Mid-sized sports utility vehicles (SUVs) have become popular due to their versatility over the past several years. Generally referred to as “crossover” SUVs, they claim to handle like a car but offer the power of a larger vehicle.
The 2018 GMC Acadia is a midsize SUV that boasts ample room for passengers and storage. GMC relies on its long history as a car manufacturer to gain customers’ trust.
Customers have reported many 2018 GMC Acadia problems, from a malfunctioning electrical system to a possible fuel leakage problem that may cause fires. These 2018 GMC Acadia complaints shed doubt on GMC’s reputation.
2018 GMC Acadia Transmission Problems
Your car’s transmission shifts the gears so that you can accelerate and decelerate smoothly. However, customers have reported problems with the 2018 GMC Acadia’s transmission.
One customer reported to Edmunds:
“Like others have stated here, my 2018 Ac-adia Denali came out of the show room with issues shifting from 2nd to 3rd. There seems to be a long delay regardless of how the throttle is handled. Took it to two separate dealers in WI. Said there were no codes set and no issues to address and sent me on my way. I opened a case with GM and the “senior” customer rep told me that if there [sic] dealer says there is nothing wrong with it, they can’t “or won’t?” do anything about it. I hate driving this thing not knowing how or when it is going to shift is so unpredictable. My body gets thrown forward upon acceleration waiting for the gear to kick in. I have had people riding with me thinking I am pressing on the brake at the same time. Very annoying.”
Many customers have also complained about a shudder when shifting from one gear to another. GMC is aware that the Acadia has issues with the transmission and addressed this in Service Bulletin Number: 18-NA-358. However, the fact that they are aware that there is an issue doesn’t necessarily make customers feel that they can trust their 2018 Acadia on the road.
2018 GMC Acadia Problems with Shifting to Park
Many newer vehicles are equipped with an electrical system requiring them to be shifted into park to turn off the engine. However, many 2018 GMC Acadia complaints state that the electrical system often doesn’t sense when the car is in park. This prevents customers from turning off their vehicles.
One customer reported multiple problems with the 2018 Acadia to Edmunds:
“Factory tires are a joke and made with softer rubber. GM is aware and it was the discretion of the dealership to share the info. At 18,000 miles I had 4 bald tires. They cover a portion of it under warrenty [sic]. The tire guy has to call Michelin with the mileage and size of tread if any. We did get 70% off new ones. Two days later I started experiencing the “SHIFT TO PARK” error. It’s in park and I try to shut it off but it doesnt [sic] register being in park. This prevents the car from locking and causes nonstop dinging that will ultimately drain your battery. You have to turn it on/off again multiple times, jiggle the stick, hit the brake until it magically decides it’s good. It now happens EVERY time I shut it down. There is no fix. Again GM is aware and left it to the discretion of the dealership to share the info. Now i’m stuck in a lease for a PITA car that I can’t properly use. Save yourself the heartache – buy something else!”
GMC is clearly aware of the issue that the electrical system doesn’t sense when the car is in park, and addressed it in Service Bulletin Number 19-NA-206. The 2018 Acadia’s electrical system’s failures can be hazardous. However, GMC has not issued a recall to repair these serious 2018 GMC Acadia problems.
2018 Acadia Problems with the Powertrain and Braking System
The ability to control acceleration and braking based on road conditions is commonly taken for granted by drivers. However, the 2018 GMC Acadia has problems with both of these systems, resulting in serious accidents.
One customer reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
“In motion on the highway 401 North Ontario Canada, the vehicle erratically increased speed and brakes were noir [sic] effective, lost control of the steering wheel which cause a massive accident involving multiple cars and resulted in multiple injuries.”
Not only was there a problem with the car accelerating on its own, but the 2018 GMC Acadia’s brake problems also prevented this owner from getting the car under control.
GMC is aware of serious problems with the Acadia’s powertrain and braking system.
GMC issued a recall, NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V516000, addressing the issue of several of its vehicles losing acceleration while driving because the drive shaft may separate. This is likely to cause accidents.
It also noted that if the driveshaft is disconnected when the car is parked, it may move on its own. Hopefully, GMC is taking care of this problem, but it does not necessarily comfort drivers on the highway at high speeds.
Fuel System Issues with the 2018 GMC Acadia
The last thing a driver wants to experience is a problem with a leaking fuel system. Fuel is highly flammable, and if it makes contact with parts of the engine that become hot when running, the car can catch on fire.
Unfortunately, the 2018 GMC Acadia’s problems extend to leaks in the fuel system. One customer reported to NHTSA:
“…I pulled into my driveway around 10:30am. I left the car on so my son wouldn’t have to go into a cold car, being he way [sic] sick. I ran into my house where my mother was watching both my sons. I said to my mom, let me use the restroom quickly before I get his coat on. I was no more than 2 mins. As I stepped out the bathroom, I hear my husband screaming from up stairs the car is on fire! …In under the 5 minutes the car was engulfed in flames.”
Because of the dangerous issues with the 2018 GMC Acadia’s possible fuel leaks, GMC issued a recall, NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V358000, to repair the problem. Many customers hope that they do not have the horrifying experience of their car catching on fire before the manufacturer can make the appropriate repairs.
What Are My Rights If My 2018 GMC Acadia Has Problems?
IIf the problems on your 2018 GMC Acadia are significant, impact your vehicle’s safety, or keep your car in the shop for an unreasonable amount of time, you have rights under California’s Lemon Law.
California’s Lemon Law protects customers with vehicles under warranty that have experienced significant problems. Under the law, manufacturers must replace or repurchase the defective vehicle and pay attorney fees and costs.
An experienced California Lemon Law attorney will be able to help you understand your rights and help you file a claim if you have problems with your 2018 GMC Acadia.
The Lemon Law Experts Can Help
If your 2018 GMC Acadia’s problems are consistent or significant, you don’t need to handle your Lemon Law claim alone.
Our experienced Lemon Law attorneys have represented many clients just like you with serious issues with their vehicles. We know the manufacturers and will fight to get you everything you are entitled to under the law.
Contact us online or call (877) 885-5366 for a free case evaluation today.
