2018 GMC Acadia electrical system problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 29, 2026PAElectrical SystemEngine

   I get error electric Steering assist reduced or unavailable drive with care at around 84234 miles on my car . Upon looking up problem on Internet it has to do with the Thermostat. I also found where Gm has a bulletin N252508350 which only seems to cover certain vehicles with the same problem. This seems to happen at all different miles driven on vehicles. I don't see how Gm can get away with only fixing certain vehicles with this safety problem when it shuts down the…

   NHTSA complaint #11767917 · source
2. Filed May 15, 2026MIElectrical System

   For the last 6 months, I keep getting a "shift to Park" message on my dashboard indicating that my vehicle is not in park (in which it is). The problem is getting wors, so I called GMC on 5/14/26 to inquire and was informed that my VIN number WAS not include in the resent class action lawsuit for this issue. I then found out by searching myself on line for other complaints that GMC is very aware of this situation and yet refuses to fix the issue free of charge to customers.…

   NHTSA complaint #11738057 · source
3. Filed Apr 27, 2026AKElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2018 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off, the “Shift-to-Park” warning light illuminated with a continuous audible alert. The vehicle was unable to recognize that the transmission was in park(P). Several attempts were needed to shift to park. The battery was disconnected to turn off the audible alert. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under an associated recall. During the recall repair,…

   NHTSA complaint #11734045 · source
4. Filed Mar 18, 2026PAElectrical System

   Vehicle dies with no warning, no warning lights, no power even emergency flashers are inoperative, almost like it got hit by an EMP

   NHTSA complaint #11725361 · source
5. Filed Feb 7, 2026TXCrashBrakesElectrical SystemEngine

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11716369 · source
6. Filed Feb 2, 202698,000 miINDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical System

   The contact owns a 2018 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that upon parking the vehicle and attempting to release the key from the ignition switch, the key seized inside the ignition switch. The contact stated that either the “Parking Assist” or the “Steering Assist” warning light was illuminated during the failures, and the A/C system became inoperable. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with Parking…

   NHTSA complaint #11715106 · source
7. Filed Dec 8, 2025GAElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

   Shift to park message has appeared again and the engine will not cut off. First happened in Feb 2020, mileage was 31,143. Took to Dealer and new wiring harness was installed. Had to take back to dealer April 2020 for same problem; shifter assembly was replaced at that time. Shift to park message came back on August 2023. Took back to Dealer and shifter harness replaced again and jumper harness was installed. Mileage was 52,993. Shift to park message has once again appeared,…

   NHTSA complaint #11703859 · source
8. Filed Oct 29, 2025SCElectrical System

   Shift to park warning is coming on when car is clearly in park. Have to jiggle gear shift to get it to go off. It is just random. Sometimes stays on. I am reading this is a big problem with this model car. Called dealer and they said they would have to replace gear shift.

   NHTSA complaint #11696359 · source
9. Filed Oct 5, 2025TXElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   My Acadia has the shift to park default it has been fixed 3 times and now it is popping up again for the 4th time which means I can't turn my vehicle off it takes forever to get it to go off please help please help

   NHTSA complaint #11691514 · source
10. Filed Sep 24, 2025MN2 injuredElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

    Shifting to park and vehicle stating the vehicle is not in park, won't let me turn the vehicle off. Transmission going out, brought to many shops letting me know that the transmission is not working properly but won't give an engine light if anything is wrong with vehicle, Wont show on readers what is wrong with vehicle. Electrical, Doors will automatically lock and unlock most times lock and locks me in the vehicle having me have to climb through the windows and having to…

    NHTSA complaint #11689335 · source
11. Filed Sep 9, 2025VAElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown

    The shift to park in my 2018 GMC Acadia was faulty. On many occasions and randomly, the car would be in park but would not turn off, saying I needed to shift it to park in order to turn the car off. This has left me unable to turn my car off resulting in dead batteries and missed appointments and being late for work. This defect is well documented by GM in TSBs PIT5616A, 18-NA-297, and 19-NA-206, which describes the exact symptoms and repair that I had to have completed.…

    NHTSA complaint #11686054 · source
12. Filed Aug 21, 2025NHElectrical System

    Shift to park- recall on 2017-2018 Acadia’s Started having issues several months ago- was occasional note constant. I see there has been a recall at one time and it is ac known problem. I am on my 2nd battery!

    NHTSA complaint #11682217 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology