2019 GMC Acadia transmission & drivetrain problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

151 owners have reported transmission & drivetrain problems with the 2019 GMC Acadia, 40% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 52,000 mi.

Transmission & Drivetrain complaints
151
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Related recalls
1
Median mileage
52,000 mi

Specific components reported

Transmission & Drivetrain covers: transmission shifting, slipping, axles, driveshaft, transfer case.

ComponentComplaints
Power train140
Power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:floor shift6
Power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl)2
Power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)1
Power train:automatic transmission:internal:bearings/bushings1
Power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shift1

Transmission & Drivetrain complaints across GMC Acadia years

42007652009472011181320132011201517170201712515120192217202141220237420253
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year. The 2019 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

1Under 10k710k–30k1930k–60k1760k–100k100k–150k1150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 20V668000Oct 29, 2020194,105 vehicles
    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. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.

    Risk: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.

    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. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.

What owners say

  1. Filed Sep 19, 2026VAElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain
    While attempting to turn vehicle off, the message shift to park was given. Could not shut vehicle off! Has happened multiple times in the past, then disappears for awhile. Comes back again at will. Have seen multiple complaints on this issue falling back to a defective micro-switch within the shifter assym. Former GM tech here---
    NHTSA complaint #11765518 · source
  2. Filed Aug 18, 2026NJTransmission & Drivetrain
    On XXX at 1:56pm, I took the vehicle to Jiffy Lube service center #810 for the "Quick Oil Change Service" which includes checking and filling the Tranmission/Axle fluid. Per the attached receipt the Transmission/Axle fluid was "OK", and the next service was recommended after 5,000 addtional miles from the then current mileage of 153,317. On the morning o XXX, the car began experiencing issues identical to vehicle recall NHTSA ID Number: 20V668000. The check engine light…
    NHTSA complaint #11757610 · source
  3. Filed Aug 3, 2026154,428 miNJEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2019 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission failed to properly shift gears and the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH while driving. The contact stated that the transmission failed to shift above third gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who discovered that there was no transmission fluid inside the torque converter. The vehicle was scanned…
    NHTSA complaint #11754373 · source
  4. Filed Jul 30, 2026MEEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    I was at a red light, I went to drive as the light turned green and my car stopped and wouldn’t drive, I could go into neutral to get out of way but anything the car would stop. There is no codes or lights turned on my dash though.
    NHTSA complaint #11753750 · source
  5. Filed Jun 26, 2026MEElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain
    Problem 1: I got the car 2 years ago, and it keeps telling me to "Shift to Park" even though its in park. That's been happening for the whole time I've had it. It does throw a code for it on the scanner machine. I have to shift it back and forth sometimes 3 times and sometimes 17 times. It just keeps beeping over and over and won't shut off. I am having a mechanic look at it Tuesday but hoping it doesn't cost a lot. But no recalls on my car. Problem 2: For the last 4 months…
    NHTSA complaint #11746660 · source
  6. Filed Jun 11, 202656,757 miVATransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2019 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that upon parking and attempting to turn off the vehicle, the message “Action Required. Shift to Park” was displayed while the gear shifter was in park(P). The vehicle failed to turn off. The contact moved the gear shifter back and forth until the vehicle registered it was in park (P). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced a wiring harness and switch. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The…
    NHTSA complaint #11743465 · source
  7. Filed Jun 1, 2026KYTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2019 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the shift to parking warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the failure occurred while the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, however the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a…
    NHTSA complaint #11741349 · source
  8. Filed Jun 1, 2026TXTransmission & Drivetrain
    When I shift my 2019 GMC Acadia into park, the warning message reads shift to park and there is a ding warning that plays for several mins. This has been going on for over a year. I took it to the dealership and they said they could repair it for $1000 dollars but the solenoid was only guaranteed for 30 days. There is no possible way a dealership can expect a person to pay $1000 dollars a month to keep their family and transportation safe.
    NHTSA complaint #11741194 · source
  9. Filed May 1, 202691,355 miTXTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2019 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into park and failed to shut off. There was a shift to a park error message displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a contact issue in the transmission box. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 91,355.
    NHTSA complaint #11735167 · source
  10. Filed Apr 27, 202621,000 miFLTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2019 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, it was unable to recognize that the gear shifter was in park and experienced a shift to park failure. The dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 21,000.
    NHTSA complaint #11734092 · source
  11. Filed Apr 20, 2026ALTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2019 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that upon parking and attempting to turn off the vehicle, the message "Shift to Park" was displayed. The contact restarted the vehicle and was able to successfully park and turn off the vehicle after several attempts. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle intermittently failed to shift as intended. Additionally, the A/C system was inoperable while driving. The check engine warning light was…
    NHTSA complaint #11732376 · source
  12. Filed Apr 1, 2026MNBody & StructureOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain
    Park to shift issue - the vehicle did not register that I was in park, jerked hard when trying to place in gear, did not register the PROPER gear (reverse, neutral, drive), would NOT unlock doors to let passengers out even if it were an emergency. Seems to be triggered on inclines but have also been having issues on flat ground. Other Acadia's apparently have a recall for this issue but my VIN does not register as recalled which is not acceptable.…
    NHTSA complaint #11728432 · source

Other 2019 GMC Acadia problem areas

  • Other / Unknown (118)
  • Electrical System (104)
  • Engine (58)
  • Steering (33)
  • Brakes (17)
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (16)
  • Lighting (8)
  • Suspension (6)
  • Wheels & Tires (4)
  • Body & Structure (4)
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (4)
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control (3)
  • Seats & Seat Belts (3)
  • Airbags (3)
  • Visibility & Wipers (1)

Back to all 2019 GMC Acadia problems →

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