NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 GMC Acadia Safety Ratings
The 2026 GMC Acadia scores 94 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 5 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 GMC Acadia achieves a perfect score in its avoidance technology assessment. This, combined with its overall federal crash-test rating, contributes to an Exceptional NHTSA Safety Index of 94/100. This marks a notable improvement over the 2025 model, indicating robust federal safety performance for the Acadia this model year.
The 2026 GMC Acadia received a five-star overall crash rating from NHTSA and a NHTSA Safety Index of 94 out of 100, sourced from federal NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 143 SUVs from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 GMC Acadia ranks 30 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 94 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 18.5% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 5 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 30 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 GMC Acadia?
The 2026 GMC Acadia marks a notable jump in federal safety standing compared to its immediate predecessor. The Safety Index rose seven points, from 87 out of 100 in the Strong band for the 2025 model year to 94 out of 100 in the Exceptional band for 2026. That movement is driven primarily by crash protection, which accounts for 66 of a possible 70 points, and a perfect 10 out of 10 in crash-avoidance technology, reflecting the standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. The defect record sub-score of 18 out of 20 is tempered only slightly by the single active recall campaign, which is a multi-model GM action tied to owner and service manual documentation rather than a structural or powertrain safety defect. The five-star overall NHTSA rating, matching five stars in both frontal and side protection, anchors the exceptional designation. The four-star rollover result and the 19-percent rollover risk figure are the only areas where the 2026 Acadia falls short of a clean sweep across all crash categories. The five reported complaints, including two alleged incidents involving forward collision avoidance, are worth monitoring given that system's prominence in the safety tech score.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 GMC Acadia perform in crash tests?
The 2026 GMC Acadia's rollover rating stands at four out of five stars, representing a 19 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip test. While this is the lowest individual category score, the vehicle still achieved an overall five-star rating from NHTSA. Both frontal and side crash categories were awarded five stars. All crash categories for this model year received a rating.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21787
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 GMC Acadia have any recalls?
The 2026 GMC Acadia carries one recall campaign for this model year. The campaign involves equipment in the owners, service, or other manual category and is part of a broader General Motors action also covering several 2025 to 2027 GM models. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is indicated in the available data for this campaign.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL26V114000
Risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-467-9700, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. The manufacturer's number for this recall is N252540430. Vehicle
Reported 2026-02-26
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 GMC Acadia?
Five owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2026 GMC Acadia. The most frequently alleged problem components are Forward Collision Avoidance, Electrical System, and Unknown or Other, each cited twice. These are unverified consumer allegations and have not been established as confirmed defects.
5 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 GMC Acadia?
The 2026 GMC Acadia is currently under an active recall campaign. Shoppers should verify with NHTSA's VIN lookup tool that any specific vehicle has had the recall remedy applied, particularly as parts or repair instructions for this current model year may still be in development or distribution to dealerships.
- The 2026 GMC Acadia's Safety Index jumped seven points over the 2025 model year, moving from the Strong band to the Exceptional band, a year-over-year gain driven by crash protection and a perfect avoidance-tech sub-score.
- NHTSA awarded the 2026 Acadia five stars in both frontal and side crash tests, but the rollover category came in at four stars with a 19-percent rollover risk, making rollover the one area that prevented a clean five-star sweep.
- The single recall for this model year is a multi-model GM campaign categorized under owner and service manual documentation, not a powertrain or structural defect, though shoppers should verify remedy status by VIN.
- Two of the five unverified NHTSA complaints filed against the 2026 Acadia specifically allege issues with the Forward Collision Avoidance system, the same technology that contributed to the model's perfect avoidance-tech sub-score.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 GMC Acadia places
The 2026 GMC Acadia qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 GMC Acadia safety questions
Was the 2026 GMC Acadia crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 GMC Acadia, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 94 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2026 GMC Acadia crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 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 18.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2026 GMC Acadia have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2026 GMC Acadia. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 GMC Acadia?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 5 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 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 (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 350e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 550e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander MHEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21787), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the GMC Acadia 2026.
- 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 30 of 143 in the SUV class for 2026.
- 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.