2016 GMC Acadia problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 236 owner complaints on file for the 2016 GMC Acadia, filed between 2016-04-16 and 2026-09-05. The most common problem areas are the air bags (130, 55%), steering (26, 11%) and electrical system (25, 11%). Owners reported 8 crashes, 2 fires and 16 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2016 GMC Acadia complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 130 | 55% | 3 | 0 | 5 |
| Steering | 26 | 11% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 25 | 11% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Power train | 21 | 9% | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Unknown or other | 20 | 8% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Engine | 13 | 6% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lane departure | 9 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 5 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 5 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 4 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 3 | 1% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 3 | 1% | 1 | 0 | 8 |
| Visibility/wiper | 3 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 2 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 2 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Air bags: 130 complaints
- 130 complaints of 236 (55%) name the air bags — frontal, side and curtain air bags, their crash sensors and control module.
- Owners reported 3 crashes and 5 injuries in these complaints.
- 2 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2016 GMC Acadia; the latest, campaign 23V334000, says: “The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.”
Steering: 26 complaints
- 26 complaints of 236 (11%) name the steering — the steering wheel, column, gear and power-steering assist.
- Owners reported 1 crash in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 GMC Acadia covers this system.
Electrical system: 25 complaints
- 25 complaints of 236 (11%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 6 of them also name the lane departure; owners reported 1 crash in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 GMC Acadia covers this system.
Power train: 21 complaints
- 21 complaints of 236 (9%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 3 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 2 crashes, 2 fires and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 GMC Acadia covers this system.
Engine: 13 complaints
- 13 complaints of 236 (6%) name the engine.
- 4 of them also name the unknown or other; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 GMC Acadia covers this system.
Lane departure: 9 complaints
- 9 complaints of 236 (4%) name the lane departure — lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist.
- 6 of them also name the electrical system; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 GMC Acadia covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 7 |
| 2017 | 5 |
| 2018 | 5 |
| 2019 | 24 |
| 2020 | 17 |
| 2021 | 9 |
| 2022 | 12 |
| 2023 | 62 |
| 2024 | 66 |
| 2025 | 17 |
| 2026 | 12 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names ACADIA, ACADIA DENALI, model year 2016. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2016 GMC Acadia recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 GMC Acadia?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2016 GMC Acadia's most common problem areas are the air bags (130 of 236 complaints), steering (26 of 236 complaints) and electrical system (25 of 236 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2016 GMC Acadia have?
NHTSA has 236 owner complaints on file for the 2016 GMC Acadia, including 8 reported crashes and 2 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2016 GMC Acadia's problems?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 GMC Acadia; 1 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.