Is the 2013 Gmc ACADIA reliable?

The 2013 Gmc ACADIA has 191 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.6x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: ELECTRICAL problems.

What are common problems with the 2013 Gmc ACADIA?

Top problems: ELECTRICAL (37 complaints, avg repair $500); AIR BAGS (28 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (27 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2013 Gmc ACADIA?

Yes, there are 3 recall(s): SEAT BELTS, AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW, AIR BAGS:CRITICAL FASTENERS. Contact any Gmc dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2013 Gmc ACADIA?

The 2013 Gmc ACADIA gets 18 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2667. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2013 Gmc ACADIA?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2013 Gmc ACADIA is approximately $1,520/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2013 Gmc ACADIA

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2013 Gmc ACADIA has 191 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.6x the segment average of 309. The most common issue is electrical problems (19% of all complaints), specifically: while dropping off some kindergarteners after a playdate, i was parked in my friends driveway and left 2 children in the car with the doors closed. as i stood there with my friend next to the car, i noticed flames shooting out the front left passenger tire. we got the kids out, the car was filling w. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 13 fire reports filed.

13 fire reports 4 crash reports 4 injuries

191

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

0.6x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ELECTRICAL

37 complaints

19%

• WHILE DROPPING OFF SOME KINDERGARTENERS AFTER A PLAYDATE, I WAS PARKED IN MY FRIENDS DRIVEWAY AND LEFT 2 CHILDREN IN THE CAR WITH THE DOORS CLOSED. AS I STOOD THERE WITH MY FRIEND NEXT TO THE CAR, I NOTICED FLAMES SHOOTING OUT THE FRONT LEFT PASSENGER TIRE. WE GOT THE KIDS OUT, THE CAR WAS FILLING W
• AFTER I RETURNED HOME FROM A SHORT 5 MILE DRIVE IN THE EVENING ON 11/19/13, I SHUT OFF MY 6 MONTH OLD CAR IN THE DRIVEWAY AND SMOKE BEGAN POURING OUT OF THE HOOD AND SPARKS AND FIRE WERE COMING OUT BELOW THE ENGINE. I CALLED 911 AND BY THE TIME THEY ARRIVED ABOUT 5 MINUTES LATER IT WAS A FULL BLOWN
• MY VEHICLE HAS COMPLETELY SHUT OFF 4 TIMES IN THE PAST 2 YEARS WHILE DRIVING, THANK GOD THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. ALSO MY POWER DOOR LOCKS HAVE LOCKED AND UNLOCKED REPEATEDLY BY THEMSELVES WITHOUT PRESSING ANY BUTTON IN VEHICLE OR KEY FOB. THE LOCKS WILL GO UP AND DOWN UNTIL I SHUT THE CAR OFF AND THEN

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 5 fire reports

“WHILE DROPPING OFF SOME KINDERGARTENERS AFTER A PLAYDATE, I WAS PARKED IN MY FRIENDS DRIVEWAY AND LEFT 2 CHILDREN IN THE CAR WITH THE DOORS CLOSED. AS I STOOD THERE WITH MY FRIEND NEXT TO THE CAR, I NOTICED FLAMES SHOOTING OUT THE FRONT LEFT PASSENGER TIRE. WE GOT THE KIDS OUT, THE CAR WAS FILLING W”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2013 Gmc ACADIA

Based on 126 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 83K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

Earlier than typicalmedian 89K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

Reported earliermedian 52K mi · 16 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS

Reported earliermedian 70K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 65K mi · 27 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

AIR BAGS

In line with typicalmedian 95K mi · 17 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 78K mi · 12 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (3)

SEAT BELTS20/05/2014

General Motors is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured April 14, 2008, through May 14, 2014, Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured June 6, 2008, through May 14, 2014, and GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured April 9, 2008, through May 14, 2014, and 2009-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles manufactured April 14, 2008, through March 18, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the flexible steel cable that connects the seatbelt to the front outboard seating positions may fatigue and separate over time.

Risk: If the steel cable becomes fatigued and separates, the seatbelt may not properly restrain the seat occupant increasing the risk of an injury in a crash.

Fix: General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, repair and replace the lap pretensioner, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. An interim notice will be mailed to owners in July 2014. A second notice will be mailed to owners once parts become available. The recall for the 2009-2010 model years began on July 11, 2014. The interim letter for the 2011-2014 model years were distributed on July 11, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-462-8782 (GMC), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). General Motors recall number for this campaign is 14187.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2013 Gmc ACADIA

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,667

Per month

$222

Per mile

22.2¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$3,001/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$2,087/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2013 Gmc ACADIA

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,520

Full coverage / month

$127

Liability only / year

$600

vs US avg

-9%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1520

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Gmc ACADIA Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

45K mi

Engine coolant

150K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

23K mi

Engine air filter

45K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

45K mi

Uses GM Oil Life System. Full-size trucks may have shorter differential and transfer case intervals if used for towing.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Gmc New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

6 yr / 100K mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Gmc. If you're buying a used 2013 ACADIA, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Gmc dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 191 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ELECTRICAL: WHILE DROPPING OFF SOME KINDERGARTENERS AFTER A PLAYDATE, I WAS PARKED IN MY FRIENDS DRIVEWAY AND LEFT 2 CHILDREN IN THE CAR WITH THE DOORS CLOSED. AS I STOOD THERE WITH MY FRIEND NEXT TO THE CAR, I NOTICED FLAMES SHOOTING OUT THE FRONT LEFT PASSENGER TIRE. WE GOT THE KIDS OUT, THE CAR WAS FILLING W
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
AIR BAGS: MASSIVE AIR BAG FAILURE, NOTICE THAT ALL AIR BAGS ARE NOT FUNCTIONING. TWO FRIENDS THAT HAVE SAME VEHICLE HAVE SAME FAILURE. TOLD THAT PASSENGER WEIGHT SENSOR OR WIRING FAILURE WILL CAUSE MASSIVE FAILURE OF AIR BAGS. THIS SEAMS TO BE A SAFETY PROBLEM AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED., 2 OUT OF 3 HAVING
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: ALL WHEEL DRIVE TURNED OFF WHILE DRIVING UP STRAIGHT UP A HILL WITH 2-3 FEET OF SNOW. COULD NOT GET THE CAR TO MOVE IN ANY GEAR EXCEPT REVERSE. IF THERE HAD BEEN UPHILL TRAFFIC, I WOULD HAVE BEEN REAR ENDED BECAUSE IT STOPPED MOVING.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: AFTER I RETURNED HOME FROM A SHORT 5 MILE DRIVE IN THE EVENING ON 11/19/13, I SHUT OFF MY 6 MONTH OLD CAR IN THE DRIVEWAY AND SMOKE BEGAN POURING OUT OF THE HOOD AND SPARKS AND FIRE WERE COMING OUT BELOW THE ENGINE. I CALLED 911 AND BY THE TIME THEY ARRIVED ABOUT 5 MINUTES LATER IT WAS A FULL BLOWN
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Gmc dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)