Transmission Failure Problems of GMC Acadia - part 2

My 2008 Acadia transmission failed as I exited a highway (70 mph) and was going up the exit ramp. It began bucking like a horse. Once I pulled over and parked, I could not go in reverse. The car had to be towed and a new transmission had to be put in it after only 56k miles. Also have had the sunroof / moon roof trays overflow because the drainage tubes are not large enough to drain all the water from the trays. The dealership stated it was a poor design and nothing could be done to replace it. Now water has entered my vehicle causing the electrical box to become wet causing the horn to blow randomly and the car to continue running after turning it off and removing the key.

See all problems of the 2008 GMC Acadia 🔎.

The transmission failed climbing a hill with an approximate 10% incline. My wife was transporting two young children at the time at had to turn hazards on while the vehicle crept up a very heavily traveled roadway (us highway 31). This occurred after the transmission was repaired two weeks earlier for the same problem. At that time, I was informed by GMC that it was the input speed sensor. Turns out it is transmission failure, which I have since learned is very common with this model. After reading vast entries of many other Acadia users with the same problem, I can't help but think that this is a design flaw. I mean, how many transmissions fail at 48,000 miles. I'm just glad my wife wasn't driving at night, on a long trip, or on the interstate, which would have left my children and her in a very vulnerable position. For the price of this vehicle, I would expect reliable usage up to at least 100,000 miles. In my opinion, because of reliability issues and the shear volume of people with the same problem, GMC should recall these vehicles and replace the transmissions with what they are now installing on the newer models. The fact that they have improved the transmissions on newer models proves there is a flaw with my model year. Why else would they correct it. Thanks for your consideration.

My GMC Acadia had the transmission fail and it will cost me $4000 to put a new one in. I am finding out that this is a common occurance in the Acadia at fairly low milage.

I was driving to work and noticed a shutter while accelerating and took it to dealership. The transmission failed and the dealer said it was a wave plate failure.

Transmission failure, no reverse only low range, no warnings until failure. 1.

We were 50 miles from home on a vacation with our twin 2 year olds and 7 year old when the transmission went out. First it said "transmission hot, leave engine on idle". So we sat for 10 minutes. It went away, thought we were ok, kept driving for about another 15 minutes and complete failure. We were stranded for 3 hours in the middle of nowhere (detoured road took us back roads). Couldn't get a tow. Hungry, hot and thirsty little boys. Cops got called on us because we ended up being on someones property we shouldn't be. Total mess. Embaraced, hot, irritated and so angry. $15,000 owed on a vehicle that we have to replace a $3600 transmission! seriously?!?! what would have happened if I was by myself and my husband wasn't with me. Or it caused a wreck with me and my children in the car. GMC won't help because we are passed warranty. Apparently after doing research this is a common problem. If I fix it I'm stuck with a car I don't trust and owe tooooo much money on for what it's worth and OH great put in the same damn transmission that failed the first time and could happen again. Will never own another GMC- ridiculous and needs to be looked into. This happens far too much for there not to be a lawsuit or recall on this item. Absolutely ridiculous! plus obviously no vacation, our money got to go into a car we shouldn't have to put this much money into. Disappointed on so many levels.

See all problems of the 2007 GMC Acadia 🔎.

3/5/r wave plate transmission failure - I was traveling out of state and my 2008 GMC Acadia stopped in it's tracks without any warning. Vehicle was running, but it would not move. I was stranded on the side of the road, at night with 3 young children, over 5 hours away from home. Vehicle was towed to the dealership the next morning and 3/5/r wave plate failure was determined, new transmission required. Less than a week prior to the cross country trip, vehicle was at dealership having oil change and other preventative maintenance completed, no issues noted at that time. Major safety issue that needs to be investigated.

Travelling on the interstate with my 3 year old daughter when transmission failure message came on. Has come on multiple times, requiring me to pull onto the shoulder of the busy road with semis speeding past. GMC is aware of this issue, yet refuses to address it on a large-scale. Someone is going to get killed before they actually come to action on this manufacturing defect!!!.

Complete transmission failure due to 3-5 wave plate failure.

My transmission failed on my GMC Acadia at just under 62000 miles. As I understand this is a very common occurrence with the model year and could easily cause a major accident. When mine failed, I lost all power to the wheels. Had I been in heavy traffic, it most certainly could have caused an accident. Gm needs to recall these vehicles.

The car suddenly lost power on the interstate. It locked down into "limp home" mode. We had crawl along the berm at 30 mph. The problem was diagnosed by gm as transmission failure due to failing of the wave plate. This wave plate is a known problem to gm but as of now no recall has been issued. I have read online blogs about this issue and it is a frequent and unsafe failure of this drive-train. Our car is out of warranty by years but only has 84k miles on it. Gm has offered us a 50/50 split on the repair which they would never do if they were not aware of this issue. I think it should be their full responsibility. Please investigate, thank you.

Current issue is a transmission failure, apparently the "3-5-r waveplate. " five months prior, my wife and children were traveling out of state. They experienced a sudden loss of power and were stranded on a rural highway not once, but twice. The vehicle was towed in to a gm dealership, "repairs" were performed under warranty, and we were told we could pick up our car. My wife (again with children in the car) made it less than 10 miles from the dealership before the engine failed again. This time on the bridge of a major highway. . . . No where to even exit the vehicle. After the second incident the engine was replaced (after 3+ weeks of diagnostic work). We were told the dealership was not able to identify the problem that caused the engine failure. Engine was replaced under warranty. Transmission had been shifting erratically for several months. At time of engine failure/replacement, gm dealership that performed the engine replacement advised us that the transmission shifts/slips were "normal" for this particular transmission. They advised a transmission fluid flush, which we authorized. Shifting remained abrubt, slipping continued, but as we were advised this was "normal", we continued driving the vehicle and did not seek further repair. Two weeks ago, (now six weeks out of warranty), the slippage became distictly more evident, vehicle at one point wound not continue forward motion through an intersection and had to be idled to roadside. After multiple calls, we were advised to take the vehicle to a local gm dealership. Diagnosis of 3-5-r waveplate failure was given. This transmission waveplate failure is a well documented issue that can cause driver and/or passengers to be put at serious risk for injury. Our hope is that an investigation will take place to require gm to recall/repair this issue before someone is needlessly harmed.

See all problems of the 2009 GMC Acadia 🔎.

Driving up hill, loosing power, finally made it up hill car just stopped - almost like it was in neutral gear. Couldn't go anywhere, car started right up and when I pressed on gas it reved up like it wanted to go, but no movment. Still like in nuetral gear. Found out that lots of 07 and 08 Acadia owners have had issues with the wave plate (which is what mechanic at dealership told me it is). And the power train, which ends up making the transmission fail. There are far too many Acadias owners out there who have had these issues. I think it's wrong that GMC doesn't investigate or recall the cars for this cost. I called GMC customer service and feel as if they don't truly care, they just want to snub off the issue and tell you to have a great day! my dad worked for GMC for 20 years, and I always had a high opinion of them up until now. I am very disappointed in them. I feel like they have lost their loyal customers. Becuase of this I will never again buy GMC which is a shame becuase that's all my dad bought in the past is GMC. I am grateful that the car didn't give out while I was going up the hill and I didn't have my kids in the car. Luckily I was able to make it up the hill. I feel GMC should step up and investigate this issue and replace them with more quality parts. I feel as if the Acadia is very cheaply made.

The contact owns a 2008 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph, the transmission failed with the illumination of the transmission warning indicator. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer for diagnosis where the contact was informed that the transmission clutch plate would need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred three months later. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, where the contact was awaiting the rebuilding of the transmission. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000.

Tl- the contact owns a 2008 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving 20 mph, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis and the contact was informed that the third and fifth gears in the transmission had failed and the transmission would need to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure and current mileage was 50,000. Kmj.

Transmission failure immediately followed by engine failure after the transmission was replaced.

Current issue is a transmission failure, apparently the "3-5-r waveplate. " five months prior, my wife and children were traveling out of state. They experienced a sudden loss of power and were stranded on a rural highway not once, but twice. The vehicle was towed in to a gm dealership, "repairs" were performed under warranty, and we were told we could pick up our car. My wife (again with children in the car) made it less than 10 miles from the dealership before the engine failed again. This time on the bridge of a major highway. . . . No where to even exit the vehicle. After the second incident the engine was replaced (after 3+ weeks of diagnostic work). We were told the dealership was not able to identify the problem that caused the engine failure. Engine was replaced under warranty. Transmission had been shifting erratically for several months. At time of engine failure/replacement, gm dealership that performed the engine replacement advised us that the transmission shifts/slips were "normal" for this particular transmission. They advised a transmission fluid flush, which we authorized. Shifting remained abrupt, slipping continued, but as we were advised this was "normal", we continued driving the vehicle and did not seek further repair. Two weeks ago, (now at 82000 miles, but six weeks out of 5 yr warranty), the slippage became distictly more evident, vehicle at one point wound not continue forward motion through an intersection and had to be idled to roadside. After multiple calls, we were advised to take the vehicle to a local gm dealership. Diagnosis of 3-5-r waveplate failure was given. This transmission waveplate failure is a well documented issue that can cause driver and/or passengers to be put at serious risk for injury. Our hope is that an investigation will take place to require gm to recall/repair this issue before someone is needlessly harmed.

No prior problems, no warnings. We pulled up to a stop sign, came to a stop and then proceeded through through the intersection when the transmission failed. We were left stalled in front of oncoming traffic. I had myself and 5 passengers including four children ages 10 and under. If the traffic had not stopped we all could have suffered major injuries. There was no reason prior to the failure to suspect that there we any problems. No engine warning lights or anything.

While an hour from home, I was driving through a town and suddenly could get no "pickup" to start after stopping at a stoplight. I was just sitting there in the intersection while traffic drove around me. I continued to my destination this way, barely able to get going after stopping. Then when coming home I had "pickup" but the vehicle was shifting improperly. I took it to the dealer and they diagnosed a broken wave plate and said it needed a new transmission. After reading about all the other Acadia owners who are also having this problem, I believe the problem needs to be addressed by GMC. I drove my car after I was told it needed a new transmission, and the transmission failed in a big way while I was driving down the road. Suddenly I was pushing the gas pedal, but nothing was happening - my vehicle was just coasting. I think this is a huge safety issue and that there should be a recall to fix these faulty wave plates.

Driving down the highway the transmission failed. Turns out the 2007-2009 models have a known issue of a failed "wave plate". My son and I were almost in an accident because of this. The vehicle was towed to the GMC dealer.

While driving at about 45mph, the vehicle lost power to the wheels, the engine raced and the transmission appeared to fail. The vehicle was shut off, and restarted with only 1st and 2nd gear available and was moved to safety. The problem occurred at approximately 55,000 miles. A p0776 code was pulled from the computer and the GMC dealer checked the problem and concluded that the 3,5,r wave plate in the transmission failed and will require a full rebuild. With the numerous complaints about this specific problem, I'm very disappointed in gm for their lack of customer support in what appears to be a manufacturing defect in the 6t70 transmissions, as this issue is occurring in 2007-2009 GMC Acadias, Buick enclaves, Chevrolet traverses and the Saturn vues. Do something gm!.

Transmission failure due to faulty factory issued wave plate. This should have been a recall as gm appears to be very aware of this problem in most early year model Acadias. The price tag alone is $4,000+. . . Not to mention a rental car and making payments on an undrivable vehicle while it sits for who knows how long since the transmission is on national back order because its such a common problem.

No speed entering the freeway and then reverse shot the car forward into a front yard and almost into a house. I entered the freeway after picking my 4 year old up from pre-school with my 1 year old also in the car. The car would not gain speed and rpms spiking. Nearly got in an accident merging onto the freeway, exited first offramp, pulled into neighborhood and turned into driveway to do a three point turn to park on the side of street. Put the car in reverse lightly tapped the pedal, and instead it sped forward as though the gas pedal was pinned to the floor. We went deep into the front yard of house stopping just short of the house. Aaa came and towed the car to the closest gm dealer. Aaa driver tested reverse and it would only go forward. He said he had never seen anything like it. So grateful this didn't happen minutes before in the preschool parking lot which is a u shape where the parents line up and the teachers bring the kids out. The experience was terrifying. We parked next to an Acadia yesterday and my 4 year old said "mommy we should tell them they have a bad car. " called gm immediately and every day since (2 weeks) - no response, I am just shuffled between representatives. My car is still sitting in the dealer's lot. My car also had a purge value problem causing it not to start after getting gas, and a power steering problem. It is one thing for the transmission to fail at 64,000 miles and another for it to almost drive you through someone's house. Gm does not seem to care.

Transmission started failing and finally went out at 108,000 miles, sitting in our driveway and we had to have it towed to dealer. Gm dealer replaced it under warranty but the labor cost us several thousand dollars. Now at 170,000 miles, this remanufactured transmission is now going out. It sticks in low speed and then overheats driving 65mph in 40deg weather. The dealer claims that a stretched timing chain has to be fixed first, before the transmission, at a cost of $1944. They also said the on board computer didn't store the numerous overheated transmission events that began occurring immediately after the remanufactured transmission was installed at 108,000 miles. The gm dealer is trying to tell me that the transmission is probably ok and that the overheating is due to some other reason, but he then couldn't even guess at what the other reasons might be! the fluid level is good, and the vehicle has a tow package with a cooler for the transmission fluid. Gm dealer said the transmission will be covered by warranty, which will likely mean another several thousand dollar labor charge on top of the so called stretched timing chain cost of $1,900. The power steering pump has been whining for about a year and is getting loud. The navigation and dvd player system failed twice. Might be time to trade the vehicle for something more reliable. My wife is getting scared to drive it too far and end up being broken down in atlanta traffic. . . Very dangerous.

While traveling at 45 mph, and with no warning (weird shifting, etc) the transmission completely failed. After being lied to by the dealership and gm, I did my own research and found that this is a common problem with this model year, so much so that gm has created a special program to fund part of the repair if the vehicle is out of warranty. (wave plate failure in the transmission). This vehicle should be recalled with a mandatory replacement of the wave plate.

The contact owns a 2007 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph, the transmission failed and the vehicle would not accelerate any further. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection where they stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified but provided no assistance . The failure mileage was 73,000.

The contact owns a 2008 GMC arcadia. The contact stated that while driving 35 mph, the vehicle failed to move. The contact merged to the shoulder of the road and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer informed her the reverse wave plate had fractured and the reverse clutch four, five and six housing were damaged. As a result, the housings had to be reconditioned and the reaction sun gear needed to be replaced. Recently, the transmission failed again with the same problem. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired at the dealer. The manufacturer was notified who stated a representative would contact her within twenty four hours. The failure mileage was 74,450 and the current mileage was 110,000.

The contact owns a 2007 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph the vehicle started to slow down without any warning and after a few minutes it started to speed back up. The vehicle was later towed to a dealer for diagnosis. After diagnosis they advised her that the transmission has failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle has not been repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure and current mileage was approximately 86,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Transmission failure causing car to go to 1st gear and dramatically reduce speed in traffic. Seems to be transmission wave plate.

My transmission went out after 58,000 miles and 5 years and 5 months. So I am over my warranty by 5 months and am out $3300. In doing some research, there seems be an abnormally high incident of transmission failures on the 2007 GMC Acadia. Some bloggers indicate that the Acadia models have big issues before the 2010 model. Is there a systematic issue that GMC needs to address or am I just unlucky?.

The contact owns a 2007 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving 70 mph, the transmission failed and the check engine light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. Also, the contact mentioned that he had to disconnect the battery and reconnected it in order to reset the system. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 71,000.

I have been very disappointed with my vehicle! when I was in the market for a new vehicle I new I wanted the Acadia. I have been a long time customer at my local dealership and when I arrived at the lot they had just brought in a 2008 that had one owner. I was exstatic because it was everything I could want and not as expensive as a 2012. When I first started driving it it was great I loved it! I bought the car with 8,000 or so miles on it and as time went on I started to notice that it wasn't driving like it did the first day I bought it. I drive to and from work 5 days week roughly 35 miles a day. I was in town at the bank and as I started to pull out into the lane my rpm's went sky high and wouldn't come back down and I could not accelerate. I was so scared I pulled over in the next available spot and turned off the car. I waited for 5 minutes, turned it back on and proceeded to pull into traffic. Ever since that day my car has been in the shop twice for transmission issues. I currently have 29,000 miles on the car and it drives like crap! I have it aligned, tires rotated, and I cannot get a smooth ride. The steering wheel shimmies over 50 mph, shimmies when I hit the breaks, my heater doesnt seem to work well unless it is on 85 way too hot. I now have to take the car back into the shop yet again for the same thing transmission failer, alignment off, and who knows what else. I read a lot reviews on this model and seems as though we have all experienced the same issues. I have been a long time pontiac/GMC buyer and I am very disappointed in gm for not taking this transmission thing serious. How many more complaints do you need to recieve before something is done? fatel accident? in which case I hope it isn't me but also nobody else. Please fix this issue it has been a thorn for some time and it's about time that gm do something about it!.

My Acadia's transmission failed (the 3, 5, r wave plate) while 4 hours from home. It has now been at the dealership for 22 days . . . The transmission has been taken out 3 times and still can't "get it right". This is a huge mess that gm has not handled well at all. They will not let the dealership put a new transmission in it. They can't tell me when my car will even be ready . . . There are 4 other Acadia's at the dealership with the same problem . . . . Just google GMC Acadia transmission problems and you will see that I am not alone . . . . . Thank you for any help you can provide.

2007 GMC Acadia. Consumer writes in regards to problems with the vehicle headlights and the transmission. The consumer stated on December 17, 2011, the left headlight burned up for no apparent reason. The local dealer quoted him $1,213. 59. He was able to get the headlight fixed for$ 695. 67. On December 2, 2012 the transmission failed. The consumer had a rebuilt transmission installed at a cost of $ 3,737. 25.

The contact owns a 2008 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the water pump had failed. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the transmission failed and she was not able to exceeded more than 10 mph. The dealer repaired the fuel kit, housing, sensor and cover. However, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 28,000.