Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 GMC Acadia owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The air bags light came on with no reason truck never being in a crash, the abs and the off road light is on too, the break lights are on while you don't step on the pedal and they go off when you step on it...
Tl* the contact owned a 2008 GMC Acadia. While driving at approximately 55 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond. As a result, the contact's vehicle crashed into another vehicle. The contact sustained knee and head injuries and the passenger sustained unknown injuries that needed medical attention. In addition, the driver in the other vehicle sustained unknown injuries that also needed medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
While driving at interstate speeds in 90+ degree weather, the 2008 GMC Acadia experienced a complete loss of power. Engine quit along with all electronics, power steering and power brakes. Let car sit for 20 minutes and it started up and drove fine for a week or so then the same issue occurred again. This has happened 3 times within 5 weeks. The vehicle has been into an independent mechanic and two dealerships. Of those dealerships, we have taken the vehicle to the local autonation GMC dealer 3 times over the course of 2 weeks and all groups who have looked at the vehicle stated that they could not find and "codes" after running the computer diagnostics. We have requested an on-board diagnostic computer to be ordered from autonation GMC park meadows (co) but have received no response. This is a very dangerous issue while driving at highway and interstate speeds. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake fluid was leaking into the power buster. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact stated that water was leaking down from the sun roof into the electrical fuse box, causing corrosion and the vehicle would failed to turn off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the water leaking into the fuse box was causing the vehicle not to turn off due to the corrosion. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 62,000. Updated 06/29/16 updated 08/02/16.
While driving the stabilitrak off light, service brake system light came on. Upon taking it to the dealership they informed me that the master cylinder was leaking into the brake booster and both parts need to be replaced or the whole brake system could/would fail. This is a known defect with the GMC Acadia and could result in a serious accident/fatality. There was no indication of an issue due to an apparent defect in construction where the brake fluid does not leak externally, but rather internally to another component. This serious issue has the potential to cause catastrophic damage and should be recalled by GMC.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 GMC Acadia. While driving at various speeds in rainy weather, the contact noticed water leaking from the top of the vehicle and dashboard. In addition, when the brake pedal was depressed, the pedal shook violently without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer on two separate occasions; however, the cause of the failure was undetermined. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 GMC Acadia. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled, the brakes seized, and the traction control and ABS indicators illuminated. The contact lost control of the steering. The vehicle was able to restart on the first attempt. The failure recurred five times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer stated that there were no recalls for the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.
My vehicle began giving a stabilitrak notification. I took the vehicle in to identify the issue I was told by the GM service department that the master cylinder was leaking into the booster and would eventually cause the brakes to fail. Upon further research I have found several individuals who have dealt with the same issue. This is obviously a factory issue that is eventually going to cause injury or possibly fatality.
Going down the high way the stabilitrack light comes on after turning off the car turning it back on it goes out the light hasn't came back on its been a couple months it only comes on when driving far. Also have a problem with the brakes they go all the way to the floor hard to stop the car. My girlfriend told me about the problem I drove it myself to see if it would do it to me never did till today I almost hit 2 cars
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that during rainy weather conditions, water would enter the vehicle through the driver side of the vehicle and the undercarriage. As a result, the steering column and the emergency brake failed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 92,000.
Brake complaints in other Acadia years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2008 GMC Acadia?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the brakes of the 2008 GMC Acadia, 4% of the model year's 854 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2008 GMC Acadia brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2008 GMC Acadia, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2008 GMC Acadia brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 79,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 3 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.