2016 Gmc Acadia Safety Report
2016 GMC Acadia Safety Analysis
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2016 Gmc Acadia
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2016 Gmc Acadia. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (4) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (227) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 9 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Air Bags | Compare air bags issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2020 | Compare against the 2020 Gmc Acadia with 82 complaints and 6 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2017 | Check the 2017 Gmc Acadia before buying across this generation. |
Gmc Acadia Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Gmc Acadia years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Gmc Acadia | 680 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2015 Gmc Acadia | 253 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2018 Gmc Acadia | 368 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2019 Gmc Acadia | 343 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Gmc Acadia | 82 | 6 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Gmc Acadia | 133 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2016 Gmc Acadia Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2016 Gmc Acadia, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Air Bags
127 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags issues Gmc onlySteering
22 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Steering issues Gmc onlyPower Train
9 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Gmc onlyUnknown Or Other
9 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Gmc onlyElectrical System
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Gmc onlyElectrical System,Lane Departure
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Lane Departure issues Gmc onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Gmc Acadia
Reliability Score
The 2016 Gmc Acadia receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2016 Gmc Acadia
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2016 Gmc Acadia
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Gmc Acadia:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags Frontal air bags have inflator module defects, leading to potential deployment failures. General Motors has issued recalls for this issue. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Steering Power steering can fail suddenly without warning, making driving extremely difficult and increasing the risk of accidents. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Electrical System Electrical system issues, including lane departure warnings, can cause safety concerns and may not be fully addressed by recalls. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Seat Belts Second-row seat belts can become inoperable, posing a risk to passengers in the event of a collision. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Gmc Acadia:
Frontal air bags are the most common issue, with 23% of reported problems.
Power steering failures account for 16% of reported problems.
Electrical system issues, including lane departure warnings, are reported in 12% of cases.
Second-row seat belts are inoperable in 3% of cases.
Recall Details for the 2016 Gmc Acadia
The following 4 recalls have been issued for the 2016 Gmc Acadia by NHTSA:
Summary: 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: 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.
Summary: 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: 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.
Summary: 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: 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.
Summary: 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: 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...
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2016 Gmc Acadia
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2016 Gmc Acadia with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 3 complaints involved crashes. 3 reported injuries or fatalities.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 GMC Acadia on February 28, 2026. After purchasing the vehicle, the contact obtained a Carfax report and discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. The contact called the dealer and was informed that the vehicle was purchased at an auction. The dealer agreed to refund a portion of the cost of the vehicle. The contact ...
I have a recall on this vehicle that GMC has failed to provide me parts/repair and this recall will be 3 years old in June. I have emailed the local dealer, the manager of the local dealer, GM corporate, and no one has followed through. The best I came to getting the repair was that Corporate made sure I had an appointment and dealer had my part, I went to that appt at my local dealer in Jan 202...
While operating my vehicle, the power steering suddenly failed without adequate warning. The steering became extremely difficult, creating a significant safety hazard for myself, my passengers, and other drivers on the road. A sudden loss of steering assist increases the risk of collision, especially at lower speeds, during turns, or in emergency maneuvers.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 GMC Acadia. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after purchasing the vehicle. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 180,000. The contact stated that it was later discovered upon checking the vehicle information settings, that the mileage was 300,000.
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Acadia. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Acadia. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. Two local dealers were contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced ...
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the second-row seat belts become inoperable. The contact stated that the seat belt buckle failed to latch as intended. An unknown dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 206,000...
After the air bag recall i went and had them do it and 3 days later is still coming on. Saying service air bag. And alot of people is having issues with tighen gas cap light. I have replaced everything it could be and still does it. Now i believe its a bigger problem and there is alot of ppl having the same issues. I dont remember the exact date either. This is the absolute worst vehicle ever.
unknowingly what the actual issue is in This 2016 gmc has major safety risk in Electrical major different problems it has caused me safety issue with little one in the car and my family not knowing the issue with not understating it is a safety risk it has shut off 20 times restarting the radio for no reasoning also it sounds like the powertrain is going to stop working unless u put in L shif...
I was in an accident and my AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. Filed claim with progressive insurance (claim # [XXX]) which they have declared the vehicle a TOTAL LOSS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owned a 2016 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that when she had placed the vehicle in reverse (R), and was applying the accelerator pedal, all of the air bags deployed. The contact stated that she lost control of the vehicle and crashed into her neighbor's house. The contact stated that she was rendered unconscious. The contact stated that when she recovered consciousness the police were...
This issues is regarding the front of the canopy. The base of the canopy clip, where it attaches to the car seat nearest the handle, has broken off pieces. These pieces have flow into the car seat where my child sits. It I had not noticed this happening, my child could have tried to put that piece in their mouth and choked or because for the sharp edges on the splintered piece, cause more serious ...
GMC has failed to repair/replace airbag due to recall
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Acadia. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experience...
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 ...
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Acadia. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aw...
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Acadia. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount o...
I was in minor accident this past December. The airbag ruptured and cut up my face. I was extremely confused as to how this could happen and after doing a little research, I found out that the vehicle has an open recall for their air bags. I was extremely shook by this information because we were never notified for such a life threatening recall! I contacted gm over 3 weeks ago. The first person I...
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Acadia. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a ...
On about 01/20/2025 my transmission? Auto started to shudder before going into 3rd gear threw 5th. Once in 6th gear at about 55 the auto starts to shudder and turns into a rumble feeling. My auto only has 100650 for miles on it. It has been serviced and have brought it to GM 01/24/25 to ask about it? After talking to service adviser. It would cost me 75.00 for someone to go with me to confirm it ...
Showing 20 of 227 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Gmc Acadia
Has the 2016 GMC ACADIA been recalled?
Yes, the 2016 GMC ACADIA has 4 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2016 GMC ACADIA have?
The 2016 GMC ACADIA has 227 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 8 involved crashes. 16 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 GMC ACADIA?
The 2016 GMC ACADIA received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 GMC ACADIA?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2016 GMC ACADIA involve air bags (127 complaints), steering (22 complaints), power train (9 complaints). Other affected components include unknown or other, electrical system, electrical system,lane departure.
How many crash reports does the 2016 GMC ACADIA have?
There are 8 crash reports associated with the 2016 GMC ACADIA out of 227 total complaints (3.5% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2016 GMC ACADIA have?
There are 1 fire reports for the 2016 GMC ACADIA out of 227 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2016 GMC ACADIA?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 GMC ACADIA.
How many injuries are reported for the 2016 GMC ACADIA?
16 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 GMC ACADIA. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2016 GMC ACADIA?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 GMC ACADIA is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 227 complaints, 4 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2016 GMC ACADIA?
The components with the most failures on the 2016 GMC ACADIA are: 1. AIR BAGS (127 complaints), 2. STEERING (22 complaints), 3. POWER TRAIN (9 complaints), 4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (9 complaints), 5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6 complaints). AIR BAGS is the single most-reported problem area with 127 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2016 GMC ACADIA?
Be cautious of air bag and steering issues. Ensure the vehicle has been properly repaired after recalls and check for any ongoing problems. The 2016 GMC ACADIA has 227 NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2016 GMC ACADIA?
The 2016 GMC ACADIA receives a reliability score of 55/100, indicating average reliability. This is based on 227 owner complaints, 4 recalls, and 9 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Air bags and Steering.
What are the known issues with the 2016 GMC ACADIA?
Known issues with the 2016 GMC ACADIA include: Air bags, Steering, Electrical system, Seat belts. These are based on patterns found across 227 NHTSA complaints. 4 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 GMC Acadia?
Yes, there are recalls for air bags and electrical system issues.
What should I do if I experience sudden power steering failure?
Pull over safely and seek professional assistance immediately.
Can I trust the odometer reading of a 2016 GMC Acadia?
Be wary of odometer fraud; always verify the vehicle history.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of air bag and steering issues. Ensure the vehicle has been properly repaired after recalls and check for any ongoing problems.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Gmc Acadia
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Gmc Acadia. The data includes 227 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 8 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 16 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 Gmc Acadia an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16