GMC Acadia Engine Mount Guide: 2018-2023 Failure Signs & Replacement
Experiencing vibration or clunking noises in your Acadia? Your engine mounts might be the culprit.
- A clunking noise when shifting gears or excessive vibration at idle are the most common signs of a bad engine mount on your Acadia.
- For best results and to avoid vibration issues, OEM (Original Equipment) mounts are strongly recommended over budget aftermarket brands for this part.
- Expect a professional replacement of one mount to cost between $490 and $670, with labor being the largest part of the expense.
- Replacement is a feasible DIY for an experienced home mechanic, but requires safely supporting the engine.
Is Your Acadia's Engine Mount Failing?
A worn-out engine mount on your 2018-2023 GMC Acadia can cause a range of issues. When new, these mounts provide a smooth, quiet ride. But over time, the rubber can crack, harden, or tear, and hydraulic mounts can leak their internal fluid. When this happens, the engine's vibrations and movements are transferred directly into the vehicle's frame.
Common Symptoms of a Bad Engine Mount
🎬 Watch: How to identify and test for failing motor mounts- Excessive Vibration: A strong vibration felt in the steering wheel, floor, or seats, especially when the engine is idling, is a primary symptom. This may get worse when the air conditioning is on.
- Loud Noises: You might hear a distinct "clunk" or "thump" from the engine bay when you accelerate, brake, or shift from Park into Drive or Reverse. This is the sound of the engine moving and hitting other components.
- Visible Engine Movement: If you have an assistant safely put the car in Drive and Reverse (with a foot firmly on the brake) while you watch the engine, you may see it lift or rock excessively. An engine should not move more than an inch or two.
- Rough Shifting: A jolt or jerk when the transmission changes gears can sometimes be traced back to a failed mount that is allowing too much drivetrain movement.
Known Issues & Recalls
As of early 2026, there are no specific recalls or widespread Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) from GM for engine mount failure on the 2018-2023 Acadia. However, a recall (NHTSA ID: 23V-043) was issued for a small number of 2023 models for a half-shaft issue that could cause a loss of power, a symptom that could be confused with a severe drivetrain problem. This recall is not related to the engine mounts themselves.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Mount: OEM vs. Aftermarket
When shopping for a new engine mount, you have two main choices: Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or aftermarket. For a part that controls noise and vibration, the difference can be significant.
- OEM Mounts: These are the same parts your Acadia was built with. They are specifically tuned for the vehicle's harmonics. The passenger-side mount on many V6 Acadias is a hydraulic design, which is more effective at damping vibrations than a standard rubber mount. OEM is the recommended choice for the smoothest, quietest performance.
- Aftermarket Mounts: Aftermarket options, like those from Anchor, are available at a lower price. However, it is critical to understand the trade-off. Forum discussions and owner experiences frequently report that budget aftermarket mounts use harder rubber compounds that do not absorb vibration as well as OEM. This can result in a car that vibrates more with the new part than it did with the old, worn-out one. While they will hold the engine in place, they often fail to provide the same level of ride comfort.
Engine Mount Replacement Cost for 2018-2023 GMC Acadia
The cost to replace an engine mount varies depending on which mount has failed and your local labor rates. The passenger side and transmission mounts are typically more labor-intensive than the lower torque struts.
| Part/Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Mount (e.g., Anchor) | $82 - $94 |
| New OEM Mount | $115 - $155 |
| Shop Labor (per mount) | $350 - $520 |
| Total Professional Replacement (1 Mount) | $490 - $670+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I perform this replacement myself?
Replacing an engine mount is considered an intermediate-level job. It requires safely supporting the engine from below with a floor jack and a block of wood to prevent damage to the oil pan. If you have the right tools (torque wrench, breaker bars, socket set) and are comfortable working under your vehicle, it is a feasible DIY project that can take between 1.5 and 4 hours per mount.
🎬 See this step-by-step walkthrough for replacing all engine mountsShould I replace all the mounts at once?
If one mount has failed due to age and mileage, the others are likely in similar condition. Replacing them all at the same time is often recommended to restore proper drivetrain alignment and prevent the new mount from being stressed by other worn mounts. However, if only one mount is clearly broken, replacing just that one is also an option.
Why does my car vibrate MORE with the new aftermarket mount?
This is a common complaint with budget-friendly aftermarket mounts. They often use a harder rubber compound than the original OEM part. While this makes them durable, it also means they transmit more engine vibration into the car's frame, which you feel in the cabin. The OEM mounts are specifically designed with a softer durometer (hardness) rubber or hydraulic fluid to absorb your Acadia's specific engine vibrations.
What is a torque strut or 'dog bone' mount?
This is usually a lower engine mount that connects the bottom of the engine to the subframe. Its main job is to control the forward-and-backward rocking motion of the engine during acceleration and deceleration. A bad torque strut is a common cause of a 'clunking' noise when you get on or off the gas.
🎬 Watch: How to replace a worn lower torque strut mountHelpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 84624770 84296870
The 2018-2023 GMC Acadia uses a multi-point mounting system, including a primary right-side engine mount (often hydraulic on V6 models), a left-side transmission mount, and lower torque struts.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
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