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2015 Gmc Acadia Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2015 Gmc Acadia carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering tires and critical fasteners. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Transmission shudder and torque converter failure.” 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.

4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

TIRES

Campaign #15V044000 · Jan 28, 2015

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured December 9, 2014, to January 14, 2015, 2015 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured December 9, 2014, to January 20, 2015, and 2015 GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured December 9, 2014, to January 16, 2015, and all equipped with Goodyear P255/65R18 Fortera HL tires. These vehicles are equipped with tires that may experience tread cracking. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 110, "Tire Selection and Rims and Motor Home/Recreation Vehicle Trailer Load Carrying Capacity Information for Motor Vehicles with a GVWR of 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) or Less."

Risk: If the tire treads crack, a loss of tire pressure and possible tire failure may result, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tires that were manufactured within a specific date range, free of charge. The rec all began on March 9, 2015. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 15025/15067. Note: This recall is for Goodyear P255/65R18 Fortera HL tires installed as original equipment. For tires that were purchased as replacement equipment, see recall 15T-002.

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.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #22V246000 · Apr 14, 2022

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Dealers will replace the drivers air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 23, 2023. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300; Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222366190.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #23V334000 · Oct 5, 2023

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Dealers will replace the driver's air bag module, free of charge. GM began mailing final owner letters February 23, 2024 and will continue mailing through December 2025. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232404980.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2015 Gmc Acadia.

Reported to NHTSA

Transmission shudder and torque converter failure

POWER TRAIN

18 NHTSA complaints · 2019-05 → 2026-03

“Torque converter is bad, shudders when shifting”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11708680
“MY TRUCK HAS 30,000 MILES AND HAS THE 'CHEVY SHUDDER'. WHY IS THIS NOT A RECALL? GMC WANTS ME TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR THE TRANSMISSION FLUSH. WHEN I AM DRIVING THE TRUCK IT BEGINS SHUDDERING AND SHAKING THROUGH CERTAIN SHIFT POINTS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11338832
“It was shuddering while accelerating- 30-40 mph. I took it to a local shop. They diagnosed the transmission is failing. The cost to replace it would be $8,500-9,500, more than the car is worth”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11574274

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering pump failure at low speed

STEERING

21 NHTSA complaints · 2019-06 → 2024-05

“Complete loss of steering at low speeds. This has been an issue with GM for years, and is still not corrected on my 2015 GMC Acadia. At a stop light or when turning a corner, I could barely turn the steering wheel”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11586510
“POWER STEERING PUMP BEGAN FAILING ON 2015 GMC ACADIA AT 40,000 MILES. AT LOW SPEEDS, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL AND A 3 POINT TURN HAS BECOME A BICEPS WORKOUT. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WITH KIDS IN THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11221822
“HELLO, WITH ONLY 50,000 MILES ON MY ONE OWNER GMC ACADIA, THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM FAILED, LEAVING ME STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD (TOWN STREET, HOWEVER, STILL CONCERNING AS I COULD HAVE BEEN HIT FROM THE FRONT OR REAR)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11395540

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Side blind zone detection system failure

LANE DEPARTURE

6 NHTSA complaints · 2020-04 → 2026-04

“The Side Blind Zone Alert system on my 2015 GMC Acadia has failed multiple times over the life of the vehicle. The system becomes inoperative and displays “Side Detection System Unavailable.””
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11733153
“Service side detection system distracts me from driving causing an accident”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11460709
“A warning light is coming on telling to have the side detection module serviced. Brought it to a dealer and was quoted a cost of $1274 to repair”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11533004

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Seat belt cable separation at anchor point

SEAT BELTS

4 NHTSA complaints · 2022-05 → 2026-07

“the flexible steel cable connecting the seat belt to the seat separated and broke resulting in no way to use the seatbelt/connecting the seat belt to the connector on the seat”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11748965
“Drivers side seat belt broke where it connects to floor part. Cable broke. Never have had this to happen in my life!!!”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11743111
“The left outer seat belt cable broke when I tried to fasten it. I took to my dealership to have them inspect it”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11465190

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Takata driver air bag recall parts unavailable

AIR BAGS

79 NHTSA complaints · 2022-09 → 2025-04

“Recall Number: 23V334000. GMC Acadia General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11542657
“GM has a recall on my vehicle since May. The recall states possible death to vehicle occupants. I have called weekly and they continue to tell me a remedy will be available soon, last week they even told me one was available which turned out to be false”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11555341
“I am filing a complaint for the Takata air bag replacement. The recall was issued in May, 2023. It is now October and GM does not have a date when they can fix it”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11548413

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag warning light and non-deployment

AIR BAGS

20 NHTSA complaints · 2019-06 → 2026-04

“The airbag emblem keeps popping up”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11729800
“"SERVICE AIR BAG" LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON AND OFF FOR A FEW MONTHS NOW. IT DOESN'T CONSISTENTLY STAY ON. IT COMES ON SOMETIMES WHEN I HAVE MY PURSE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11395486
“VEHICLE HIT OTHER VEHICLE THAT WAS STOPPED AT INTERSECTION AT 50 MPH AND AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11407980

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

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)

33 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.

6

complaints mentioning a crash

3

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 2015 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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