Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2020 GMC Acadia
The 2020 GMC Acadia is a generally reliable vehicle but has notable issues with the rearview camera, tires, fuel pump, and airbags that may impact safety and functionality. These concerns arise from recall campaigns indicating potential manufacturing defects. Prospective buyers should focus on these areas during inspections and consider obtaining comprehensive information from sellers.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2020 GMC Acadia has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 106 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 #22V709000 Rearview Camera May Fail NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V115000 Tire Failure may Cause Sudden Air Loss NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V684000 Tires may have been Overcured NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V668000 Missing Bolts on Start/Stop Accumulator NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V639000 Insufficient Fuel Supply may Cause Engine Stall NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V446000 Roof Rail Air Bag May Not Deploy NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Engine 29 complaints
- Electrical System 28 complaints
- Power Train 22 complaints
- Steering 20 complaints
- Unknown or Other 14 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 9 complaints
Of the 106 complaints on file, 4 report a crash; across all 106 complaints, owners report 2 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Rearview camera malfunction
How to check: Verify the rearview camera functionality under different conditions.
Fuel pump blockage
How to check: Engine performance at various speeds and idle stability.
Roof-Rail Air Bag may separate
How to check: Ensure airbags' recall is addressed; check deployment info.
Missing bolts in start/stop accumulator
How to check: Check for start/stop functionality and related warning lights.
Overcured tires
How to check: Inspect tires for uneven wear or cracks.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual noises or rough idling.
Red flag: Rough idle or knocking noises
- 02
Low-speed driving
What to check: Check for steering vibrations or noises.
Red flag: Persistent vibrations or clunking sounds
- 03
Stop-and-go traffic
What to check: Test start/stop system; examine smooth operation.
Red flag: System fails to engage properly
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Ensure smooth acceleration and stable power.
Red flag: Hesitation or power loss
- 05
Braking from speed
What to check: Brake smoothly without pull or grinding noises.
Red flag: Soft pedal or grinding sensation
- 06
Parking maneuvers
What to check: Check camera clarity and sensor response.
Red flag: No camera/sensor display or erratic behavior
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the rearview camera been repaired?
- Were fuel pump issues addressed?
- Did the airbag recall get fixed?
- Any persistent tire issues reported?
- Is the start/stop system functioning?
- Have all recalls been serviced?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Service and repair records
- Recall service confirmations
- Tire purchase receipts
- Warranty information
- Owner's manual
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2020 GMC Acadia at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2020 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.