2019 Gmc Acadia Safety Report

2019 GMC Acadia: Strong Crash Ratings, but Persistent Transmission and 'Shift to Park' Issues Raise Reliability Concerns

343Complaints
2Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
55/100Reliability Score
5Crash Reports
1Fire Reports
2Injuries
Most reported components: Power Train (98)Unknown Or Other (57)Electrical System (34)Electrical System,Unknown Or Other (17)Engine (16)Power Train,Electrical System (10)Exterior Lighting (7)Electrical System,Engine (5)Unknown Or Other,Engine (5)Power Train,Electrical System,Unknown Or Other (4)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Gmc Acadia

The 2019 GMC Acadia presents a mixed safety picture. While it boasts excellent crash test performance with 5-star ratings in Overall, Frontal, and Side crash tests, and a 4-star Rollover rating from NHTSA, its complaint data reveals significant reliability concerns, particularly with the power train. With 343 total complaints, 5 crashes, 1 fire, and 2 injuries reported, the sheer volume of complaints, especially concerning the transmission, is notable. The most frequent complaint category, 'POWER TRAIN,' accounts for 98 complaints, indicating a widespread issue. Many complaints detail a 'Shift to Park' error, transmission shuddering, and loss of propulsion, which are critical safety and operational concerns. Recall history includes two significant campaigns. One recall addresses 'POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION' issues, specifically missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap that could lead to oil leaks and loss of propulsion. This directly correlates with many owner complaints about transmission problems. The second recall pertains to 'TIRES,' where over-cured tires could result in sudden air loss or tread separation. While the transmission recall covers some 2019 Acadias, many owners report experiencing the 'Shift to Park' issue despite their VIN not being included in the recall, suggesting a broader defect. The high number of power train complaints, coupled with a recall for transmission issues, points to a significant area of concern for this vehicle. Although crash test ratings are strong, the potential for sudden loss of propulsion or inability to properly secure the vehicle in park due to the 'Shift to Park' error poses considerable safety risks. The discrepancy between reported issues and recall coverage for some VINs is also a point of concern, indicating that not all affected vehicles may be receiving necessary repairs under recall.

Reliability Score

The 2019 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.

Known Issues for the 2019 Gmc Acadia

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Gmc Acadia:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Cvt Transmission Failure/Shuddering
Numerous complaints describe transmission shuddering, jerking, slow takeoff, and potential failure, with some owners reporting torque converter issues. This aligns with the POWER TRAIN recall for missing bolts.		 High Common unknown miles
'Shift To Park' Error
The vehicle fails to recognize it's in park, preventing shutdown, draining the battery, and potentially allowing the vehicle to roll. Many owners report this despite their VIN not being covered by a related recall.		 High Common unknown miles
Loss Of Steering Assist
Owners report 'Steering Assist Reduced' warnings, often linked to thermostat issues or broader electrical problems.		 Medium Occasional unknown miles
Thermostat/Engine Temperature Issues
Engine temperature gauge reading cold, fan running on high, and check engine light due to stuck thermostat (P0128 code).		 Medium Occasional unknown miles
Electrical System Malfunctions
Widespread electrical issues including windows, mirrors, infotainment delays, and ABS/traction control lights, sometimes in conjunction with other failures.		 Medium Occasional unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2019 Gmc Acadia:

Power Train 28% of complaints

The most reported issue, with 98 complaints, primarily involves transmission problems such as shuddering, hesitation, and the 'Shift to Park' error, which can lead to loss of propulsion or inability to turn off the vehicle.

Unknown Or Other 16% of complaints

57 complaints fall into this category, often encompassing general electrical glitches, dashboard warnings, or issues not clearly categorized by owners.

Electrical System 9% of complaints

34 complaints directly cite electrical system failures, including issues with lights, sensors, and general system malfunctions, sometimes contributing to other problems like steering assist loss.

Engine 4% of complaints

16 complaints relate to engine performance, including thermostat issues leading to check engine lights and cooling system problems.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Gmc Acadia

Is the 2019 GMC Acadia safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 GMC Acadia received excellent crash test ratings (5-star Overall, Frontal, Side, 4-star Rollover). However, it has a high volume of 343 owner complaints, with significant concerns regarding power train issues (98 complaints) and a 'Shift to Park' error that can prevent the vehicle from turning off, posing a safety risk.

What are common problems with the 2019 GMC Acadia?

The most reported issues are related to the POWER TRAIN (98 complaints), primarily involving transmission shuddering, hesitation, and a widespread 'Shift to Park' error. Other common problems include general electrical system malfunctions (34 complaints) and engine-related issues like thermostat failures (16 complaints).

Are there any recalls for the 2019 GMC Acadia?

Yes, there are two recalls. One addresses 'POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION' for missing bolts that could lead to oil leaks and loss of propulsion. The other is for 'TIRES' that may be over-cured, potentially causing sudden air loss. Many owners report the 'Shift to Park' issue, which is related to the power train, but their VINs are not always covered by the existing recall.

How does the 2019 GMC Acadia perform in crash tests?

The 2019 GMC Acadia performs very well in NHTSA crash tests, achieving a 5-star Overall safety rating, 5 stars for Frontal crash, 5 stars for Side crash, and 4 stars for Rollover resistance.

What is the 'Shift to Park' issue?

The 'Shift to Park' issue is a common problem where the vehicle fails to recognize it is in park, even when the shifter is in the 'P' position. This prevents the vehicle from being turned off, can drain the battery, and in some cases, may pose a risk of the vehicle rolling. Many owners have reported this issue, often requiring costly repairs, and some believe it should be part of a broader recall.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the prevalent transmission and 'Shift to Park' issues; thoroughly check service history and consider an extended warranty, especially for power train components.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Gmc Acadia

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Gmc Acadia. The data includes 343 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 5 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 2 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2019 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.