2012 GMC Acadia steering problems
This is a safety-related system. If you notice symptoms, stop driving and have it inspected.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2012 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that shortly after purchasing the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who discovered that the catalytic convertor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The mechanic also inspected the vehicle and determined that the steering rack, front struts, and suspension control arms were also faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was notified of…”
NHTSA complaint · filed 06/30/2025
“About 1 month ago While making a slow speed turn from a parking lot to a street the steering seemed to lock for no reason. After a brief moment the steering resumed normal function. I inspected the ignition switch and found nothing abnormal. Checked power steering fluid level, it was in the operating range. Unable to duplicate the issue at that time. On 3-9-23 while driving the vehicle started making an unusual noise coming from the engine. It seemed to be consistent with engine rpm. I believe …”
NHTSA complaint · filed 03/11/2024
“No warning light when transmission went out. Traction control/stabiltrac service light came on, doors locking and unlocking, not stating what gear acadia was in. Check engine light eventually came on, after it stalled twice on highway. Vehicle is at gmc dealership service department and they are saying its not communicating and are checking wiring harness wires. I have replaced transmission and torque converter and now i dont know what to expect now. Only had it for 3 years so far. I almost got …”
NHTSA complaint · filed 08/19/2023
“Every single GMC I have ever ran into there is an Acadia, the air conditioner never works. Maybe you guys should reconsider the assembly of your air-conditioning It’s exhausting spending money having air for all of five minutes and then it’s right back to the heat.”
NHTSA complaint · filed 05/19/2022
“I HAVE 2 ONGOING ISSUES, 1ST IS THE CAR WILL BE DRIVING FINE THEN GET A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND HAVE A CODE FOR CYLINDER MISFIRE. CAR WAS AT DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES WITH ISSUE AND COULD NOT DUPLICATE WHILE UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY. MYSTERIOUSLY THE INTAKE HAS TO COME APART AND BE REWORKED SINCE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED, AND STILL HAS SAME ISSUES. THE 2ND AND MORE CONCERNING ISSUE IS THE POWER STEERING. INITIALLY TOOK IN AND TOLD THE RACK AND PINION NEEDS CHANGED. STILL HAD SAME ISSUE AND TOLD POWER STE…”
NHTSA complaint · filed 02/10/2021
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC ACADIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE LOSS POWER STEERING FUNCTIONALITY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED TO OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND STEERING GEAR VALVE HOUSING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NIELSEN CHEVROLET (1 US-46, DOVER, NJ 07801) WHERE THE CO…”
NHTSA complaint · filed 10/28/2020
“I STARTED HAVING STEERING PROBLEMS WHEN I WOULD SLOW DOWN TO MAKE A TURN ON A CITY STREET. THE STEERING WAS VERY TIGHT. UNSAFE CONDITION WITHOUT WARNING. I HAD THE POWER STEERING UNIT REPLACED, THEN I WAS TOLD THE RACK AND PINION HAD METAL IN THEM AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO FLUSH OUT THE METAL. I PICKED UP THE CAR TODAY AFTER A COST OF $2,200. DROVE HOME ON CITY STREETS, SAME PROBLEM ONLY TIGHTER TURNING. CALLED THE MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD TO RETURN THE CAR. JUST LUCK I HAVE…”
NHTSA complaint · filed 06/23/2020
“WHILE GOING UNDER 10MPH ON A ROADWAY, (3) DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, MY STEERING WHEEL COMPLETELY LOCKED UP. I BRAKED AND THEN AFTER A FEW SECONDS IT RESUMED STEERING. GOT HOME AND MY HUSBAND CHECKED THE POWER STEERING FLUID, ALL FULL. CALLED LOCAL DEALER AND THEY SAID THERE IS NO RECALL ON MY SPECIFIC VEHICLE BUT MANY SURROUNDING YEARS HAVE THE SAME ISSUE AND HAVE BEEN RECALLED.”
NHTSA complaint · filed 08/14/2019
Unverified owner reports from NHTSA's public complaint database.
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- How common are 2012 GMC Acadia steering problems?
- 46 owners reported steering issues to NHTSA for the 2012 GMC Acadia, 1 involving a crash. Counts scale with how many were sold.
- Is there a recall for 2012 GMC Acadia steering problems?
- No matching recall is on file. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest.