NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 GMC Acadia Safety Ratings
The 2019 GMC Acadia scores 86 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 369 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
Across-the-board five-star crash protection anchors the 2019 GMC Acadia's NHTSA Safety Index of 86/100, placing it in the Strong band. Two active recalls and optional-only crash-avoidance technology prevent the model from achieving a higher rating.
The 2019 GMC Acadia received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 86/100, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 93 SUVs from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 GMC Acadia ranks 22 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 86 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 369 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 22 of 93 SUVs tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 GMC Acadia?
The 2019 GMC Acadia AWD earned an overall rating of Strong, with a NHTSA Safety Index score of 86 out of 100. This assessment reflects near-perfect crash-test results, balanced against a notable defect record and the limited availability of advanced safety technology. The Acadia achieved a crash-protection sub-score of 66 out of 70. This was driven by its performance in frontal and side impact tests, alongside its rollover rating. The primary factor limiting its overall Index score is the avoidance-tech sub-score of 6 out of 10. This lower mark stems from forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems being optional equipment, not standard. Vehicles sold without these packages lack these safety features. The defect record sub-score stands at 14 out of 20, influenced by two recall campaigns. One recall specifically addresses the 2019 Acadia's powertrain and automatic transmission. A total of 369 owner complaints were reported, with 150 of these unverified allegations concentrated in the powertrain component category, a point of concern for potential buyers.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 GMC Acadia perform in crash tests?
The 2019 GMC Acadia AWD achieved an overall five-star safety rating from NHTSA, matching its performance in both frontal and side crash tests. Rollover protection registered a four-star rating, with a 15 percent risk of rollover in the agency's evaluations. The dynamic tip test concluded with a "No Tip" result. All crash-test categories for this model year are rated.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13127
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 GMC Acadia have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover this model year. The first targets the power train, specifically the automatic transmission, affecting 2018-2019 model-year vehicles including this Acadia. The second is a tires-related campaign spanning multiple GM platforms. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive directive based on available data, but remedy completion should be verified by VIN.
TIRES21V115000
Risk: Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212329050.
Reported 2021-02-25
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION20V668000
Risk: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this reca
Reported 2020-10-29
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 GMC Acadia?
A total of 369 unverified consumer allegations have been reported to NHTSA for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the power train, unknown or other issues, and the electrical system. Reported incidents include five alleged crashes, one alleged fire, and two alleged injuries.
369 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 GMC Acadia?
The 2019 GMC Acadia was subject to two recalls, a notable point for any potential owner to verify as addressed. One of these, a powertrain and transmission-related campaign, is particularly critical. These open recalls transfer with the vehicle and can be remedied at no charge by any GMC dealership. Prospective buyers should confirm remedy completion via NHTSA's VIN lookup tool.
- The 2019 Acadia AWD earned five stars in both frontal and side NHTSA crash tests, with a four-star rollover rating and a measured rollover risk of 15 percent.
- A 2020 recall campaign specifically names 2018-2019 model-year vehicles in a power-train and automatic-transmission action, making VIN-level remedy verification a priority for used buyers.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning were optional, not standard, on this model year, meaning not every 2019 Acadia on the used market is equipped with those systems.
- Power train is the single most-alleged problem category among the 369 unverified NHTSA complaints filed for this model year, accounting for 150 of those reported allegations.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 GMC Acadia places
The 2019 GMC Acadia qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 GMC Acadia safety questions
Was the 2019 GMC Acadia crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 GMC Acadia, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 GMC Acadia crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 GMC Acadia earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 15%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 GMC Acadia have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 GMC Acadia. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 GMC Acadia?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 369 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 GMC Acadia. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Acadia years
Rivals in SUV (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Tesla Model X 60d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 75d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P100d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Nissan Murano | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13127), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the GMC Acadia 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 22 of 93 in the SUV class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.