10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
66,404 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.

2012 GMC Acadia steering problems

steering problem

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2012 GMC Acadia Owner Comments (Page 2 of 3)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #22

Aug 142017

Acadia

  • 76,000 miles

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

Noticed a slight squeak when steering so took car in for service and dealer performed nearly $5400 of work on my car. Here is what they wrote on the bill: C/S vehicle making a squeaking noise when turning the steering wheel at lower speeds found to be leaking to a drop on to other components. Replaced steering rack and cleaned fluids. Then they also did this service: C/S to fix oil pna leak found in mpvi as well as front cover to engine found to breaking. Two separate oil seeps found during mpvi. Due to failed seals replaced said parts and resealed. Cleaned parts and test drove and due to these "fixes" performed they also did alignment: C/S to perform 4 wheel alignment for steering rack performed alignment to me the oil leaks seems to be result of power steering leaks due to erosion of the gaskets and was wondering if this has been reported as an issue as $5400 for repairs seems extremely high. Was there recalls on the power steering issue? thanks, [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).?

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

problem #21

Jul 232017

Acadia

  • 50,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 GMC Acadia. While driving 10 mph and making a right turn, the power steering seized. The contact was able to merge into traffic and steer the vehicle with force. While accelerating, the steering returned to normal. In addition, there was an abnormal winding sound and the failure gradually recurred. The dealer (hanless hilltop Buick GMC, 3230 auto plaza, richmond, ca, 94806, 510-222-4141) scheduled an appointment for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no open recall on the vehicle. No further assistance was offered. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

- Richmond, CA, USA

problem #20

Jun 292017

Acadia

  • 55,000 miles
Power steering rack and pumped leaked at 57,000. The car was not drivable as the steering could not be used. I almost got into a car accident two weeks ago. This is the second rack that has broken. It was replaced by an acdelco GM approved part

- Chatham, NJ, USA

problem #19

Apr 072017

Acadia

  • 85,000 miles

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

I was driving in my neighborhood when my car started making a loud noise as I turned the wheel to the right. I turned onto my street and my car started smoking, smelled like something was burning, and the power steering went out. Luckily I was near my home. I looked underneath the vehicle and fluid was spraying out and the power steering pump busted out of nowhere. Not only was the power steering pump bad but the water pump is leaking also at the same time at 85000 miles. Another issue is that the service air bag has been on since I purchased the vehicle and I took it back to the dealership the next day and they said they couldn't find anything wrong with it but it remains on. What if I'm in an accident and the air bags aren't working properly.

- Louisville, KY, USA

problem #18

Apr 172017

Acadia

  • 98,000 miles
The vehicle has major steering issues. Power steering loss at low speeds making turning and operating the vehicle unsafe. This vehicle should be included in the recall that ended with the 2011 models. The steering rack and pump should not have to be replaced at the buyers cost due to manufacturing defects.

- Boston, MA, USA

problem #17

Apr 172017

Acadia

  • 75,000 miles
Vehicles 75,000 miles on it. While driving through a parking garage, my power steering went out, very suddenly, making driving very difficult and very dangerous. After bringing my vehicle to a mechanic, I was told I needed to replace both the steering pump and rack and pinion. After some reading, it appears as though this is a recurring issue for the Acadia that hasn't been addressed for this model year..

- Eagan, MN, USA

problem #16

Feb 132017

Acadia

  • 80,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2012 GMC Acadia. While attempting to drive the vehicle, the ABS, engine, battery, and traction control warning indicators illuminated. The steering wheel seized and became difficult to maneuver. Also, the key failed to retract from the ignition switch. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

problem #15

Dec 262016

Acadia

  • 75,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at a low speed there was an abnormal noise coming from the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000. The VIN was not available.

- Goddard, KS, USA

problem #14

Dec 082016

Acadia 6-cyl

  • 70,000 miles
The steering on the vehicle began to act limited and tough to control. Last week when turning through an intersection, it became difficult to control and avoided an accident only due to low rate of speed. Pulled the off to the side and got the vehicle off of the road immediately after this issue. If turn was conducted at a higher rate of speed, it could have been a problem. After having the vehicle in the shop for three days it was determined that there was a malfunction of the power steering and a bad power steering pump. This was extremely frustrating for a vehicle with only 70,000 miles.

- Zionsville, IN, USA

problem #13

Aug 202016

Acadia

  • 33,000 miles
During the last year or so, my steering goes out when I'm making a turn after driving through a puddle. It kicks back in after 15-30 seconds. I took it to the dealer last year, they just blew it off, said it was a dirty sensor or something, but didn't fix it, nor did they document it. It kept happening. I took it back to the dealer last week (after my warranty expired) and they did $1800 worth of work to the car (new steering pump and steering hose). My extended warranty covered some of it. Last night it stormed again, there were a lot of puddles on the roads and now it's worse than ever!!! the steering is going out even when I'm driving straight through a puddle and it's lasting longer. The battery warning light also flashed on, but then it went off when the steering kicked back in. I'm petrified to drive the car!

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #12

Jul 062016

Acadia

  • 86,000 miles

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

In 2015, the GM dealer replaced the power steering pump due to failure under a recall. On July 7, 2016, I took by car back to the dealer and now the rack is leaking power steering fluid. This continues to be an issue with these vehicle. Very unsafe to operate when the steering system keeps failing. This issue has made the vehicle difficult to steer.

- Jonesborough, TN, USA

problem #11

Apr 262016

Acadia

  • 50,800 miles
I have had some issues with this vehicle including a failed brake booster and my rack and pinion steering mechanism is currently being replaced due to leaking and probable failure, which I understand is a common problem with these vehicles. I was hearing noise coming out of the steering column when turning for sometime now. I was told that the hydraulic mechanism may fail and cause sudden more difficult turning without replacement. I have also owned another 2007 Acadia and had to have a power steering pump replaced 4 times.

- Wheaton, IL, USA

problem #10

Jan 172016

Acadia

  • 97,000 miles
Purchased a GMC Acadia denali in Sep 2015. Had to have transmission repaired, struts replaced in Nov 2015. Began having problems with steering locking up when turning wheel hard and making a loud whining sound as well as burning fluid smell in Jan 2016. Took vehicle to dealer and was advised by service department that the power steering pump/motor was leaking and requires replacement, and the rack and pinion is bad and has to be replaced. Further research indicates this is a very common issue with this vehicle and GM is aware of the defective power steering pump/motor and rack and pinion. Even dealer service techs advised it is a very well known and documented problem with this model vehicle yet the repair is not covered by the manufacturer. This is a very dangerous condition to the driver of the vehicle as well as to the driving public and pedestrians in general. There is an open class action lawsuit as well. NHTSA should require GM to recall these vehicles and make the required repairs as to prevent a clear danger to the public.

- Siloam Springs, AR, USA

problem #9

Dec 212015

Acadia

  • 72,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 GMC Acadia. While driving 45 mph, the steering wheel began to make a loud abnormal noise and the vehicle steered to the left without warning. The failure was consistent. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

- Corona, CA, USA

problem #8

Nov 172015

Acadia

  • 38,000 miles
While driving either in the rain, or if hit a puddle.....it doesn't have to be a big puddle either. I hear this god awful screeching noise. I then loose all control of the steering after a few seconds it catches and works. The battery warning light will come on. This happens w every time it rains or I just hit a puddle. Luckily I was able to get off the road and out of the way of traffic. First time it happened was November 17, 2015 and has happened 4 times since. Was wondering if there have been any recalls or information on this. This is very dangerous and scary!

- Austin, AR, USA

problem #7

Mar 012014

Acadia

  • miles
The first thing that I want to say is that some of the recalls are not for the 2012 model but mine has had the issues with the fuel moduler not reading correctly as in one recall and also the shifter clip causing the vehicle to not be in the correct gear. What do I do? also the second thing is the A/C broke within the 3rd year of having it. The third thing to go wrong is the power steering. It comes and goes but as long as I push on the gas I have power steering. I'm very concerned about the fuel moduler because my daughter drives this vehicle also traveling the interstate to work and also a very populated secondary road.

- Fairmont, WV, USA

problem #6

Nov 142014

Acadia

  • 73,113 miles
Difficulty in turning, along with a grinding noise when turning right. Vehicle mileage was 73,113. Taken to GMC dealer in brighton, mi on Nov. 14, 2014 and power steering pump and rack and pinion were replaced for $2,100. The car was then driven approx. 650 miles. The next morning, when backing out of drive, the steering was locked-up and the vehicle went off the driveway. Tow truck was required to take the vehicle to GMC dealer in inver grove heights, mn where the same exact parts were replaced again! I have all receipts.

- Brighton, MI, USA

problem #5

Dec 122014

Acadia

  • miles
6/18/15 liftgate came crashing down on my head so the struts were replaced at dealership for $116.72 plus tax. There is a recall #15240 for this repair. But my car was built on 3/8/2012 which is 9 days after the recall dates you submitted. This date needs to be extended. More investigation needs to be looked into this and obviously my car in within the parameters of this recall. Are they waiting for someone to get hit so hard in the head and be killed. I would hope not. On Dec 12, 2014 secondly there is a problem that at 46000 miles the steering pump went out dealership told me to keep the receipt that they are seeing more of this type of repair. This repair cost me $2000. Can this be looked into also. No steering pump should go out with such low mileage. While steering you could hear a whining noise.

- Aurora, IL, USA

problem #4

Aug 272015

Acadia

  • 56,650 miles
The contact owns a 2012 GMC Acadia. While driving at a high rate of speed, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact had to apply force to the steering wheel in order to turn the vehicle. In addition, while driving at a low speed, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that the power steering pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 15V415000 (structure). The part needed to repair the vehicle was unavailable. The failure mileage was 56,650.

- Towanda, PA, USA

problem #3

Aug 012015

Acadia

  • 44,000 miles
Acadia was traveling at 55 mph when heard/felt a pop/bump. Steering wheel started spinning to left then right. Steering wheel straightened out. While steering wheel was still facing straight, the car started veering sharply to the right. The Acadia hit a culver then flipped 4 times, coming to a stop over 160 feet from where it left the road

- Lafayette, LA, USA

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