2020 GMC Acadia

The 2020 GMC Acadia is a mid-size SUV known for its comfortable ride and spacious interior, making it a popular choice for families. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of reported issues. The 2020 Acadia offers three engine options: a 2.5L 4-cylinder (193 hp and 188 lb-ft of torque), a 3.6L V6 (310 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque), and a 2.0L Turbocharged 4-cylinder (230 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque). All engines are paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the Acadia for its user-friendly technology and quiet cabin but sometimes complain about its perceived lack of power with the base engine and occasional transmission issues.

Engine

2.5L 4-Cylinder

No Issues Found

2.0L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder

No Issues Found

3.6L V6

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners report higher-than-normal oil consumption, requiring frequent oil top-offs between scheduled oil changes. This can sometimes be accompanied by blue exhaust smoke.
  • Solution: In some cases, a redesigned PCV valve or valve cover may resolve the issue. In more severe cases, piston ring replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $4000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Engine Misfires
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires can cause rough idling, reduced power, and the check engine light to come on. This may be due to faulty ignition coils or fuel injectors.
  • Solution: Diagnosis with a scan tool to identify the affected cylinder, followed by replacement of the faulty coil or injector.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per cylinder
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

9-Speed Automatic (All Engines)

• Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report harsh or erratic shifting, especially between lower gears. Hesitation when accelerating or shifting gears is also reported.
  • Solution: A software update to the transmission control module (TCM) may improve shift quality. In some cases, replacement of valve body components or the entire transmission may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 (software update) - $5,000+ (transmission replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission Slipping can be seen as an unusual jump in RPM’s without the car accelerating faster or shifting into the appropriate gear. Can happen in multiple gears.
  • Solution: Software update or complete transmission replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 (software update) - $5,000+ (transmission replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Premature Wear of Suspension Components
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners have reported experiencing premature wear of suspension components such as struts, shocks, and bushings. This results in noises, poor handling, and uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replacement of the worn suspension components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+ per corner
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Malfunctions within the infotainment system such as freezing, unresponsive touch screen, Bluetooth connectivity problems, and audio glitches.
  • Solution: Try a system reboot or software update for the infotainment system. In more extreme cases, replacement of the head unit may be needed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (system reboot) - $1,200+ (head unit replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Batteries dying unexpectedly, even when the vehicle is relatively new. Could be caused by a parasitic draw, where an electrical component continues to draw power even when the car is off.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to identify the source of the parasitic draw. Repairing or replacing the faulty component, such as a module or accessory.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Water Leaks Through Sunroof/Moonroof
  • Description/Symptoms: Water leaking into the cabin, especially during or after rain, from the sunroof/moonroof area.
  • Solution: Cleaning and unclogging the sunroof/moonroof drain tubes. In some cases, resealing the sunroof/moonroof may be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Heater Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: The seat heaters either do not work at all or become excessively hot, posing a burn risk.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty seat heater element or module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ per seat
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2020 GMC Acadia has several reported issues, ranging from minor infotainment glitches to more significant engine and transmission problems. The excessive oil consumption in the 3.6L V6 engine can be a costly issue to address. Similarly, transmission problems can range from software updates to full replacements, representing a potentially significant expense. Electrical issues and suspension wear can also contribute to ownership costs. While some issues may be minor inconveniences, others can significantly impact the vehicle’s reliability and overall ownership experience.