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.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2016 GMC Acadia has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 236 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #23V334000 Driver's Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V246000 Side Curtain Air Bags May be Unsecured NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V833000 Third Row Seat Frame may be Incorrectly Welded NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V609000 Front Windshield Wiper Motor may Overheat NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Air Bags 130 complaints
- Steering 26 complaints
- Electrical System 25 complaints
- Power Train 21 complaints
- Unknown or Other 20 complaints
- Engine 13 complaints
Of the 236 complaints on file, 8 report a crash and 2 a fire; across all 236 complaints, owners report 16 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
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 from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2016 GMC Acadia at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2016 GMC Acadia? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.