Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2020 GMC Acadia owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, and while driving at various speeds, a buzzing noise was heard coming from the engine compartment. The contact also stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the anti-theft system warning light was illuminated and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was able to be restarted; however, the contact stated that unknown alarm chimes were heard. Additionally, the liftgate opened independently and various other unknown warning lights illuminated, and messages were displayed. …
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while driving at various speeds. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle experienced unintended downshifts while driving. The contact stated that the engine revved significantly without the accelerator pedal being depressed. The messages "Unable to Shift Gears" and "Service Vehicle" were displayed. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V668000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. …
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while stopped at a traffic light and depressing the accelerator pedal after the light had changed, the vehicle hesitated and then lurched forward. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed and it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online but found no recall related to the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
I started receiving an error message that driver assist is reduced drive with car at 50k miles (i have an onstar diagnostic report and phone call made that day). It shut my car down and activated the parking break. I called Onstar at that moment it happened and they found nothing wrong with the car. It continued to happened several times after and each time I took it to the dealer they were unable to diagnose the problem. One time I was told there was a bulletin on it from GM, but not for the year of my car so they were not able to make the repair. When it finally started giving me the error all the time, they finally found it was the thermostat - $1600 and GM would not cover the part under warranty because I now had over the warranty miles even though it happened and was reported prior to that point. …
I believe my car should be included in this recall. I've had the dealer check and they say it's nothing wrong with my car. 2020 GMC Acadia Fuel Pump Recall GMC has announced that 2781 vehicles have been affected by a Fuel Pump recall. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5, Cadillac XT6, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The fuel pump's jet nozzle may have a plastic burr remaining from the manufacturing process, possibly causing a blocked nozzle and an insufficient fuel supply to the engine. Insufficient fuel supply can result in an engine stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. 2020 GMC Acadia Recall Fuel Pump GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module. The recall began November 16, 2020. …
2020 GMC Acadia bucks/hesitates when I take off or slow down and speed back up. Mechanic looked at it can see engine is having random misfires. We have tried plugs, transmission fluid, looked at everything we could think of. The condition improves if I put into AWD but still exists and worsens for a period of time after it shifts back into FWD mode. My mechanic has done a lot of research and found that one possible issue was a stretched timing chain but since it is out of warranty I just couldn't afford to have them tear it down it is an enormous job to see if that was the issue. It also lines up with other known issues like the auto stop issues and possibly a fuel pump issue. I have seen many people complaining online about this particular issue but not many on here and no recalls on my vehicle regarding the known issues
My 2020 GMC Acadia has experienced significant transmission issues, including [slipping / shuddering / "Service Transmission" warnings / loss of drive]. The problem has been diagnosed as a torque converter/transmission failure. GM has acknowledged known defects and issued recalls for 2019-2020 Acadia transmissions related to missing bolts in the start-stop accumulator endcap, which can cause fluid leaks and lead to torque converter/transmission failure. Many other owners have reported similar transmission issues, suggesting a systemic defect with the 9-speed transmission used in these vehicles. Despite these known issues, GM has declined to provide assistance with repairs. This failure compromises the safe operation of the vehicle, and I believe it warrants further investigation and potential recall.
1. Shift to Park failure, P0700/P187e internal sensor, causing me to have to get a rebuilt transmission. 10/2025 2. Transmission shudder/hard-shifting ongoing 2022-2025 3. Coolant/thermostat issues. Steering Assist Reduced" message, fans stay on HIGH, no AC, engine temp on ZERO ongoing since 2024 3. Start/Stop button failure multiple times (replaced 3 times) 4. Rack and pinion/steering gear (would not return/ got stuck while turning) got new rack and pinion 2023 5. Water pump leaking, replaced 4/2024 6. Since 2023, have had ongoing "Timing OVER ADVANCED", warning issues since 2023. This is TOO MUCH for a New car!!! I've owned MANY cars and NEVER had this many issues!!! There appears to be multiple design flaws with this model and similar models!
Transmission Control Value issues. I was driving my car and RPM spiked up high and I coasted and there was no acceleration the rear wheel tires locked up and I felt a jerk. Placed the vehicle in park and pulled hand gear shifter into Drive and the vehicle shifted back into park by itself. Same thing happened on placing the vehicle in reverse. Like the car had a mindset of its own. Luckily I was only going 20 miles per hour this could have been a fatality. This vehicle is not on the recall list. It should be because they use all the same parts.
The vehicle stalls when air start kicks on so when stopped auto stop kick on and when your ready to go the go stalls to turn back on. I have also lost power to the car randomly. Power train issue on car keeps coming on with engine light. I have taken to dealer when car was under warranty and they were very dismissive to my issue. They changed some sensor under warranty And they said the issue was fixed. But the issue remains and it's causing several issues to the car with Also a fueling code to the engine light
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020.
Transmission complaints in other Acadia years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2020 GMC Acadia?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2020 GMC Acadia, 21% of the model year's 106 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission › lever and linkage › floor shift (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2020 GMC Acadia transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 20V-668 (automatic transmission, Oct 29, 2020). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2020 GMC Acadia transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 50% before 25,000 miles.
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.