2016 GMC Acadia Transmission Problems Include Jerking, Improper Shifting, and Weak Acceleration

Mar 30, 2022

Although its problems aren’t as severe as previous model years, 2016 Acadia owners have complained about alarming transmission issues causing engine stalls and an overall uncomfortable driving experience.

2016 GMC Acadia - Photo by GMC

Key Points

2016 GMC Acadia owners have reported transmission-related problems, including rough shifts and improper gear changes.
According to drivers’ reports, transmission failures have occurred on mileages as low as 20,000.
Owners have complained about only getting transmission rebuilds instead of replacements under warranty from GM.
Transmission overheating problems can cause severe damage, but can be prevented by installing a remote transmission cooler.
Regularly changing the transmission fluid and not going above the SUV’s towing capacity can prevent transmission issues.

2016 GMC Acadia Drivers Report Transmission Problems that Include Rough Shifts and Hesitation in Changing Gears

The 2016 model year was one of the least problematic for the GMC Acadia. It has less than 70 complaints registered on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Although the problems aren’t that widespread for the 2016 Acadia, there have been cases where owners dealt with recurring transmission issues.

Several registered NHTSA complaints concern transmission problems with rough shifts and hesitation when shifting gears. But the most serious issue is the transmission not working at all.

According to reports, the transmission may randomly stop sending power to the engine. A few reports say the engine would shut off after the transmission stopped working.

2016 GMC Acadia - Photo by GMC

Owners Echo Transmission Problems on Forums, Complain About Not Receiving Solutions from GM

Digging deeper into other sources shows more owners dealing with transmission problems. According to a report posted on Car Complaints, transmission problems showed up only after 20,000 miles of service.

“I turned the car off and restarted it several times, but again, the car starts but would not move,” said one owner.

Another driver posting about transmission problems on Acadia Forum has dealt with a similar situation. His 2016 Acadia had three transmission rebuilds due to the improper shifting, only for the problem to come back again.

Avoid Expensive Transmission Issues by Installing a Remote Transmission Cooler

In earlier model years, the Acadia’s transmission was notorious for overheating. A plastic part on top of the radiator could crack and allow water to enter the transmission system and overheat.

Transmission overheating for the 2016 model is not as bad as previous years. But installing a remote transmission cooler is a cheap, permanent way to avoid replacing the entire transmission after overheating damages.

“I installed the factory tow package, but instead of the GM HD radiator, I installed a $50 B&M transmission cooler,” shares one Acadia Forum member as a way to keep transmission temps down.

2016 GMC Acadia - Photo by GMC

Regular Maintenance of the 2016 GMC Acadia’s Transmission is the Best Way to Prevent Costly Overhauls

Even though transmission problems don’t necessarily come from lack of proper maintenance, putting an Acadia through abuse could easily lead to expensive overhauls.

The 2016 GMC Acadia’s towing capacity ranges from 2,000 to 5,200 pounds. Make sure to double-check the owner’s manual if you’re planning to tow something heavy.

Going over the SUV’s limit in towing, even for as little as 500 miles, can take a toll on the transmission.

Make sure the transmission is inspected every 30,000 miles (or two years), and have the transmission fluid and filters changed. If you tow a lot, shorten the period between each visit.

2016 Acadia’s Transmission Problems aren’t Widespread, but Something to Be Aware of When Buying Used

The 2016 GMC Acadia was one of the lineup’s least problematic models. Although transmission problems are not widespread, they are something to consider if you plan to buy one.

It’s a safer bet to avoid any Acadia with a transmission that jerks or shifts gears roughly. Many owners haven’t been able to find a permanent solution to this issue.

Take the SUV to a trusted mechanic to inspect everything, especially the transmission, to ensure you’re spending your money wisely.

Photos: GMC

Frequently Asked Questions

By Stephanie Stephan | Mar 30, 2022

What Years of the GMC Acadia are Affected by Transmission Problems?

The GMC Acadia’s six-speed transmission is the subject of recalls and TSBs for serious failure and unreliability in 2007-2017 models. 2007-2008 Acadias experience early transmission failure, 2009 models suffer from broken clutch plates and hard shifting, while 2013 and 2017 years are plagued by faulty solenoids and shift to park systems.

Does the GMC Acadia Have a Lot of Problems?

The GMC Acadia’s six-speed transmission experiences Stabilitrak system errors, shattered transmission clutches, slipping, and early failure, especially in 2007-2008 models. Timing chain cover leaks, blown engines, and faulty catalytic converters surface from 2010-2012, and first-generation Acadias are considered problematic.

Owner Reviews

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Ariel W on November 7, 2021

GMC 2016 Acadia-Mild Performance Issues With Brakes and Blind spots

One thing I really don't like about this car is the sheer amount of blind spots it has. I have counted about five to six different blind spots and it makes me feel very unsafe when driving the car. I definitely think that it needs a lower dashboard which would help to lessen the blind spots. Overall the gas-per-mileage is decent. Not the best thing as normally I have to refill the tank every other day which takes its toll on my pockets. But other than that I haven't had any mechanical/engine/transmission issues that this car had to be taken into the shop for meaning that it is relatively easy to take care of.

Disappointed on January 8, 2022

2016 GMC Acadia Denali - wish I would've waited

I found this Acadia and it has been nothing but problems since the day I acquired it. First, it was the air conditioning and then a major water leak from either the windshield or the drain hose from the sunroof - they told me both, so I can say for sure. Then my sound went out and it was a bad amplifier. I had just started driving it and now it's been down for clicking battery. It's going on a year and I've probably driven my Acadia maybe 20% of the time since I purchased it

Jessica A on July 28, 2021

GMC Acadia - do not do it!

It has an awful technology system. It is horrible on gas. We got a rebate from GMC because they misquoted the gas mileage. We were supposed to get an average of 22 mpg. I end up with less than 15 mpg. It makes a high-pitched electrical noise coming from the dash from time to time that I always hear but will never happen when I come to the dealership. And it just does not drive well.

Liz on August 29, 2021

Decent midsize SUV

The minute the ac comes on, the car smells terrible. The exterior paint job is poor. Chips easily. The coat hanger location in the back seat is unusable. Most importantly, the display panel is very user UNfriendly. Occasionally, it feels as if the transmission is slipping. That should not be happening at 37,000 miles.

Tanner T on June 28, 2021

GMC Acadia a very cheaply made SUV.

I have had to replace sensors in the engine and the torque converter. Gas mileage is not very good for a compact SUV. There are only 94000 miles on it and 6000 of work done on it. The seats are poorly put together.

Sheila C on December 7, 2021

More cargo space in the Acadia than in the Yukon.

It is ok except for the air conditioning failed at 53, 000 miles. It is a 6 cylinder so going to that from an 8 cylinder requires a little adjustment in what to expect in terms of power.

Jenni N on December 10, 2021

Good option for growing family.

This car is reliable, but we had to have the transmission rebuilt shortly after purchasing the vehicle.

Hand on June 26, 2023

2016 GMC Acadia

Only 30,000 miles. Needs new transmission.Quote for new one $6,800.

Hamed Paydarfar

From collecting miniature replicas to drawing his favorite cars, Hamed's obsession with anything with four wheels kicked off early in his life. Later on, he fused his passion for the automotive industry with his love for languages and literature and began writing blog posts, articles, and features about cars in 2019. When he's not writing, Hamed spends his time with his guitars and paintbrushes.