2021 GMC Acadia engine problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

31 owners have reported engine problems with the 2021 GMC Acadia, 21% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 36,970 mi.

Engine complaints
31
Crashes
2
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Related recalls
0
Median mileage
36,970 mi

Specific components reported

Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.

ComponentComplaints
Engine29
Engine and engine cooling1
Engine and engine cooling:engine:crank/camshaft position sensor1
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control1

Engine complaints across GMC Acadia years

5200717102009141820112110201322920151052201729582019303120211413202310620251
Engine complaints by model year. The 2021 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

1Under 10k110k–30k430k–60k160k–100k100k–150k150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

  1. Filed May 30, 2026MEElectrical SystemEngineSteering
    Display suddenly says "Steering assistance reduced, drive with care" Temp gauge goes to C and stays there. Radiator fans speed up and stay on after the car has been turned off. Dealer unable to find a diagnostic code for the problem.
    NHTSA complaint #11741035 · source
  2. Filed May 9, 2026MIEngine
    I am submitting this complaint regarding ongoing mechanical and electrical issues with my 2021 GMC ACADIA that have been occurring intermittently for approximately the past year and a half. The primary issues involve the coolant temperature sensor, thermostat system, engine cooling fan, and dashboard warning messages. The vehicle repeatedly experiences problems related to the coolant temperature sensor and thermostat. During these episodes, the engine cooling fan continues…
    NHTSA complaint #11736741 · source
  3. Filed May 6, 2026OKEngine
    Bought the acadia in june of 2021, in december of 2022 had to have the radiator replaced due to it leaking. This was found on routine maintenance and was not having any issues whatsoever. I received no alerts on my dash such as a check engine light. Fast Forward to March 2026, I received a message of "steering assist reduced. drive with care." The engine seemed like it was still running despite the car being off. This was happening intermittently and definitely not every…
    NHTSA complaint #11736208 · source
  4. Filed Mar 20, 202669,000 miNJEngine
    The contact owns a 2021 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the coolant fan was running after the engine was turned off. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone to be diagnosed due to the check engine warning light being illuminated. The contact was informed that DTC: P1098; was retrieved, which indicated a fault with the coolant control valve. The vehicle was taken to the dealer,…
    NHTSA complaint #11725820 · source
  5. Filed Mar 4, 2026OHElectrical SystemEngine
    Car has had multiple issues with check engine light coming on for the last 2 years and stays on especially during the winter months. The purge pump has failed multiple times. The cooling fan has run after engine shutting off for multiple years now. The thermostat has been failing for the last 6 months. Now yesterday low power protection suddenly turned on driving on the expressway limiting power in the middle of traffic. Was able to get off at exit without accident and get…
    NHTSA complaint #11721893 · source
  6. Filed Feb 18, 2026MIEngine
    Car was taken in for an oil change at 62k Miles. Dealer advised that it needed a radiator replaced. At 64k miles it was brought into the dealer for warranty work due to a failing thermostat. While being diagnosed, we were told not only the radiator needed to be replaced, but the oil cooler also needed to be replaced. So a 5 year old car with just over 60k Miles had the thermostat/sensor fail and need to be replaced. A radiator fail and need to be replaced and and an oil…
    NHTSA complaint #11718832 · source
  7. Filed Feb 9, 202637,000 miMOEngine
    The contact owns a 2021 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated and DTC: P04FB; was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with moisture of the crank case. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure was a quick fix and was covered under the warranty. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times and was covered under warranty. The…
    NHTSA complaint #11716760 · source
  8. Filed Jan 21, 2026FLEngine
    Been happening for a year and a half. Muffler is very loud and rattles constantly. Getting worse over time. There is a current recall but my vin isn’t included even though my car is having the same issue.
    NHTSA complaint #11712579 · source
  9. Filed Nov 25, 2025MIEngine
    Vehicle's engine incurred coolant temperature issues, set dtc code, and cooling fan ran after engine was turned off. Dealer diagnosed as thermostat failure and completed repairs. Dealer checked and found no service assistance for repair even though there was a back order for replacement parts and was secured through dealer in detroit current nhtsa id number 110243390 / mfg communication # n252508350 referring to 3.6 v-6 engine. Gmc declined any monetary assistance towards…
    NHTSA complaint #11701422 · source
  10. Filed Nov 24, 2025OKEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlSteering
    For the 3rd time of ownership the cooling fan stays on after vehicle is turned off and the display “steering assist is reduced, drive with caution”.
    NHTSA complaint #11701173 · source
  11. Filed Nov 19, 202536,970 miRITowedEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    The contact owns a 2021 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel pump control module. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the…
    NHTSA complaint #11700332 · source
  12. Filed Nov 17, 2025NJEngine
    GM need to be looked at for faulty Thermostats being put into vehicles. While driving the message "steering assist is reduced " You get to a safe place and shut you car off and the fan still runs. After speaking with my dealer today, he said he has done 7 in last week. And if you look online, everyone especially Acadia models is having this problem. Customers are getting charged alot of money for the repair. To me this is a defective thermostat on GM and needs to be addressed
    NHTSA complaint #11699969 · source

Other 2021 GMC Acadia problem areas

  • Electrical System (38)
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (29)
  • Other / Unknown (21)
  • Brakes (19)
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (17)
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (17)
  • Steering (16)
  • Airbags (9)
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control (7)
  • Suspension (3)
  • Body & Structure (3)
  • Seats & Seat Belts (2)
  • Visibility & Wipers (2)
  • Wheels & Tires (1)
  • Lighting (1)

Back to all 2021 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