NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 GMC Acadia Safety Ratings
The 2021 GMC Acadia scores 86 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 144 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 GMC Acadia achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 86/100, positioning it within the Strong band. Its NHTSA crash-test results are excellent in nearly all assessed categories. Furthermore, the two recalls issued for this model year do not carry a do-not-drive designation. This data establishes the 2021 Acadia as a competitive safety performer within its market segment.
The 2021 GMC Acadia received a 5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 86/100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 GMC Acadia ranks 48 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 | 15.1% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 144 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 48 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 GMC Acadia?
The 2021 GMC Acadia marks a two-point gain in the NHTSA Safety Index, rising from 84/100 in 2020 to 86/100, both years sitting in the Strong band. That incremental improvement is largely supported by a crash-protection sub-score of 66 out of 70, which reflects the vehicle's 5-star overall, frontal, and side NHTSA ratings. The rollover score of 4 out of 5 stars and a 15 percent rollover risk figure are the primary factors keeping the crash-protection ceiling from being higher. The avoidance-tech sub-score of 6 out of 10 reflects a meaningful limitation: both forward collision warning and lane departure warning are listed as optional rather than standard for this model year, meaning not every 2021 Acadia on the road carries those systems. Electronic stability control is standard, which provides a baseline. The defect record sub-score of 14.25 out of 20 is consistent with two active recall campaigns, one involving fuel supply line attachment and one involving the Surround Vision camera. The 144 unverified complaints, with the Electrical System leading at 37 alleged reports, add modest downward pressure to that sub-score. Taken together, 2021 represents a measurable step forward from 2020, anchored by strong structural crash performance.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 GMC Acadia perform in crash tests?
The 2021 GMC Acadia earns NHTSA's top overall safety rating, 5 out of 5 stars, with particular strength in frontal and side crash protection. Both categories achieved perfect 5-star scores. Rollover resistance, while still strong at 4 out of 5 stars, presents the trailing area in its crash-test performance. This rating is based on a 15 percent rollover risk, with the dynamic tip-test concluding in a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15343
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 GMC Acadia have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2021 GMC Acadia. The first addresses a fuel system issue in which fuel supply lines may be improperly attached, a potential fuel-delivery risk. The second targets the optional Surround Vision camera system, affecting back-over prevention sensing. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive advisory, but remedy completion should be confirmed by VIN.
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 GMC Acadia?
NHTSA has received 144 unverified owner complaints for the 2021 Acadia. Alleged problem areas include the Electrical System (37 reports), Engine (29), and Fuel/Propulsion System (22). Owners also reported 6 alleged crashes and 3 alleged injuries. All figures represent unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
144 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 GMC Acadia?
The 2021 GMC Acadia arrives with two open recalls. Shoppers should verify completion of the campaigns addressing the fuel supply line and the Surround Vision camera system. Unresolved recalls transfer with the vehicle; buyers must confirm remedies have been applied.
- The 2021 Acadia's Safety Index of 86/100 is a two-point increase over the 2020 model year's 84/100, both within the Strong band, driven primarily by its 66/70 crash-protection sub-score.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional, not standard, on the 2021 Acadia, meaning individual vehicles may lack these systems depending on how they were originally equipped.
- Two specific recall campaigns affect this model year: one for potentially improperly attached fuel supply lines and one for the optional Surround Vision back-over prevention camera system.
- NHTSA received 144 unverified complaints for this model year, with the Electrical System (37 alleged reports) and Engine (29 alleged reports) accounting for the largest shares of alleged concerns.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 GMC Acadia places
The 2021 GMC Acadia qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 GMC Acadia safety questions
Was the 2021 GMC Acadia crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 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 2021 GMC Acadia crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 15.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 GMC Acadia have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 GMC Acadia. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 GMC Acadia?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 144 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 GMC Acadia. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Acadia years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15343), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the GMC Acadia 2021.
- 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 48 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- 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.