Wrench.Pro

2011 Gmc Acadia Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2011 Gmc Acadia carries 5 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering critical fasteners and seat belts. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Transmission shudder or 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.

5 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

AIR BAGS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

Campaign #21V246000 · Aug 4, 2021

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2015, 2017 Buick Enclave, 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2011-2016 GMC Acadia vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not be properly attached.

Risk: Unsecured side curtain air bags may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, realign or replace the weld nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 24, 2021. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N202321200.

SEAT BELTS

Campaign #14V266000 · May 20, 2014

Issue: General Motors is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured April 14, 2008, through May 14, 2014, Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured June 6, 2008, through May 14, 2014, and GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured April 9, 2008, through May 14, 2014, and 2009-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles manufactured April 14, 2008, through March 18, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the flexible steel cable that connects the seatbelt to the front outboard seating positions may fatigue and separate over time.

Risk: If the steel cable becomes fatigued and separates, the seatbelt may not properly restrain the seat occupant increasing the risk of an injury in a crash.

Fix: General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, repair and replace the lap pretensioner, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. An interim notice will be mailed to owners in July 2014. A second notice will be mailed to owners once parts become available. The recall for the 2009-2010 model years began on July 11, 2014. The interim letter for the 2011-2014 model years were distributed on July 11, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-462-8782 (GMC), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). General Motors recall number for this campaign is 14187.

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE

Campaign #15V415000 · Jun 30, 2015

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured January 3, 2007, to February 29, 2012, 2009-2012 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured July 6, 2008, to March 9, 2012, 2007-2012 GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured September 15, 2006, to February 29, 2012, and 2007-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles manufactured August 17, 2006, to March 18, 2010. The affected vehicles, equipped with the power liftgate option, have gas struts that hold the power liftgate up when open. These struts may prematurely wear and the open liftgate may suddenly fall.

Risk: If the open liftgate unexpectedly falls, it may strike a person, increasing their risk of injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the power liftgate actuator motor control unit so that the motor will prevent the rapid closing of the lift gate, free of charge. The recall began on November 15, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 15240.

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

Campaign #14V118000 · Mar 17, 2014

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia and 2009-2013 Chevrolet Traverse and 2008-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the driver and passenger seat mounted side impact air bag (SIAB) wiring harnesses may result in the SIAB and seat belt pretensioners not deploying in the event of a crash.

Risk: Failure of the side impact air bags and seat belt pretensioners to deploy in a crash increase the risk of injury to the driver and front seat occupant.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected harness connections with soldered connections, free of charge. The recall began on June 16, 2014. Buick owners may contact the owner center at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet owners at 1-866-694-6546, Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, and GMC owners at 1-866-996-9463. GM's number for this recall is 14030. Note: Vehicles repaired as part of Customer Satisfaction Campaign 10085 and special coverage 10335 have already had the subject condition repaired and therefore are not included in the safety recall.

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES

Campaign #12V151000 · Sep 4, 2012

Issue: GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE, BUICK ENCLAVE, AND GMC ACADIA VEHICLES CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN ALASKA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, UTAH, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, WYOMING AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. SNOW OR ICE BUILDUP ON THE WINDSHIELD OR ON THE WIPER MAY RESTRICT THE MOVEMENT OF THE WIPER ARM, CAUSING THE WIPER ARM TO LOOSEN AND CAUSE THE WIPER TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Risk: IF THIS OCCURS, DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Fix: GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE WIPER ARM NUTS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 20, 2012.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2011 Gmc Acadia.

Reported to NHTSA

Transmission shudder or slipping

POWER TRAIN

9 NHTSA complaints · 2016-12 → 2025-03

“While driving down the road, transmission will shudder and have difficulty maintaining constant speed. This is especially dangerous while merging on to the highway. It is searching for the gear to be in while rpms are fluctuating”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11447207
“THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING AND AS I GOT OFF THE EXIT FOR DAYTONA THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT I BARELY MADE IT TO MY RENTAL. I HAD NO EXTRA MONEY AND CAN NOT RENT A CAR BECAUSE I HAVE NO MAJOR CREDUT CARD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11258350
“THE CAR SHUTTERS INTERMEDIATELY WHEN DRIVEN AT HIGHER POSTED SPEED LIMITS. FROM ABOUT 40/45 MILES PER HOUR UP TO ABOUT 60 MILES AN HOUR. THE VIBRATION SHAKES THE ENTIRE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11140212

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering loss or binding at low speed

STEERING

44 NHTSA complaints · 2015-03 → 2022-09

“WHILE DRIVING ENCOUNTERING A DANGEROUS LOSS OF POWER STEERING INTERMITTENTLY ESPECIALLY DURING BRAKING (LOW ENGINE REVS). STEERING APPEARS TO LOCK AND BIND. DEALER STATES FAILURE OF POWER STEERING PUMP AND RACK AND PINION GEAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11256114
“AT SLOW SPEEDS MY STEERING GETS VERY HARD AS IF I HAVE NO POWER STEERING AT ALL. VERY DIFFICULT TO PARALLEL PARK. LOUD WHINING SOUND AS I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11230300
“THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10852450

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Headlight and daytime running light bulb melting

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

27 NHTSA complaints · 2015-02 → 2022-03

“THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE MELTED AND INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO STARLING CHEVROLET BUICK GMC (1001 E IRLO BRONSON MEMORIAL HWY, ST CLOUD, FL 34769) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE HEADLIGHT HOUSINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11339505
“THIS IS THE 6TH TIME I HAVE NEEDED TO REPLACE MY LOWBEAMS. LAST NIGHT HEADING HOME FROM WORK AROUND DUSK I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND SOMEONE PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME AND I HAD TO SWERVE TO AVOID HITTING HIM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10937228
“THE DAYTIME LIGHTS, THE BULB HAS MELTED ITSELF INTO THE SOCKET. YOU CANNOT JUST REPLACE THE BULB, YOU HAVE TO REPLACE THE SOCKET ALSO. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON THE RIGHT AND LEFT SIDE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10850176

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stalling or sudden loss of power while driving

ENGINE

11 NHTSA complaints · 2016-10 → 2025-03

“I was driving on a busy freeway, my car lost power and became very slow at only 20mph. Almost got rear ended, luckily I was able to pull over. Then check engine light came on. My engine failed and had to tow it”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11437809
“THAT EVENING, AS I WAS DRIVING THE ENGINE STARTED MAKING TERRIBLE SOUNDS AND LOOSING POWER. I STOPPED DRIVING AND HAD IT TOWED TO DEALER. THEY SAID THE ENGINE WAS BLOWN. I HAD NO WARNING LIGHTS COME ON AT ALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10918084
“WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE STALLED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD FAILED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11016035

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Timing chain failure

ENGINE

11 NHTSA complaints · 2016-09 → 2024-04

“I had issue with the timing chain an have check engine light is on I have heard other people having problems with there timing chain. It starts hard. I've had it looked at multiple times. I feel like this is a safety concern”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11582730
“THE CAR HAS 77,000 MILES AND HAD TO REPLACE THE TIMING CHAIN AND ALL COMPONENTS INVOLVED. THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID THEY HAD RECALLS ON 2007-2009 VEHICLES BUIT HAD SINCE FIXED THE PROBLEM BUT APPARENTLY NOT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10993369
“Mechanic said faulty timing chains destroyed my engine. Bought a used engine and is costing me over $4,000. I was lucky not to get killed. GM knows there’s a timing chains issues with these engines”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11437809

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag warning light and airbag system malfunction

AIR BAGS

11 NHTSA complaints · 2015-07 → 2025-03

“My air bag light keeps coming on saying to service it. I saw the recalled issues before with the other Acadias and was thinking maybe my year model would need to be looked into as well”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11648922
“AIRBAG SERVICE LIGHT IS ON...I WENT AND HAD DEALERSHIP TAKE A LOOK SAID I NEED A NEW MODULAR WHICH COULD COST OVER 1000.00. HOW COULD THIS GO BAD AND COST SO MUCH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11043076
“I had a collision with a deer and my airbags did not deploy”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11453019

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 2 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

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

Sierra and Yukon 4WD: 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)

36 crashes 2010–2024

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

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.

8

complaints mentioning a crash

10

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls 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 2011 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.

Check another vehicle →