MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2021 GMC Acadia

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2021 GMC Acadia

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

2Recalls
144Complaints
1Investigations
ABOUT THE GMC ACADIA

The GMC Acadia is a midsize three-row SUV that competes in one of the most crowded segments in the American market. Positioned as a family-focused hauler with a premium GMC badge, it targets buyers who want genuine people-moving practicality with a step up in refinement over mainstream alternatives. The 2019-through-2025 model range gives shoppers a wide window of options to evaluate on safety grounds.

VERDICT

The 2021 GMC Acadia earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, a strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. Both frontal and side crash protection reached the full 5 stars. It has 2 recalls on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally regard the GMC Acadia as a competent and well-rounded family SUV that earns points for its comfortable interior, reasonable versatility, and upscale positioning within the segment. Most find it a sensible rather than exciting choice, praising its approachable driving character while noting that the competitive midsize SUV field offers strong alternatives worth cross-shopping.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 15.1%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15343

Index breakdown

Crash protection66/70
Avoidance tech6/10
Defect record14.25/20
Forward collision warning: OptionalLane departure warning: OptionalStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA22V709000

Risk: An inoperative rearview camera can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the coaxial cables, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 18, 2023. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222378380.

Reported 2022-09-22

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS21V422000

Risk: Improperly attached and seated fuel supply lines may loosen or separate, causing a fuel leak and increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace fuel supply lines as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212335590.

Reported 2021-06-03

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

144 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

6reported crash
0reported fire
3reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsElectrical System 37Engine 29Fuel/Propulsion System 22Unknown Or Other 20Service Brakes 17Power Train 17

Other Acadia years

Rivals in SUV (2021)

Last verified 2026-08-17. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 15343), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for GMC Acadia 2021. Class rank 48 of 118 in SUV 2021. Methodology · Disclosure