2021 GMC Acadia Problems & Complaints

Common problems: Electronic system problems, fuel pump issues, brake problems, and transmission issues were most commonly reported for the 2021 GMC Acadia.

Two recalls have been issued for this vehicle, one concerning fuel lines being improperly installed and one concerning the rearview camera not working properly.

With how expensive new vehicles are, there is a lot at stake in choosing the right one to purchase. Doing research is one of the most important things a consumer can do before buying a new vehicle, but even that process can become overwhelming with how much information is out there.

In this article, we will summarize the most common complaints made for the 2021 GMC Acadia, then go over the lemon law process and how you can use it to your benefit!

Common 2021 GMC Acadia Problems

• Electronic System Problems: Instrument cluster shuts off while driving, electrical shorts in various modules, rearview camera problems, locks malfunction
• Fuel Pump Issues: Fuel pump wears down quickly, random vehicle shut off, vehicle not receiving enough fuel, stalling
• Brake Problems: Loud squealing and squeaking, brakes go all the way down without engaging, grinding brakes
• Transmission Issues: Gear slippage, no acceleration, sudden loss of power

2021 GMC Acadia Electronic System Problems

Modern vehicles are home to dozens of different electronic systems that provide power to the different parts of the vehicle.

These systems tend to be some of the more delicate on modern vehicles and therefore often suffer from problems, as reported by owners of the 2021 GMC Acadia.

Those owners mentioned their instrument clusters shutting off, experiencing electrical shorts in various modules of the car, rearview camera problems, and malfunctioning locks.

Any of these problems could result in a more dangerous driving experience and should therefore be taken seriously by vehicle owners.

GMC issued a recall for the 2021 GMC Acadia for having a faulty rearview camera. This recall was issued in September 2022, and its NHTSA Recall ID is 22V709. The remedy is inspection and replacement of the coaxial cables on the camera.

2021 GMC Acadia Fuel Pump Issues

The fuel pump in a vehicle is responsible for delivering fuel from the fuel tank to the engine through a network of hoses.

In the 2021 GMC Acadia, consumers report having to replace their fuel pump far more often than should be necessary, as well as random vehicle shutoffs occurring alongside stalling.

These issues could be very dangerous if they happen on the road, as other vehicles may not anticipate the vehicle in front of them suddenly stopping or losing power.

An engine that tries to run without fuel can also damage itself, resulting in more expenses for the driver.

GMC issued a recall on some fuel lines that had been improperly installed in June 2021. The NHTSA Recall ID is 21V422 and the remedy is inspection and repair. This recall impacted a very small number of vehicles.

2021 GMC Acadia Transmission Issues

A vehicle’s transmission is responsible for moving the power generated in the engine to the tires, allowing the vehicle to accelerate and decelerate.

Transmission problems usually impact the ability of the driver to control acceleration, deceleration, and which gear the vehicle is in. They can cause sudden changes in driving, which can result in accidents.

Consumers specifically reported encountering gear slippage, losses in acceleration, and a sudden loss of power while driving. Transmission issues are serious and should be treated seriously by the vehicle owner.

2021 GMC Acadia Complaints

NHTSA Complaint

“Electronic dashboard failure. Entire instrument panel randomly shuts off while driving, including speedometer and all gauges. Driver then has to wait for system to reboot itself before it begins working again. This condition is completely random and may not occur for months, or may occur several times within minutes. This is a safety issue due to the driver’s inability to monitor speed. It is also possible that other safety systems are being shut down while waiting for the system to reboot.”

Cars.com Complaint

“My vehicle has been in the shop multiple times. Brakes have been replaced. Service Brake Assist constantly popping up. Finally went away after parts replaced. The vehicle is still jerking back when driving after a cold crank. It also makes a clicking noise when traveling at low speeds. The noise is very noticeable. So no, I am not happy with my 2021 Acadia and wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. Back to the service department I go.”

Kelley Blue Book Complaint

“The infotainment center went out as soon as the warranty did. It’s like it’s possessed. I bought vehicle new. I only have 53,000 miles on it and AC has gone out as well. I would not sell this vehicle to anyone I know. Will probably trade it soon”

Lemon Law Protections for Your 2021 GMC Acadia

The lemon law helps consumers who end up with defective cars by creating an avenue by which they can receive compensation for their vehicle.

While the specifics can vary by state, the process generally follows a standard procedure aimed at protecting consumer rights.

If a new car has substantial defects that affect its use, safety, or value, and the manufacturer can’t fix these issues after a reasonable number of tries, the car is likely considered a “lemon.”

The lemon law process begins when the car owner discovers a defect in their vehicle, at which point they should take the vehicle in for repairs to an authorized manufacturer dealership and keep detailed records of all issues and repair attempts.

This means saving all communication with the dealership and manufacturer, as well as repair orders and invoices.

If you think you might end up suing the manufacturer, it’s a good idea to hire a lemon law attorney early on to help with managing documents and organizing your case.

Once it seems clear that the car is a lemon, you can initiate the lemon law process.  Some consumers choose to represent themselves while others retain a lemon law attorney for assistance.

Both routes, if successful, will lead to a replacement vehicle, a refund or cash compensation. The refund usually covers the reimbursement of the down payment, monthly, payment, taxes, and interest, while a replacement would be a similar make and model to your defective car with the consumer typically being responsible for any difference in price.

If you are planning on bringing a claim against the manufacturer of your vehicle, hiring a lemon law attorney is essentially necessary to maximize your chances of a positive outcome.

It’s important to understand the specific lemon law regulations in your state, as these will outline the exact steps, timelines, and remedies available.

Also, keep in mind that the protections under lemon laws can vary for used cars, leased vehicles, and motorcycles, depending on where you live. In most states, successful lemon law claims result in the consumer’s attorney’s fees being paid for by the defendant. This means the lawsuit comes at no personal expense to them.

Work with Our Team of Lemon Law Experts

Like with any other substantial task, having the assistance of an expert by your side can make the process much smoother.

The lemon law process is no different, and your case will benefit massively from having an experienced lemon law attorney by your side.

The Lemon Law Experts are a group of experienced lemon law attorneys that have been working since 2009 to protect and fight for consumer rights. We would love to help you bring your claim!

If you are planning on bringing a claim against a manufacturer for selling you a lemon, don’t hesitate to reach out! Lemon law claims can be time sensitive.

Contact us today by calling (877) 885-5366 or by visiting our website’s form for a free case evaluation!