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 after coming to a stop for a traffic signal or stopping for other traffic, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was unaware if any warning lights were illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the torque converter solenoid had remained in an open position, causing the vehicle to stall while stopped. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact stated that his mechanic had researched online and related the failure to TSB Number: 10052215-6979 (Power Train). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 194,032.
Dear Sir/Madam, For the 3rd time now, my transmission is being rebuilt. After purchasing it from the dealership and it was still under warranty GMC Bakersfield rebuilt the transmission, then again in 2020 at 119,000 miles it broke down again and All Automatic in Bakersfield rebuilt it for $3500 and now here it is 2026 and only 60.000 miles later again All Automatic is having to rebuilt the transmission again and asking now for another $4950. I was excited to finally hear there was a recall, only to find it was only for 2014 GMC Acadia's. The transmission have failed again and yes it is available for inspection at All Automation in Bakersfield, CA on Quantico. During the course of breaking down the my safety and the safety of my children was at risk. …
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.
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!
Unknown, The vehicle will begin to jerk or shake when it gets up to about 30 - 40mph then levels out. Sometimes it will repeat the jerking when traveling at speed of 50 - 60mph for a few seconds then levels out. Sometimes the vehicle hesitate on take off from a stopped position.
Started having issues with transmission stuttering during gear shifts. Very slow shifts at time and difficulty keeps RPM up when climbing hills. Took it to a shop that identified an issue and was advised the transmission would need to be replaced.
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.
My GMC Acadia has been experiencing transmission problems. It has been jerking and it has been failing to accelerate properly. The check engine light is not on and the mechanic says he can not find a problem with the vehicle.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 GMC Acadia. After the vehicle was parked, the vehicle continued to move forward and dragged the contact as she was exiting. The vehicle rolled over the contact's left leg and crashed into a light post. There was no warning indicator illuminated. The contact sustained injuries that required medical attention. The vehicle was damaged, but was drivable. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 98,500.
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. …
Transmission complaints in other Acadia years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2013 GMC Acadia?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2013 GMC Acadia, 20% of the model year's 135 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2013 GMC Acadia transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain 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.