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2023 GMC Acadia

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By Research the Car 4 min read

The 2023 GMC Acadia is a mid-size SUV offering a blend of comfort, technology, and capability. While praised for its spacious interior, user-friendly infotainment system, and smooth ride, some owners have reported issues across various components. The Acadia comes standard with a turbocharged 2.0L I4 engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It also offers a 3.6L V6 engine that produces 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Common complaints often revolve around the vehicle’s smaller cargo area compared to some competitors and perceived value relative to other SUVs in its class.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged I4

  • Engine Misfires
    • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing engine misfires, leading to rough idling, reduced power, and the check engine light illuminating. The cause can often be traced to faulty ignition coils or spark plugs.
    • Solution: Replacing the faulty ignition coils or spark plugs.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Turbocharger Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Premature turbocharger failure is reported by some owners of the 2.0L I4 engine. Symptoms include a loss of power, whistling or grinding noises from the engine bay, and potential oil leaks.
    • Solution: Turbocharger replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
    • Recalls: None Found

3.6L V6

  • Excessive Oil Consumption
    • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. This can be attributed to worn valve stem seals or piston rings.
    • Solution: Replacing valve stem seals or piston rings. In severe cases, engine replacement may be necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $5000+ (depending on the severity and repair needed)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Timing Chain Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Timing chain stretch or failure, resulting in engine noise (rattling) and potential engine damage. This is a known issue across multiple model years with the 3.6L V6.
    • Solution: Replacement of timing chain, guides, and tensioners.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $2500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

9-Speed Automatic

  • Rough Shifting/Hesitation
    • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported rough or jerky shifting, particularly between certain gears. Hesitation or delay in shifting is also sometimes observed.
    • Solution: A software update to the transmission control module (TCM) may resolve the issue. In more severe cases, valve body replacement or transmission replacement is needed.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 (for software update), $800 - $4000+ (for valve body or transmission replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Transmission Slipping
    • Description/Symptoms: The transmission slips between gears and may produce a whine.
    • Solution: Transmission replacement is usually needed.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $4000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • No Issues Found

Electrical

  • Infotainment System Freezing/Lagging
    • Description/Symptoms: Owners have reported instances of the infotainment system freezing, lagging, or failing to respond to inputs.
    • Solution: Performing a system reset or software update. In some cases, hardware replacement may be necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $100 (for software update), $500 - $1500+ (for hardware replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Backup Camera Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent or complete failure of the backup camera. This can be due to a faulty camera module or wiring issue.
    • Solution: Replacing the backup camera module or repairing the wiring.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Sunroof Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Water leaks around the sunroof area, especially during heavy rain. This can be caused by clogged drain tubes or a faulty sunroof seal.
    • Solution: Cleaning the drain tubes or replacing the sunroof seal.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Power Liftgate Malfunction
    • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent or complete failure of the power liftgate to open or close automatically. This may be due to a faulty motor or sensor.
    • Solution: Replacing the liftgate motor or sensor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Climate Control Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Inconsistent or malfunctioning climate control system, with some owners reporting issues with the air conditioning not blowing cold air or the heater not producing sufficient heat.
    • Solution: Diagnosing and repairing or replacing the faulty component, such as the compressor, blend door actuator, or control module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Seat Motor Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Power seats not moving, sticking, or making noise.
    • Solution: Replacement of the seat motor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2023 GMC Acadia, while generally a reliable vehicle, does have some common issues owners have reported. Engine problems, particularly with the 3.6L V6 (oil consumption and timing chain) and turbocharger issues on the 2.0L, can be costly to repair. The 9-speed transmission can also exhibit rough shifting, potentially leading to expensive repairs or replacements. Electrical issues with the infotainment system and backup camera are also reported, though typically less severe. Overall, potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and factor in potential repair costs when considering a 2023 GMC Acadia.

GMC, Acadia
GMC Acadia 2023
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