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2021 GMC Acadia maintenance schedule

The 2021 Acadia is part of the C1XX generation (2017-2023), sold as an SUV. Below: its service intervals with the source behind each one, the fluids it takes, the problems owners report for this year, and the NHTSA recalls issued for it.

Service schedule

What the 2021 Acadia needs, and when

1 of these 12 items comes from GMC's own published schedule. Manufacturer rows link to GMC's own schedule, Independent rows to a service shop or parts retailer's published guide.

ServiceIntervalSource
Engine oil and filter

Requires dexos1 full synthetic

7,500 mi / 1 yearIndependent
Engine air filter

Inspect at oil changes; 45,000 mi is a check cadence, not a confirmed replacement interval

Inspect, replace as neededIndependent
Cabin air filter

Replace more frequently in dusty environments

22,500 mi / 2 yearsIndependent
Tire rotation

Check tread wear and balance

7,500 mi / 1 yearIndependent
Brake fluid60,000 mi / 5 yearsIndependent
Engine coolant

DEX-COOL drain and replenish

150,000 mi / 5 yearsIndependent
Transmission fluid

Severe duty interval

45,000 miIndependent
Spark plugs45,000 miIndependent
Serpentine belt

Inspect accessory drive belts

150,000 mi / 10 yearsIndependent
Differential and transfer case fluid

For AWD models

45,000 miIndependent
PCV valveInspect, replace as neededManufacturer
12V battery

Test cold-cranking amps annually

Inspect, replace as neededIndependent

Intervals are for normal driving; towing, short trips, extreme heat or dust shorten them. Services we could not find an interval for are left off rather than guessed.

Fluids and engines

What goes in it

Engine oil
5W-30
Coolant
DEX-COOL
Transmission fluid
DEXRON-VI

Powertrains in this generation

  • 2.5L 4-cyl (LCV), 193 hp, 6-Speed Automatic, FWD/AWD
  • 2.0L 4-cyl (LSY), 228 hp, 9-Speed Automatic 9T65, FWD/AWD
  • 3.6L 6-cyl (LGX), 310 hp, 9-Speed Automatic 9T65, FWD/AWD

Confirm the exact spec against the owner's manual or the label under the hood; capacities vary by engine and drivetrain.

Known problems

What 2021 Acadia owners run into

Problems reported for this model year, with the mileage they tend to show up at. Buying past a window is not automatically a pass - it just needs to be priced in.

9T65 transmission shudder

medium severity

40,000-80,000 mi · $300-$2,500 to fix

Harsh shifts, shuddering

Source: au7o.io

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA recalls for the 2021 GMC Acadia

From NHTSA's recall database, matched by model and year. Recall repairs are free at GMC dealers, and a given car may already be fixed or fall outside a campaign, so check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you buy.

Back over prevention

NHTSA 22V709000

September 2022

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with the optional Surround Vision feature. The rearview camera coaxial cable connectors may have been crimped improperly, causing the rearview camera to fail or function intermittently.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the coaxial cables, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 18, 2023. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222378380.

Fuel system, gasoline

NHTSA 21V422000

June 2021

General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The fuel supply lines may be improperly attached and seated.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace fuel supply lines as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212335590.

Running costs

What maintenance typically costs

A typical year of maintenance
$744
Five years of maintenance
$3,720
The major service near 100,000 mi
$1,200

Typical US independent-shop estimates for this generation; they vary by region and condition.

Other Acadia model years

C1XX-3 (2024-2026)

202420252026

C1XX (2017-2023)

2017201820192020202120222023

Lambda (2014-2016)

201420152016

Shopping new? The GMC Acadia guide covers the current model, with what it costs to keep for 1 to 15 years.

Sources

Researched 2026-09-19. Modeling, not mechanic advice - always confirm against your car's owner's manual and service records.

Running an Acadia for income?

Carlyle scores the exact listing on cost per remaining mile and projected Turo income, so you know what a 2021 Acadia earns before you buy it.

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