10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 4
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
48,024 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2013 GMC Acadia electrical problems

electrical problem

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2013 GMC Acadia Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #33

Jan 222023

Acadia

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Car had sat most of the day. By approximately 2:30CST, we decided to go do a little shopping. We drove about 1 mile and the dash displayed "check battery charging system". My husband assumed it was the alternator going out so we turned around swapped vehicles. Probably 45 mins after swapping vehicles I received a call stating my vehicle was up in flames.

- Youngstown, FL, USA

problem #32

Mar 212018

Acadia

  • miles
The original side detection system is not an enclosed system. Allowing water, snow, sleet, and salt can penetrate the system. Once, there is penetration and corrosion in the system it effects the entire automobile's electrical system and instrument cluster. Causing the vehicle to come to a complete halt.

- Tinley Park, IL, USA

problem #31

Feb 012022

Acadia

  • miles
I brought the car to the dealer due to an AIRBAG warning light on my dash. My VIN, regardless of identical issues to those noted in the dealer recalls, was not included in them. The items below were noted by the dealer as requiring immediate attention and estimated to cost $2,400. Current Mileage: 95,635 - AIRBAGS LR and RS Side Impact Sensor faulty. If not replaced the airbag system will not function correctly at the time of impact, preventing the airbags from deploying, and putting the passengers of the vehicle in harm's way. Warning light on dash alerts to sensor's invalid data from the sensor. - TAIL LIGHT casings fill with water causing an electrical short and the bulbs to burn out. This also causes a double-time ticking when you try the turn signal, alerting you to the issues.

- Washington, DC, USA

problem #30

Dec 192020

Acadia

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

On 02/10/2022 my side warning detection monitors are both activated/lit up intrmittently while parked or driving indicating faulty operation and therefore replacement. The vehicle has around 120K miles so out of any warranty. But this will be the third or fourth time ( not original ow er so dealer has records) that this has happened. Last time in December 2020 I had an extended warranty that covered the passenger module but was not the "improved" module with some type of casing to address the corrosion causing the failures as they wanted an extra $3-400 for that part. Why they still manufacture the bad part is interesting since they have recognized they have a pro lem with the older part. Have seen other complaints that not fixing these can result in other electrical failures that can be dangerous even an electrical fire was reported from this. Obviously I feel the issue is widespread enough for a blanket recall beyond the one issued for 6 y3ears or 80K miles.

- Plymouth , MN, USA

problem #29

Feb 182021

Acadia

  • 57,980 miles
The service side detection system has appeared in the dic due to water intrusion in the sensors. They were originally replaced per the tsb16-na-178 in April of 2019. The issue has since re-occurred 2/18/21 while driving, which jeopardizes my safety. I also understand that this may lead to additional electrical issues and may cause the vehicle to enter limp mode.

- Rochester Hills, MI, USA

problem #28

Jan 232021

Acadia

  • 51,500 miles
Driver side detection blind zone, intermittently comes on, then after several days just stopped working, I replace the blind zone module located under rear bumper, it worked fine for a week and then shows service side detection system, and both sides blind lights on mirrors don't work, all this happened while the vehicle is running

- Joliet, IL, USA

problem #27

Dec 022020

Acadia

  • 115,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Air bag service light is on. Defective wiring harness. Transmition issues as per a common complaint on this vehicle. The vehicle shows all of these issues both when running parked and while in motion on all types of roadways

- Waterford, WI, USA

problem #26

Apr 112019

Acadia

  • 63,000 miles
GM is in non compliance with global safety field investigations dcs5011...D&S motors rugby nd [a GM dealer] states they can not get the kit-Acadia my 2013-14 part no. 84651473 ---- my vehicle required repair within that extended warranty time from. I am now on my 3rd failed because of water intrusion, the new wiring harnss is suppose to repair the problem and suppose to have been installed at no cost to the customer. They figure they just can not get it and that's it, they are done with me! they state even today they can not get the kit--they have them for other vehicles, but not mine--I know I will have another failer down the road--your paper says it is urgent --yes, it isw as a lot of things go wacky when it goes! GM paper says specialcoverage adjustment N172097060 side blind zone" help"

- Balta, ND, USA

problem #25

Jun 222013

Acadia

  • 4,000 miles
Service side detection sensors. Sensors failed 3 times.sensors fill with water freeze and short out. Cable harness also had to be replaced because it melted.

- Oak Creek, WI, USA

problem #24

Feb 112020

Acadia

  • 110,000 miles
The side blind zone detection system became defective, from defective modules damaged from the elements. This causes many electrical systems to become disabled and even disables the vehicle completely. There is a special warranty but only up to 80,000 miles. My vehicle is beyond that. It is still extremely dangerous for many GM customers and replacement parts and labor should be covered for all!

- Rogers, MN, USA

problem #23

Dec 102019

Acadia

  • 119,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

First it started with the daytime running lights staying on hours after vehicle is shut off then it went to parking lights staying on as well and now the driver side lights are out including liscence plate lights nothing works but the headlight

- Holton, IN, USA

problem #22

Nov 212019

Acadia

  • 55,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Acadia. While driving approximately 35 mph, the 'service side detection system', 'low voltage' and 'traction control' messages suddenly displayed before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was later restarted, but the failure recurred. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 55,000.

- Carmel, ME, USA

problem #21

Oct 022019

Acadia

  • 105,000 miles
Side view indicator lights are constantly on, disrupted by water intrusion into the sensors. Initial recall stopped at 80,000 miles. The lights constantly being on are a hazard at night as there is indirect light affecting my vision and could cause an accident. Additionally, the mirrors are looked at directly while driving and the fact that the indicator lights are always on makes it difficult to view the mirrors at night. I have nearly caused >10 accidents due to this.

- Memphis, TN, USA

problem #20

Oct 022019

Acadia

  • 109,000 miles
This vehicle began having a shaking or jumping feeling at 1800 rpms around 85,000 miles. Unable to be diagnosed at outside mechanic. Continued to get worse and began happening at other rpms. Took to dealership after vehicle hit 109,000 miles and diagnosed at torque converter which they refuse to fix because outside warranty. Per my review of other sites, this has been a recurrent and obvious issue with these vehicles and can leave people stranded on the highway as the vehicle can lose power.

- Memphis, TN, USA

problem #19

Sep 042019

Acadia

  • 115,000 miles
When starting my engine, it rolls over and starts but continues to crank/turn (even after it has started).

- Rochester, MI, USA

problem #18

Jul 172019

Acadia

  • miles
Wipers turn off if blinker on and only work on high

- Manchester, MO, USA

problem #17

Dec 202018

Acadia

  • 82,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Acadia. While driving various speeds, the light on the side view mirror illuminated without warning and caused the instrument panel and interior lighting to black out. When the vehicle was turned off, the electrical system and lighting returned to normal. The vehicle was taken to two different dealers, including champion Buick GMC (855-587-3503, located at 7885 grand river ave, brighton, mi 48114). The dealer stated that since the vehicle had more than 80,000 miles, it would not be repaired under warranty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and agreed with the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

- Howell, MI, USA

problem #16

Jun 172019

Acadia

  • 95,902 miles
Side detection module is a warranty recall by GM and they will not replace the part due to mileage. I was never informed of the recall by GM so they should honor their recall.

- Moline, IL, USA

problem #15

Jun 182013

Acadia

  • miles
I have never had to replace bulbs in the headlights in a vehicle I have owned. The headlights in this vehicle were good about 2 years. But, since then I have had to replace both bulbs in the headlights every year. And, I have to have the A/C system worked on every year as well beginning 3 months after I purchased it. Purchasing this vehicle is the worst decision I have ever made in my life. I am constantly having something break. Headlights, wheel bearings, motor mount, multiple issues with A/C, transmission.

- Smithdale, MS, USA

problem #14

Apr 252016

Acadia

  • miles
I have been having electrical or radio problems since 2016 finally in 2017 they replaced the radio they stated the radio was the issue. Because my radio freezes and turns off and on.every second months later it started doing it. I am a nurse I am a busy mom too. Took it back to dealer and they did reset, update and the radio was fine. Months later there I go having same issue and now no warranty for radio. Now they are saying that they cant replace with warranty because is not covered. Wow is insane, dealer does not want to take part in this issue. I have seen a lot of people comments with same problems with radio of this model too. I need a solution to get my radio fix. I have had to go to the dealer and literaly tell them what is wrong with my car in order for them to fix.

- Gaithersburg, MD, USA

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