Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2016 Gmc Acadia
The 2016 GMC Acadia has notable airbag and windshield wiper motor recalls, along with multiple complaints about airbags and steering. These issues warrant attention, but overall it can be a reliable vehicle if maintained well and inspected thoroughly.
Known issues to inspect
Airbag inflator may explode
How to check: Verify the airbag recall repair was completed.
Side curtain airbag attachment
How to check: Inspect the attachment of side curtain airbags.
Windshield wiper motor overheating
How to check: Test the wipers for overheating or failure.
Third-row seat weld issue
How to check: Examine the third-row seat frame for weld problems.
Steering system complaints
How to check: Test steering responsiveness and ease during drive.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises or vibrations.
Red flag: Grinding or knocking sound
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for dashboard warning lights.
Red flag: Persistent warning lights
- 03
City driving
What to check: Monitor steering for smoothness and noise.
Red flag: Stiff or noisy steering
- 04
Smooth road driving
What to check: Test brakes for responsiveness and noise.
Red flag: Squeaky or delayed braking
- 05
Parking tests
What to check: Test parking brakes and assist systems.
Red flag: Parking brake failure
- 06
Highway acceleration
What to check: Check engine performance and shifting smoothness.
Red flag: Jerky acceleration or shifts
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag recall been addressed?
- Any recent steering system repairs?
- Are there any electrical issues?
- Have you experienced windshield wiper problems?
- Is the third-row seat frame intact?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Maintenance records
- Recall repair documentation
- Title and registration
- Vehicle history report
Generated by gpt-4o on 6/15/2026. Grounded in the NHTSA recall corpus and owner-complaint patterns for the 2016 Gmc Acadia.