2018 Gmc Acadia problems

The GMC Acadia is a crossover SUV manufactured by General Motors for its GMC division. The first-generation GMC Acadia shared the GM Lambda platform with the Saturn Outlook, the Chevrolet Traverse, and the Buick Enclave. The Acadia went on sale in 2006 as a 2007 model in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Acadia replaces three of the 7- or 8-seater vehicles on the Buick-Pontiac–GMC dealership network, the midsize GMC Safari van, the GMC Envoy, and the Pontiac Montana SV6 minivan for the domestic market. As of 2009, the Lambda vehicles have replaced the Buick Rainier, Buick Rendezvous, Buick Terraza, and the GMC Envoy XL and then subsequently the GMC Envoy, Chevrolet TrailBlazer and the Isuzu Ascender. A Denali version of the Acadia debuted for 2011. In 2017, the second generation Acadia was repositioned as a mid-size crossover utility vehicle in order to compete within the growing midsize SUV market against the likes of the Ford Explorer, Edge, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
First generation (2007)
The Acadia represents GMC's entry-level truck-like CUV and is the first unibody vehicle from the marque. It is also GMC's first front-wheel drive passenger vehicle, and also the first such vehicle of any kind since the 1973-78 GMC Motorhome.
The Acadia has seating for eight and either front or all-wheel drive. With a 5,200 lb (2,359 kg) towing capacity, the Acadia slots between the GMC Terrain and the Yukon. The Acadia is the mid-priced Lambda model between the Chevrolet Traverse and Enclave.
In December 2006, all production and sales of the Acadia (and the Saturn Outlook) were temporarily stopped due to the engine mounts not having holes drilled to release accumulated water, as well as an issue with potentially faulty rivets in the load floor just forward of the vehicle's rear hatch. The assembly process was quickly adjusted, and dealership sales of the vehicles had resumed within days of the notice.
The first-generation Acadia was sold alongside its second-generation replacement as the Acadia Limited.
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Common 2018 Gmc Acadia problems
The 2018 GMC Acadia has been reported to have a few common problems that potential buyers should be aware of. These issues are primarily related to the vehicle's transmission, engine, climate system, and in-car electronics.
Transmission faults are a common problem in the 2018 GMC Acadia, particularly in vehicles equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission. The issue is often caused by a broken 35R clutch wave plate, which can lead to symptoms like slipping transmission, harsh or rough shifting, and loss of reverse gear.
Engine problems have been reported in earlier Acadia models, including the 2008, 2010, and 2011 models, but there have been no widespread issues with the 2018 model year. However, it's still worth noting that some owners of the 2018 Acadia have reported engine-related issues, such as slowing down and ultimately stopping in the middle of the road.
The climate system in some 2018 GMC Acadias has been reported to struggle with decreased cooling performance due to an evaporator leak. This can prevent cooling in one zone or the entire vehicle, which can be particularly problematic during hot weather.
In-car electronics issues have also been reported in the 2018 GMC Acadia, with customers complaining about a malfunctioning electrical system. This can include problems with the infotainment system, power windows, and other electronic features.
Additionally, the 2018 GMC Acadia has had a higher-than-average number of recalls, with issues related to the vehicle's seat belts, airbags, tires, and electrical components. Owners are encouraged to check their vehicle's VIN or license plate to see if there are any open recalls that need to be addressed.
Overall, while the 2018 GMC Acadia has some common problems, it's still considered a relatively reliable SUV. However, potential buyers should be aware of these issues and consider them when making their purchasing decision. It's always a good idea to have any potential vehicle inspected by a trusted mechanic before making a final decision.
What is the most common problems in a 2018 GMC Acadia?
A shift to park transmission message is the most widespread complaint from 2018 Acadia owners at around 30,000 miles. The problem is usually caused by a failed transmission control assembly, which costs over $700 to replace.
Is the 2018 GMC Acadia a reliable vehicle?
How Reliable Is the 2018 GMC Acadia? J.D. Power gives the 2018 Acadia a predicted reliability rating of three out of five, which is about average.
Is there any Recalls on a 2018 GMC Acadia?
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles and 2017-2018 GMC Acadia vehicles. The right front intermediate driveshaft may fracture and separate while driving. Tip: Recalls don't affect every vehicle of the same year, make and model.
How many miles can a 2018 GMC Acadia last?
200,000 miles
The average lifespan for the Acadia is over 200,000 miles. If you drive an average of 15,000 miles per year, that's over 13 years. If you are a more frequent driver and hit 20,000 miles each year, the SUV will still last 10 years, which is longer than the average car loan.
What is the most common problems in a 2018 GMC Acadia?
A shift to park transmission message is the most widespread complaint from 2018 Acadia owners at around 30,000 miles. The problem is usually caused by a failed transmission control assembly, which costs over $700 to replace.
Is the 2018 GMC Acadia a reliable vehicle?
How Reliable Is the 2018 GMC Acadia? J.D. Power gives the 2018 Acadia a predicted reliability rating of three out of five, which is about average.
Are there any problems with the GMC Acadia?
Common GMC Acadia Problems
Transmission fault: According to RepairPal, GMC Acadias with a six-speed automatic transmission may develop faults related to a broken 35R clutch wave plate within the transmission system. This may lead to symptoms like slipping transmission, harsh/rough shifting, and loss of reverse gear.
Is GMC Acadia high maintenance?
The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a GMC Acadia is $734, compared to an average of $573 for midsize SUVs and $652 for all vehicle models. The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of a vehicle.
2018 Gmc Acadia car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Gmc Acadia problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Electrical system problems
- Engine problems
- Steering problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2018 Gmc Acadia vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2018 Gmc Acadia
The NHTSA has received 276 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2018 Gmc Acadia. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2018 Gmc Acadia vehicles.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-01
- VIN: 1GKKNMLS3JZ
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: " steering assistant reduced, drive care" " power steering ,drive with care". My car has been properly maintained, and has no issues, but this messages that keep coming up out of nowhere. And when it comes out my steering wheel gets very hard and stiff, causing me to almost get in accident in highway. This is definitely a factory defect that needs to be recalled and taken care of.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-02
- VIN: 1GKKNMLS7JZ
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: Roof is leaking in vehicle without reason after seals and tubing replaced. Brakes lock up without warning!
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-27
- VIN: 1GKKNVLS3JZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2018 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start and restart daily and required to be jumpstarted. Additionally, while the transmission was shifted into park(P), the "Shift to Park" message was displayed, and the vehicle failed to turn off, causing the battery to become drained. Roadside Assistance was able to jumpstart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone and Firestone, where the battery and alternator were tested; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The contact purchased a battery jump starter to jumpstart the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to Pep Boys, where the alternator, battery, and starter were all tested, and it was determined that the engine switch had failed. Pep Boys advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer for a diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 81,737.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-01
- VIN: 1GKKNPLS9JZ
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: When I try to cut my car off, it says "Shift to Park", but the car is in Park. Sometimes you can push the gear shift up hard and it will make the light go off, but othertimes nothing works and the car stays running and you can't get out. This is an ISSUE on lots of models and some even have recalls. Why are thy not recalled? I have to leave my car unlocked and running until it decides to turn off. Now I am stuck having to pay for this out of pocket, when GMC knows this is an issue.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-09
- VIN: 1GKKNULS9JZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Vehicle when being placed into park utilizing the gear shifter begins to say “vehicle not in park” when the vehicle is in park. This happens almost every time the vehicle is placed into park. In order to clear that notification, you have to put the vehicle in drive and park multiple times and hope that the computer recognizes the vehicle in park to unlock the doors and shut the vehicle off.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-01
- VIN: 1GKKNULS4JZ
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: SHIFT TO PARK alert popping up on. Car will not turn off.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-09
- VIN: 1GKKNMLS9JZ
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Vehicles does not recognize when the vehicle is parked and does not allow for vehicle to shut off. Gives shift to park error. Takes several tries for vehicle to recognize it is parked. Same issue in 2020 which was repaired by gmc since vehicle was still under warranty. Now that it is out of warranty it's my responsibility
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-26
- VIN: 1GKKNKLA2JZ
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: My car seats (2nd row & 3rd row) seats are rattling really bad when I am on the freeway or highway roads; signs of loose seats. Very concerning to wear it loosens the seat belt strap securing my toddlers car seat. I thought it was the road but unfortunately it’s my seats.
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-10
- VIN: 1GKKNPLS0JZ
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I purchased this car in May 2024 and it has done this since the day I bought it. When I shift into park and turn the car off it alerts me that I need to shift into park but it already is, I have to squeeze/jiggle the button on the shifter to make it stop. I feel this could cause some serious problems
STEERING,SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-26
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1GKKNKLA1JZ
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: On July 26, 2024, I was driving my 2018 Acadia, with my cruise control set to 48 in a 45 MHP zone. Nearing a bad curve, I sneezed. When this happened, I tapped the brakes to disengage the cruise control, my passengers side tires exited the road and with both hands on the wheel I tried to slowly bring my tires back to the road. However, I was unable to gain control and totaled the vehicle. A witness stated that she heard a loud pop coming from the vehicle before the wreck happened. I later learned from my insurance that the vehicle had a Recall 17V516000 on it and I was never made aware of it. I believe that this was a factor in me not being able to control the vehicle.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-08-20
- VIN: 1GKKNULSXJZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I purchased my 2018 GMC Acadia in 2021. Two days after I purchased the "Shift to Park" error occurred. I contacted the dealer and they said that yes these cars are not recognizing they are indeed in park. After several phone calls back and forth they agreed to repair. Well now 3 years later it began to show the Shift to Park error once again. I looked up to see if they had recalled yet and GM has recalled on SOME vehicles but not sure why others like mine are excluded. I would assume this is a safety issue since the car cannot recognize its in park. I am also not returning to the dealership for repair since I don't believe it was repaired to begin with or the replacement parts are also defective. This seems to be that it will be an ongoing issue and additional costs to me every time this issue comes up.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-27
- VIN: 1GKKNLLA6JZ
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Vehicle will not shift to park- The cars engine is off and will not turn on, while the car physically will not turn off. I have to move the shifter until vehicle recognized it was in park. resulting in me getting stuck in my vehicle. Multiple reports from other owners with no fix provided by GMC.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-03
- VIN: 1GKKNULS6JZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I have increasing issues over the last several months, most especially this last week or so, with the SHIFT TO PARK. Every time I place it in park the dashboard says SHIFT TO PARK and bings at me continuously. I try turning the vehicle off and on again numerous times and have to place in reverse and park again a few times before it "clicks" into park and allows me to leave the vehicle. I know my year and model are part of a recall for this issue, there are class action lawsuits about it as well as Lemon Law incidents in numerous states. I have called GMC and received no help, I asked to escalate it to a manager, I was told that would happen within 24-48 hrs yet no manager ever called me. I was left to place a complaint with the Better Business Bureau and a GMC "scripted" representative called me and told me that MY vehicle has not been recalled, yet my model and year has been -- this makes zero sense since MY vehicle is having the recalled issue. I asked again to escalate it, a supervisor is supposed to call me within 2hrs (July 9th at 4:10pm EST) but emphasized that the supervisor will also tell me that GMC will NOT pay for my recall because my VIN has not been recalled. This is how they get away with not paying for the vehicles issues. HOW is my vehicle now NOT part of their recall when it's a known issue and my vehicle IS having this issue?? I drive 2 toddlers around, my grandchildren, and now I have this issue on a vehicle that is barely a few years old and I've only owned for 3 years. Again, my YEAR & MODEL vehicle has known issues with this SHIFT TO PARK and GMC is refusing to remedy it.
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-22
- VIN: 1GKKNXLSXJZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The transmission was failing to shift and jerking me forward in the vehicle. The check engine light came on. I was on the highway going at high speeds. Also, my vehicles Internet connection dropped. I pulled off the highway and turned off my vehicle. While starting my vehicle again and attempting to go into reverse, it would not reverse and it would not drive forward . It would just rev the RPMs. My vehicle has been sitting at the dealer for two weeks. They have not looked at it yet. The police were not called as there was not an accident, thankfully. The warning light came on as the vehicle was failing.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-30
- VIN: 1GKKNNLSXJZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: When I park the car it beeps and displays on the dash to please park the car. Even if I have it on park. Won't allow me to turn it off. Finally turned it off. Turned it back on. And it done it agian..
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-22
- VIN: 1GKKNMLS7JZ
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Shift to park error notice comes up on dash when car it turned off and in park. Car is clearly in park, but error code “shift to park” appears on screen. Beeping occurs until car is turned off and shifted to R or D and then shifted back to park and turned off. This error happens several times a week, including twice today 6/22/24. I have to restart my vehicle and shift it to R or D then back to park SEVERAL times before the error is cleared.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-03
- VIN: 1GKKNRLS4JZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2018 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly accelerated and decelerated erratically, after which the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to restart, but the failure persisted, and the vehicle was unable to accelerate above 20 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-30
- VIN: 1GKKNULS5JZ
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: GM has acknowledged that there is a "Shift to Park" problem with 2017 and 2018 GMC Acadia's. This design flaw/ part failure does not recognize that the vehicle is actually in "Park" so you cannot shut off the engine. In addition, the dash lights remain on which eventually drains the battery. Sometimes the car will roll as if it's in Neutral. GM is very aware of this problem. However, they do not have a permanent solution. GM should be required to issue a nationwide recall to correct the situation by totally disabling the electronic part. In six years of ownership, I've encountered this problem 3 times: 5-14-19, mileage 13,266, 1-27-21, mileage 29,381and most recently 5-30-24, mileage 65,057. This 3rd repair cost me $721.88.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-05-11
- VIN: 1GKKNMLS2JZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: SHIFT TO PARK - I originally thought I was turning the car off too quickly. I would put the car in park and hit the button. Then I would get an error message (with Loud beeping) "SHIFT TO PARK." The car will not turn off completely or stop beeping until i turn it back on, and shift into drive and back into park. This last week the problem has escalated and keeps giving me the error message. I have had to leave my car with loud beeping and unlocked. I am driving with a battery charger hoping I will not have to use it. I am shocked this is NOT a recall.
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-07-07
- VIN: 1GKKNMLS3JZ
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: Seemingly at random a warning will pop up on the driver dashboard “Steering assist is reduced at this time”. This will lead to a engine coolant temp reading of 0 degrees, no a/c and reduced steering functionality. Through further investigation the OBD code P0128 tells us it’s a faulty Thermostat or Thermostat sensor. Even if you get these parts replaced, the issue still comes back. I’ve seen these exact complaints at least a thousand times across multiple years of this model/make 2016,2017,2018,2019. This is clearly a manufacturers fault and needs a recall before people get hurt.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-14
- VIN: 1GKKNSLS5JZ
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Shift to park warning when I’m in park when I turn off vehicle
ENGINE,LANE DEPARTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-28
- VIN: 1GKKNXLS2JZ
- Components: ENGINE,LANE DEPARTURE
- Summary: The thermostat housing fails and is a known issue which causes the car to overheat and they said it will start of fire or shut down and loss of steering assist. The dealerships know about the issue and GMC does nothing leaving people with large repair bills or inoperable cars. the system won't let me upload my receipts here is the part #12678780 I was told by the dealership this is a known issue and they my emissions warranty only covers the thermostat but not the housing, but that they are 1 piece, playing games.....
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-01
- VIN: 1GKKNXLS4JZ
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: bad torque converter lead to transmission replacement bad torque converter inspected by dealer car stopped starting difficulty shifting and catching up to speed while driving gmc california denied goodwill help
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-05-03
- VIN: 1GKKNPLS6JZ
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: The car needs an PCM upgrade because it’s lit up a code in randomly situation. Causing the vehicle to lose the water temperature gage, power steering wheel assistance reduced and ac stop working, gmc is aware of the problem even issued a technical bulletin in 2018, but instead of inform the clients about the defective part, they want the client with this problem to pay to upgrade a defective PCM that came out from factory with problem. Note the power steering wheel assistance is part of the safety of the car. The problem always existed in the car, it toke me 2 years to find the problem.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-18
- VIN: 1GKKNXLS8JZ
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: We purchased this vehicle New in 2018. Gear Shift Problem. The vehicle displays a persistent “Shift to Park” warning on the dashboard. This usually occurs even when the gear selector is in the “Park” position and I have difficulty in Turning Off the Vehicle. The ignition remains active despite the gear selector being in “Park.” We have to go through all the gears - Drive - Neutral then Park then try to turn it off over and over. May take 5 or 6 tries before I can leave the car safely. Unintended Vehicle Movement: We believe the car is safely in the “Park” position and have exited the car and then it rolled. We have to jump back in and try to turn it off. I'm [XXX] and husband [XXX] and this is causing us injuries. It rolled one time and hit the Handicap Parking Sign in my parking space. It just missed hitting another car in a parking lot when it rolled about 3 times now. Called around to get it fixed but everyone says "it's been a problem for years and GMC has NO fix for it." Only temporary fix is to install new gear shifter or full transmission replacement, which owner has to pay for $700 to $3000 repair! We don't have 30,000 miles as of yet. We are low income, on Social Security and this should be a Recall since there are many complaints online for years. Praying we do not have a collision or terrible injuries. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2018 Gmc Acadia recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2018 Gmc Acadia.
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
- Consequence: A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
- Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles and 2017-2018 GMC Acadia vehicles. The right front intermediate driveshaft may fracture and separate while driving.
- Consequence: If the front right intermediate drive shaft assembly separates while driving, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. If the assembly separates while parked on a grade, without the park brake engaged, the vehicle may move unintentionally, increasing the risk of a vehicle roll-away.
- Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right front intermediate drive shaft assembly, free of charge. The recall began August 25, 2017. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17329.
Negative 2018 Gmc Acadia car reviews
Positive 2018 Gmc Acadia car reviews
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While I was buying my Canyon, my wife found the new Acadia. She loved the new downsized version as she had a Terrain and never liked the larger Acadia size. We found a Denali on a very good rebate which made for a super buy. We got everything on it, including the electronic tuned handling suspension, which many dealers do not have on most Denali models. We almost did not get it until we drove one and it was well worth the money. It turns sport mode into a SSEI-like touring sedan handling with a better ride. As for the third row and storage criticism, it is not an issue for us as we folded the third row when we bought it and never used it since. The space is more than our Terrain was and suits us fine. The only issue we had was with the latch on the sunroof cover in front, which is made of plastic and breaks easily even when not in use. I made my own catch in aluminum. We are pleased with our Acadia and would not hesitate to buy one again. To update, we are still thrilled with our Acadia. The roof latch was replaced with an improved latch and no other issues have been experienced. We are still happy with the Acadia in 2020. The only real issues we had were with the sunshade latch breaking, which was covered under warranty. We switched to Goodyear Weather Ready tires with much better results.
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Great to hear that you are enjoying your ride and getting good fuel economy! It's also fantastic that you can tow the Acadia behind your motor home with all four wheels down. While the acceleration from a stop may be a little slow, it's great to know that it has excellent getup and go when you need it. It's wonderful that you were able to take advantage of GM's rebates and get a 2018 model for a great price. Thanks for the update on your vehicle, it's great to hear that it's still running smoothly after 30,000 miles. Wishing you all the best with your new Chevrolet Traverse!
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My wife and I both fell in love with the new model, but for different reasons. While I miss the heads up display and rear cargo room, my wife loves the better visibility and handling. I quickly came around to her point of view. I ordered the rare black with tan interior and we picked it up on Thursday, driving to Florida on Friday. The mileage is awesome compared to the old model because you can select various modes, 2wd vs AWD. The old model was permanent AWD and I only got 13mpg on my 2012. However, with the new model, I am getting 18mpg in AWD, but hey, it's winter in Indiana. With 2wd, you can get 26-28mpg depending on weight, speed, etc. but you trade a little wheel spin up front and understeer. I ordered it loaded with every option, so I highly recommend the weathertech mats which do not interfere with anything like others mentioned. The front, rear, and satellite cameras are awesome for backing up blindly. This 3.6 has more power and stops better than you would think. It handles like a dream with stabilitrack lane management, crash avoidance, and load leveling. Both my wife and I like it a lot and I plan to keep this one for a long time. One small nuisance is an occasional shift delay like others have mentioned, but I drive hard and apply more fuel, so this rarely happens.
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With my background in evaluating vehicles at the proving grounds, on ride trips, and as a PEP car driver, I can confidently say that the recent transformation of my Acadia is a real mystery. Despite the low-level code that set off the broken shifter, the new shifter has significantly improved the transmission and overall performance of the vehicle. It is now a joy to drive and I am quite happy with it. However, I have encountered some difficulty in cleaning the lower black panels that cover the vehicle all the way around just below the beltline. Despite my efforts to scrub and treat them with various products, they still look dirty even after a good washing. I believe that these plastic panels will always be a problem and add extra work to those wanting their vehicle to look nice. GM should consider changing the texture/material to make them easier to clean. Additionally, I recently changed out the incandescent bulbs that illuminate the license plate in the back with LED's, but was disappointed to find some corrosion on the bulb leads and in the lamp socket. GM should add some Noalox or similar compound to the socket and bulb to help prevent this. With only 13,000 miles, those sockets and bulbs should be pristine.The 3.6L/6T70 SLT2 FWD Acadia handles better than expected, even compared to my previous Pontiac Torrent GXP. As someone who has only driven GM vehicles for 40 years, I considered the new Volvo XC60 & the BMW X3, but ultimately chose the Acadia. While the 6T70 transmission has been inconsistent in its shifting even after 1500 miles, the overall performance of the vehicle is impressive. The tailgate and hood fit were minor issues that were easily corrected. Overall, the Acadia is a solid choice for anyone in the market for a new vehicle.The drawer inside the armrest was unable to open due to the raised lip of the GMC floormats I ordered. I took the initiative to remove the drawer and sawed off the bottom lip, which resolved the issue. It was a minor adjustment that made a significant difference. Additionally, I had a negative experience with the GMC dealer in Western Ann Arbor on Jackson Rd. They made several mistakes with my registration and proof of insurance, and their customer service was poor. As a loyal GM employee of 34 years, I was disappointed with their service and will not be returning to that dealership.
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I'm so glad to hear that you're enjoying your new Acadia! It's great to know that you find it comfortable and enjoyable to drive.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2018 Gmc Acadia problems:
Second generation reliability/known problems? | GMC Acadia Forum
Nov 13, 2021 ... The most common issue on the early 2nd gen is the shifter having a resistance issue that causes the vehicle to not want to go in park and tell ...
2018 GMC Acadia Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
Aug 17, 2023 ... Overall Rating 6/10 – 2018 is a bad year for the GMC Acadia since it has a lot of mechanical problems, making it expensive to own. Owner reviews ...
2018 GMC Acadia Problems & Complaints: Info for California ...
Customers have reported many 2018 GMC Acadia problems, from a malfunctioning electrical system to a possible fuel leakage problem that may cause fires. These ...
2018 GMC Acadia Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2018 GMC Acadia? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
2018 GMC Acadia Reliability - Consumer Reports
Owner Reported Trouble Spots · Climate System · In-car Electronics · Drive System · Electrical Accessories · Transmission Minor · Exhaust · Fuel System/ ...
Hermann Kuhlman 2025-05-27
I have been experiencing some issues with my transmission when shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear. I immediately took it to the dealership for repair, but unfortunately, they were unable to identify the problem as it was not throwing any codes. Despite having taken my vehicle to the dealership six times, the issue still persists and I will be taking it back again tomorrow. Although it has been frustrating, I appreciate the dealership's efforts to fix the problem. During the last repair, they replaced the transmission module and found a bad motor mount. They also discovered that the transmission fluid was dark, which confirmed my suspicion that there was a problem. However, I noticed that the issue still persists and has even worsened. I opened a case with GMC a couple of weeks ago, but unfortunately, they have not returned my calls. I understand that they may be busy, but I hope they can get back to me soon. My car is not yet paid off, and the transmission is still under warranty, so I am hopeful that the issue will be resolved soon. Despite the challenges I have faced, I am grateful for the support I have received from the dealership and GMC. I am considering other car brands such as Ford or Toyota, but I would like to give GMC another chance to resolve the issue. Based on my experience with the Acadia and GMC, I would recommend them with some reservations. My car is a 2015 Acadia SLT 2, 6 cylinder.
Wilber Mertz 2025-05-27
I've owned this car for just over a year and unfortunately, I've had to take it into the dealership at least 8 times for various issues. The top console was hanging off, the passenger seat in the back was falling apart, and there have been ongoing transmission problems that are still not resolved. It's disappointing to experience these issues with a brand new vehicle, especially when my husband has had such positive experiences with used Ford vehicles. I've reached out to GMC to request an extension on my warranty due to the numerous issues I've faced, but unfortunately, this has not been possible. I would caution others to consider these issues before purchasing a Chevy/GMC.
Randall Breitenberg 2025-05-26
My 2018 Arcadia Denali had issues shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear right out of the showroom. Despite taking it to two separate dealers in WI, who claimed there were no codes set and no issues to address, the problem persisted. However, I remained confident in my assessment of the issue and opened a case with GM. Although the 'senior' customer representative informed me that they couldn't do anything if the dealer found no issue, I remained assertive and persistent. It is frustrating to drive a car with unpredictable shifting, and I have had passengers mistake it for me pressing the brake. Despite being accused of not knowing how to drive the car by a technician, I remained confident in my assessment of the issue. As a first-time GM vehicle owner, I am disappointed in their lack of support for their products and customers. However, I am confident that I will be able to return the leased vehicle in two years and move on from this experience.
Wellington Haag 2025-04-04
Upon purchasing my new vehicle and going on a trip, I noticed a significant amount of road noise. Upon further inspection, I discovered that the front driver door protruded slightly more than the rear door, which was clearly a fabrication issue from the factory. Despite being a seasoned car buyer at 71 years old, I have never experienced this before. While disappointed, I will continue to use the vehicle until I am ready to trade it in. This experience has led me to reconsider purchasing another GMC product in the future.
Triston Flatley 2025-02-01
Factory tires are made with softer rubber, which can result in them wearing out faster. At 18,000 miles, I experienced bald tires, but fortunately, a portion of the cost was covered under warranty. To get the discount, the tire guy had to call Michelin with the mileage and size of tread. Two days later, I encountered the 'SHIFT TO PARK' error, which can be frustrating. However, there are some steps you can take to resolve the issue, such as jiggling the stick or hitting the brake until it registers being in park. While this problem is not ideal, it is something that GM is aware of and is working to address. If you are considering purchasing this car, it is important to weigh the pros and cons and make an informed decision based on your needs and preferences.