2016 Gmc ACADIA
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2016 Gmc ACADIA has 278 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.9x the segment average of 309. The most common issue is air bags problems (47% of all complaints), specifically: all the cars' airbags deployed spontaneously, i was on a small street , getting out of the gym's building parking. There are 4 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 2 fire reports filed.
278
Total Complaints
4
Recalls Issued
5/5
Safety Stars
0.9x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
AIR BAGS
130 complaints- • ALL THE CARS' AIRBAGS DEPLOYED SPONTANEOUSLY, I WAS ON A SMALL STREET , GETTING OUT OF THE GYM'S BUILDING PARKING
- • MY CAR PRESENTED WITH ISSUE 'PASSENGER PRESENCE MODULE MALFUNCTION CHECK CIRCUIT' THAT PER GMC SERVICE ADVISOR MAY AFFECT THE PROPER AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT DURING AN ACCIDENT. CAR ONLY HAS 35K MILES AND BARELY USED SINCE PURCHASED BACK IN 2015. NOW THEY ARE NOT BEING COVERED FOR REPAIR/REPLACEMENT.
- • The airbag recall was opened on May 10th. I have not yet heard of any remedy despite the fact that the nhtsa site says that the dealer should be replacing my airbags.
“ALL THE CARS' AIRBAGS DEPLOYED SPONTANEOUSLY, I WAS ON A SMALL STREET , GETTING OUT OF THE GYM'S BUILDING PARKING”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2016 Gmc ACADIA
Based on 83 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 49K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 30-60K miles range.
OTHER
STEERING
ELECTRICAL
TRANSMISSION
ENGINE
SEATS/RESTRAINTS
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 (4)
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured August 18, 2015 to September 24, 2015. Due to a manufacturing defect, the windshield wiper motor may overheat when used.
Risk: A wiper motor that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: GM has notified owners, and dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor cover assembly, free of charge. Owners are advised not to use their front windshield wipers until the wiper cover has been replaced. If weather conditions prevent operation of the vehicle without using the windshield wipers, GM will make arrangements to pick up the vehicle for servicing. The recall began on September 30, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 15780.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2016 Gmc ACADIA
Live EIA pricesBased 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 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Gmc ACADIA
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Gmc ACADIA Service Intervals
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
These are the terms for a new Gmc. If you're buying a used 2016 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
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 278 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐AIR BAGS: ALL THE CARS' AIRBAGS DEPLOYED SPONTANEOUSLY, I WAS ON A SMALL STREET , GETTING OUT OF THE GYM'S BUILDING PARKING
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐STEERING: 2016 SLE GMC ACADIA CENTER GEAR SHIFTING COMPONENT LEVEL DOES NOT INDICATE WHAT GEAR THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY IN. P,R,N,D,L ALL REMAIN WHITE IN COLOR DESPITE BEING IN A DIFFERENT GEAR; AN IMPROVEMENT (PERHAPS A COLOR CHANGE TO THE CURRENT GEAR) IS NEEDED. GEAR INDICATION IS CURRENTLY LOCATED ON A 2
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: 2016 SLE GMC ACADIA CENTER GEAR SHIFTING COMPONENT LEVEL DOES NOT INDICATE WHAT GEAR THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY IN. P,R,N,D,L ALL REMAIN WHITE IN COLOR DESPITE BEING IN A DIFFERENT GEAR; AN IMPROVEMENT (PERHAPS A COLOR CHANGE TO THE CURRENT GEAR) IS NEEDED. GEAR INDICATION IS CURRENTLY LOCATED ON A 2
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: THIS VEHICLE LACK PROPER LOAD RESTRAINTS SO THAT OBJECTS PLACED IN THE CARGO AREA DO NOT FLY ALL OVER AND HURT PASSENGERS IN CASE OF SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT. CARGO NETTING HAS VERY POOR SIDE ANCHORS AND LACKING FLOOR ANCHORS.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 4 recalls have been completed — free at any Gmc dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Gmc ACADIA — Year Comparison
How does 2016 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 278
- Recalls
- 4
- Fire reports
- 2
- Crash reports
- 9
- Injury reports
- 16
- Segment avg
- 309
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2016 Gmc ACADIA