Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 GMC Acadia owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that intermittently, the vehicle was difficult to start. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light and the traction control warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the alternator, the stabilizer, starter, ignition switch, the door panel, the axle, the matt sensor, the canister valve, gas cap, and power master window switch was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The mechanic determined that the failure was related to the fuse box. The contact used a diagnostic scanner to scan the vehicle but was unable to retrieve any diagnostic trouble codes. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall related to the electrical system. …
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the vehicle was intermittently difficult to start. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The check engine and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the alternator, stabilizer, starter, ignition switch, door panel, axle, MAP sensor, canister valve, gas cap, and power master window switch were replaced. The mechanic determined that the failure was related to the fuse box. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall related to the electrical system. The contact used a diagnostic scanner to scan the vehicle but was unable to retrieve any diagnostic trouble codes. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. …
Car had sat most of the day. By approximately 2:30CST, we decided to go do a little shopping. We drove about 1 mile and the dash displayed "check battery charging system". My husband assumed it was the alternator going out so we turned around swapped vehicles. Probably 45 mins after swapping vehicles I received a call stating my vehicle was up in flames.
My 2013 GMC ACADIA started fire on April 9, 2024 around 11PM in the driveway of our home. The vehicle was parked and off. The vehicle wasn't used during the day. The last day of use was on April 8, 2024 around 6PM. The fire department stated it was potentially an electrical fire within the engine of the vehicle.
On 02/10/2022 my side warning detection monitors are both activated/lit up intrmittently while parked or driving indicating faulty operation and therefore replacement. The vehicle has around 120K miles so out of any warranty. But this will be the third or fourth time ( not original ow er so dealer has records) that this has happened. Last time in December 2020 I had an extended warranty that covered the passenger module but was not the "improved" module with some type of casing to address the corrosion causing the failures as they wanted an extra $3-400 for that part. Why they still manufacture the bad part is interesting since they have recognized they have a pro lem with the older part. Have seen other complaints that not fixing these can result in other electrical failures that can be dangerous even an electrical fire was reported from this. …
I brought the car to the dealer due to an AIRBAG warning light on my dash. My VIN, regardless of identical issues to those noted in the dealer recalls, was not included in them. The items below were noted by the dealer as requiring immediate attention and estimated to cost $2,400. Current Mileage: 95,635 - AIRBAGS LR and RS Side Impact Sensor faulty. If not replaced the airbag system will not function correctly at the time of impact, preventing the airbags from deploying, and putting the passengers of the vehicle in harm's way. Warning light on dash alerts to sensor's invalid data from the sensor. - TAIL LIGHT casings fill with water causing an electrical short and the bulbs to burn out. This also causes a double-time ticking when you try the turn signal, alerting you to the issues.
Transmission causes problems in can be on interstate and be switching lanes and it loses power and wont go takes forever to shift out. It will cut out and you can barely get pulled off side of rd in time. Electrical the battery voltage goes crazy up and down causing vehicle to power surge bad or at night time lights will go out for no reason while driving every now and then you can smell something melting or burning also the engine gets so hot but it's right temperature cooling fan runs constantly even when car is cool.since all the problem with Transmission the suspension is off some how. Its like it's not stable
Battery saver mode activated dinged then car talked to me. I've replaced the alternator and brand new battery.....car battery draining FAST n only pulling 11.03 volts when it's supposed hit 14.5-15.5volts. Also air bag lite is on saying service airbag. I've only had the car 3 months....bought it from a dealer march 13th n till 2-3 days ago been working fine. Now saying service air bag n battery saver mode activated. I have no clue to this .....I'm lost after replacing the battery n alternator.
The original side detection system is not an enclosed system. Allowing water, snow, sleet, and salt can penetrate the system. Once, there is penetration and corrosion in the system it effects the entire automobile's electrical system and instrument cluster. Causing the vehicle to come to a complete halt.
The service department failed to properly repair my vehicle and possibly sold my vehicle to me with prior knowledge of faulty "battery charging system". I was told I just needed a new battery (which was replaced twice within the same week). This process began on 11/12/2016. I received the same error on my dash (battery charging system needs servicing) and my battery had to be jumped just like before on 4/12/2017. I contacted OnStar and made an appt.with the service department at mccarthy morse Chevrolet for the next morning (4/13/2017). However I didn't make it because my car went up in flames in my garage about 15mins. After me and my children got out of it!!!! Other issues that were addressed during this 6mo. Time frame included: A/C replacement, head gaskets and head bolts replacement, timing chain and cam shaft actuators replacement, and flywheel replacement. …
Electrical complaints in other Acadia years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2013 GMC Acadia?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the electrical system of the 2013 GMC Acadia, 28% of the model year's 135 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2013 GMC Acadia electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2013 GMC Acadia, though it has 3 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 2013 GMC Acadia electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles, and 22% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 5 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system 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.