2020 GMC Acadia electrical system problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

27 owners have reported electrical system problems with the 2020 GMC Acadia, 26% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 3,300 mi.

Electrical System complaints
27
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Related recalls
0
Median mileage
3,300 mi

Specific components reported

Electrical System covers: Battery, wiring, infotainment, instrument cluster, communication and software.

ComponentComplaints
Electrical system27

Electrical System complaints across GMC Acadia years

62007278200912122012155120141516201612679201810427202038152022982024432026
Electrical System complaints by model year. The 2020 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

2Under 10k10k–30k130k–60k60k–100k100k–150k150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

  1. Filed Sep 21, 2026WAElectrical System
    Receive error message about Power steering that shuts off AC and Temperature gauges. Happens constantly when vehicle is driven on freeway. Requires the battery to be disconnected and it resets until the next time.
    NHTSA complaint #11765941 · source
  2. Filed Jul 12, 2026CAElectrical SystemEngineSteering
    [Symptom & Safety Hazard] While driving my 2020 GMC Acadia 3.6L V6, the Driver Information Center displayed the warning: "Steering Assist Reduced, Drive With Care" (SARDWC). Steering effort increased abruptly, the engine temperature gauge dropped to cold/zero, and the HVAC system lost air-conditioning function. The warning and reduction in steering assist presented a safety hazard and increased the risk of a crash. [Diagnostic Findings] Vehicle diagnostics identified DTC…
    NHTSA complaint #11749841 · source
  3. Filed May 31, 2026NYElectrical SystemEngine
    Thermostat issue causing check engine light as well as steering assist to be turned off. Fan constantly runs. Reset code and immediately is fine again for anywhere from a day to weeks but then happens again. Car is just out of warranty but seems to be common occurrence as there is a service bulletin for the 2021 model
    NHTSA complaint #11741177 · source
  4. Filed May 18, 2026WIDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical SystemLighting
    Back up camera randomly stops working (black screen-completely gone, or blue screen). Dash will randomly dim on its own and does not go back to normal unless car is shut off and turned back on. adaptive cruise control will disengage for no apparent reason. stabilitrak will flash on screen but no other indicators or reasons; nothing happens with car. Occasionally the blind spot mirror lights will not light up when vehicle is present.
    NHTSA complaint #11738492 · source
  5. Filed Apr 18, 2026WVElectrical System
    My infotainment screen just has lines on it. I am the second owner of this vehicle. It just stopped working on day and has not come back. I cannot use my back up camera system now either. I have read where this has been an issue with the 2020 model and a possible crimping in the wiring system. I am wondering if this is the issue here. The car has been in no accidents under my ownership.
    NHTSA complaint #11732081 · source
  6. Filed Mar 17, 202647,000 miVAElectrical SystemSteering
    The contact owns a 2020 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the AC was inoperable. The message “Driving Assist Reduced - Drive with Care” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the battery. While driving, the message "Driving Assist Reduced" was displayed. The contact was concerned about…
    NHTSA complaint #11724868 · source
  7. Filed Mar 13, 2026FLElectrical SystemSteering
    My 2020 GMC Acadia slt has a a warning message that pops up on the dash display which reads power steering operating at reduced assistance. Please proceed with extreme caution. At high speeds the wheel kinda pulls and is loose for handling. It also atfff conley buick out by the conley buick sericexx2020 acadias. I don't not54⁴ lower rates of speed becomes extremely hard to maneuver . Almost zero ability to turn the steering wheel. I'm disabled and really can't afford the…
    NHTSA complaint #11724079 · source
  8. Filed Jan 30, 2026TXElectrical System
    After heavy rain or a carwash, the door locks and lift gate don't work from key fob. And the vehicle says no remote detected and has trouble starting. After a day or two they start working again. It caused U0422 (invalid data received from body control module). On forums it says it can be water leaking into the vehicle and shorting out the BMC from either the HVAC drain or a weatherstrip somewhere. Now my rear passenger door locks don't work at all. Dealer wants to replace…
    NHTSA complaint #11714468 · source
  9. Filed Nov 24, 2025VAElectrical SystemSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11701183 · source
  10. Filed May 7, 2025TNElectrical SystemSteering
    An error pops on the dash that says steering assist is reduced-drive with care, and the thermostat gauge does not work, nor does the air conditioner and the vehicle fan under the hood is extremely loud. This has been happening intermittently since September 2024. Basic research on the Internet is showing many people have the same issue with these vehicles. Further research suggests possible vehicle computer system issues. I don't know why there isn't a recall already.
    NHTSA complaint #11659505 · source
  11. Filed Mar 5, 2025SCElectrical SystemOther / UnknownSteering
    When it rains(or car wash) my power locks don't work. I get locked out of my car. My car reset itself in the middle of an intersection(like I turned it off and back on again). One of my gauges is always not working. The sunroof doesn't work right. Water is getting in the electrical area somehow. I've taken it to two chevrolet dealerships, but no help.
    NHTSA complaint #11646575 · source
  12. Filed Nov 25, 2024GAElectrical SystemEngine
    The electrical, engine, and A/C systems failed. First our A/C stopped blowing cold. A warning light came up and said that driver assist was not working properly, and temperature gauge went all the way down to cold and did not move after that. It appears 3 things were malfunctioning. I was afraid to drive it for fear of burning up the engine due to an engine cooling malfunction and the car overheating. The A/C stopped blowing cold air but was still blowing warm air. The…
    NHTSA complaint #11627362 · source

Other 2020 GMC Acadia problem areas

  • Engine (30)
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (22)
  • Steering (20)
  • Other / Unknown (15)
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (14)
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (11)
  • Brakes (7)
  • Seats & Seat Belts (4)
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control (4)
  • Airbags (3)
  • Body & Structure (3)
  • Visibility & Wipers (3)
  • Wheels & Tires (1)
  • Lighting (1)

Back to all 2020 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