2021 GMC Acadia

The Verdict

Worst problem area

Electrical

Electrical leads by volume: 37 of 148 complaints (25%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (2) than those mentioning any other identified area.

Complaints filed rose from 100 in 2020 to 148 in 2021.

Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology

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Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History

Fuel cost, fuel economy, and complaint history by model-yearScroll sideways to see all 5 years. Fuel figures show the range across trims for years with more than one EPA-rated configuration.Also cataloged for 2021: 2 configuration(s) of a different vehicle class, excluded from the comparison bar only (but included in the figures above).
Category20192020202120222023vs. 2021 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Annual fuel cost ($)2,700–3,1002,600–2,9502,500–2,9502,500–2,9502,500–2,950
Combined MPG20–2321–2421–2521–2521–25
City / Highway MPG17–21 / 25–2618–21 / 25–2819–22 / 26–2919–22 / 26–2919–22 / 26–29
CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi)383–442362–433349–413358–417365–417
Complaints filed3821001484842Not compared
Recalls issued26234Not compared
Crash-involved complaints54733Not compared
Fire-involved complaints20011Not compared
Injuries reported22344Not compared
Deaths reported00000Not compared
Configurations compared23322

Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.

Common questions

How many recalls does the 2021 GMC Acadia have?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.

What is the most common complaint about the 2021 GMC Acadia?

Electrical: 37 of 148 NHTSA complaints (25%) mention it.

What gas mileage does the 2021 GMC Acadia get?

EPA rates it 21–25 MPG combined.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 GMC Acadia?

EPA estimates $2,500–$2,950 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.

EPA-Rated Configurations (5)

Every EPA-rated configuration on this page, one row each.A number tagged (low) or (high) is this page’s own cost-table figure of that name, above.
ConfigurationTransmissionCylindersDisplacementDrivetrainFuel TypeVehicle ClassCityHighwayCombinedAnnual Fuel CostCO₂
Configuration 1Automatic 9-spd42.5LFront-Wheel DriveRegularStandard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD21 mpg27 mpg23 mpg$2,700382 g/mi
Configuration 2Automatic 9-spd42.0LFront-Wheel DriveRegularStandard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD22 mpg (high)29 mpg (high)25 mpg (high)$2,500 (low)349 g/mi (low)
Configuration 3Automatic 9-spd42.0LAll-Wheel DriveRegularStandard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD22 mpg (high)27 mpg24 mpg$2,600362 g/mi
Configuration 4Automatic 9-spd63.6LFront-Wheel DriveRegularStandard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD19 mpg (low)27 mpg22 mpg$2,850402 g/mi
Configuration 5Automatic 9-spd63.6LAll-Wheel DriveRegularStandard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD19 mpg (low)26 mpg (low)21 mpg (low)$2,950 (high)413 g/mi (high)

Complaints by Category

Complaints by category, in the same fixed order on every page
CategoryComplaintsCrash-InvolvedFire-InvolvedInjuriesDeaths
Engine312000
Transmission & Drivetrain171000
Fuel System270000
Electrical373010
Brakes191000
Steering160000
Suspension, Wheels & Tires40000
Airbags & Restraints103020
Driver Assistance & Speed Control243000
Body, Seats & Latches30010
Visibility & Lighting30000
Other211020

A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.

Recalls (2)

  • BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA · Campaign 22V709000 · Sep 22, 2022

    Defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with the optional Surround Vision feature. The rearview camera coaxial cable connectors may have been crimped improperly, causing the rearview camera to fail or function intermittently.

    Consequence: An inoperative rearview camera can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the coaxial cables, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 18, 2023. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222378380.

  • FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS · Campaign 21V422000 · Jun 4, 2021

    Defect: General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The fuel supply lines may be improperly attached and seated.

    Consequence: Improperly attached and seated fuel supply lines may loosen or separate, causing a fuel leak and increasing the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace fuel supply lines as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212335590.