Is the 2018 Gmc ACADIA reliable?

The 2018 Gmc ACADIA has 521 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.7x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: avoid. Most common issue: TRANSMISSION problems.

What are common problems with the 2018 Gmc ACADIA?

Top problems: TRANSMISSION (159 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (115 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (108 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2018 Gmc ACADIA?

Yes, there are 2 recall(s): FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP, POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT. Contact any Gmc dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2018 Gmc ACADIA?

The 2018 Gmc ACADIA gets 22 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2182. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2018 Gmc ACADIA?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2018 Gmc ACADIA is approximately $1,723/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.

2018 Gmc ACADIA

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2018 Gmc ACADIA has 521 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.7x the segment average of 309. The most common issue is transmission problems (31% of all complaints), specifically: when you put the shifter in park it does not recognize & cabin alarm starts to beep. the vehicle will also leave its headlights on overnight & drain your battery. took to dealer and they couldn't do anything about it. it's been 2 weeks and no letter of resolution from manufacturer as the dealer sai. There are 2 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 1 fire report filed.

1 fire report 17 crash reports 25 injuries

521

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

4/5

Safety Stars

1.7x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

TRANSMISSION

159 complaints

31%

• WHEN YOU PUT THE SHIFTER IN PARK IT DOES NOT RECOGNIZE & CABIN ALARM STARTS TO BEEP. THE VEHICLE WILL ALSO LEAVE ITS HEADLIGHTS ON OVERNIGHT & DRAIN YOUR BATTERY. TOOK TO DEALER AND THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. IT'S BEEN 2 WEEKS AND NO LETTER OF RESOLUTION FROM MANUFACTURER AS THE DEALER SAI
• WHEN I PUT THE IN PARK, IT DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THAT THE VEHICLE IS ALREADY ENGAGED. THE CONSOLE DISPLAYS TELLS ME TO PUT VEHICLE IN PARK AND BEEPS. I HAVE TO KEEP MOVING THE GEAR SHIFT FROM REVERSE TO NEUTRAL TO PARK SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE IT RECOGNIZES THE VEHICLE IN ENGAGED IN PARK. THIS HAS BEEN HA
• I FINANCED THIS VEHICLE IN MAY 2018 THROUGH A GMC DEALERSHIP. IT IS JANUARY 2019 I STARTED GETTING ALERTS ONCE I PUT MY CAR IN PARK AND TURNED THE MOTOR OFF. THE WARNING ALERTS STATED ON THE DASHBOARD "ACTION REQUIRED -SHIFT TO PARK-" EVEN THOUGH IT IS IS PARK. THE ALERT IS LOUD AND WILL NOT GO OFF

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 4 crashes

“WHEN YOU PUT THE SHIFTER IN PARK IT DOES NOT RECOGNIZE & CABIN ALARM STARTS TO BEEP. THE VEHICLE WILL ALSO LEAVE ITS HEADLIGHTS ON OVERNIGHT & DRAIN YOUR BATTERY. TOOK TO DEALER AND THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. IT'S BEEN 2 WEEKS AND NO LETTER OF RESOLUTION FROM MANUFACTURER AS THE DEALER SAI”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2018 Gmc ACADIA

Based on 238 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 32K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

106

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 28K mi · 36 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS

In line with typicalmedian 30K mi · 12 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 26K mi · 12 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SEATS/RESTRAINTS

In line with typicalmedian 24K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

Later than typicalmedian 37K mi · 90 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

Later than typicalmedian 32K mi · 51 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 (2)

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP31/05/2018

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.

Risk: A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2018 Gmc ACADIA

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,182

Per month

$182

Per mile

18.2¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,824/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,920/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 2018 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

$1,723

Full coverage / month

$144

Liability only / year

$626

vs US avg

+3%

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 rating0.98x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1723

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 2018 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

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 521 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
TRANSMISSION: WHEN YOU PUT THE SHIFTER IN PARK IT DOES NOT RECOGNIZE & CABIN ALARM STARTS TO BEEP. THE VEHICLE WILL ALSO LEAVE ITS HEADLIGHTS ON OVERNIGHT & DRAIN YOUR BATTERY. TOOK TO DEALER AND THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. IT'S BEEN 2 WEEKS AND NO LETTER OF RESOLUTION FROM MANUFACTURER AS THE DEALER SAI
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: EXPLODED SUNROOF - THE SUNROOF EXPLODED WHEN I WAS NOT IN THE CAR. I HEARD THE GLASS FALLING IN TO THE SUN SHADE WHEN I CLOSED THE DOOR. TOOK ME SEVERAL DAYS TO RECOGNIZE AND FIGURE OUT WHAT THE SOUND WAS. NO ROCKS, NO SIGN OF ANYTHING FALLING ON THE ROOF TO DAMAGE. THE GLASS APPEARED TO BE PUSH
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: I PURCHASED THE WIRELESS CHARGER. I RECEIVED THE GM DOCUMENT STATING WHAT VERSION OF PHONE I NEEDED FOR THE CHARGER TO WORK. I PURCHASED A PHONE AND THE CHARGER DOES NOT WORK. THE DEALER RESEARCHED THE PHONE AND THERE ARE ONLY SPECIFIC MODELS MANUFACTURED IN THE SAME YEAR THAT WORK FOR THE CHARGE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2018 GMC ACADIA. WHILE THE CONTACT'S FRIEND WAS DRIVING 40 MPH, THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE DROVE THROUGH A PARTITION AND CRASHED INTO A BRICK WALL. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. ALL FOUR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Gmc dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)