38 problems related to engine and engine cooling have been reported for the 2009 GMC Acadia. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2009 GMC Acadia based on all problems reported for the 2009 Acadia.
Driving down the road and notice a deer. Speed limit was 55, so we had slowed down to about 45. Deer crossing in front of us, and we almost come to a complete stop (about 10-15mph). We hit the deer on the passenger front. Get out of the car to assess the damage, and notice a fire under the grill and headlights. Air bags had deployed. Everyone evacuated the vehicle, and it was a total loss.
I took my 2009 Acadia into the GMC dealer with around 65,000 miles on it after buying it used (1 previous owner) with around 42,000 miles. They told me I had a power steering leak in the rack and pinion and it would cost around $2000 to replace a seal because they have to pull the whole rack off. He told me it would be okay for a while, but eventually it would cause the power steering to go out. After researching, I've seen multiple other Acadia owners who have had the exact same problem. I have refused to pay for the repairs because I think this is a safety issue that has effected enough of this model vehicle to warrant a general safety recall. I know of 3 other people in my hometown who have experienced power steering problems with their Acadia's, and the GMC dealership acknowledged to me that it is a significant problem with GMC Acadia model years 2008-2012. If that's not enough, then I'm not sure what is, but if my power steering goes out while I'm driving, well, let this serve as notice to GMC.
When accelerating, my car seems to 'slip' or 'stutter' before clicking into gear. This happened in the first year of ownership. The dealership never acknowledged it when I would bring it in to get checked. After a few years of owning it I now know that it is a transmission issue very common with the GMC Acadia. I have read that it is a faulty wave plate. Not sure what that is but now with only 50,000 on my car it is really bad. It barely made it home last night. Transmission is totally slipping and even when just driving along at the same speed it went into limp mode. The gas revved like I was in nuetral. This is extremely dangerous as I had a carload of girls on a trip to the mountains. What is it going to take until this causes an accident and casualties! GMC needs to step up and get this part recalled. It is a faulty part and they need to pay for the replacement!!!.