Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2018 GMC Acadia owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Acadia C1. The contact stated that his wife was parking in the driveway and upon shifting into the park gear, the vehicle sensor would not register that it was in park, therefore not allowing the engine to be shut off. The contact stated that his wife proceeded to turn the vehicle on and off while continuously shifting the gears until finally placing the shifter into park, and successfully turning the vehicle's engine off. The contact noted that his wife exited the vehicle; however that moments after a loud bang could be heard, and upon inspection, the contact noticed that the vehicle rolled into the garage with the entire front bumper. No property damage was reported. The vehicle came to a stop upon impact. The vehicle was going 3 MPH at the time of the crash. The vehicle did not need to be towed. …
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that upon depression of the brake pedal, the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where she was informed that the brake pads and all four rotors needed to be replaced. The contact then called Brad Deery Motors (112 N. 2nd St, Maquoketa, IA 52060) and was informed to take the vehicle in to be diagnosed. The contact was then informed that only one of the rotors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The contact also stated that upon attempting to park the vehicle, the shift to park warning message would illuminate on the instrument panel. The contact had to repeatedly shift the vehicle in and out of the park before the vehicle would recognize the shifter in the park position. …
All of this has been going on for a while but it's gotten to the point of dangerous. The Shift to Park keeps coming on preventing me from shutting the vehicle off even though it's, in fact, in Park. Then, "Steering Assist Reduced Drive With Care" keeps coming on. This will come on and off. Preventing the engine from heating up like it needs to be. Then the transmission keeps slipping. Was nearly rear-ended on the highway with my child in the car when it decided to start driving really rough and wouldn't allow me to shift to the next gear. This is also an ongoing issue. Another time I was almost hit in the side when this randomly happened on crossing the highway. This is absolutely absurd! I have had MUCH older vehicles without all these issues with many many more miles! I can't count the amount of times this has caused us serious hazards not to mention almost costing me my JOB! …
The vehicle has experienced repeated electrical and engine-related malfunctions, including random engine shutdowns while driving and random no-start conditions. The thermostat and cooling system failed and were replaced in 2024. Multiple sensors have failed. The braking system remains noisy even after brake replacement. The lane detection safety system does not provide audible alerts. The vehicle is currently operational and available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The vehicle has randomly shut off while driving on both highways and city roads in Azle, Texas. This occurred while my two children were in the vehicle. When the engine shut off, there was a risk of losing power steering and braking assist, which could have caused an accident, especially at highway speeds and in traffic. …
When I put my vehicle in park, the message "shift to park" pops up. It has been doing this for well over a year. I have already had to replace a battery once due to this because I didn't realize it was still on. It does not happen everytime I park but at random times. The more it happens, the longer it takes for it to go off. At this point, I can only hope my car is really in park. I jiggle the shifter, hit the " +|- " on the shifter and have to turn the vehicle off and on about five or six times. Eventually it will go off. It took me 20 minutes today for it to go off in 100 degree heat. The vehicle's AC is not running when trying to get the shifter to go off. It keeps the electronics running but not the AC. I keep waiting to receive a recall on this vehicle because of this issue but still nothing. I have noticed there is a recall for this but not vehicle. …
It's a problem that occurs when my Acadia fails to recognize that the gear shifter is in the park position. As a result, the car doesn't fully shut down, leaving the engine running. Unable to shut down vehicle if shift doesn't fully activate brake notice, and could be a safety issue if it truly doesn't park. I have not taken the vehicle to a dealer or services to have the problem reproduced yet. It also has not been inspected yet, however, after doing research online, GMC did put a recall notifying owners that this may be a problem in vehicles from years 2017-2021. When I place the shifter into park, the car does not recognize it, and alerts me to put it into parking. It started appearing 2 months ago.
I have a 2018 GMC Acadia that is now displaying " shift to park " while the vehicle is in park. Upon extensive research I see GMC did issue a recall however, my particular VIN was not included. Its NOW displaying the error message which would lead me to believe it IS part of the recall. I called my local GMC dealership (Langhorne, PA.) and they said this was not covered since my VIN was not issues a recall.
Electronic park brake failed to release, flashing park in red on my instrument cluster and after numerous attempts to release it the amber wrench sign also displayed . I could only get it to release after disconnecting the battery and reconnecting it after a few minutes lapsed. It has continued to do this as recent as last week around the 1st of June 2022.
Cars emergency brake locks up for no reason. Happened on several occasions but last instance burned out actuator and locked up calipers from just sitting on a hill with foot on brake. This is a huge safety issue when it locks up for no reason on a road. It's stranded me at least twice because it's hard to undue.
This vehicle has always since we bought it gave us tremendous problems while driving during a snowy day. Brakes typically do not work, at times even going through a red light and thankfully not been in an accident. Recently, the stability control system and the antilock braking system stopped working while under a snow storm. Unfortunately, we took it to the nearest delearship to get it fixed and we were told that the problem was due to the snow, but after the snow everything was good. Unfortunately, people do not have the money to pay for a vehicle and have it parked during the winter, that is what is happening to us. Because nor the dealership or GMC has done anything to help. This has been reported since December 2018, the vehicle has 34500 miles on it and is relatively new now, but we should not have these issues. …
Brake complaints in other Acadia years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2018 GMC Acadia?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the brakes of the 2018 GMC Acadia, 6% of the model year's 396 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2018 GMC Acadia brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2018 GMC Acadia, though it has 2 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 2018 GMC Acadia brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 41,000 miles, and 22% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 8 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.