Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of GMC Acadia - part 1

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 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2022 GMC Acadia 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2019 GMC Acadia 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2020 GMC Acadia 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2024 GMC Acadia 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2017 GMC Acadia 🔎.

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 🔎.

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.

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.

Got onto the interstate and suddenly my car stopped but didn’t kill. My traction control light said off and then it said reduced engine power and my fuel went down to e. I couldn’t go but my car was still running. I killed it then waited a minute and started it again and it started moving slowly. Then it said service stabliltrak and traction system but since the light have went off. Around the same time I started hearing popping and crackling sounds from my speaker and now I have no interior sound at all just popping sounds no matter if my car is started or not. I’m scared it’s going to catch on fire or something.

Last week, the coolant gauge , on our 2019 GMC Acadia, was reading below "c". . . . The "steering assist" warning was disabled on the on-screen display and the air conditioning stopped working. Took the car to a mechanic, who read the codes. . . . Mechanic stated that all symptoms were based on a defective gm thermostat. The thermostat was "stuck-open" causing the "steering assist" to be disabled as well as the a/c from being disabled as well. It seems gm has updated the part since when the series of Acadia were manufactured. After getting it repaired, at of our pockets, we researched and noticed that thousands of other gm Acadia owners had the same exact 3 symptoms: (1) malfunctioning coolant reading (2) "steering assist" disabled (3) a defective ("stuck-open") thermostat. . . . . Symptoms were exactly the same for all parties involved. We have owned many vehicles never had a thermostat fail before 65k miles. . . . It became a safety issue since the car disables the "steering assist" based on the thermostat being stuck open. Contacted gm corporate which stated unless a recall, there would be no compensation. Gm needs to make it right for the thousands of gm owners whose car has the 3. 6l engine in short, this is a major issue since the car's steering system is not working correctly we would like a recall to be initiated. Thank you.

While 2 hours from home driving down the interstate with a full vehicle, the vehicle alarmed and the screen notified "no oil pressure, turn car off now". I pulled over immediately and we had to sit on the edge of the interstate for 45 minutes - a safety hazard for us and the surrounding traffic. The vehicle was towed to the nearest gm dealer, where they assessed the vehicle and advised that this is a known issue for 2024 and 2025 GMC Acadias and traverses. The vehicle failed to move oil and the engine was seized - a significant safety hazard. After a month, gm has informed us that zero replacement engines are available in the world and there is no timeline for replacement or repair and the vehicle is unusable.

Engine coolant thermostat failed under 55,000 miles and had to have it repaired on my 2020 Acadia. The 2021 Acadia has a recall on the thermostat.

I bought a 2013 GMC Acadia with a 3. 6l engine and I was driving it home, and the engine locked up on me, and it didn’t throw a code or anything, it just shut off and wouldn’t start back up, and later I find out that it had an oil leak from somewhere and now I have to have the engine replaced, which is 13k dollars, the vehicle is located at walker Chevrolet in nitro wv, I’m a single dad of 5 children and I can’t afford to fix this vehicle at that price, I asked if they could take payments to replace it, and they said not and that they would not release the vehicle back to me until it is paid for, and now I’m stranded with 5 children with no way to go to the store or anything. The engine locked up on me in the middle of the four lane in st albans wv, and I almost got hit by vehicles that were behind me and everything.

See all problems of the 2013 GMC Acadia 🔎.

Shift to park vehicle does not recognize the gear shifter is in the park position. Vehicle does not fully shut down.

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10-15 mph, the vehicle made an abnormally loud blower motor sound while accelerating, before the vehicle lost motive power. The transmission was shifted to neutral(n) and pushed to the side of the roadway. The tpms warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined that the transmission clutch had failed, and the transmission needed to be rebuilt or replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed there was no recall coverage or warranty coverage on the VIN for the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.

There was a recall for GMC premature timing chain engine recall. This recall was complete in 2011 but it did not fix the problem. The timing chain keeps breaking off the cam shaft sensor and needs to be replaced.

See all problems of the 2009 GMC Acadia 🔎.

We have experienced multiple recurring issues with our 2024 GMC Acadia that raise significant safety concerns and affect the vehicle’s reliability and overall operation. First, the brake system exhibits persistent squeaking, even at low speeds or light applications. The dealership has inspected the brakes but the noise continues, raising concerns about premature wear or improper brake function. More concerning is the behavior of the automatic braking system while reversing. The system has repeatedly activated the brakes without any obstacle, vehicle, or person behind us. These unexpected braking events have created both physical and psychological stress for occupants and pose a real risk of causing a rear-end collision from another driver who may not anticipate sudden braking. Due to this hazardous condition, we have been forced to deactivate the automatic braking feature entirely, defeating a critical safety system the vehicle is equipped with. Additionally, the engine frequently runs rough during cold start and the initial warm-up period for the first couple of minutes. This rough operation is inconsistent with expected behavior for a new vehicle and has not been fully resolved despite service visits. The tpms sensors have also been problematic. Several sensors have already been replaced by the dealership, yet we continue to experience intermittent tpms faults involving at least two wheels. This results in repeated warnings, loss of real-time tire data, and uncertainty about actual tire pressure conditions while driving. We also experience rattling noises from the interior trim near the door seals whenever there is a cross breeze or windy driving conditions. This appears to be a structural or insulation-related issue. We have others, but this space only allows for 2000 characters, and after writing this sentence, there are only 113 characters remaining.

Electronic thermostat fails. Which causes steering assistance reduced drive with care to illuminate. Temperature gauge drops to cold. Air conditioning no longer operates.