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GMC · Known Issues

2013 GMC Acadia Problems: 5 Known Issues

2013 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2013 GMC Acadia has 5 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are Electric Power Steering (EPAS) Failure and Loss of Assist, 3.6L V6 Internal Water Pump Failure and Coolant Leak and 3.6L V6 Timing Chain Stretch and Premature Failure. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $120 to $800. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Acadia Engine2
  • Acadia Suspension2
  • Acadia HVAC1
  • Recalls14
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Engine2
  • Suspension2
  • HVAC1
  • Recalls14
  • FAQ

All 5 Known Issues

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ALL YEARS2025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007

On the 2007-2023 GMC Acadia, gM customer-satisfaction bulletin 13079 covers certain 2009-2013 GMC Acadia vehicles with 3.6L High Feature V6 engines (RPO LY7 or LLT) that may experience leakage from the water-pump shaft seal, often after operation with low coolant.

This issue also affects: Cadillac XT5, Cadillac XT6, Chevrolet Camaro

Common Symptoms

  • Coolant leak from the water-pump shaft seal

How to Fix

Check the VIN and current eligibility with GMC. Bulletin 13079 directs dealers to verify and correct coolant level with the proper DEX-COOL mixture; it does not establish the frozen claim that the pump is internal or must be combined with timing-chain work.

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On the 2007-2016 GMC Acadia, gM bulletin 12-06-01-009D covers 2007-2012 GMC Acadia vehicles with 3.6L High Feature V6 engines (RPO LY7 or LLT) and timing-chain correlation DTCs P0008, P0009, P0016, P0017, P0018 or P0019.

This issue also affects: Buick Cascada, Buick Enclave, Buick Encore

Common Symptoms

  • Check-engine light
  • Camshaft-to-crankshaft correlation DTC

How to Fix

Complete the GM diagnostic procedure before ordering parts. When a stretched timing chain is confirmed, use the applicable GM timing-chain kit. The bulletin says guides, sprockets, actuators and the crank gear should not be replaced automatically unless separately worn or diagnosed.

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On the 2007-2016 GMC Acadia, gM special-coverage bulletin 10248773 covers specified 2007-2011 GMC Acadia vehicles with power-steering pump wear that can intermittently reduce hydraulic pressure and steering assist. Manual steering remains available but requires greater effort, especially at low speeds.

This issue also affects: Cadillac XT5, Chevrolet Colorado, Chevrolet Traverse

Common Symptoms

  • Intermittent reduced or lost steering assist
  • Increased steering effort at low speed

How to Fix

Have a GMC dealer check eligibility for the special coverage and diagnose the hydraulic steering system. The GM procedure flushes the system, replaces the power-steering pump and installs the updated steering-gear valve housing when required.

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On the 2007-2018 GMC Acadia, the Lambda-platform hub bearing assemblies wear early — owners report failures well under 60,000 miles and, on the rear, repeat failures on the same vehicle. Two distinct symptoms come from one part: mechanical noise (a speed-dependent hum or growl that changes when the vehicle is loaded in a turn) and an ABS fault, because the encoder/tone ring on GM Lambda hubs is magnetically printed onto the bearing's inner race surface. When that magnetic layer degrades or sloughs off, the ABS module gets an implausible wheel speed signal and posts a wheel speed sensor code even though the sensor itself is fine — which is why replacing the sensor does not fix it.

This issue also affects: Chevrolet Avalanche, GMC Sierra 1500, GMC Yukon XL

Common Symptoms

  • Humming or growling that rises with vehicle speed
  • Noise changes when swerving left/right
  • ABS and traction control warning lights
  • Speedometer drop-out or erratic reading
  • Play at the wheel when rocked at 12 and 6 o'clock

How to Fix

Diagnose by wheel with a chassis ear or stethoscope at each hub with the vehicle raised and unloaded, and confirm with a scan-tool comparison of the four wheel-speed signals at low speed — a hub with a damaged tone ring drops out or reads erratically while the others track. Replace the complete hub/bearing assembly (the bearing is not serviceable separately). Expect the axle shaft splines to be seized in the hub: plan on pressing them apart. Note that some aftermarket hubs ship without the ABS sensor, so buy the correct part number for your ABS configuration and torque the axle nut to spec.

Typical repair cost:$250 - $800

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On the 2007-2021 GMC Acadia, the dual-zone HVAC case uses several small plastic-geared blend/mode door actuators. The gear teeth strip or the door binds, so the actuator hunts for its calibration position and produces a repetitive clicking or ticking from behind the dash or glovebox. The classic complaint is full heat on the driver's side and ice-cold air on the passenger's side (or the reverse), often with the click audible whenever the temperature setting is changed or the ignition is cycled. It is one of the most common non-powertrain complaints on the Acadia across both generations because every part of the actuator drivetrain is plastic.

This issue also affects: Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Malibu, GMC Sierra 1500

Common Symptoms

  • Repetitive clicking or ticking behind dash or glovebox
  • Heat on one side, cold air on the other
  • Temperature does not change when adjusted
  • Air comes from wrong vents
  • Clicking stops when HVAC is off

How to Fix

Identify the failed actuator by moving the temperature setpoint and feeling/listening at each actuator — the failed one clicks while the good one is smooth. The passenger blend actuator is reachable from behind the glovebox and is held by three T20 Torx screws; some mode actuators require dropping more of the lower dash. Replace the actuator, then start the vehicle and let the HVAC control module run its self-calibration for roughly 40 seconds without touching the controls. Inspect the blend door shaft for binding or a broken door before installing a new actuator, or the new one will strip too.

Typical repair cost:$120 - $450

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NHTSA Recalls14 recalls

AIR BAGS

General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2022 GMC Acadia vehicles. The sensing diagnostic module (SDM) may have been left in "manufacturing mode" and not activated at the assembly plant prior to shipment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Campaign #21V70200010/09/2021

SUSPENSION:REAR

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The left-rear suspension toe link may have been tightened improperly, which could result in a loose or separated toe link.

Campaign #22V42700016/06/2022

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles. The fuel tank rollover valve may not provide a proper seal in the event of a rollover crash.

Campaign #22V44600023/06/2022
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Other GMC Models

GMC Sierra 150035GMC Terrain26GMC Yukon XL24GMC Sierra 3500HD24GMC Yukon21GMC Canyon18

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common GMC Acadia problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2013 GMC Acadia has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Electric Power Steering (EPAS) Failure and Loss of Assist, 3.6L V6 Internal Water Pump Failure and Coolant Leak, 3.6L V6 Timing Chain Stretch and Premature Failure. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the GMC Acadia reliable?

The 2013 GMC Acadia has 5 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 3 issues are rated critical: Electric Power Steering (EPAS) Failure and Loss of Assist and 3.6L V6 Internal Water Pump Failure and Coolant Leak and 3.6L V6 Timing Chain Stretch and Premature Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common GMC Acadia problems?

Repair costs for known GMC Acadia issues range from $120 to $800, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2007-2016 GMC Acadia Electric Power Steering (EPAS) Failure and Loss of Assist?

GM special-coverage bulletin 10248773 covers specified 2007-2011 GMC Acadia vehicles with power-steering pump wear that can intermittently reduce hydraulic pressure and steering assist. Manual steering remains available but requires greater effort, especially at low speeds. Severity: high.

What is the 2007-2023 GMC Acadia 3.6L V6 Internal Water Pump Failure and Coolant Leak?

GM customer-satisfaction bulletin 13079 covers certain 2009-2013 GMC Acadia vehicles with 3.6L High Feature V6 engines (RPO LY7 or LLT) that may experience leakage from the water-pump shaft seal, often after operation with low coolant. Severity: high.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The certification label located on the driver's side B-pillar contains tire size information that may be illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Campaign #22V70800022/09/2022

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac XT5 and GMC Acadia vehicles. The right-front half-shaft assemblies may be improperly connected to the transmission, causing them to separate.

Campaign #23V04300002/02/2023

+ 9 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

What is the 2007-2016 GMC Acadia 3.6L V6 Timing Chain Stretch and Premature Failure?

GM bulletin 12-06-01-009D covers 2007-2012 GMC Acadia vehicles with 3.6L High Feature V6 engines (RPO LY7 or LLT) and timing-chain correlation DTCs P0008, P0009, P0016, P0017, P0018 or P0019. Severity: high.

What is the 2007-2018 GMC Acadia Front and Rear Wheel Hub Bearing Assembly Failure With Integrated ABS Tone Ring Degradation?

The Lambda-platform hub bearing assemblies wear early — owners report failures well under 60,000 miles and, on the rear, repeat failures on the same vehicle. Two distinct symptoms come from one part: mechanical noise (a speed-dependent hum or growl that changes when the vehicle i… Repairs typically run $250-$800. Severity: medium.

What is the 2007-2021 GMC Acadia HVAC Blend Door Actuator Gear Stripping — Clicking Dash and Cold Air on One Side Only?

The dual-zone HVAC case uses several small plastic-geared blend/mode door actuators. The gear teeth strip or the door binds, so the actuator hunts for its calibration position and produces a repetitive clicking or ticking from behind the dash or glovebox. The classic complaint is… Repairs typically run $120-$450. Severity: low.