NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 GMC Acadia Safety Ratings
The 2023 GMC Acadia scores 81 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 38 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 GMC Acadia earns a Safety Index of 81 out of 100, a score placing it in the Strong band. Its NHTSA crash-test performance is genuinely impressive; however, four recall campaigns and a weak avoidance-technology score pull the overall figure down from the prior year. The Acadia is a capable but imperfect safety choice.
The 2023 GMC Acadia received a 5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 81/100 based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 GMC Acadia ranks 101 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 81 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.1% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 38 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 101 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 GMC Acadia?
The 2023 GMC Acadia does not achieve the safety benchmark set by its 2022 predecessor. Its Safety Index score decreased significantly, dropping nine points from 90/100 to 81/100, moving from an "Exceptional" to a "Strong" rating. This decline is largely attributable to its performance in avoidance technology, which scored a mere 2 out of 10. This low score in a critical safety category substantially limits the vehicle's overall safety assessment. Crash protection, however, remains a strong suit for the 2023 Acadia. It earned 66 out of a possible 70 points in this area, supported by NHTSA's 5-star overall, 5-star frontal, and 5-star side impact ratings. The only notable concern in crash protection is the 4-star rollover rating, accompanied by a 15-percent risk figure. The defect record sub-score of 12.5 out of 20 reflects a series of four recall campaigns for this model year. These recalls addressed issues with the windshield, the automatic transmission, the right-front driveshaft half-shaft, and a certification label. While the 2023 Acadia's crash hardware performs commendably, the substantial weakness in avoidance technology and the recall volume distinguish it from the previous model year's safety performance.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 GMC Acadia perform in crash tests?
The 2023 GMC Acadia received a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, anchoring its performance with perfect 5-star scores in both frontal and side crash tests. The rollover assessment presents a comparative weakness, earning 4 out of 5 stars and indicating a 15-percent rollover risk. However, the dynamic tip test concluded with a No Tip result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17124
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 GMC Acadia have any recalls?
Yes, four recall campaigns cover the 2023 Acadia. The components involved are the windshield assembly, the automatic transmission, the right-front half-shaft driveshaft assembly, and a certification label on the driver door. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data for this model year, but owners should verify remedy completion by VIN through NHTSA.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD23V681000
Risk: A windshield that is not properly bonded may detach during a crash and increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the windshield and apply primer and urethane sealant. If the windshield is damaged, the dealer will replace it. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 14, 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 N232419690.
Reported 2023-10-12
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION23V172000
Risk: A half-shaft disengaging from the transmission can result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the sun gears, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2023. The remedy is expected to become available August 31, 2023. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GMC's number for this recall is N222389310.
Reported 2023-03-16
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT23V043000
Risk: Separation between the half-shaft and transmission can result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the right-front half-shaft assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 17, 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 N222393410.
Reported 2023-02-02
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS22V708000
Risk: Illegible tire size information may result in the wrong tires being installed, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the vehicle certification label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 12, 2022. 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 N222381690.
Reported 2022-09-22
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 GMC Acadia?
Owners have filed 38 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the powertrain and engine, each drawing 11 reported complaints, followed by the electrical system with 9. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
38 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 GMC Acadia?
The 2023 GMC Acadia was subject to four recall campaigns, an important consideration for any prospective buyer. These recalls addressed issues with the windshield, transmission, driveshaft, and the vehicle certification label. Before purchase, it is imperative to verify through NHTSA's recall lookup tool that all four of these campaigns have been remedied on any specific vehicle, as an unresolved recall on a used vehicle becomes the buyer's responsibility to address.
- The 2023 Acadia's Safety Index fell nine points from the 2022 model's 90/100 Exceptional score to 81/100 Strong, driven primarily by four active recall campaigns and a low avoidance-tech sub-score of 2 out of 10.
- NHTSA awarded the 2023 Acadia a perfect 5-star overall crash rating with 5 stars in both frontal and side tests, making its crash-protection sub-score of 66/70 one of the strongest components of this year's profile.
- Four distinct recall campaigns were issued for this model year alone, covering the windshield assembly, automatic transmission, right-front half-shaft driveshaft, and a driver-door certification label, a notably active recall year for this generation.
- Owners have submitted 38 unverified complaints to NHTSA, with the powertrain and engine each drawing 11 alleged reports, and the electrical system drawing 9, making those the areas most worth scrutinizing on a pre-purchase inspection.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 GMC Acadia places
The 2023 GMC Acadia qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 GMC Acadia safety questions
Was the 2023 GMC Acadia crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 GMC Acadia, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 81 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 2023 GMC Acadia crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 2023 GMC Acadia have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 GMC Acadia. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 GMC Acadia?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 38 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 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 (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 17124), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the GMC Acadia 2023.
- 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 101 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- 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.