2021 GMC Acadia
Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data
The 2021 GMC Acadia maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your GMC Acadia.
For oil changes, the 2021 GMC Acadia takes 5W-30 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 5 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Dex-Cool (OAT), and transmission fluid is Dexron VI. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.
When mounting wheels on the GMC Acadia, torque the lug nuts to 140 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.
Owners of the 2021 GMC Acadia have reported 5 common issues including "Fuel Tank Rollover Valve Seal Failure (AWD Models)", "Left-Rear Suspension Toe Link Improperly Tightened" and "9-Speed Transmission Problems". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.
There are 2 NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2021 GMC Acadia. Check the Recalls tab below for full details.
Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.
The 2021 GMC Acadia uses 5W-30 Full Synthetic motor oil (5 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 140 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.
Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2021 GMC Acadia. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.
Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2021 GMC Acadia.
Common problems reported by 2021 GMC Acadia owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.
Fuel Tank Rollover Valve Seal Failure (AWD Models)
On 2022 Acadia AWD models, the fuel tank rollover valve may not provide a proper seal in the event of a rollover crash. A failed rollover valve seal can result in fuel leaking from the tank during a rollover, significantly increasing the risk of fire. The defect is not detectable by the owner under normal driving conditions.
NHTSA Recall N222366070. Dealers inspect the fuel tank and replace the fuel tank shell if the rollover valve is found to be dislodged or missing. All work performed free of charge.
Est. Cost: $0 (recall repair)Left-Rear Suspension Toe Link Improperly Tightened
The left-rear suspension toe link fastener may not have been tightened properly during assembly. A loose or separated toe link can cause rear wheel misalignment, unpredictable handling, excessive tire wear, and in severe cases, loss of vehicle control. Owners may notice the vehicle pulling to one side or unusual rear tire wear patterns.
NHTSA Recall N222364330. Dealers inspect the left-rear suspension and replace the fastener if it is loose or missing. The repair is performed free of charge.
Est. Cost: $0 (recall repair)9-Speed Transmission Problems
The 9-speed automatic transmission suffers from hesitation, rough shifting, slipping gears, grinding, and in some cases complete transmission failure. Owners describe the vehicle jerking during low-speed acceleration and the transmission hunting for gears during highway driving. The transmission may also display delayed engagement from a stop.
Transmission fluid service and TCM software update. Replacement of torque converter for shudder-related issues. In cases of complete failure, the transmission must be replaced. Check for TSB updates specific to the 9T65 transmission calibration.
Est. Cost: $300 (fluid service) - $5,000 (transmission replacement)Rearview Camera Blank Screen
The rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or black screen when the vehicle is placed in reverse, providing no rear visibility. This defeats the purpose of the legally required backup camera system and significantly increases the risk of backing accidents, especially in parking lots.
NHTSA Recall 22V210000. Dealer performs a software update to the camera system module. In some cases, the camera unit itself or the wiring harness may need replacement. Over-the-air (OTA) updates may also address the issue.
Est. Cost: $0 (recall) - $500 (camera replacement)Lane Departure and Forward Collision System False Alerts
The lane departure warning and forward collision avoidance systems generate frequent false alerts, with the lane departure system being the most common complaint filed with NHTSA for the 2022 Acadia. False forward collision warnings cause the brakes to engage unexpectedly, startling the driver and potentially causing rear-end collisions from following vehicles.
Dealer recalibrates the forward-facing camera and radar sensor. Software updates to the advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) modules. Cleaning the windshield sensor area can reduce false triggers. In persistent cases, the camera module may need replacement.
Est. Cost: $0 (calibration) - $1,200 (camera module replacement)2 NHTSA safety recalls for the 2021 GMC Acadia. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with the optional Surround Vision feature. The rearview camera coaxial cable connectors may have been crimped improperly, causing the rearview camera to fail or function intermittently.
An inoperative rearview camera can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the coaxial cables, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 18, 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 N222378380.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The fuel supply lines may be improperly attached and seated.
Improperly attached and seated fuel supply lines may loosen or separate, causing a fuel leak and increasing the risk of a fire.
Dealers will inspect and replace fuel supply lines as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212335590.