The GMC Acadia, first launched in 2006, has survived two generations. Models like the Acadia Denali, Acadia Limited, and Holden Acadia are among the favorites of many car lovers. They are dependable cars to buy, but before you place the order, you should know how long the car will last you.
Recent versions of the GMC Acadia will last you up to 200,000 miles. With this, it’s a car you can own for over ten years since the average annual miles per driver is around 13,000 to 17,000. However, how long your GMC Acadia will last depends on how you use and maintain it.
Manufacturers do their best to produce the best car, and Genera Motors is an example. But if you don’t maintain and misuse the vehicle, you will shorten its lifespan. Read on as we go into more detail on how long a GMC Acadia last.
How Reliable Is the GMC Acadia?
The GMC Acadia is a reasonably reliable car and one of the best crossover SUVs in the market. As mentioned earlier, it could last up to 200,000 miles or ten years, which is a long time.
Ratings on US News show that the vehicle rates 76 out of 100 from thousands of user reviews. From the rating standard, the car is above average.
But talking about reliability, the most crucial factor is your car model. For instance, it’s typical for a 2023 GMC Acadia model to be more reliable than a 2016 model. Also, some GMC Acadia models are prone to issues – like the second-generation 2012 and 2013 models.
What Are the Life Spans of a GMC Acadia?
To know the life span of a GMC Acadia, we have to look at the car’s warranty. Most GMC Acadia comes with a three-year mile warranty from General Motors. This translates to 36,000 miles.
On the other hand, the vehicle has a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. But the truth is that the car will last much longer with proper maintenance.
How Many Miles Can GMC Acadia Travel?
The GMC Acadia can travel around 200,000 miles throughout its lifespan. However, the warranty from General Motors, as mentioned earlier, is 36,000 miles or three years.
As a result, if you want your car to last up to 200,000 miles, you must use and maintain it as General Motors recommends. Also, you should avoid the worst models you’ll find next.
Worst GMC Acadia Models
The worst GMC Acadia Models are the 2008, 2012, 2013, 2017, and 2018 models. You should avoid buying these vehicles as they are prone to problems.
The 2008 model, for example, experiences transmission failure. It was so much that the manufacturer recalled the vehicle five times.
For the 2012 and 2013 models, owners complain about engine problems. In fact, the engine problem is one of the most common GMC Acadia issues, with more than 400 complaints. Note that repairing the engine could cost you up to $6,000.
If you purchase a 2017 or 2018, you may have to deal with driveshaft detachment and fuel pump leaks. Shortly after their release, General Motors recalled both vehicles for seatbelts, airbags, and tire issues.
While you shouldn’t buy the models mentioned above, they are other more reliable ones. Let’s find them out.
Best GMC Acadia Models
Many GMC Acadia models are reliable and recommended for purchase. So far, the best model to buy is the 2015 GMC Acadia. On Cars.com, the vehicle ranks among the top ten affordable midsize SUVs the year it was released.
Another ideal GMC Acadia model to buy is the most recent 2023 version. This isn’t surprising as you’ll expect the manufacturer to improve with each new car version.
The 2023 GMC Acadia is still relatively new, but reviews from early users show it’s a reliable car. Notably, the vehicle comes with Safety Pro features, including forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, and rear park assist, to name a few.
To know if the GMC Acadia is the right car for you, you should check how it compares with other SUVs.
How Do GMC Acadia Compare to Similar Vehicles?
Below are comparisons between GMC Acadia and some of its top competitors.
GMC Acadia vs. Chevrolet Traverse
The GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse share many similarities. However, you’ll prefer the former if you need a more compact vehicle.
Aside from that, the GMC Acadia is a more flexible car. While the Chevrolet Traverse comes with a single engine, the GMC Acadia comes with two. Not to mention, the GMC Acadia comes with the exclusive Denali trim. With all these, you get more luxury with the GMC Acadia.
Regarding fuel economy, the GMC Acadia is also the better car. This is due to its two-engine design, as you save more fuel riding with the 2.0L turbo I4 engine.
GMC Acadia vs. Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade is a relatively popular SUV due to its affordable price. Hence, you may spend a little more if you choose the GMC Acadia ahead of the Hyundai Palisade. But is it worth it? The answer is yes.
The GMC Acadia has better MPG than the Hyundai Palisade with 22-city and 29-highway. If you choose the Hyundai Palisade, you get a 19-city and 26-highway MPG. And that’s not all.
The GMC Acadia will save you more fuel than the Hyundai Palisade. Again, this is thanks to its two-engine design. The Hyundai Palisade comes with a 3.8L V6 engine, but with the GMC Acadia, you get the 3.8L V6 and a 2.0L I4 Turbo.
GMC Acadia vs. Honda Passport
The Honda Passport is a more expensive SUV than the GMC Acadia. So if you’re on a low budget, you should go for the GMC Acadia.
Also, the GMC Acadia gives you more luxury as the Honda Passport is a five-seater. You get a six-seater with the GMC Acadia and a spacious interior still.
However, the drivetrain is one vital factor to consider when choosing between the GMC Acadia and Honda Passport cars. The Honda Passport has an all-wheel drive, while the GMC Acadia has a front-wheel drive.
While an AWD on the Honda Passport is advantageous, one of the downsides is that it shortens the lifespan of the tires.
GMC Acadia vs. Ford Explorer
It’s challenging to decide which is better between the GMC Acadia and Ford Explorer. It’s easier to say both cars are the same, despite having different manufacturers.
First, the price difference between the GMC Acadia and Ford Explorer is around $1,000. Also, the GMC Acadia has a 22-city and 29-highway, while the Ford Explorer has a 21-city and 28-highway. The GMC Acadia is better, but the difference isn’t significant.
Regarding the engines, it’s also a similar situation. The Ford Explorer has a 2.3L I4 Turbo engine, while the GMC Acadia has a 2.0L I4 Turbo engine.
You can also compare the GMC Acadia with other General Motors models to see if it’s worth purchasing.
How Reliable Is A GMC Acadia Compared To Other GMC models?
SUVs from GMC in the Acadia range include the GMC Terrain and Yukon. In particular, the GMC Acadia falls between both cars in terms of price and reliability.
The GMC Acadia has better reliability than the GMC Terrain. With the GMC Terrain, you only get a 1.5L turbo I4 engine with 170 horsepower.
Meanwhile, the GMC Acadia gives you a 3.6L V6 engine with 310 horsepower. If you get the two-engine version, you get an extra 2.0L turbo I4 and 228 horsepower.
However, the GMC Yukon is a more advanced SUV than the GMC Acadia. That is why it costs about $20,000 more than the GMC Acadia. Hence, you may still prefer the GMC Acadia if you don’t want to spend over $50,000 on a car.
Going further, let’s look at some common problems you may experience with the GMC Acadia.
Most Common GMC Acadia Problems
Below are some of the most common GMC Acadia problems:
“Shift To Park” Warning Problem
General Motors recalled some 2009 and 2014 model vehicles due to “Shift To Park” problems. This problem usually happens if the transmission shift cable is faulty.
It would cost you over $200 to fix this problem without a recall. The shift cable is affordable, at around $60, but you’ll pay more than $140 for labor.
Airbag Light On Without Any Trigger
Sometimes, your GMC Acadia’s airbag light will turn on unexpectedly and stay on. More than a hundred GMC Acadia owners reported this problem, and the cause is technical.
One popular solution is to review the airbag light wiring. Otherwise, you may need to change the airbag module, which costs up to $440.
Multiple Transmission Failures
As mentioned before, transmission failure is common with the 2008 model, which led to five recalls. A bad year for transmission problems in cars like the GMC Acadia (and even vehicles like the Acura MDX) was 2016. Some 2016 GMC Acadia owners also complain about transmission problems.
Replacing the car’s transmission is expensive, costing up to $4,000 to $5,000. So, the best option is to return your vehicle when there’s an open recall.
Headlights Too Dim
Dim headlights on the GMC Acadia are usually due to faulty bulbs, which are easy to fix. You will spend up to $400 to replace the headlight of your GMC Acadia.
However, if it’s a more technical problem, a simple replacement won’t solve it. Hence, you may need to spend more.
Fuse Block Connections
Issues like fuse block connections can stall your engine or flash warning lights. On the highway, this can be dangerous. But you can fix it by changing the fuse box.
Changing the fuse box will cost you no more than $100. The fuse box is around $5, and you pay around $90 – $95 for labor.
How Expensive is GMC Acadia to Maintain?
To know how expensive or not the GMC Acadia is to maintain, check the below comparison table.
| Model | Average Repair Cost | Maintenance Cost |
| GMC Acadia | $7,817 for ten years | $734 per year |
| Ford Explorer | $9,017 for ten years | $732 per year |
| Chevrolet Traverse | $8,075 for ten years | $1,264 per year |
| Honda Passport | $7,283 for ten years | $371 per year |
| Hyundai Palisade | $8,180 for ten years | $700 per year |
Note that the maintenance and average repair cost will vary depending on models.
How Long Do the Brakes Last?
Your GMC Acadia brake pads will last up to 30,000 to 70,000 miles. The range is that wide, as it depends on how often you apply it.
For example, you will typically run into traffic if you live in the city. You must regularly apply brakes in such situations, resulting in a shorter lifespan.
How Long Do the Tires Last?
The tires are among the sturdiest parts of the GMC Acadia. You should expect them to last up to 50,000 miles.
But, as usual, the type of terrain you drive on will determine how long the tires last. If you regularly commute on smooth terrain, the tires could last more than 50,000 miles.
How Long Do the Transmissions Last?
Despite some models having transmission failures, GMC Acadia transmissions have long lifespans. With newer models, the transmission system will last up to 100,000 miles. But you have to maintain it properly.
How Long Do the Batteries Last?
When talking about battery life, you have to take a general perspective. On average, a car battery will last for three to five years, and it’s no different for the GMC Acadia. Aside from your driving habits, your climate can affect your battery life.
How Long Do the Spark Plugs Last?
General Motors cars are renowned for having reliable spark plugs. The GMC Acadia is a testimony to this, as the car’s spark plugs can last up to 100,000 miles. Generally, it’s advisable to replace your spark plugs after 100,000 miles.
Do GMC Acadia Rust Quickly?
Some GMC cars are prone to rust. Hence, while most GMC Acadia users don’t complain of rust, you can’t rule it out. Your vehicle can show signs of rust after two years of use.
However, rust is one issue you can handle efficiently. You can prevent rust by washing your car regularly and waxing it at least twice a year. Also, periodically inspect the wheels and bumpers, as these are the parts most prone to rust.
If your climate doesn’t help, you can take the extra step of applying an anti-rust coating. This will cost you $500 more or less, depending on the quality.
Do GMC Acadia Have Any Recent Recalls?
The most recent GMC Acadia recalls are for the 2021 and 2022 models. In mid-2022, with recall number 22V446000, the manufacturer recalled GMC Acadia AWDs for fuel tank rollover issues.
Earlier, there was a recall for 2022 GMC Acadia vehicles due to problems with the left-rear suspension. This came with recall number 22V427000.
Furthermore, General Motors recalled some 2022 models in late 2021 due to airbag issues with recall number 21V702000. You can check for GMC Acadia recalls yourself on the NHTSA website.
With all of these recalls, you may wonder if you can purchase a used GMC Acadia. Let’s look at that.
Are GMC Acadia Worth Buying Used?
With the capacity to last over 20,000 miles, it’s hard to argue that the GMC Acadia is not with buying used. Also, a used GMC Acadia will cost around $25,000, depending on the model, which is relatively affordable.
However, if you opt to buy a used GMC Acadia, you should purchase one of the best versions. As mentioned earlier, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2017, and 2018 models are the worst to avoid.
On the other hand, the 2015 GMC Acadia is an ideal option if you want to buy a used car. Whether you buy a used car or not, you should not forget insurance.
Best Way To Find Insurance for Your GMC Acadia?
When settling on insurance for your car, one of the critical factors to consider the age. With a brand-new car, you should expect high-value insurance coverage. With a used one, the reverse is the case.
Also, location is a deciding factor. There’s nothing wrong with finding insurance in a different city if that in your city isn’t suitable.
Finally, ensure you compare different car insurers before settling on one. You can do this easily online.
GMC Acadia Maintenance Tips To Make It Last Longer
There are little things you can do to make your GMC Acadia last longer. For starters, you should regularly rotate the tires and lubricate doors. This will ensure that these parts don’t become stiff over time.
Furthermore, ensure you change the oil and filters when due. Generally, you should take your GMC Acadia for a routine check after every 7,500 miles covered. It may look like you’re spending money, but it’ll extend the car’s lifespan in the long run.
What Do Owners Say About the Car?
From reviews on Edmunds.com, most GMC Acadia owners are satisfied with the vehicle. One user commended the vehicle’s price, solid braking, and spacious interior. However, the user also complained about loud wind noise and different designs of the right and left instrument panel clusters.
Another user from Cars.com says it’s “hard to say yes or no” to the vehicle. The user rates the car highly for comfort, performance, and value for money. But, he, too, complained of a grinding noise.
Conclusion
To summarize, the GMC Acadia is a car you can drive for up to 200,000 miles. But it depends on many factors. These factors include the car model, your driving habits, and maintenance.
To ensure your GMC Acadia lasts for you, avoid the worst models in this article. Also, use the vehicle according to General Motors specifications.