Head-to-head reliability
GMC Sierra vs GMC Acadia
How the GMC Sierra and GMC Acadia compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
GMC Sierra vs GMC Acadia: The Sierra has 4,345 complaints over 10 years (about 435 per year) and 86 recalls, while the Acadia has 1,969 complaints (about 197 per year) and 24 recalls. Sierra issues often involve engine and brakes; Acadia issues include transmission shudder and electrical faults. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the GMC Sierra or GMC Acadia more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
GMC Sierra
The GMC Sierra is a full-size pickup that sees heavy use, and its 4,345 complaints over 10 years (about 435 per year) reflect that. Engine and power train issues dominate, with owners reporting glow plug failures, fuel rail problems, and transmission shudder or loss of power. Electrical gremlins and brake concerns also appear, and there are 86 recalls. Living with a Sierra means staying on top of maintenance and being alert to warning signs.
GMC Acadia
The GMC Acadia is a mid-size SUV with 1,969 complaints over 10 years (about 197 per year), less than half the Sierra's rate. Power train and electrical problems lead, including transmission shudder, limp mode, and battery drain. Engine issues like a recurring crankcase pressure sensor code are also reported. With only 24 recalls, the Acadia appears less recall-prone, but owners still face electronic and drivetrain frustrations.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | GMC Sierra | GMC Acadia |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 4,345 | 1,969 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 86 | 24 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 107 | 45 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 434.5 | 196.9 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 68 | 46 Better |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
GMC Sierra
- 01ENGINE1,552
- 02POWER TRAIN949
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM665
- 04SERVICE BRAKES576
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER439
Owners report constant glow plug failures, fuel rail failure, and fuel pressure failure, often requiring repeated dealership visits. One owner described five repairs and replacements of glow plugs in a year. These issues can cause rough running, check engine lights, and costly downtime.
Complaints include abnormal shaking at speeds over 30 MPH, stalling, and sudden loss of power while merging. One owner said their truck slowed drastically and almost caused a rear-end collision with a tractor-trailer. This points to transmission or driveline problems that can be dangerous.
Owners report persistent 'Service Trailer Brake System' warnings that recur even after dismissal. Another complaint described smoke and a fire while the truck was parked and unattended. Electrical faults can lead to annoying warnings or, in rare cases, fire risk.
Brake issues appear when towing, such as difficulty stopping at a red light with a 4,300-lb load or on long downhill grades with an RV. These reports suggest the braking system may be overworked or prone to failure under heavy use, which is critical for a truck.
“Constant issues with glow plug failures, fuel rail failure, fuel pressure failure. Truck has been in the Gmc service regarding these issues constantly for the last year with a total of five repairs and replacement of glow plugs with releaning learning new plu…”
“GM Duramax L5P diesel engine electrical connector for #4 fuel injector. This failure caused the Diesel exhaust brake, which controls downhill speed, to disengage, extreme shaking of the vehicle, emissions system warning and speed limiting. This occurred while…”
GMC Acadia
- 01POWER TRAIN622
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM512
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER475
- 04ENGINE250
- 05SERVICE BRAKES172
Owners describe shuddering between 50-65 MPH and repeated dealership visits for the same issue. Another complaint mentioned replacing the thermostat and radiator before three years of ownership. These problems can affect drivability and lead to expensive repairs.
Complaints include the vehicle going into limp home mode, all dashboard lights illuminating, and messages like 'service brakes' and 'service transmission.' One owner said the vehicle left his wife stranded twice in the first week. Electrical faults can cause sudden loss of power and safety risks.
A recurring P04FB code related to the crankcase pressure sensor is reported, with moisture freezing inside the sensor. Owners also report the liftgate opening while parked and off. These issues are frustrating and may require repeated dealer visits.
The same limp home mode and dashboard warnings are linked to engine-related complaints. Owners report the fuel tank reading 'E' when it is not empty. These symptoms suggest sensor or software problems that can strand drivers.
“We purchased a 2023 GMC Acadia AT4 new in October 2023. There is currently a little over 19,000 miles on the AT4. As of today November 13, 2024 the SUV has been to Blaise Alexanders, for at 3 times with same issues. Between the speeds of 50-65 there is a shud…”
“This vehicle was bought brand new and has received proper maintenance from one dealership since purchasing. I had to replace the thermostat and radiator before owning the vehicle three years. Within two years of owning the vehicle, my battery went out, which…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
GMC Sierra — 86 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The hood-latch striker wires may not have been heat-treated properly, possibly causing them to fracture.
The risk: If a striker wire fractures, the hood may open unexpectedly while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the hood assembly, free of charge. The recall began April 13, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for…
The defect: General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and GMC Sierra 2500 vehicles equipped with a 17" spare tire (RPO ZHQ or ZXT) and either the 20" accessory road tire (RPO REM) or the 18" accessory road tire (RPO Q2V). Operating the spare tire with other 20" or 18" ti…
The risk: An ABS system that cannot control the rear wheels independently increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will provide the appropriate spare tire and apply a new spare tire information label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 18, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; GMC…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon XL and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The seat belt brackets may not be secured to the seat frame…
The risk: If a seat-belt bracket is not secured, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the front-row center seat position, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect left-side and right-side front-row center seat-belt bracket attachments and reassemble it correctly as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2021. Owners may contact GMC cus…
The defect: General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5 and XT6, Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500 and Traverse and GMC Acadia and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The diffuser component of the Roof-Rail Air Bag (RRAB) inflator may not have been properly cr…
The risk: If the diffuser separates from the inflator during deployment, RRAB performance may be degraded, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect RRAB modules, free of charge. The recall began September 3, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, or…
GMC Acadia — 24 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The certification label located on the driver's side B-pillar contains tire size information that may be illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Sa…
The risk: Illegible tire size information may result in the wrong tires being installed, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the vehicle certification label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 12, 2022. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's n…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac XT5 and GMC Acadia vehicles. The right-front half-shaft assemblies may be improperly connected to the transmission, causing them to separate.
The risk: Separation between the half-shaft and transmission can result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the right-front half-shaft assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 17, 2023. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782.…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac XT6, GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Blazer, Traverse, and 2022-2023 Cadillac XT5 vehicles. The transmission may have been built with an incorrect sun gear, which can result in the driver-side half-shaft disengaging from the transmission.
The risk: A half-shaft disengaging from the transmission can result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the sun gears, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2023. The remedy is expected to become available August 31, 2023. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevro…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 GMC Acadia and 2024 Cadilac XT5 and XT6 vehicles. The windshield may have been assembled without the proper urethane sealant required to bond the windshield to the vehicle body.
The risk: A windshield that is not properly bonded may detach during a crash and increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the windshield and apply primer and urethane sealant. If the windshield is damaged, the dealer will replace it. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 14, 2023. Owners…
Buyer analysis
GMC Sierra or GMC Acadia: which should you buy?
The GMC Acadia has fewer issues per year (about 197 complaints) compared to the GMC Sierra (about 435 complaints). In practice, this means Acadia owners may spend less time at the dealership, but both vehicles have notable engine, power train, and electrical problems. The Sierra's higher complaint rate likely reflects its heavier-duty use and larger owner base.
Key differences
- The Sierra has more than double the annual complaint rate of the Acadia (435 vs. 197), with engine and power train issues being the most common.
- Sierra owners report serious brake problems when towing, while Acadia owners report transmission shudder and limp mode.
- The Sierra has 86 recalls versus 24 for the Acadia, covering items like hood latches, seat belts, and air bags.
- Acadia complaints include a recurring crankcase pressure sensor code and liftgate opening unexpectedly, which are not seen in the Sierra samples.
- Check for glow plug and fuel rail issues by asking for service records and scanning for engine codes; repeated repairs are common.
- Test the brakes under load if possible, and listen for abnormal shaking or power loss during a test drive, especially at highway speeds.
- Look for transmission shudder between 50-65 MPH and ask if the thermostat or radiator has been replaced.
- Check for electrical issues like limp mode, dashboard warning lights, and whether the liftgate opens on its own.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and all service records, focusing on engine, transmission, and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Sierra for glow plug, fuel rail, and brake system health, especially if used for towing.
- For the Acadia, test drive at highway speeds to feel for transmission shudder and check for stored trouble codes like P04FB.
- Verify that all recalls have been performed by checking the NHTSA website with the VIN.
- Ask specifically about any recurring warning messages or limp mode incidents during the test drive and in the owner's experience.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | GMC Sierra | GMC Acadia |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 84 | 9 |
| 2025 | 152 | 65 |
| 2024 | 525 | 61 |
| 2023 | 545 | 45 |
| 2022 | 1250 | 49 |
| 2021 | 0 | 149 |
| 2020 | 0 | 105 |
| 2019 | 1122 | 386 |
| 2018 | 66 | 396 |
| 2017 | 601 | 704 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific GMC Sierra or GMC Acadia in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- GMC Sierra vs GMC Acadia
- GMC Sierra total complaints
- 4,345
- GMC Acadia total complaints
- 1,969
- GMC Sierra total recalls
- 86
- GMC Acadia total recalls
- 24
- GMC Sierra avg complaints/year
- 434.5
- GMC Acadia avg complaints/year
- 196.9
- More reliable overall
- GMC Acadia
- GMC Sierra top complaint area
- ENGINE
- GMC Acadia top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN