The Good
The 2011 GMC Acadia offers a comfortable ride, ample passenger space, and decent fuel economy for its class. Practically, it's a family-friendly vehicle with good cargo capacity. Emotionally, its stylish design and available luxury features in the Denali trim offer a premium feel. While not a performance car, its V6 engine provides adequate power.
The Bad
The 2011 GMC Acadia has some known weaknesses. Watch out for potential transmission issues, timing chain problems, and excessive oil consumption. Some owners have also reported issues with the air conditioning system and power steering. Thorough inspection and maintenance records are crucial before purchasing.
2011 GMC Acadia: Quick Overview
- Engine Options: 3.6L V6
- Horsepower: 288 hp @ 6300 rpm
- Fuel Economy (EPA Estimated):
- FWD: 17 mpg city / 24 mpg highway
- AWD: 16 mpg city / 23 mpg highway
- 0-60 Times: Approximately 8.0-8.5 seconds
- Towing Capacity: Up to 5,200 lbs (when properly equipped)
- Trim-Level Features:
- SLE: Standard features include cloth upholstery, air conditioning, cruise control, keyless entry, and a basic audio system.
- SLT: Adds leather upholstery, tri-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, a power liftgate, and an upgraded audio system.
- Denali: Offers premium leather upholstery, wood trim, a sunroof, a navigation system, and advanced safety features such as blind-spot monitoring. It also includes unique exterior styling cues.
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD) standard, all-wheel drive (AWD) available
- Seating: 7-8 passengers, depending on configuration (second-row bench or captain's chairs)
2011 GMC Acadia Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2011 |
| Make | GMC |
| Model | Acadia |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | Wagon |
| Category | Minivan Medium Truck |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | United States |
| Manufacturing City | WENTZVILLE |
Dimensions
| Doors | 4-Door |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | LLT |
| Engine Size | 3.6L |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Automatic |
| Transmission Type | Automatic |
| Transmission Speeds | 6-Speed |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
History Check
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Listings
Recalls
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2011 GMC Acadia Have?
Air conditioning issues, particularly with the cooling system, are common. Power steering problems, such as loss of power assist, have also surfaced. Recalls for the 2011 Acadia have included issues related to airbag deployment and seat belt functionality. Long-term reliability concerns center around the lifespan of the transmission and engine components. Some owners have reported water leaks into the cabin, potentially leading to mold and mildew. Regular maintenance, particularly oil changes and transmission servicing, is crucial to mitigating these risks. Prior model years experienced similar issues, suggesting these are inherent weaknesses in the Lambda platform vehicles.
How long will the 2011 GMC Acadia last?
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Safety features included standard antilock brakes, stability control, and a full complement of airbags (front, side, and curtain). Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring on the Denali trim. The 2011 GMC Acadia received good crash-test ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Specifically, the NHTSA gave it an overall score of 4 out of 5 stars. The IIHS rated it "Good" in most crash tests. Keep in mind that the absence of advanced driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist is a notable difference compared to newer vehicles. The user interface for the infotainment system can feel dated compared to modern systems.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2011 GMC Acadia Prices and Market Value
2011 GMC Acadia Cost of Ownership
2011 GMC Acadia Fuel Efficiency
2011 GMC Acadia Safety Rating
NHTSA
2011 GMC Acadia Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2011 GMC Acadia Compare to Other Wagon?
Price-wise, the Acadia can be more affordable on the used market than the Highlander or Pilot, reflecting its depreciation. If reliability is a top priority, the Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot are generally better choices. The Ford Explorer offers a sportier driving experience but may also have reliability concerns. The Chevrolet Traverse, being mechanically similar to the Acadia, shares many of the same strengths and weaknesses. Overall, carefully weigh reliability concerns and consider alternatives if long-term dependability is crucial.
Ranks #1550 SUV
| 1 | 2023 Toyota 4Runner | (5.0★) |
| 2 | 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid | (5.0★) |
| 3 | 2023 Lexus GX | (0.0★) |
| 4 | 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV | (0.0★) |
| 5 | 2024 Subaru Crosstrek | (5.0★) |
| 6 | 2024 BMW iX | (0.0★) |
| 7 | 2023 Ford Bronco Sport | (3.0★) |
| 8 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB | (0.0★) |
| 9 | 2024 Chevrolet Trax | (5.0★) |
| 10 | 2023 Audi A4 allroad | (0.0★) |
| 11 | 2023 Hyundai Kona N | (0.0★) |
| 12 | 2023 Nissan ARIYA | (5.0★) |
| 1550 | 2011 GMC Acadia | (5.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2011 GMC Acadia a Good Wagon?
Jim on January 29, 2025
I have enjoyed driving the 2011 Acadia SLT-2 for over 10I have enjoyed driving the 2011 Acadia SLT-2 for over 10 years. It is great on the road, especially on long trips, and it's a great vehicle for transporting the grandkids. Our Acadia has been relatively trouble-free. Follow the maintenance schedule and the vehicle will perform admirably for many miles. After 171,000 miles we just upgraded to a 2023 Acadia.
LL on December 20, 2023
Don't buy this carI hadn't had mine even 3 months I bought it used and the drive shaft fell out of it and when I looked at the drive shaft it wasn't the first time that it had been done. It is falling apart no matter how much money I would sink into it. I will never buy another one. I am a single grandmother raising my grandchildren so I have no money to buy another vehicle and I'm scared to put them in this one.
RONNIE LEWIS IV on November 9, 2023
great vehicle low miles perfect for cali weatherpurchased my acadia in may 23' i did my research before buying it. had all parts inspected and replaced. Everything the mechanic suggested. I havent had 1 issue since then I love my acadia even with all the posted complaints it seems to be a very reliable vehicle clean inside and out paint job is in mint condition interior is spotless motor runs great and i have warranty on all parts i dont see what everyone is complaining about this vehicle is great mind you I had a 2008 acadia that had the worst issues ever every week i was sending it to the shop so the 2011 is by far much better in every way
Arik Kangas on July 29, 2023
GMC Acadia’s RecallThe only great thing about the Acadia is the nice style. 2011 GMC Acadia’s have bad timing chains. Why haven’t their been a recall on these issues?
Husband of owner on April 5, 2023
This car has been filled with little issuesBought this 2011 GMC Acadia SLT with my wife for her mostly. The drivers seat electronic position controls become inoperable and the plastic frame holding them cracks & breaks. Heat/AC motor stops working intermittently . Chrome 19 inch rims leak air daily requiring her carrying an air pump in the trunk or risk having a flat. I pump them up for her when we notice the light on dash. Drivers control of passenger window stops working. Electronic lift gate clunks loudly when it opens and slams down on people standing under it. The auxiliary hole to plug your phone or other device into has a short so you have to wiggle it. Rear window wiper arm rusted has to be replaced.
chefsallad on April 2, 2023
Reliable, but difficult to work on your selfPurchased mine used with high miles, but had a solid maintenance record. Have not had many problems, biggest one was the alternator went bad at like 280,000 miles. Overall happy with this vehicle, but my only major gripe is its really hard or impossible to do work on it your self. Changing the headlights is a pain, And when the alternator went bad, you had to take out a bunch of the cooling system
Sandra on November 29, 2022
Gear slipping from D to N will driving.Love it just wait until it's paid for to have issues Gear slipping from D to N Scared to drive now. But still love it
Brian D on October 10, 2022
Run. Fast. Really fast.I’m 48 years old and I have never had this many issues with a car. Electrical, suspension, and (here comes the big one) the engine. I’ve always taken car if my cars. Regular oil changes, rotating tires, addressing every single minor/major issue. I’ve just been told that my Acadia needs an engine. Granted, it does have 180,000 miles. But the first engine I put in it only has 60,000 miles on it. That’s right. I’m still making payments on a car and about to replace the engine for the second time. Don’t just say no to this car. Say xxxx NO.
Will on June 11, 2022
Best car we ever hadThis car is new to us. All the recalls have been addressed. When we purchased the car, everything was brand new, tires, brakes, rotors, sound system, satellite antenna, etc. the car truly rides and drives as comfortable as a Cadillac. The gas mileage is just as good as our Subaru was. We got very spoiled with this car, simply because we have never had one this nice…….EVER!! Thank you
Alicia S on June 3, 2021
Best car purchaseI love it. I've had my eye on these models for a while and ended up finding this one. Love the remote start, backup camera, and windshield speedometer. Also really great on gas!!
Eugene S
Eugene is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. As a writer at VINCheck.info, he brings deep industry insight and a passion for cars, helping readers make smart, informed decisions. Eugene has written hundreds of used car reviews and is known for breaking down complex automotive topics into clear, actionable advice. Over the years, he has driven and worked on a wide range of vehicles—starting with tuning street cars in his early days and eventually focusing on performance upgrades and reliability improvements. Today, he specializes in evaluating used vehicles through the lens of real-world ownership and enthusiast needs. A longtime fan of Porsche, Eugene especially appreciates vehicles that blend durability with driving enjoyment.