← New search

2016 GMC Acadia

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2016 GMC Acadia do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 256.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

63 reports with mileage · 173 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Air Bags. Review the 130 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 26 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 25 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

8 crash reports2 fire reports7 injury reports

Lane Departure complaints

9 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Apr 13, 2026
Lane DepartureUnknown Or Other

Hello. I got a recall and fixed in July 2021 for Blind Spot Sensors/Modules on my 2016 GMC Acadia SLT. Now 3.5 years later Im having the same issue with these sensors that are located in the rear bumper of the car, they get water damage, corrosion, and then fail. A very poor design. And seems like the recall didn't fixed th…

Read full complaint

Hello. I got a recall and fixed in July 2021 for Blind Spot Sensors/Modules on my 2016 GMC Acadia SLT. Now 3.5 years later Im having the same issue with these sensors that are located in the rear bumper of the car, they get water damage, corrosion, and then fail. A very poor design. And seems like the recall didn't fixed the issue either. This must to be a common issue for this car, lots of complaints online even after the recall. And the car dealership wont cover it because it was already fixed at that time and my warranty on my car expired not to long ago. They said it would be about $2000 to fix. I feel like this prematurely failed and it was recalled once for the same issue but now failed again is crazy after 3.5 years. This shouldn't be a on going thing especially after a recall. I shouldn't have to pay for this outta my own pocket for a flawed design and would like my repairs for this to be covered again. Please help. Attached is a invoice from July of 2021 recall that was repaired. I only got a verbal estimate from the dealership (text messages) which I do have. saying that it would be a $2000 fix this time. I didn't go through with it because I feel like it should be covered. Attached pictures of sensor/module in rear bumper that is corroded. Lights on both side mirrors will come on and stay on. Won't shut off. Messages on dash saying "Service Side Dectection System". Blind zone setting won't shut off.

NHTSA ODI #11730950

Mileage unknown · Mar 7, 2025
Electrical SystemLane Departure

In March of 2022 the vehicle displayed a warning to service the side detection system. on March 31st 2022 the dealership diagnosed that the Side Blind Zone Alert Module failed due to water intrusion. The replacement of the modular was completed free of charge under "Campaign - N172097060 Special Coverage Adjustment". In Decem…

Read full complaint

In March of 2022 the vehicle displayed a warning to service the side detection system. on March 31st 2022 the dealership diagnosed that the Side Blind Zone Alert Module failed due to water intrusion. The replacement of the modular was completed free of charge under "Campaign - N172097060 Special Coverage Adjustment". In December of 2024 the same warning to service the side detection system was activated again, several weeks later the warning lights on the side view mirrors lite up and remained on. Upon bringing the vehicle on February 13th 2025 for service, in it was determined to be caused by the same failed part as the first occurrence. This time the repair was not covered by the dealer, and was 1099.22. GMC has not solved the underlining problem with these parts. The side detection system is critical when driving a larger SUV for blind zone awareness to avoid collisions while driving in multi lane traffic. When the system failed, the lights on the side view mirrors made driving difficult due to the distraction and glare. Although this problem is known by the manufacture it has provided a permanent solution, as they continue to use the flawed original parts. Due to the sensor being electrical, there was no symptoms prior to failure; the warning appears and continued at each start up. The cost of repairing safety features on an ageing vehicle becomes a burden, especially when those features can only be repaired by a dealership at high prices. This keeps many people from maintaining or fixing their cars, putting others at risk. I have the modular from the most recent repair, and will include a photo if possible.

NHTSA ODI #11647014

Mileage unknown · Apr 6, 2023
Electrical SystemLane DepartureVehicle Speed Control

Special Coverage Adjustment N172097060 Side Blind Zone Alert Module Water Intrusion was issued for my vehicle. I took it in to get fixed and was told I was past the 6 year extension (May 2022) but under the milage (79,199). They told me the parts are on back order from GMC. This was on 04-03-2023. On 04-05-2023 I was driving my …

Read full complaint

Special Coverage Adjustment N172097060 Side Blind Zone Alert Module Water Intrusion was issued for my vehicle. I took it in to get fixed and was told I was past the 6 year extension (May 2022) but under the milage (79,199). They told me the parts are on back order from GMC. This was on 04-03-2023. On 04-05-2023 I was driving my vehicle and the instrument cluster went partially blank. I lost my speedometer , tachometer and most of the other gauges. I had numerous warning lights on. The blinkers stopped working and I had no control of any environmental controls or radio functions. I pulled off the side of the road and shut the vehicle off. I tried to restart it, it started but even more things began to fail electrically. I shut if off again, tried another restart and now it would not start. I tried multiple times and could not get it to start. With the car off and the key out of the ignition, the heater control panel would stay on and the fan was running. I tried a few more times and finally got it to run but still had no instrumentation. I was less than a mile from home and tried to make it back. While driving I had no electrical control of anything and no way to determine my speed. I made it back, but now my vehicle will not start at all. With the key out it still runs the heater controls and fan. This is a dangerous situation not being able to control your vehicle electrical systems and being able to start your vehicle. This needs to be a recall, NOT a manufacture " Special coverage adjustment" that they know is a known issue and dont even have to parts to fix it.

NHTSA ODI #11515743

Mileage unknown · Mar 1, 2023
Electrical SystemExterior LightingLane Departure

Recently the "Service Side Detection System" light came on. Now the blind side monitoring doesn't work. While driving all of lights on the dash, radio, and headlights turned off. I was unable to see the road, my speed, or anything within the vehicle. I did some research and this is a vary common issue with these vehicles and not…

Read full complaint

Recently the "Service Side Detection System" light came on. Now the blind side monitoring doesn't work. While driving all of lights on the dash, radio, and headlights turned off. I was unable to see the road, my speed, or anything within the vehicle. I did some research and this is a vary common issue with these vehicles and nothing has been done to correct it.

NHTSA ODI #11509773

Mileage unknown · Jun 29, 2022
Electrical SystemLane Departure

this is a follow up to my last report. My dealer service dept told me my "side detection modules" blew a fuse. When the fuse blew it should have turned them off. It didn't. The modules stayed on 24/7 until all my electrical components went haywire and burned my battery out. After spending $250 on a new battery, I had issues…

Read full complaint

this is a follow up to my last report. My dealer service dept told me my "side detection modules" blew a fuse. When the fuse blew it should have turned them off. It didn't. The modules stayed on 24/7 until all my electrical components went haywire and burned my battery out. After spending $250 on a new battery, I had issues again with the alerts coming on my DIC. After extensive tracing of the electrical issue by my local GMC dealer, he told me the side detection modules staying on 24/7 caused not only my battery to burn out but caused the wires to burn to the rear electrical harness. He stated this is a defect with the modules and this could have caused a fire right under where my three children sit! I now have to wait indefinitely to get the modules that my service dealer ordered because so many people are having this same issue that they are on back order FOREVER! So my service dealer had to turn off the modules after he replaced the fused wires and wire harness and I have to drive with that alert on 24/7. This is a disgrace to GMC that this is a recall for other Acadia years but not my 2016 model! Other GMC Acadia owners need to be alerted to this potential SERIOUS fire hazard!

NHTSA ODI #11471601

Mileage unknown · Jun 10, 2022
Lane Departure

My care received error code stating service side detection system. Took it to a dealer who, after thoroughly checking my entire electrical system told me the fuse to my side detection modules blew and caused those defective modules to then create a continuous back-feeding of power to the rear wire harness causing a complete dep…

Read full complaint

My care received error code stating service side detection system. Took it to a dealer who, after thoroughly checking my entire electrical system told me the fuse to my side detection modules blew and caused those defective modules to then create a continuous back-feeding of power to the rear wire harness causing a complete depletion of my battery, but also caused the wires to completely melt to the wire harness, which in turn rendered my radio useless and caused several other electrical error codes to come up on my DIC. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A FIRE! GM knows this is an ongoing issue because there are ZERO modules to date to replace my defective modules. NONE! From what I read from other blogs, a lot of other GMC owners are having the same issues, YET GMC does not feel this is worth a recall! It could be weeks to months to receive the replacement modules and I tend to feel they will still be sub par. I WILL NEVER BUY A GM VEHICLE AGAIN AND I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE IF THEY VALUE THEIR FAMILIES LIVES AND THEIR HARD EARNED MONEY!

NHTSA ODI #11468681

Mileage unknown · Jun 6, 2022
Electrical SystemLane Departure

I received an error stating “service side detection system” first. Then I started having issues with every error code coming up, side air bag, the side detection lights staying on at all times while engine is on, and I lost my radio entirely. Without my radio I have back up camera! A dealership told me my wire harness is defecti…

Read full complaint

I received an error stating “service side detection system” first. Then I started having issues with every error code coming up, side air bag, the side detection lights staying on at all times while engine is on, and I lost my radio entirely. Without my radio I have back up camera! A dealership told me my wire harness is defective, either a frayed wire, corroded wire, and that it is blowing all my fuses. This is before they have completed my service, at my expense. The electrical system runs my car!! Side detection system issues are a SAFETY ISSUE!! It seems this is not the first GMC has heard of this but their response is nothing! How can this safety issue be allowed to continue with GMC not taking steps to fix it in a recall?

NHTSA ODI #11467844

41,000 miles · Mar 31, 2021
Electrical SystemLane Departure

I HAVE A 2016 GMC ACADIA DENALI THAT HAS A "SERVICE SIDE DETECTION" ERROR ON THE DIC. CALLED IN THE GMC AND THERE IS A SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT #N172097060 ON THIS ISSUE. IT IS SUPPOSED TO BE VALID FOR 6 YEARS / 80,000 MILES. MY ACADIA HAS 41,000 ON IT. WHEN GMC ENTERED MY VIN, IT DOESN'T SHOW UP AS BEING COVERED?? HOW CA…

Read full complaint

I HAVE A 2016 GMC ACADIA DENALI THAT HAS A "SERVICE SIDE DETECTION" ERROR ON THE DIC. CALLED IN THE GMC AND THERE IS A SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT #N172097060 ON THIS ISSUE. IT IS SUPPOSED TO BE VALID FOR 6 YEARS / 80,000 MILES. MY ACADIA HAS 41,000 ON IT. WHEN GMC ENTERED MY VIN, IT DOESN'T SHOW UP AS BEING COVERED?? HOW CAN SOME BE COVERED AND SOME NOT IF THEY ALL SEEM TO HAVE THIS ISSUE?

NHTSA ODI #11405746

70,000 miles · Mar 8, 2021
Back Over PreventionLane Departure

I HAVE HAD THE "SIDE DETECTION SYSTEM" FAIL TWICE IN 2 YEARS. I SEE THERE IS AN OPEN RECALL (N172097060) FOR THIS ISSUE BUT THIS DOES NOT COME UP SAYING MY VEHICLE IS AFFECTED WHEN I SEARCH THE VIN. I BELIEVE THERE IS MORE VEHICLES INCLUDED THAN THE 131,652 THEY IS CLAIMED IN THIS REPORT.

NHTSA ODI #11399722

Official recalls

4

23V334000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

May 10, 2023

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's air bag module, free of charge. GM began mailing final owner letters February 23, 2024 and will continue mailing through December 2025. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232404980.

21V246000 · Air Bags:critical Fasteners

Apr 8, 2021

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2015, 2017 Buick Enclave, 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2011-2016 GMC Acadia vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not be properly attached.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Unsecured side curtain air bags may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, realign or replace the weld nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 24, 2021. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N202321200.

15V833000 · Seats

Dec 11, 2015

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured November 6, 2015, to November 12, 2015. The affected vehicles have a the third row left lower seat frame that may have welds that are not in the correction location.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the seat frame is not welded in the correct places, the seat may not perform as intended, and in the event of a crash, the seat occupant could be at an increased risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the third row left side lower seat frame, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 29, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is 21930.

15V609000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor

Sep 29, 2015

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A wiper motor that overheats increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.