2016 GMC Acadia recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 GMC Acadia and 236 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are air bags (130), steering (26), electrical system (25). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 17–18 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2016 ranks #8 of 14 Acadia model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (241). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 3.2 per model year.
Recalls 4
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2016 GMC Acadia. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Air bags · frontal · driver side · inflator module
Problem: 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.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: 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.
Air bags · critical fasteners
Problem: 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.
Risk: Unsecured side curtain air bags may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Seats
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Visibility · windshield wiper/washer · motor
Problem: 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.
Risk: A wiper motor that overheats increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
Transmission torque converter required replacement
Technician told me the engine "grenaded itself". "Cylinder #4 melted into the side walls of the cylinder wall caused by air to fuel mix ratio controlled by the ECU failure to mix appropriately." My family and I were traveling for Easter and were stranded on the side of the highway. I had a private repair shop (Greenville Auto Clinic LLC) confirm as well as the local dealershi…
The cable that attaches the front driver seatbelt to the base of the seat (left side), suddenly broke when simply buckling the belt.
Safety ratings
2016 GMC Acadia SUV FWD
2016 GMC Acadia SUV AWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2016 GMC Acadia.
Acadia AWD
Auto 6-spd · 6 cyl · 3.6 L
Regular
Acadia FWD
Auto 6-spd · 6 cyl · 3.6 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2016 GMC Acadia have?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 GMC Acadia, most recently for air bags · frontal · driver side · inflator module (05/10/2023). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 GMC Acadia?
Based on 236 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are air bags (130), steering (26), electrical system (25).
Is the 2016 GMC Acadia safe?
The 2016 GMC Acadia earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2016 a good year for the GMC Acadia?
The 2016 ranks #8 of 14 Acadia model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (241). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 3.2 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2016 GMC Acadia get?
EPA ratings for the 2016 GMC Acadia range from 17 to 18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2016 GMC Acadia in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: ACADIA, Acadia.