED WATER LEAKING INTO THE VEHICLE FROM THE WINDSHIELD AND SUN ROOF, WHICH CAUSED THE RADIO, WIPER BLADES, AND TURN SIGNALS TO FAIL. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BATTERY WAS MOIST DUE TO THE WATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11097255

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Service air bag warning light

AIR BAGS

29 NHTSA complaints · 2017-04 → 2023-07

“CURRENT SYMPTOM: SERVICE AIRBAG MESSAGE COMES ON PERIODICALLY WHEN DRIVING. THE LIGHT GOES OFF WHEN I TIGHTEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG WIRE HARNESSES. THE NEW FIX PER RECALL BULLETIN NO. 14030B: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WIRING HARNESS CONNECTORS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11063686
“THE VEHICLE'S AIRBAG READINESS LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE AND/OR A 'SERVICE AIR BAG' MESSAGE WILL APPEAR IN VEHICLE'S DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER, THE AIRBAG TOGGLES OFF AND ON WHEN I HAVE A FRONT SEAT PASSENGER. I FOUND THE FOLLOWING ON YOUR WEBSITE: 15536 - SPECIAL COVERAGE. CERTAIN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11195336
“MY WIFE FELL ASLEEP RAN OFF THE ROAD STRUCK A UTILITY POLE AND A LARGE DIRT EMBANKMENT. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY NOR DID THE BELT TENSIONERS,SHE HIT THE STEERING COLUMN SO HARD SHE IT BROKE THE COLUMN AND BROKE HER STERNUM. OUR GRANDDAUGHTER WAS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11066850

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

StabiliTrak and traction control warning light

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

11 NHTSA complaints · 2017-08 → 2024-10

“WHEN I ACCELERATE AND GET TO 40 MPH THE CAR BEGINS TO SHAKE RANDOMLY, INTERMITTENTLY. THEN THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, THEN THE TRACTION CONTROL SHUT OFF AND THE LIGHT TO SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL CAME ON THEN THE CAR DROP THE SPEED FROM 60 MPH TO 10-20 MPH! WHEN I TRIED TO”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11015656
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 GMC ACADIA. WHEN THE CONTACT OPENED ANY OF THE VEHICLE DOORS, THE INTERIOR LIGHTING FLICKERED ON AND OFF. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STABILITRAK AND SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT ALSO”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11282686
“AS I WAS DRIVING TO PICK MY KIDS UP FROM SCHOOL, MY TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT COME ON INDICATING THAT MY TRACTION CONTROL WAS TURNED OFF. THEN THE STABLITRACK LIGHT CAME ON. I PULLED OVER BECAUSE MY VEHICLE FELT LIKE IT WAS MISSING AND ABOUT TO GO DEAD. I CUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10991829

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)

55 crashes 1990–2024

How the 55 occupant deaths break down

35

driver deaths

20

passenger deaths

55

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2011 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.

22

complaints mentioning a crash

13

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 2008 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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