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 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. …
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.
I bought a 2013 gmc Acadia with a 3.6l engine and I was driving it home, and the engine locked up on me, and it didn't throw a code or anything, it just shut off and wouldn't start back up, and later I find out that it had an oil leak from somewhere and now I have to have the engine replaced, which is 13k dollars, the vehicle is located at walker Chevrolet in nitro wv, I'm a single dad of 5 children and I can't afford to fix this vehicle at that price, I asked if they could take payments to replace it, and they said not and that they would NOT Release the vehicle back to me until it is paid for, and now I'm stranded with 5 children with no way to go to the store or anything. The engine locked up on me in the middle of the four lane in st albans wv, and I almost got hit by vehicles that were behind me and everything.
After having for just under a year the transmission seems to be acting up when going from 2nd to 3rd gear around 30mph to 40mph. After reading several forms it seems this is a common occurrence in these vehicles.. not sure if it's been reported but all the forms are showing people had to spend a good amount to determine what the issue is and seems that everyone had to replace the transmissions for the problem to go away. I'm not sure how everything works but feel it should be looked at maybe.
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.
I dont know exactly what is wrong but from online videos i think power train or transmission. When driving the vehicle will struggle/delay shifting. When it does finally shift its so hard it throws u forward. When having to quickly get on the gas it will delay to where your not really moving. This almost caused accidents multiple times. ( not pulling out in front of people) entering interstate is a good exsample. It has also lost power when crossing intersection!
At 35-40 and 55-65 mph, the car slips/ pulls back. I took it to the dealer, my rep said it is a known issue and GMC issued a bulletin but will not recall it because it's too expensive. There are thousands of reports online. Please investigate.
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. …
Tl* the contact owned a 2013 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while in for service the mechanic noticed the odor of smoke and fuel inside the vehicle. Later while the vehicle was parked a fire had started from within the engine compartment. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. During the incident, the vehicle was destroyed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer step on GMC (5651 pensacola blvd, pensacola, fl 32505) who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was later inspected by an independent company who was also unable to determine the cause of the fire. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000. Consumer stated vehicle had original equipment.
These symptoms started over 2 years ago and is very intermittent. Driving on the highway, the vehicle suddenly loses power, unable to accelerate and the transmission will not shift out of high gear. The decrease in speed is significant enough that on now 3 occasions the vehicle has almost nearly been rear-ended. Additionally, on the instrument panel the following indicators and messages occur: - "check engine light" - "traction control off" - "engine power is reduced" - "service traction control" - "service stabilitrak" additional symptoms: - loss of power steering - loss of power brakes once vehicle is turned off and sits for a few minutes. The vehicle will start and all of the symptoms above will go away with the exception sometimes of the check engine light. This indicator goes off after vehicle has sat overnight. Note this occurs very infrequently...sometimes months in between. …
Engine complaints in other Acadia years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2013 GMC Acadia?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2013 GMC Acadia, 16% of the model year's 135 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2013 GMC Acadia engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 4 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.