Electrical System Problems of GMC Acadia - part 2

Vehicle producing code p2138 then goes into limp mode stating to service stability, traction control off and engine reduced power. Replaced throttle body and acceleration pedal position sensor and error was still present.

See all problems of the 2012 GMC Acadia 🔎.

An error pops on the dash that says steering assist is reduced-drive with care, and the thermostat gauge does not work, nor does the air conditioner and the vehicle fan under the hood is extremely loud. This has been happening intermittently since September 2024. Basic research on the internet is showing many people have the same issue with these vehicles. Further research suggests possible vehicle computer system issues. I don't know why there isn't a recall already.

See all problems of the 2020 GMC Acadia 🔎.

When I park my car it beeps and says my car is not in park. Many other models of the 2019 GMC Acadia, along with other gm vehicles, may be affected by a "shift to park" recall. This recall addresses a defect where the vehicle may display a "shift to park" warning message even when the vehicle is actually in park, potentially preventing the ignition from being turned off and the key from being removed. This is exactly what my car is doing but they say my VIN is not included in the free fix. I brought my vehicle after it died to a GMC dealership and they said it will cost 1,000 to fix. My safety is at risk because I drive to different locations as a therapist and I often drive home at night in remote locations.

See all problems of the 2019 GMC Acadia 🔎.

I’m just reporting several known issues. First, with code p2138, which I got today at oreilly after my car started throwing warnings. I used my parking brake briefly and afterwards got the following warnings on my car: “steering assist is reduced, drive with care”, “engine power reduced” , “propulsion power is reduced” , “service parking brake”. I’ve never even had one of these warnings. I’ve only gotten “shift to park” which is another known & common issue. With this p2138 code, it can affect acceleration and essentially loss of control over it, but seems I suddenly have several issues. Recently the infotainment system is possessed, touch screen stops working, it calls people by itself, beeps and scrolls by itself and is essentially useless. Might as well be driving at 1997 something or other, at least I could play a tape or cd. This is denali trim at 87k miles. Primarily though I’m concerned with this code, if it’s legit, it is very dangerous. How unreliable and unsafe to not know.

See all problems of the 2017 GMC Acadia 🔎.

Automatic locks are triggering while driving and soon after vehicle is parked and powered off.

See all problems of the 2022 GMC Acadia 🔎.

Often times, on the heads-up display I would get "steering assist is reduced drive with care" and my temp gauge will stop working and when I stop, my fan continues to run until I disconnect the battery for 20 secs.

See all problems of the 2021 GMC Acadia 🔎.

This 2012 GMC Acadia denali with close to 160k has been in the shop several times due to it randomly stalling out it kept basically locking me out from starting the car a "service anti-theft system" would flash across the dash followed by a flashing check engine light along with a lock and key symbol. A local gm repair shop had it in 3 times for them to tell me they couldn't figure it out or get the vehicle to "act up" they cut me two new keys and tightened up what they claimed to be loose battery cables just for the vehicle to die/stall with a no crank no start happen literally 10 minutes down the road after paying almost 600$ for repairs and that it was towed back 3 times for the same issue spanning over two months of them not being able to figure out the issue. Salvador ended up replacing the anti-theft control module after the 3rd time having to tow it back and forth just to leave the shop and I couldn't start the vehicle the next day after handing over almost another 400$ and less than 15/20 miles of drive time. Gm needs to get this issue figured out!!! there anti-theft system locks people out from starting their vehicles more than it does actually preventing actual theft. This will eventually end up causing a major crash at an intersection or highway if the anti-theft system keeps failing it just randomly cuts out power to the engine while driving.

On numerous occasions the key fob is not detected and locked out of vehicle. Key fob notice on panel saying it’s not detected while driving. Took it to jim causley GMC dealer several times and then they kept vehicle for a week unable to duplicate and sent me on my way. This is still happening with no help.

I have had intermittent issue with a message to shift the car to park when I shut it off. It was in park. If I wiggled the shifter it would often correct. That went on for a few years on and off. Lately it was more persistent. I brought it into the dealer and they replaced a harness and a switch. Seems that a harness would not go bad unless it had a manufacturer defect. I have seen a lot of reports on this issue on online blog sites. Seems to be a common problem. The problem with this defect is that when it is sin that mode, you cannot safely secure the vehicle and warning bells keep ringing. So the vehicle cannot be left like that and expect it to be secure.

Shifting to park and vehicle stating the vehicle is not in park, won't let me turn the vehicle off. Transmission going out, brought to many shops letting me know that the transmission is not working properly but won't give an engine light if anything is wrong with vehicle, wont show on readers what is wrong with vehicle. Electrical, doors will automatically lock and unlock most times lock and locks me in the vehicle having me have to climb through the windows and having to leave my windows open or locks me out the vehicle and can only get in by climbing in the trunk. Testing has been done and brought to gm to figure out the issue, and they replace the computer in it but still has the problem. I have had shops tell me these are all huge issues that needs to have a recall because my vehicle is not the only GMC Acadia that does all this. How is any of this safe for me and my kids.

See all problems of the 2018 GMC Acadia 🔎.

When placed in park a message appears to shift to park and the vehicle electrical system stays energized.

After shifting car to “p” park, it still says shift to park and drains the battery.

My vehicle has a persistent shift to park issue. My vehicle cannot be safely turned off. My vehicle needs to be restarted multiple times and the gearshift moved to the park position for the chance that it will register being in the parked position so the vehicle can be safely turned off.

While driving all displays, gauges, screens shut off. Unable to determine speed or anything. Car still drives but there is zero driver feedback. System will come back on and the it will happen again. Has been going on for 2 years. Dealer unable to determine the issue.

I have had nothing but issues with this vehicle from the day I purchased it. I should have been more leery of purchasing a vehicle with so few miles on it as a certified vehicle. First issue lift gate wouldn’t work. Had to have sensors replaced twice. Next was the purge valve sensor that has went bad 3 separate times. Then the crankcase vent sensor. Paid a fee for diagnostics, it was not repaired took it back when the engine light came back on, they replaced it without charging but I was advised it’s not covered under warranty. And most recently my check engine light came on yet again today now reading an issue with the engine cooling system. Unfortunately the dealer is so booked out, my only option is to drop it off and hope they can get it in by a cancellation or no show. Seems there are new issues ever 3-6 months with the car.

The contact owns a 2014 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while at a stop, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. In addition, the contact stated that upon further inspection, the fuel gauge failed to properly display the fuel level. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic, where the unknown repairs were made; however, the traction control, abs, stabili-trak, and seat belt warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. In addition, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign: 14v614000 (electrical system), 14v266000 (seat belts), 21v246000 (air bags), and 14v223000 (electrical system, fuel system, gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

See all problems of the 2014 GMC Acadia 🔎.

Vehicle gives, “driver assist reduced drive with care” warning randomly. Lane change will no longer work and engine light will come on. Problem is sporadic and does not stay active. Engine light will shut off after a day. Once vehicle is shut off cooling fan runs extremely loud and for a long period of time draining battery.

When vehicle is put into park I keep getting a "shift to park" message and cannot turn off my vehicle. I cannot lock the door.

After shifting to park and attempting to turn off my vehicle, I receive an “action required shift to park” error message. I’m assuming the vehicle is in park but I’m not certain and worry about it moving or rolling. It is difficult to get it to turn off by jiggling the shifter and turning the vehicle on and off. At times, I am not able to get it off and then the vehicle will not lock and the battery goes dead. According to my VIN there is not an active recall but brief internet search states there has been numerous reports, recalls, and lemon law returns due to this.

I was traveling in my 2021 GMC Acadia in which I have had numerous issues with is the almost 4 years I have owned it. The back up camera 2 weeks after purchase it went out in June of 2021. After that the vehicle in October of 2021 I get in the vehicle on rainy day. Infotainment systems reads error with the sd card that issue progressed I called dealer finally I get service appointment after strike and my vehicle sits at roger’s pontiac GMC 2660 michigan Ave chicago IL 60616 for 10 hours now I placed thread around the crowl and by knob. Car was not touched I was told it was a internal issue and that the gm engineers would need to replace the infotainment system they looked at it again in November of 2022 no closer to finding a problem I called GMC because by now my temperature coolant sensor was working then not working car would say reduced parking assist and then if hot air conditioning wouldn’t work I called GMC offices filed numerous complaints. They called the service manager no one would take calls nothing would get done. So [xxx]I’m driving down [xxx] heading east a big truck flys off of [xxx] slams into side of my SUV destroys every panel on passengers side of vehicle the Acadia mine with all the curtain air bags in the a pillar in ceiling on the front and back seats on top side and bottom side not one deploys not even on the a pillar where rear passengers door is ripped off. I was knocked out if anyone was in them 2 seats like my 2 kids that are always with me [xxx] they could have been killed no safety bags deployed? I basically begged for auto to be repaired of electrical issues when only 2000 miles on it with 900 miles on it GMC I called every week for almost 2 years no help now this! I was injured have not much memory of accident. This auto needs be taken off road I deserve like I asked for when new same car just without issues I could have been killed but no one cared. Now look no air bag information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Sold 2018 GMC Acadia by lee GMC in auburn. Acadias shift to park was defective, dealership replaced before sale did not disclose, shift to park and transmission malfunctions occurred. I returned Acadia to the dealership several times and they would never properly fix or address my concerns now my vehicle is unsafe to drive. I have documentation to support the claims in my letter, I can send as well if you’d like. Thank you will send attachment.

When it rains(or car wash) my power locks don't work. I get locked out of my car. My car reset itself in the middle of an intersection(like I turned it off and back on again). One of my gauges is always not working. The sunroof doesn't work right. Water is getting in the electrical area somehow. I've taken it to two Chevrolet dealerships, but no help.

Twice the shift to park function of the vehicle has failed, once in 2020 and again in 2025, it appear that there is a recall for the year make and model vehicle, but for some reason my particular VIN in not included in this recall. The recall needs to be expanded to address this safety issue.

Backup camera failed. Same issue on 2021 Acadia slt needs to be investigated on 2023 models.

See all problems of the 2023 GMC Acadia 🔎.

Truck lost power randomly while driving on freeway spend so much money on fixing it this has to do something with the way the built it.

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while attempting to turn off the vehicle, the vehicle failed to turn off. The contact shifted from park (p) to drive(d) and was eventually able to turn off the vehicle. The contact stated that the letter p(park) was outlined in yellow and was illuminated on the instrument panel. Additionally, the contact stated that while attempting to close and lock the driver's side door, the door failed to lock securely. The contact stated that the failures occurred simultaneously. The contact stated that the failures were intermittent. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.

Yes, my vehicle is available for inspection upon request. When I go to put my 2019 GMC Acadia in "park" the shifter states it is in park & the dashboard shows it in "p. " however, when I turn the vehicle off, an error message comes up reading "shift to park" and my car wont fully shut off. You can feel the car move forward or backwards a tiny bit (depending where vehicle is parked). This makes me have to turn the vehicle back on, shift into "drive," back into "park," and then shut the engine off and pray the "shift to park" display doesn't come up. This process was repeated this morning when I arrived at walmart 3x before it finally shut off, then when I got home it happened at least 8x before I could safely leave my car in my garage without the worry of it not truly being in park. This has gotten to the point I have bought wheel chalks to put around my car tires because I am afraid this vehicle could roll down my driveway into my neighbor's house or kill some kid playing in our culdesac. I let the last place I was at know & they told me GMC was aware of the issue, but that there was no way to fix it (auto revival in justin, TX). I am unsure as to whether this issue happened for them or not, as nothing was mentioned after being told GMC is aware. That was on January 10th, 2024. No one else has looked at it besides that. It seemed to be occurring less frequently for several months, and then now it is the worst it has ever been.

Shift to park warning comes on & you can't lock the vehicle nor will it shut off completely. I've had to start & reverse several times before it engages/recognizes that it is in park. Obviously this is a known issue by reading all the other posts relating to this. Please issue a recall. . . .

In March of 2022 the vehicle displayed a warning to service the side detection system. On March 31st 2022 the dealership diagnosed that the side blind zone alert module failed due to water intrusion. The replacement of the modular was completed free of charge under "campaign - n172097060 special coverage adjustment". In December of 2024 the same warning to service the side detection system was activated again, several weeks later the warning lights on the side view mirrors lite up and remained on. Upon bringing the vehicle on February 13th 2025 for service, in it was determined to be caused by the same failed part as the first occurrence. This time the repair was not covered by the dealer, and was 1099. 22. GMC has not solved the underlining problem with these parts. The side detection system is critical when driving a larger SUV for blind zone awareness to avoid collisions while driving in multi lane traffic. When the system failed, the lights on the side view mirrors made driving difficult due to the distraction and glare. Although this problem is known by the manufacture it has provided a permanent solution, as they continue to use the flawed original parts. Due to the sensor being electrical, there was no symptoms prior to failure; the warning appears and continued at each start up. The cost of repairing safety features on an ageing vehicle becomes a burden, especially when those features can only be repaired by a dealership at high prices. This keeps many people from maintaining or fixing their cars, putting others at risk. I have the modular from the most recent repair, and will include a photo if possible.

See all problems of the 2016 GMC Acadia 🔎.

Shift to park message when vehicle is in park not allowing vehicle to be shut off.

Code 0128 coolant temperature sensor failure triggered reduced lane departure assist.

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while shifting the gear shifter into park(p), the "shift to park” message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact was forced to shift from drive(d) to park(p) repeatedly before the failure was corrected. In addition, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel would become sticky with the "steering assist reduced - drive with care," message displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the infotainment system glitched and performed independent functions, causing the driver to be distracted. The contact stated that the infotainment system was replaced when the vehicle was purchased due to the failure; however, the failure recently recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of several failures and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

The known ‘shift to park’ GMC vehicle defect could cause vehicle to rollaway and possibly hit someone.

I randomly get a "shift to park" warning even though the vehicle is in park. It looks like there has been this same issue with older years but not my vehicle according to the VIN.

Shift to park error message when vehicle is in park and engine will not shut off. Not recognizing microswitch in the console. Needs a recall.