2020 GMC Acadia transmission & drivetrain problems

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 21, 2026VTEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11765876 · source
2. Filed Jun 26, 2026MDFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11746751 · source
3. Filed Jun 22, 2026CAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Thermostat and cooling sensor went out on my car. GMC issued a special coverage bulletin for 2021 Acadia since it's a widespread issue but not the 2020 (mine) which is also a widespread issue looking online. The repair is over $1000 and should be covered!

   NHTSA complaint #11745760 · source
4. Filed Mar 6, 2026WITransmission & Drivetrain

   The torque converter in the transmission has been vibrating for over a year now. I can imagine it is causing more damage to the rest of the transmission. Now I can feel the shifting starting to get rough, loss of power, and dark transmission fluid. I had the problem confirmed with an independent service center. There have been no warning lamps as of yet. But it's only a matter of time that I will need a torque converter replacement and/or full transmission replacement.

   NHTSA complaint #11722466 · source
5. 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
6. Filed Nov 3, 2025ILEngineOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   I own a 2020 GMC Acadia that has experienced multiple major mechanical failures within one year. In January 2025, at around 74,000 miles, the transmission failed completely with no warning or clear indication of what was wrong. The vehicle suddenly lost power while driving, creating a safety risk for me and my child. I was quoted around $12,000 for the transmission replacement initially before getting GM involved. GM covered all but approximately $3,600 out of pocket for me…

   NHTSA complaint #11697288 · source
7. Filed Sep 25, 2025NJFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   Vehicle will shutter or buck at variable speeds like, 35-38 mph, 40-45 mph and so on. if I take my foot of the gas and reapply it will shutter buck again at almost any speed. I took it to a mechanic and there are no codes, no check engine light. Shop recommended changing the transmission fluid so we did. Car still responds the same way, shutters and bucks when reapplying fuel pedal or slow acceleration.

   NHTSA complaint #11689632 · source
8. Filed Sep 14, 2025OHEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11687173 · source
9. Filed Aug 9, 2025OKEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Car keeps throwing Poo14 code for VVt sensor, I’ve replaced the sensors and checked wiring on the side of the road and no damage found, went online and read multiple complaints and recalls on the same issue I’m having with my car. I enter my vin and no recalls have been found. I have a 2020 gmc Acadia Denali 3.6l v6. As well and the rear view camera cutting in and out multiple times anlmost causing an wreck. and a system update didn’t fix the issue.

   NHTSA complaint #11679487 · source
10. Filed Mar 24, 2025MIBrakesFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11650043 · source
11. Filed Jan 18, 2025NCEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11636824 · source
12. Filed Dec 6, 202480,000 miTNTransmission & Drivetrain

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11629160 · 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