GMC Acadia vs Toyota Highlander
For 2006–2022 models, the Toyota Highlander has 14.8 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 41.5 for the GMC Acadia. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2006–2022), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
GMC Acadia
41.5 complaints per 10,000 sold
2.8× the Toyota Highlander’s rate
- Complaints
- 5,266
- Sold
- 1,269,426
- Recall campaigns
- 28
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 1
Most complaints: 2008–2009, 2014 and 2017. Fewest: 2006, 2013, 2020 and 2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 50,000 mi
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 81,125 mi
-
Transmission control module and sensors
Typically around 37,000 mi
-
Power steering pump, rack and lines
Typically around 69,400 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 77,000 mi
Toyota Highlander
14.8 complaints per 10,000 sold
64% fewer than the GMC Acadia
- Complaints
- 4,115
- Sold
- 2,782,803
- Recall campaigns
- 37
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Most complaints: 2008 and 2010. Fewest: 2007, 2014, 2016 and 2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 56,000 mi
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 16,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 46,000 mi
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 60,100 mi
-
Automatic transmission internals
Typically around 73,350 mi · repair $2,910–$5,410
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the GMC Acadia or the Toyota Highlander?
For 2006–2022 models, the Toyota Highlander has 14.8 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the GMC Acadia has 41.5, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the GMC Acadia?
The most-reported problem on the GMC Acadia is body control and other modules, typically around 50,000 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Toyota Highlander?
The most-reported problem on the Toyota Highlander is doors, windows, latches, seats and trim, typically around 56,000 miles.
Which GMC Acadia and Toyota Highlander years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: GMC Acadia: 2008–2009, 2014 and 2017; Toyota Highlander: 2008 and 2010.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.