If the GMC Acadia is on your family SUV shopping list, there’s one number worth knowing before you commit: 14 out of 100. That’s the predicted reliability score for the 2026 GMC Acadia from Consumer Reports, based on data from the 2024 and 2025 models, along with GMC’s overall brand score.

The low rating is driven by recurring owner-reported issues with powertrain components like the transmission, electronic systems, and body hardware—problems that can translate into repair bills ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Here’s what the data shows and what Acadia owners should plan for.

What’s Behind the Low Reliability Score?

The shockingly low score of 14 out of 100 comes from Consumer Reports. The Acadia crossover was substantially redesigned for 2024 with a new engine, larger cabin, and updated technology. Consumer Reports bases its 2026 reliability prediction on data from the 2024 and 2025 models, along with GMC’s overall brand score and performance of related Chevy models. As identified in the report, recurring problems with the transmission, brakes, electrical accessories, and in-car electronics were the most prominent.

Because the current Acadia generation debuted for the 2024 model year, reliability data from recent model years can provide useful context for shoppers considering a 2024 or 2025 model. However, reported problems and reliability results can vary by model year, vehicle configuration (such as FWD vs. AWD), and individual vehicle.

Most Common Failure Points and What Owners Report

Owner reports and reliability data identify several areas worth watching on recent Acadia models, including transmission behavior, electronic systems, and body hardware. Below are some of the commonly cited issues with each:

Transmission Hesitation and Erratic Shifting

Transmission behavior is one area owners may want to pay attention to. Owners describe the transmission as unpredictable. Issues such as hesitation when accelerating from a stop, hunting for gears on the highway, and occasional shudders during gear shifts are common. Additionally, many owners note the vehicle slipping unexpectedly out of gear while driving and rough transitions when shifting from park to reverse or drive. The issues tend to be intermittent at first, which makes diagnosing them a challenge.

Electronic System Faults

Electronic and infotainment problems are another area worth watching. The 2024-2025 Acadia infotainment system and driver-assist technologies are deeply integrated in the vehicle, meaning when one piece misbehaves, it tends to affect other systems. Owner-reported issues include Android Auto dropping wireless connections, as well as USB ports in the second and third rows failing. On the more serious end of reported glitches, driver-assist sensors, backup cameras, and sign recognition systems have been reported as ceasing to function entirely.

Body Hardware Problems

Finally, general body hardware problems are also seen with the GMC Acadia. Some owners have reported door seals that don’t entirely sit right, trim panels that rattle, and the occasional water intrusion through the sunroof or door frame. The Consumer Reports study did note that it considers more serious issues when assigning reliability scores, but that its comprehensive 20-point trouble checklist includes many of these smaller faults.

Repair Cost Ranges for Acadia Owners

Attaching real numbers to the above failure categories is important context for anyone deciding whether to keep or buy an Acadia in 2026. After all, the annual maintenance cost of a GMC Acadia is already $734 on average, meaning every extra dollar can eat into your budget. Generally, the cost ranges below are what you could expect to face at the repair shop by sub-category:

• General repair diagnosis: $120-$180
• Transmission diagnosis and repair: $7,250-$7,800
• Electronic control module and sensor failure: $1,120-$1,190
• Door lock actuator replacement: $250-$290

All of the above cost estimates are subject to change depending on your model year and the specific trim you have, such as the GMC Acadia Denali or Acadia Elevation, for example, so it’s best to research yours.

2024 vs. 2025: Is There a Better Year to Buy?

Consumer Reports bases its 2026 Acadia reliability prediction partly on data from both the 2024 and 2025 models, so shoppers considering either year should review the reliability history carefully. However, the available data does not establish that one of these two model years is definitively more reliable than the other. If you’re comparing a used 2024 and 2025 Acadia, consider each vehicle’s mileage, maintenance history, condition, recalls, warranty coverage, and pre-purchase inspection results.

How the Acadia Compares to Class Alternatives

Shoppers cross-shopping three-row SUVs in this vehicle segment do have better options on the reliability front. The Honda Pilot is another established three-row SUV shoppers may want to compare with the Acadia when considering factors such as reliability, price, features, and ownership costs. The Toyota Highlander is also another staple in this category that has been one of the segment’s long-standing reliability anchors.

Where an Extended Warranty Fits for Current Acadia Owners

If you’re already driving a 2024 or 2025 Acadia, the question is less about whether these problems exist. It’s more about whether you’re financially exposed to the issues when they surface. An extended car warranty, which is more accurately called a vehicle service contract (VSC), can help manage the cost of eligible covered repairs after factory warranty coverage expires.

The failure categories driving the Acadia’s low reliability scores, namely the transmission, electronics, and body hardware, are where repair costs can vary wildly. Depending on the contract, an extended auto warranty may cover certain transmission, electrical, or other mechanical components associated with these types of repairs. For owners concerned about unexpected repair costs after factory coverage expires, a VSC can provide additional protection for eligible covered breakdowns.

As your Acadia accumulates mileage and approaches the end of its factory warranty coverage, it becomes increasingly important to understand which repair costs you would be responsible for. Reviewing your remaining factory coverage, maintenance history, and available protection options can help you plan for potential expenses.

Keeping Your Acadia on the Road

For shoppers considering a 2024 or 2025 Acadia, the available reliability information is one factor worth weighing alongside price, condition, mileage, maintenance history, warranty coverage, and a pre-purchase inspection. Comparing those factors across several three-row SUVs can help you choose the vehicle that best fits your needs.

If you are already driving an Acadia or just want extra protection on the road, get in contact with us at Endurance. There is a range of auto protection plans to choose from, ranging from those designed for older vehicles to those closest to what comes with a car off the lot.

To see which may be right for you, contact one of our plan advisors at (800) 253-8203 to request a FREE quote. You can also shop our online store to see your plan recommendation and pricing right away.