Automatic Emergency Braking Problems of GMC Acadia - part 1

Brake module malfunction codes: “service esc” “break assist failure. Press hard to break. Speed limited”.

See all problems of the 2025 GMC Acadia 🔎.

On several occasions, this vehicle break pretty hard for no apparent reason in a red rectangle with a crash symbol came up on the windshield a few times we’ve had people behind us which created dangerous situation and there’s no apparent reasons for this vehicle breaking there was nothing in front of us at times there were vehicles in the other lane, but at other times there were no vehicles around at all I was wondering if this what’s happening with other GMC’s or or any gm product.

On March 27, 2026, I experienced a complete brake failure while driving a 2021 GMC Acadia in a school zone at approximately 3:00 pm. When I pressed the brake pedal, the vehicle did not respond. I attempted multiple times, including using the emergency brake, which did not activate immediately. The vehicle remained in motion for several minutes in an area with children and parents present. The emergency brake only engaged after approximately 30–45 seconds of repeated attempts. I was forced to steer off the road to avoid a collision. The vehicle had been inspected at a gm dealership on March 16, 2026, just eleven days prior, where the brake system was evaluated and no issues were identified. After the incident, the dealership diagnosed a leaking vacuum pump, which is a component that supports the brake booster system. This failure occurred without warning and created a dangerous situation. I am concerned this may indicate a broader safety defect.

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It has the abs lights on and tire traction light on check engine light on and given signs of failed transmission slow to takeoff shuttering of transmission.

See all problems of the 2019 GMC Acadia 🔎.

Automatic brake engaged unnecessarily/ unexpectedly while driving forward at a low speed. There was no reason for the brake to engage. There were no objects or people infont of us. This has happened twice in less than a month. Both times we were in a forward motion. It could have been a serious situation if the car behind us had been any closer when we suddenly breaked for no reason.

Thermostat issue (steering assist is reduced drive with care) have changed this sensor 3 times in the past 3 years, there is no excuse for that. The emergency braking almost cause me and my daughter to be hit by a train when my car emergency braked while going over train tracks. This is unexcusable.

See all problems of the 2017 GMC Acadia 🔎.

I see where GMC Acadia is have a recall on transmission and if it’s the description of my two GMC Acadia’s, but when I put my VIN number in it doesn’t have a recall.

We had complete brake system failure while driving the car on the highway. The brakes went all the way to the floor when applied and we came inches going into fast moving oncoming traffic before the vehicle stopped. I had to push the break with both feet with all the strength I had to get the brakes to respond at all. The brake assist failure warning light came on and another warning light came on that said service esc. I have this on video. This was the first time the warning lights have ever come on. It’s a brand new 2025 car with only 800 miles on it. We were advised by the dealership who sold us the car to get onstar to tow the vehicle to our local GMC dealership where we bought the car. When the car was hooked up to the diagnoses machine it said brake system failure. I have not received any invoices or paperwork to send you at this point. All I can upload is a video of the warning lights that were appearing on the dashboard after the incident.

When backing up brakes abruptly apply themselves for no reason at all. This happens all the time the dealer says there is no problem with my vehicle, but the rear breaking abruptly keeps on applying.

See all problems of the 2024 GMC Acadia 🔎.

1. The electrical system and driver-assistance/safety features malfunctioned, including intermittent power loss and dashboard system failures. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 2. The malfunction caused the vehicle to lose power to the braking system while driving, which created a risk of collision. Essential safety features such as power steering, brakes, and warning systems were impacted, putting both myself and other drivers at risk. 3. Yes. The issue has been reproduced and documented by the dealership during multiple service visits and reported to gm customer service. However, the safety claim was denied by gm and I have been advised to continue to drive this unsafe vehicle. 4. The vehicle has been inspected by the authorized dealership and GMC technicians. It has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives at this time. 5. Yes. Warning messages appeared on the dashboard, including system errors and power failure alerts. These issues first appeared around 20,000 miles, and have recurred intermittently since then. I have communicated with the dealership where the car was purchased and gm corporate requesting replacement with a safe and reliable vehicle. To date, I have not received a satisfactory resolution. I have researched and found that other 2024–2025 GMC Acadia owners are experiencing the same issue. This vehicle is unsafe to operate until gm identifies and resolves the defect. Losing control of the brakes constitutes a catastrophic safety failure that makes this vehicle unfit for road use. Immediate investigation and corrective action are necessary to prevent potential accidents or injuries.

While driving under normal conditions, the vehicle experienced a sudden, violent deceleration. The emergency braking and collision avoidance systems activated spontaneously, as if the vehicle had struck or was about to strike an object. There was no obstacle, impact, or external threat present. This uncommanded braking caused significant physical stress and injury to the occupants. Critically, multiple safety systems failed during the event: the seat belts did not lock, failing to restrain the occupants; the airbags did not deploy, despite the severity of the deceleration; no warning indicators or diagnostic alerts were present before or after the incident. These failures directly contributed to physical injuries, including tbi (concussion, spinal trauma, etc. ) which required emergency medical treatment and ongoing care.

See all problems of the 2023 GMC Acadia 🔎.

At startup today vehicle displayed “brake assist failure. Press hard to brake. Speed limited. ” it also displayed “service. ” it also displayed “esc,” and the word “service. An internet search indicated this may be a common problem of this vehicle, caused either by a software error in the electronic brake control module, or due to a defective brake master cylinder. There is a gm service notice for these defects, n242471431. Regardless of the cause, the brake is extremely mushy, and requires a high degree of force to stop the vehicle. Gm says there is no recall due to this defect. This is a brand new vehicle and therefore it must be a defect in the vehicle. Given that braking is a fundamental safety issue, it’s hard to believe there is no recall already issued.

Dash lit up with abs, traction control, and esc warnings. Technician stated the entire brake system needed to be rebuilt. There is currently no eta on when the parts to be able to accomplish this will be available.

Car driven off the lot 06/14/2025 on Sunday 07/06/25 (21 days from purchase) while driving home from a 30 minutes away from home trip with 3 young children with me, the car gave multiple alerts and service warnings. "service brake assist" and "service ecs" lights / symbols related to the following were also displayed: traction control system (tcs)/ electronic control stability light, anti-lock brakey system (abs); brake system warning light, forward collision alert and break light I stopped the car immediately and pulled to the side of the road. After restarting vehicle, lights were still displayed and service alerts still on. Power steering was very diminished and the breaks were struggle to break. Acceleration was also impacted and every time I breaked it appeared as though the car was trying to accelerate. I was able to drive the car home slowly following back roads. On Monday 07/07/25 I called the dealership and arranged a tow to their facility. On Tuesday 07/08/25 after multiple "unavailable to take your calls" I was finally able to connect with a service technician who indicated the break master cylinder needed to be replaced. I was not given an eta on the completion of this repair. I have owned the car for 21 days. It has 1073 miles on it!!! I have 3 young children! the original route home was via a very heavy interstate! what if the brakes failed me while driving an interstate! I praise god I was able to get home safely with my children.

I purchased the car on April 19, 2025. Drove the car about 8000 miles and then all of a sudden the dash lights all lit up for the brakes, abs, traction control. I pulled the car over and turned it off. When I restarted my car, the lights continued to stay on and it told me to service immediately. I called my dealer and they could not get me in within 2 weeks so I took it to another local GMC dealer who could get it in to look at it that week. I took it in on July 9th, and then received a called a couple days later telling me that it had a bad brake control module that they needed to order. A week later was told the part was on backorder. Two weeks later was told the part came in but it was still missing the brake master cylinder and reservoir. At that time, I was told the eta was unknown and I have been calling back every week. On August 23rd I filed a complaint with GMC and have struggled to get anywhere with them. They tell me the dealer has the parts and the dealer tells me that they do not. I still have no eta and it has been officially 2 months without a car. I am told that it is not safe to drive.

Abs, ebcm, traction control and brake lights on.

When the vehicle is in reverse and you are backing the emergency brake suddenly comes on practically giving you whiplash. This happens randomly and without any obstruction or reason for the emergency brake to come on. It has happened many times. This morning it slammed the emergency brake on 4 times in a row I didn't think I was going to be able to back up as it kept kicking the emergency brake on. Based on what I have seen on the internet many 2024 GMC Acadia owners are having similar problems. Gm needs to fix this!.

This 2024 GMC Acadia will not back up safely on a rainy day. When moving backward, when it raining the emergency braking continually engage, approximately every two feet. I took it to gm dealer service center, it did the same with them. However, they can't correct the problem and gm does not have a fix. Also others vehicle like this one are experiencing the same problem. This has been an ongoing problem since July 5, 2024 in rainy weather. I called gm customer service and have gotten no result. I don't know what to do. Can you all help us (please). Thank you all so very much.

Roof is leaking in vehicle without reason after seals and tubing replaced. Brakes lock up without warning!.

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I am filing a complaint about my 2024 GMC Acadia at4, leased brand new from frank's GMC in August 2024, now with a little over 8,000 miles. The brake pads are worn to 35% life, far below the expected 30,000-70,000 miles, with loud squealing, fluid leakage, and odors. This poses a severe safety risk to my family and others, as compromised brakes could fail. In October 2024, before my 3,000-mile oil change, I reported brake concerns to frank’s GMC service manager, javier, who advised waiting. After the November 2024 oil change and tire rotation, only three months after obtaining my vehicle, javier claimed no issues, despite my prior warnings. The problems worsened, with squealing, leakage, and odors persisting. My March 19, 2025, service appointment was delayed, calls ignored, and follow-ups never occurred. Sales manager khaled stated that owner frank confronted javier about avoiding service issues, yet no action was taken. I contacted ten GMC service departments in PA, CT, and MD; they reported similar at4 brake issues, some citing total brake failure. I spoke with gm corporate supervisors, who referred me back to the dealer. Frank’s GMC inspections overlooked my concerns. A local police department safety inspection unit confirmed the issues, but no manufacturer or insurance inspections occurred. The vehicle is available for inspection. I urge NHTSA to investigate this premature brake failure and ensure the 2024 Acadia at4’s safety. The email screenshot I included was sent in April. I contacted the same GMC dealerships that previously reported no issues to check for updates, and they confirmed a change. All of them now report the same problem with brake pads and/or brake failure. This issue is covered under warranty and should be replaced without issue, but dealers are not complying. If overlooked, this could become a national concern.

2024 brand new Acadia denali trim with 1k miles was brought in to the dealership because of 'popping' and 'grinding' noise when turning, most loudest when turning to and from the right. It was also very much felt on the steering wheel. Dealer took apart the front right strut assembly and said that it was not 'installed' properly, causing the springs to hit the fender everytime the wheels turned. They inspected it said that nothing needed to be replaced, installed it properly, test drove it and determined that it was fixed. Driving home, I sped through potholes and bumps, especially during turns, to really test their repairs. Luckily, the sound was gone, steering was smooth. And I hope it stays that way. Out of curiosity, I took a picture of the strut assembly post repair you can see the coil is bulging out of place from the strut. This is only in the right side. The pictures show the suspension with wheels fully turned to the right, left, and pointed straight. The picture even shows the part of the fender where the spring made contact with. I communicated in online groups of Acadia owners and they said it’s also the same issue, wherein that they experienced the symptoms themselves or the struts look misaligned already. I believe this is a concern GMC should address the soonest as it could lead to road hazards for everyone involved.

While backing out of my driveway the auto braking went off 3 times and there is nothing behind me. I took the vehicle to the dealer and they just put all emergency braking systems on alert. My sales person took a GMC Acadia up north and the same thing happened to her.

When backing up and nothing behind car abruptly applies brakes no alerts. This has occurred on multiple occasions and is very scary. This started first week of ownership took to the dealer and was told gm is aware of the issue but no repair available at the time. The car is a year old now and problem is still present I have had to disable the braking feature. The backing emergency braking is a safety feature so pedestrians / children don’t get run over.

My vehicle stops working while in traffic when the auto stop is engaged. The abs, parking brake, and dash flashes prior to the engine stopping. I have been to the dealership multiple times and they are never able to recreate the issue. The check engine light codes produced are p0014 and c0800-03.

Vehicle will apply breaks abruptly on its own whenever it thinks a vehicle is too close. Was in traffic and it kept slamming on the breaks as I would try and move forward. Will slam on the breaks whenever I attempt to just slow down during the course of driving. Was on the highway and anytime I pressed the breaks to slow down, automatic breaks would slam down breaks on its own. Drove vehicle right to dealership as the was a major safety issue for me especially with my baby in the car.

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 mph, the vehicle experienced phantom braking. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 114,590.

I bought my car [xxx] it had 7 miles. I loved my car. Then in January 2021 things just went crazy. It started with park light on. My forward brake assist warning didn’t work, my back up camera in and out . My braking and stability were on and off. Then weird codes like. Engine at half power, unable to shift soon and speed control out. Then if I hit a bump message went away and speed control back on. I’ve taken care into another GMC dealer because dealer I bought my car at , closed up and took off!! took it to closet dealer. Not long after repairs same issues started! so many different problems all at once! I have been treated horribly during these issues by dealership and extended warranty company. Dealer had my car for 3 weeks ! they couldn’t figure out the problem. I sat there for 4 hrs sent me home told to come back for 9 mile test! why in 4 hrs that wasn’t done. So again the unable to shift message back on! I get in my car it starts but won’t shift ! dealer charged me 250 to tow to shop! when they said I’d be fine ! I had more issues again and again! I’ve been driving over 40 yrs no accidents. I bumped into someone during a huge traffic jam in ohio! braking didn’t work no warning even . I should speak to a lawyer and could explain more to a person on filing these complaints. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2020 GMC Acadia 🔎.

While driving the vehicle goes into automatic braking. It has stopped me while I'm driving or it will make a loud scrubbing noise as if I've hit the brakes quickly. It has happened over 15 or more times. I've taken to dealership and they are not very responsive to check into the issue I am having. It is a danger to me if I am on the interstate with vehicles traveling at a high rate of speed.

The automatic braking assist feature goes off at times when there is no threat of hitting something. It happens when pulling into a garage and also on the road while driving. There have been several occasions when this happened and the car suddenly brakes which could have resulted in being rear-ended. The car suddenly brakes even if there is no danger of running into a car (or garage) in front of me. It has not been inspected (yet) but it seems to be increasingly becoming more of an issue lately. There were no warning lamps or messages just the sudden, hard-braking and loud noise/buzzing it makes when it happens. There have been several occasions but I'm listing the most recent one below.

While driving down a busy road automatic braking engaged for no reason causing the Acadia to abruptly come to a dead stop in the middle of the road with nothing in front of me. Red collision lights came on at the same time as braking with no prior warnings. Could not get the car to move for a few minutes (when giving gas there were grinding sounds) then the braking system let up. Drove for another few minutes and it did it again. Called gm and we had to figure out how to get the car to the dealership with a major safety issue. Took the car in and it was throwing b390f, u0184, b395a codes. When we received the vehicle back one of the codes was for a bad back up camera so the new rear back up camera view is so stretched you can’t use it to back up nor does it have the lines anymore. The rear view camera now has a view that is sideways. So I took the car back to the dealership and they had no clue how either could be happening and would look into it again. Did my own research and figured out there are two cameras on the tailgate so the rear view camera was reinstalled wrong. Sent proof of how I came to the conclusion and that I wanted the backup camera replaced/fixed also. Its been over a month and I cannot get my car fixed because I refuse to pay for a rental on something they messed up because they have no loaners. Well on 11/14/2022 my cars automatic braking system activated again only this time it stopped in the middle of the road and was not as dramatic as last time. The warning lights came on as the car was coming to a stop. This time I was able to move shortly after it came to a complete stop. Gm dealership wants me to bring the car in somehow and I will be carless for who knows how long. There is also a safety recall for a cable for the backup camera with no parts available. I have an ro number and a complaint number.

The abs system indicated a problem. When I took it into the dealership, they told me the abs was bad and needed to be replaced.

Several times the automatic emergency braking (aeb) was activated unnecessarily. Twice were at a 4-way stop. I was turning left with a stationary car (#1) across the intersection waiting to proceed next. As I got part of the way through the turn, the aeb reacked to the car (#1) and engaged. Slowing my car and almost brought it to a full stop in the middle of the intersection. I now drive the car with aeb disabled.

See all problems of the 2022 GMC Acadia 🔎.

While driving through intersection auto braking system activated for no apparent reason . Could have caused a crash due to sudden unexpected braking. No warning lights or alarm noted during or after event. Dealership was unable to find any problems with the automatic braking system.

While operating the vehicle I stopped at a red light that was on a hill and the emergency parking automatically came on twice. I could not move the vehicle. It took about 15-20 minutes to finally turn it off. This has happened twice.

Cars emergency brake locks up for no reason. Happened on several occasions but last instance burned out actuator and locked up calipers from just sitting on a hill with foot on brake. This is a huge safety issue when it locks up for no reason on a road. It’s stranded me at least twice because it’s hard to undue.