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, an 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 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 15343), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for GMC Acadia 2021. Class rank 48 of 118 in SUV 2021. Methodology · Disclosure