Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of GMC Acadia - part 1

Thermostat issue (steering assist is reduced drive with care) have changed this sensor 3 times in the past 3 years, there is no excuse for that. The emergency braking almost cause me and my daughter to be hit by a train when my car emergency braked while going over train tracks. This is unexcusable.

See all problems of the 2017 GMC Acadia 🔎.

Failed component was thermostat and I do not have possession of it. Over several months, I would receive infrequent and unrepeatable messages of "steering assist reduced" and my temp gauge would drop all the way to the cold side. No other recorded codes were being set after frequent trips to autozone for verification and there were no check engine light warnings. No other signs of vehicle malfunctioning were present either. Recently, a code was finally set p01f0, so I had something tangible to take into shop as the prior condition was not repeatable. Hoping it was only the coolant temperature sensor, then ultimately learned the thermostat had failed - the much more expensive repair option. Seeing this complaint relatively frequently with the 3. 6l engine on NHTSA. Plus, the tech says he has changed at least 100 of these - Acadias, traverses, enclaves, etc. , any gm product with this engine and poor design/position for the thermostat.

See all problems of the 2020 GMC Acadia 🔎.

Rear heater line leak detected during evaluation of engine code p01f0 and empty expansion tank was noted. There was never any puddle in my garage prior to the incident, and nothing detected after the fact either. Pictures included demonstrate a leak at the double-crimp near the farthest rear point of the vehicle. The other hose behind the drip photo was also leaking at the crimp under the secondary piece of hose insulation. The design of the system requires replacement of the entire heater line assembly (4 pipes, associated hoses and fittings) traversing the entire length of the vehicle. I was told this is a dealer-only part.

Vehicle experiences multiple simultaneous failures including “steering assist reduced / drive with care” warning, extremely loud cooling fan operation, temperature gauge not functioning, tire pressure monitoring system failure, and widespread electrical issues (windows, mirrors, infotainment delay). Issues occurred together and are consistent with numerous owner reports for 2019 GMC Acadia models. Condition affects steering assist and engine temperature monitoring, creating a potential safety risk.

See all problems of the 2019 GMC Acadia 🔎.

The car has over the last few years not turn off due to shift to park. This is concerning, due to we cannot turn the car off unless we strike the shifter few times assuming this is the remedy. It doesn't look like there is any type of recall but there should be.

My car will not park. I get a shift to park error message. I tried restarting and shutting it off. Didn't work. I ended up putting it in neutral turning on the emergency brake and then shutting the car off. I have had no problems with this car to this point, I am a single car owner and my car must be reliable. I can't spend a half hour trying to get the car to shut off.

Apparently many vehicles like mine and including mine have defective radiator hoses or a poor set up with routing causing issues with the hoses. They are developing cracks/leaks causing poor circulation in the cooling system as well as possible engine failure. In speaking to mechanics and reading forum posts, it is evident that this is a large scale issue.

See all problems of the 2024 GMC Acadia 🔎.

After I put my car in park my daughter and I were still in the vehicle for a few minutes getting our things with the engine still running. I got out to get something from the back seat, my daughter got out the passenger door and made it to the driver side as I was closing the back passenger door. I was about to get back on the car to get the rest of my things and turn the ignition off but before I could my car was rolling backwards out of the driveway into the street. I was able to jump in the vehicle and put my foot on the brake and the put the gear into park. There’s no way possible I didn’t put it in park with me getting out already and my daughter couldn’t have accidentally shift the gear because she couldn’t have been able to get out, close the door and make it to the driver side before it started rolling away. Once I got the car stopped, I noticed the driver seat was now all the way to the steering wheel and completely to the floor with the headrest also tilting inwards and now the electrical for the seat will not work. There is a recall for this issue but my VIN# is not included. I cannot even drive my car now because the seat is so far up and inclined. What if the seat moves up more while I’m driving and it has me pinned between the steering wheel and the seat. I don’t feel safe driving it, having my daughter as a passenger and it’s really not safe to be on the road. I’m still paying on this car and now I won’t even be able to drive to work. So I’ll probably lose my job. This car has multiple issues and I think is an electrical problem. It’s also a known major defect on this model but still not a recall for my VIN #! none of my interior sound works. Speakers, blinkers, alerts, back up camera. The auto start won’t start, I have to press the key fob multiple times to lock and unlock. This car is extremely unsafe to drive and I strongly feel my cars VIN# should be listed under the recall. Its going to really affect my daily life and means of income. Lemon!.

See all problems of the 2014 GMC Acadia 🔎.

Purchased the vehicle in good faith, unaware that the check engine light was illuminated at the time of purchase and not informed that this indicated a serious mechanical or emissions-related issue. After purchase, the dealership repaired an emissions-related problem, and the check engine light was no longer present when the vehicle was returned to me. However, within three days of having the vehicle back in my possession, I began experiencing additional issues, including electrical malfunctions and abnormal noises coming from the front wheels. These problems caused the vehicle to feel unsafe to operate and raised serious concerns about its reliability and overall safety. Due to these concerns, I returned the vehicle to the dealership immediately.

See all problems of the 2022 GMC Acadia 🔎.

Multiple times an alert has been given for "driver assist temporarily reduced, drive cautiously". Additionally, the check engine light has come on, with codes for the cooling system. Cooling system fan (hvac blower) remains on after shutting off vehicle for anywhere from 5-15 minutes. Coolant levels have been checked and are correct. Heat & ac function, however the thermostat gauge on the instrument panel does not read any temperature at all. At this time, the vehicle has not been taken to the dealership for assessment due to financial constraints.

For the 3rd time of ownership the cooling fan stays on after vehicle is turned off and the display “steering assist is reduced, drive with caution”.

See all problems of the 2021 GMC Acadia 🔎.

The “steering assist reduced” message came on and, when shut off, the fan blows very hard and loud.

Check engine light came on with message of "steering assist is reduced drive with care". This same thing happened to my sister-in-laws 2019 Acadia 2 months earlier. Took it in right away to the dealership to find out it's the thermostat, it's a common/known issue and it isn't covered under my extended warranty and will cost ~$1300. I'm seeing this is a common issue for Acadia's and has not had a recall, don't understand why. It's one thing if this is a easy part to replace, but gm has made it so that most people now need a dealership or auto repair shop to fix it.

Gm need to be looked at for faulty thermostats being put into vehicles. While driving the message "steering assist is reduced " you get to a safe place and shut you car off and the fan still runs. After speaking with my dealer today, he said he has done 7 in last week. And if you look online, everyone especially Acadia models is having this problem. Customers are getting charged alot of money for the repair. To me this is a defective thermostat on gm and needs to be addressed.

My 2014 GMC Acadia constantly displays “service stabilitrak,” “service traction control,” abs, brake, and check-engine warning lights. The vehicle will not accelerate past 40 mph under normal driving. Recently, the vehicle began showing “engine power reduced” randomly without any warning, and the vehicle loses power suddenly. The obd2 code p1682 (ignition 1 circuit/relay failure) appears every time. This issue has caused the vehicle to jerk, lose acceleration, and even stall in the middle of an intersection during rush-hour traffic while my children were in the car, creating a serious safety hazard. These warnings and symptoms are constant, and the power-reduction events occur unpredictably. No official inspection has been completed by the manufacturer. The failed component is still in the vehicle and available for inspection. The malfunction affects traction control, stability control, braking systems, and engine power, putting occupants and other drivers at risk.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel pump control module. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 36,970.

The "steering assist is reduced" warning came on the same time the engine thermostat display stopped working. Then the check engine light came on the same time the ac stopped working. At first I thought maybe it was just the battery, so I had that changed out. But the "steering assist" warning continued and the engine thermostat display was still stuck on "cold" no matter what (note: the oil temp display still worked fine). Looking in to the problem, apparently a defective engine thermostat is a pretty common issue with this vehicle. Why isn't there already a recall on this? the risk of engine overheating is huge and dangerous. I called GMC and they want to charge and arm and a leg to fix it (the car has 47000 miles so is just out of warranty). I don't want to wait until there is an accident to have something done about this.

Car stalls and transmission dies.

I was driving home and about 10 minutes into my drive I got a notification about my steering assistance being disabled. When I arrived home about 10 minutes or so later and went to shut my car off I noticed that a very loud fan sound from the hood of my vehicle began roaring. I restarted my car and it went away. I looked at my temperature gauge and it was all the way on c. I tried shutting my car off again and the loud electrical fan sound picked right back up again. I stayed in my vehicle while it was turned off waiting to see if it would stop while trying to call for answers. I couldn’t risk having a dead battery for work tomorrow morning. After what was about 6-7 minutes the electrical fan finally shut off. Turns out my aunt just had this exact same issue with her 2021 GMC Acadia as well. According to reddit many people are having this issue yet there is still no recall for this problem. My car is only at 85k miles, has always been dealership maintained and has never had any issues like this until now. If this is a wide spread make and model issue a recall should have been issued.

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "steering assist fault - drive with caution" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who retrieved dtc: p0128 (engine coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature) and replaced the engine coolant thermostat. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was 55,114.

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate while attempting to shift gears. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked and made an abnormal sound, with the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated there was black and white smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission, cooling system, and fuel system failures. The dealer also determined that the engine was leaking oil. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle required several repairs. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 126,000.

See all problems of the 2018 GMC Acadia 🔎.

On a highway about an hour from home, my brand new vehicle with 5,318 miles on it, alarmed me to turn off the vehicle. I was going 75 mph. I pulled over and called GMC being that I just had an oil change and thought maybe they possibly didn't reset something. The vehicle said the oil pressure was low. The dealership advised me to check the oil. It was full and clean. The service person advised that I should be able to continue to drive. I then called my husband. Upon starting the vehicle it was making a noise coming from underneath the vehicle. He said do not drive that vehicle and he headed to come get me. We had it towed to a nearby dealership around 6 pm. I called GMC again because the tow truck driver could not figure out how to put the vehicle in neutral. The told us to hold the start button down but do not push the brake. That didn't work. The tow truck driver put plastic slides under the back tires and dragged it onto the tow truck bed. The service center was closed so we were unable to speak to anyone. Days later we were told the engine seized. It took 3 guys to get into the bay. GMC advised the dealership service to take apart the engine in order to investigate the failure. They did and established it was a bearing. It was in the shop for 52 days. I was told the replaced engine was a remanufactured engine by GMC and by the service center more than once. I was very angry. I bought a new vehicle, not a used one. Then I was told it was a new engine. Since I purchased this vehicle I feel like there have been soft truths. I'm not sure what to believe. Upon picking up my repaired vehicle there was not a drop of gas in it and 77 miles added to the mileage. I get that the vehicle needs to be test driven but that seems like a lot. I think new engine, new odometer starting at 0? I bought a new vehicle for safety. I have a 2006 GMC yukon that has been very reliable which is why we purchased the Acadia. I seriously do not feel safe.

I have a 2021 GMC Acadia that keeps saying steering assist not available. But when it does this, the temperature gage stops working and so does the ac. After you turn the car off the fan still runs for at least 10 minutes.

While driving at highway speeds, a warning appeared on the driver information center (dic): “steering assist is reduced – drive with care. ” simultaneously, the temperature gauge was stuck on “c,” the radiator cooling fan ran at high speed, and the air conditioning stopped blowing cold air. After researching the issue, I discovered that these symptoms are commonly linked to a failing thermostat—a known and widespread problem with gm’s 3. 6l lgx engine. Unfortunately, replacing the thermostat on this engine is not a simple repair, often requiring significant labor and cost. The most concerning aspect is the loss of steering assist, which poses a serious safety risk, especially at highway speeds. Given the frequency of this issue across many gm vehicles, it’s clear that this is a defective part and not an isolated incident. Gm should take responsibility and cover the cost of repairs for affected vehicles. This is not just a mechanical failure—it’s a safety hazard that deserves immediate attention. I'm attaching a picture of the message as well a paid repair invoice from the work the dealer performed to replace the thermostat on my vehicle.

I bought a car about 2 months ago and they did not tell me the thermostat was bad and they won’t cover it.

The warning light for a steering assist needs service came on the dash. The dealer had a code (po128) that pertained to a bad thermostat and coolant temp. Sensor. The steering assist could have failed, along with possible engine damage. The dealer replaced the thermostat and the coolant temp sensor. Their were no police or insurance reports needed.

Due to negligence of GMC wright of wexford during the replacement of 3rd new transmission they did not clamp a hose together causing coolant to leak and my thermostat to come on n off. Causing further damage to my vehicle.

Unknown my 2019 Acadia denali has/is been repaired 6 times in 1 1/2 years for engine oil leaks , has had transmission repairs twice , radiator repair and replacement. Also suspension warranty work as well . I feel the oil leaks is and has been excessive and dangerous due to no warning lights never displayed to alert me to check oil.

The contact owns a 2012 GMC Acadia. The contact’s wife stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 172,000.

See all problems of the 2012 GMC Acadia 🔎.

The contact owns a 2022 GMC Acadia. The vehicle was recently purchased, and at the time of purchase, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the emissions system had failed. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, three days after the vehicle was picked up from the dealer, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the rotors and brakes had failed, and the lining for the front two wheels was damaged. In addition, the contact informed the dealer that all four windows failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the buttons to roll up or down the windows failed to operate as needed. Additionally, while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle vibrated abnormally. The contact stated that when the radio was turned on, there was an abnormal sound coming from the radio. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The contact was provided a loaner vehicle. The contact sent an email to the manager at the dealer regarding the vehicle. The contact was offered assistance. The following day, an employee from the dealer reached out and informed the contact that no assistance would be provided and that if the rental was not returned, it would be reported as stolen. The contact stated that she was threatened after the employee realized that she had thought about filing a lemon law complaint. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.

Bought car brand new at 427 miles car started bucking shaking pulsating while driving bought to brennen GMC plattsburgh NY at 811 mile did same thing but worse brought back to dealership they put camshaft actuater and solenoid in at 6041 mile car was motor started knocking stalling controlable in traffic back at shop.

See all problems of the 2025 GMC Acadia 🔎.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated and dtc: p04fb; was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with moisture of the crank case. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure was a quick fix and was covered under the warranty. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times and was covered under warranty. The contact was informed that there was no fix for the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.

Car keeps throwing poo14 code for vvt sensor, I’ve replaced the sensors and checked wiring on the side of the road and no damage found, went online and read multiple complaints and recalls on the same issue I’m having with my car. I enter my VIN and no recalls have been found. I have a 2020 GMC Acadia denali 3. 6l v6. As well and the rear view camera cutting in and out multiple times anlmost causing an wreck. And a system update didn’t fix the issue.

Shift to park issue known recall issue in other GMC Acadias . . . Vehicle will not lock into park and can not remove key anymore electrical still runs in vehicle causing the battery to drain . . . Now have to force vehicle to shift into park as best as possible but still does not fully lock into park gear anymore . . . I was shifting into park.

See all problems of the 2010 GMC Acadia 🔎.

I'm not sure of the exact sequence of events here, but there are multiple exhaust leaks. One is a crack somewhere in the catalytic converter that is now leaking exhaust from the back of the engine into the passenger compartment. The other leak is at the point of a bracket which fastens the two front exhaust pipes together. At the time we first noticed an exhaust leak sound upon cold start, there were are around 58,000 miles on the car. Now a month later there are still less than 60,000 miles on the car. The dealership originally estimated repair costs to replace the catalytic converter and two front pipes at $3,200. When I had another service garage look at the problem, they asked why the GMC dealer wasn't willing to replace the catalytic converter under the 80,000 mile / 8 year warranty. When I raised this with the dealership, they said this was a "gray area" becasue they believe what happened was that the exhaust bracket at the front pipes failed first, which then caused the catalytic converter to crack. Ultimately, they indicated they would be willing to pay parts and labor related to the catalytic converter (approx $2,000) if we paid the other $1,200 to cover the front pipes. What I don't understand is why, when both Chevrolet and Buick have extended their front pipe warranties on comparable model years of the chevy traverse and Buick enclave, which use the exact same part numbers for the catalytic converters and pipes to 150,000 miles/15 years, why GMC has not offered the same special coverage on the Acadia. Regardless of which cracked first, the front pipe bracket or the catalytic converter, there is likely an engine vibration/movement issue that casues the cracks, giving rise to exhaust venting into the passenger compartment. Since we have yet to be able to schedule the repair (catalytic converter was on back order), we can now only drive the vehicle with the windows down to lessen the exhaust smell. The Acadia deserves a special coverage advisory on this.