10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
108,983 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2009 GMC Acadia engine problems

engine problem

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2009 GMC Acadia Owner Comments (Page 2 of 4)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #44

Nov 052018

Acadia

  • 165,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The passenger front seat airbag turns on with no one and nothing in the seat. I have been made aware that electrical devices can turn it on but this is not the case, I can have nothing in the seat and it turns on and dings while driving which is a distraction. As for the engine, I have a check engine light one which makes it where the remote start will not work. When we pulled the codes it comes back to the the timing chain which is a known issue because they have a service bulletin out on it.

- Lewis Center, OH, USA

problem #43

Oct 222018

Acadia

  • miles
I leased my 2009 GMC Acadia almost 2 years ago, it has been a nightmare. I bought as is so dealer would not return my calls that had anything to do with problems. First, not even 3 weeks after I leased the vehicle the electrical system started to go, my driver window stopped working, my back hatch well I can't even open it because there is no key to open nor is there a button anywhere the mechanics said I need to take it to an electrical mechanic...wonder how much that will cost?, my stabiltrak system constantly flashes. The engine burns up too much oil even after an oil change within 3weeks I need to put oil, I do not drive far nor alot. To work and back. It will cost more to fix this truck than what it is worth now I'm stuck with $5,000 left on a vehicle that is a piece of poop. When I drive the truck pulls as if the engine cannot get the truck going. I can't turn off the truck while putting gas because the vehicle wont turn over once the gas has been put in and started. The mechanic said its the trans evap system. I dont understand how GMC can get away with manufacturing vehicles like this with no concern for the customers.

- Ingleside, IL, USA

problem #42

May 152018

Acadia

  • 119,000 miles
Cam actuator went bad makes the car sound like a tractor starts up very loud and motor sounds horrible engine makes exhaust pipes very loud. Very loud engine period.

- Quincy, IL, USA

problem #41

May 132018

Acadia

  • 40 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Engine will not shut down when key is removed and cruise control isn't working

- Belle Glade, FL, USA

problem #40

Apr 302018

Acadia

  • 1,598,879 miles
Took vehicle to local GMC dealer for check engine light, at 159,879 miles. Dealer says timing chain is making noise and going bad. Estimated repair cost, $3,600. Noise is heard when engine is started and subsides a little when driving.

- Chester, VA, USA

problem #39

Apr 302018

Acadia

  • miles
2009 GMC Acadia. Consumer writes in regards to loss of engine power, steering wheel power and faulty brakes. The consumer the liftgate and lamp were repaied under recall, but the failure continued. The consumer did not recieve notification for the recalls concerning the engine, transmission, and timing chain.

- Burton, MI, USA

problem #38

Sep 282017

Acadia

  • 137,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The 3.6L engines have an issue with timing chains going bad, possibly breaking.

- Saint Louis, MO, USA

problem #37

Oct 082017

Acadia

  • 111,000 miles
The car began misfiring shortly after I purchased it. Had it repaired. Spark plugs and fuel injector caps replaced. It's been less than 6 months and again the check engine light is on and the car will not shift gears or accelerate. Extremely dangerous to N the expressway. I drive my children in this car! car threatens to die when attempting to accelerate.

- Ludlow, KY, USA

problem #36

Sep 092017

Acadia

  • 89,000 miles
Takata recall: I'm having idle/stalling issues with my 2009 GMC Acadia. Car cuts off while driving causing a safety hazard. First, I had my car inspected by local licensed mechanic who diagnosed a timing chain issue and cat converter issue. I followed by call a GMC dealer and informing them of my car problems. They scheduled my car for an inspection since they have an extended warranty for timing chains. They inspected my vehicle and informed me since the timing chain wasn't making noises they wouldn't diagnose it as a problem. They released my car without fixing it and my car still cuts off and idles while driving. They also told me about many other issues found during the diagnostic totaling over $8000 in repairs. I called and complained to GMC and they informed me that their are actually many other additional parts warranty's/coverages that they have and may be able to assist me with. I find this very concerning as the GMC dealership refused to properly diagnose and service my vehicle, along with the fact that GMC has secret additional wanrranties/coverages that the general public doesn't know about my car was in the GMC dealer shop for 4 days and they refused to assist me with a loaner vehicle while my car was being inspected. They released my vehicle and now I'm back to square one with the same issues and new list of supposedly found car issues estimating over $8,000.

- Silver Spring, MD, USA

problem #35

Feb 012013

Acadia

  • 85,000 miles
Starting in winter, 2013, cylinder engine coils corroded, replacing #5, then #2 11/20/14, then #1 2/24/15, then #1 again 3/31/16, at which time #1 was full of water. 10/6/15: Parking brake alarm comes and alarms constantly with raining or after a rain. Car mostly garage kept, so a delay in symptoms compared to blogs. Sunroof, wind shield, parking brake no leaks found. Cyl 1,3,5 misfire codes& cat replaced. 2/2/16: Cat code again, not repaired. Sept.2015- rain entering pass.&driver at feet driving. Rust noted under left hood bolts. Hood hydraulic stick failed.

- Slidell, LA, USA

problem #34

Aug 152016

Acadia

  • 103,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My car completely died while driving it a few months back. Just got it back after about 3 months, partial sucky dealership, partial back order issue. Turns out the sunroof leaked into the dash. Had to replace the body harness and something with the dash. $5100. I estimated on the date it happened because it's been awhile.

- Newnan, GA, USA

problem #33

Jul 042016

Acadia

  • 78,000 miles
The contact owns a 2009 GMC Acadia. While driving approximately 65 mph, there was a sudden loss of engine power and the vehicle was unable to be driven over 40 mph. The stability traction control warning indicator illuminated. The dealer was unable to replicate and diagnose the failure. In addition, while driving highway speeds, "engine hot" and "A/C off" appeared on the instrument panel. The contact noticed smoke under the hood. The vehicle was coasted over to the shoulder of the road and turned off. The vehicle was unable to be driven due to the failure and was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the part. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and indicated that they also had campaigns that needed to be addressed. The timing chain needed to be replaced, there was a loss of power steering assist, and the transmission cutlet leave plate failed. There were no recalls. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000.

- Alburtis, PA, USA

problem #32

Aug 012016

Acadia

  • 80,000 miles
The contact owns a 2009 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at any speed, the vehicle stalled and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was pushed over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed that the catalytic converter had to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified about the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

- Jemison, AL, USA

problem #31

Aug 182016

Acadia

  • 103,000 miles
My vehicle turned off while driving on a side highway, and was unable to be jump started. Took it to a mechanic and found the ECM was bad. Mechanic called different dealerships to price an ECM, and was told by each dealership that this is a common problem. He was informed that even with a new ECM installed, it may go out in another year.

- Newnan, GA, USA

problem #30

Mar 282016

Acadia

  • 66,000 miles
I have replaced two ignition coils and now have a third going out. When the car is under load it misses.

- Grandville, MI, USA

problem #29

Nov 012015

Acadia

  • miles
GMC knows of defective timing chains in this make and model. They addressed some of these issues in tsbs and the information was known by dealers but never conveyed to owners that did not receive a tsb. The dealership performed numerous oil changes, which if increased in frequency and more closely monitored, could have been part of the fix, but the dealership never informed the owner of potential catastrophic consequences of not increasing oil change frequency. According to dealer, GM forbids them from disclosing such information. These engines were also equipped with a pressed on crankshaft reluctor that could shift and result in a total crankshaft replacement. Failure of any of these vital engine parts alone or together while the vehicle was in motion could, I believe, cause an engine seizure which could potentially lead to devastating consequences. Non disclosure by dealers to alert owners who could then divest themselves of these vehicles before the 120K deadline set by GM is dishonest at best. No tsbs relating to this were received by owner. There is now an engine warning light concerning the timing chain and possible reluctor but GM is unwilling to assist with repairs since the vehicle is about 15K beyond their arbitrary 120K deadline.

- Spokane, WA, USA

problem #28

Jul 012014

Acadia

  • miles
2 months after I bought my vehicle used I have had to replace ignitions coils, so many recalls and only had some replaced cuz of being told they don't have the part in store at the dealerships. The electrical system for heat and A/C don't match up when turning the knob and the defrost doesn't work 3/4 of the times. I get flashes of loss power and my tire monitoring system keeps acting up. Now my engine and transmission are failing and no one can tell me exactly what it is without paying $5000 for them to diagnostic it and take it apart!! where do I have that kind of money"? this vehicle was the worst $16000 I have ever invested in and have only had it less that 2 years!! I am scared on a daily basis to drive my kids anywhere in it let alone myself to work. I so wish I would've kept my Jeep Grand Cherokee but we need more room for travel. Well you can't travel in something that's unsafe and unreliable. GMC won't call or respond back and either will the dealership. Lemon law in Michigan is for new vehicles only so I am basically paying for something I can't drive and I can't afford to fix. What do I do?"

- Midland, MI, USA

problem #27

Jan 032016

Acadia

  • 105,000 miles
I was driving my car at about 70 mphs on the interstate and the car began to slow down and check engine light starting flashing. I almost got hit by the drivers beside and behind me. While honking my horn and putting on the emergency lights I was able to get over to the side of the highway. Towed my car into the dealership and they keep it for about 8 days saying they were very behind. Notified them that my car was coming in for service and was never told they was behind. Finally about 7 days later the dealership is saying they don't know what is wrong with my car. Then on the 9 day the service guy calls me and says they think its the motor but they would have to take it out to see. Possible cost would be any where from $4,000 to $7,000 to fix the problem. There are several special coverage open on my car such as timing chain, water pump shaft seal, loss of power steering and throttle body. After reading other GMC customer complaints I feel it is the throttle body that needs to be replaced. Dealership states they don't know whats exactly wrong with my car but can't figure it out till they take out my engine.

- Tyler, TX, USA

problem #26

Jul 102015

Acadia

  • 130,000 miles
I just entered the highway with an increased speed of 50 mph when the dashboard flashed..."engine power reduced." My car was about to shut down in the middle of a very busy highway. I made it to the side of the stretch with cars almost hitting me to call a tow truck. The car was towed to gateway Buick GMC in St. Louis, Missouri where the service worker informed me that I needed the following: Valve element heater hose camshaft actuator thermostat mode door activator I then received a call back the next day stating that I needed a new engine. My car is under ten years old.

- Kirkwood, MO, USA

problem #25

Apr 222015

Acadia

  • 70,000 miles
Car stalls as I am turning into parking spots, turning or going around significant curves in the road, while im in a round about etc. Luckily I have been able to put the car in neutral and it starts back up and off I go. I am the second owner of this car and I bought it from a non GM dealer. My mechanic is at a loss as to what is wrong because a) there are no codes that are coming up and B) the stalling is very sporadic, it will do it twice in one week and then not do it again for 3 weeks. I have had this car about 5 months and it has happened about a dozen times. I pulled the carfax and called the dealership that did all the work on it with the previous owner. After speaking with the service department, I was told that the previous owner had the same problems and the dealer could not get the car to malfunction while they had it in for servicing. Although she didn't tell me everything that they did to try and resolve the issue, I do know that they went as far as to replace the cylinder head hoping that would solve the issue, but clearly it did not. This is a very dangerous safety issue, I have almost hit several cars due to the fact that when the car stalls, everything locks up and you have no control over anything.

- Canandaigua, NY, USA

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