Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA
Common problems: Common issues with the 2020 GMC Acadia include electrical system failures, engine problems, powertrain issues, and structural defects like defective sunroof glass and overcured tires.
These issues have prompted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to issue six separate recalls for the 2020 GMC Acadia. Two of these recalls affected the tires, while the others affected the backup camera, fuel pump, transmission start stop accumulator, and roof rail airbags.
Read more to learn about these manufacturing concerns and their impact on GMC drivers.
Common 2020 GMC Acadia Problems
- Electrical System: Electrical failures, refrigerant leakage, issues with rearview camera display, warning lights, automatic braking system errors
- Powertrain/Transmission: Driveline vibration, shuddering, transmission failure, transmission fluid leaks, shift to park issues
- Engine: Fuel pump defects, engine stalling, problems with tank filling; alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, antifreeze leaks, overheating
- Structural Issues: Tires, doors, tailgate, seat controls (power or manual), sunroof and convertible top glass defects
- Brake System: Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system errors, brakes squeaking, brake failures, regenerative braking issues
2020 GMC Acadia Electrical Problems
The 2020 GMC Acadia has been noted for electrical system issues. These problems can affect critical components like the alternator, starter, battery cables, ignition switch, electronic ignition, windshield wipers, spark plugs, and auto stop/start functionality within its engine and climate systems.
Drivers frequently encounter infotainment glitches, including erroneous dashboard warnings and malfunctions in the rear camera display. Vehicles equipped with the Surround Vision feature may experience failures due to improperly crimped coaxial cable connectors for the rearview camera, leading to intermittent functionality or complete failure.
In September 2022, General Motors LLC (GM) issued a recall for GMC Acadia models with the Surround Vision feature (NHTSA Recall Number: 22V709). This recall addresses the issue with rearview camera coaxial cable connectors, which could fail due to improper crimping, causing intermittent operation of the rearview camera.
2020 GMC Acadia Engine Problems
Various 2020 GMC Acadia owners have encountered engine-related issues. These include exhaust problems such as leaks, rattling heat shields, and issues with components like the muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, and exhaust manifold.
General Motors (GM) issued a recall for some 2020 GMC Acadia vehicles due to a manufacturing defect in the fuel pump’s jet nozzle which could result in engine stalling. A plastic burr left during the manufacturing process could obstruct the nozzle, potentially causing insufficient fuel delivery to the engine. This recall, identified by NHTSA Campaign Number 20V639, was initiated in October 2020.
2020 GMC Acadia Transmission Problems
Common indicators of transmission problems in the 2020 GMC Acadia include unusual odors like burning transmission fluid, illuminated transmission warning lights, abnormal noises or grinding during gear shifts, gear slipping, rough shifting, fluid leaks, delayed shifting at lower speeds, and “shift to park” errors.
In October 2020, the 2020 GMC Acadia was subject to a recall due to missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap. This defect could lead to transmission oil leaks and potentially result in a loss of propulsion, posing a crash hazard.
Moreover, a transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source could increase the risk of vehicle fire. This recall, identified by NHTSA Campaign Number 20V668, addresses these safety concerns.
2020 GMC Acadia Tire Problems
The 2020 GMC Acadia has been subject to two recalls related to tire issues. GM previously recalled certain 2020 GMC Acadias due to potential manufacturing defects in overcured Continental tires. Overcured tires can develop sidewall breaks, leading to sudden air loss or belt edge separation, which poses a risk of tread or belt loss and could result in loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
These tires were cured for an extended period during manufacturing, affecting their safety. The initial recall was announced in November 2020 under campaign number 20V684, and the expanded recall is identified by NHTSA campaign number 21V115.
Underinflated tires can also lead to issues such as premature or irregular wear, compromised handling, reduced fuel efficiency, and overheating, all of which increase the risk of tire blowouts. For optimal performance, GMC Acadia tires typically require 35 or 36 pounds per square inch (PSI) of air pressure.
The vehicle is equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that uses sensors in each tire to monitor air pressure levels and alerts the driver in real-time.
2020 GMC Acadia Owner Complaints
The following are ratings and complaints from real 2020 GMC Acadia drivers:
“I loved my car. Then in January 2021 things just went crazy. It started with park light on. My forward brake assist warning didn’t work, my back up camera in and out . My braking and stability were on and off. Then weird codes like. Engine at half power, unable to shift soon and speed control out. Then if I hit a bump message went away and speed control back on. I’ve taken care into another GMC dealer because dealer I bought my car at , closed up and took off!! Took it to closet dealer. Not long after repairs same issues started! So many different problems all at once!”
“After driving 5 miles up the road and 5 miles back home, I put the vehicle in park and it automatically went into neutral and the neutral button started flashing! Along with that I got an alert sent to my iphone (through the GMC app) and in the car saying “shift to park”. The car wouldn’t go into park! The vehicle hadn’t had any error codes or messages before this at all! It was out of nowhere! I drove it earlier that day and it didn’t do it! We also noticed after doing the update on July 7th, 2022 that the vehicle started shifting very hard! I was in the vehicle alone with 2 small babies and I couldn’t cut the vehicle off because it wouldn’t go into park! We had to wait for my husband to leave work and come home to unhook the battery just so we could get out of the car safely and so the battery wouldn’t go dead over night!”
“The infotainment unit still has problems. Mine was leased on 1/18/20 and to date (today is 2/14/20) it has been in the shop 4x for issues surrounding the infotainment unit. First it had no sound when using remote start, then the cameras went out, then a fender popped loose, and the cause of the cameras going out was a frayed coax cable. Great build quality GM! The no sound issue they couldn’t figure out so I got a new infotainment unit installed. Out of the near month of having this vehicle, I have only had the chance to drive it for maybe a week.”
How the Lemon Law Can Help You
If you have purchased or leased a defective GM vehicle in California, both state and federal lemon law provides strong protections for consumers dealing with lemon-related issues.
If your 2020 GMC Acadia or other vehicle is covered under the manufacturer’s warranty and has undergone multiple repair attempts for the same or similar issue, you may qualify for relief. If your vehicle has gone through a reasonable number of repair attempts—generally two to four—you may be eligible for either a replacement vehicle or a refund from the auto manufacturer.
Successful resolution of a lemon law claim in California often includes reimbursement for all vehicle-related expenses, such as down payments, monthly installments, interest, taxes, and even additional costs like rental fees or registration renewals.
The manufacturer is able to deduct a usage fee, which is a value for when the vehicle was driven without the problems causing to be a lemon. Choosing to pursue a lemon law claim can be a wise financial decision if you are experiencing unresolved and recurring issues with your 2020 GMC Acadia.
Let Us Guide You Through the Lemon Law Process!
While optional, consulting with an experienced lemon law attorney can significantly enhance your chances of success when pursuing a claim against manufacturers like GM.
As the prevailing party, the auto manufacturer is responsible to pay for the consumer’s attorney fees and costs. This means there is no out of pocket expense to the consumer for retaining legal representation, which makes pursuing a lemon law claim an easy and right decision.
A knowledgeable attorney can streamline your case by organizing crucial documentation, ensuring compliance with deadlines, facilitating communication, and providing representation in legal proceedings if required.
In California, prevailing consumers typically incur no attorney fees or costs, as the manufacturer is required to cover them, ensuring legal representation is financially risk-free.
For those seeking lemon law representation in California, the Lemon Law Experts excel as industry leaders. Since 2009, our team has secured millions in settlements for numerous clients affected by defective vehicle purchases or leases. We specialize in resolving lemon law claims against General Motors (GM) and other major auto manufacturers.
Remember, time is of the essence in lemon law matters, so if you suspect that you have purchased or leased a lemon, we highly recommend reviewing your options for recovery as soon as possible.
If you have any questions about your defective vehicle, contact the Lemon Law Experts at (877) 885-5366 or fill out our online form for a complimentary, no-obligation case evaluation today.
