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Common Problems with the 2021 GMC Acadia

gmc acadia 2021 problems

Powertrain, Transmission Issues:

“Was accelerating to approx 45-50mph when the vehicle gave no power, but my RPMs were revving. Once removing my foot off the gas pedal and trying to get power back, after the 2nd or 3rd time I resumed power. The car has less than 9000 miles on it. Right after, a message alerted me to have the vehicle brought in for service, and the engine light came on. According to the dealership, the found code P0700 which is normal, followed by P7224, something I am unable to locate anywhere online. They said they tested everything and all came back normal. It's been noted and if it happens again to let them know. I'm not feeling comfortable paying 50K+ for a vehicle to have it go haywire under 10K miles.”

“Wife was driving southbound on US287 between vernon, tx and wichita falls, tx in a 75 mph speed zone. Vehicle abruptly and for no apparent reason slowed as if the brakes had been applied with sufficient force to cause her to bend forward at the waist. Subsequently, the vehicle speed became erratic and she slowed to 25 while moving onto the shoulder. Could easily have caused a fatal accident had traffic not been unusually light. I am enclosing GM service bulletin issued in July of 2020 (I found it posted on the NHTSA web site) regarding the transmission used in this car. A safety recall should be immediately issued. GM NHTSA should have required GM to notify buyers of this condition prior to purchase when the inherent potential defect first became apparent. We bought the vehicle new in question on 2 Feb 21 and it had been driven just 4,063 miles at time of incident.”

Electrical System Problems:

“Vehicle has previously been brought in to GMC dealership at least 2-3 times for the dash turning on and off while driving. Started happening around 5,000 miles here and there. First took it in just over 7,000 miles as it was happening more and more frequently. It was last in for the issue on 2/6/23. The dash turned completely off WHILE driving going approx 45-50 mph, is not turning back on, unable to see speed while driving.”

“We purchased the vehicle in March 2021 and within a few weeks, the rear camera started working intermittently. At one point, it displayed a black screen with a red warning triangle. The dealership ultimately replaced the camera and we haven't had the problem since.”

“Make a left turn engine stopped. Fuel Pump Driver Module Failure. Electrical Short in module. Several fuses also blown. All dash warming lights stayed on. Vehicle had to be towed from middle of roadway. Battery also had to be replaced. Vehicle mileage 8100 miles.”

“On at least 3 occasions, my vehicle’s locks have malfunctioned and I’ve been locked out of my car with one incident being locked out in the rain. Upon approaching my vehicle and using the unlock button on the outside of my door, I was unable to access my vehicle. Then trying my key fob and app to unlock, with all attempts unsuccessful. The back hatch of the vehicle would open, so my daughter had to crawl through to manually open the door. Once the vehicle was started, once put in drive, the vehicle would not lock. As stated, I can confirm three dates this has happened and that I’ve contacted my local dealer. I am pretty sure it’s happened one other time but I can not remember the date. The dealer would only look at it once and could not find anything wrong because the problem did not happen in the short time my vehicle was there. I do have video of at least one instance that I can provide.”

Suspension and Steering Concerns: Reports involve noises from the suspension, premature wear of suspension components, and problems with the steering system.

Brakes Problems:

“Taken from service report; customer states brake pedal some times sinks to the floor and brake fluid on driveway. Tech performed brake fluid check and found that the brake fluid leak is coming from the left front and right front caliper hose, caliper hose has rub marking, making contact with cv boot. Tech replaced the left and right front brake caliper hoses and performed brake fluid fill and bleed, rechecked the operation of the brakes-brakes are working as design Also on service report: Left front cv axle leaking, left front outer cv axle boot is torn, replaced the c axle assembly. Not on the report is that the service manager Informed me that I should not have driven the vehicle in but had it towed in. Service performed under warranty at Linus Cadillac Buick GMC, Vero beach”

“The contact owns a 2021 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while reversing out of her parking space, the contact heard a squeaking sound coming from the brakes. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the brakes were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was contacted and stated that there was an upcoming recall and to wait for the recall. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 26,000.”

“My brakes are awful. They squeak and squeal constantly. I've taken it to Ken Ganley Buick GMC several times. Prior to that, it was taken to Nick Abraham BMC. The dealerships are able to duplicate the sound and problem over and over again. None of the dealership representatives are able to offer a solution other than paying out of pocket to replace the brake pads because the material the brake pads are manufactured from are falling short. There is no way the brakes are functioning the way they were designed. Thankfully, I have not been in a situation where I need to slam on my brakes but I am not confident that they would do their job in an emergent situation. I have a toddler and a new baby on the way. I purchased a big SUV with the mindset that it would keep my family and I safe. We have leased several GMC products over the years and have never had an issue like this. We will absolutely not be renewing our lease to prove our loyalty to this brand. The fact that I'm being told the only way to fix the manufacturers problem is to pay out of pocket and fully replace the brakes on my vehicle that is 1.5 years old with 28k miles on it, is absolutely absurd. We are willing to give GMC the opportunity to make it right. At this point, I'll be honest, I doubt anything will even be addressed.”

Sources: www.nhtsa.gov, carcomplaints.com

California Lemon Law and How Valero Law Can Assist

The California Lemon Law provides vital protection for consumers who have purchased or leased vehicles afflicted by defects, including the 2021 GMC Acadia. If you're dealing with persistent issues that haven't been effectively resolved despite reasonable (two or more) repair attempts, or if your vehicle has spent a substantial amount of time out of service due to repairs, you might have strong grounds for a Lemon Law case.

Valero Law, a respected Lemon Law attorney firm, specializes in supporting individuals navigating challenges like those encountered with the 2021 GMC Acadia. With a deep understanding of the intricacies within Lemon Law cases, we can adeptly guide you through the legal process. Whether it entails negotiating with the manufacturer for a buyback or replacement, or pursuing a legal claim to protect your rights, Valero Law is committed to advocating for your interests. If the ongoing problems with your GMC Acadia are affecting your driving experience, it's wise to consider seeking the expertise of Valero Law to explore your options and pursue resolution through the California Lemon Law.