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.
While rounding a highway off ramp, power steering got extremely stiff. There were no other problems with the system prior. I got home, checked the fluid, and it was full. The next day I went to my local GMC dealer to discuss problem and repairs. The service writer stated "we know there is a problem with the power steering systems on these vehicles, and they typically fail in the 70 to 90 thousand mile range." Then they wanted $2000 for repairs. Repairs which are getting done cheaper at my local garage. My problem with this, is that GM knows there is a safety defect with this vehicle, but has done nothing to remedy the problem, other than make people feel that they have to spend huge amounts of money to fix. I also understand this is the same action the company took in the ignition issue they are currently going through. Yes, I am angry at GM for not backing their product, but that is not why I am writing to you. I am writing to you, because I am a first responder, and see first hand what can happens with safety issues to vehicles. What if this issue happened to someone who knows little about cars, other than how to fuel and drive them safely" what if it was a family and their children in the vehicle when this happened and they did have an accident" I understand all hypotheticals, but a safety issue none the less. Thank you for your time.
Power steering does not function at all in low speeds or warm weather. Power steering fluid changed by dealer to transmission fluid in 2013 per dealer bulletin and it still does not work.
I was driving to the store, going down hill on the right side of the road. Mid-way down a message appeared on the computer saying "engine failure, power off" and the car just shut down with out warning. No matter how hard I pressed on the gas the car was shut off. The steering went out as well and I had to stand in the seat to use all my power to turn the wheel. Previous to this, the check engine light had not been on, no advance warning of this. I had both of my children in the car at the time. Luckily there was a bp gas station with garage at the bottom of the hill, I was able to coast the car into the gas station where they ran diagnostic testing and repaired my car and reset the sensors. Nine months later I was driving with both of my children again, in North East Washington DC when out of no where the same message appeared. I was able to pull the car over to the side of the road and restart the engine one time. I turned around to go home and on the drive home the same thing happened on a less of an incline of a hill. The car shut down completely towards the top of the hill going down. Same as before, no gas and no steering ability. I was too scared to leave the car on the side as cars coming over the hill would not have time to stop before hitting us. I put the car in neutral and tried to glide down the hill to the shell station. The car cut out completely and lost all momentum so I had to push the car into the gas station and wait 3 hours for the tow truck to arrive. It went back to the bp station from February and had a new battery and several other items replaced. I bought this car new in 2007 and have had countless breakdowns and replacements- two transmissions within the first 3 years and repairs. I keep up with car maintenance regularly and do no neglect anything.
This car is dangerous. Driving 65mph on freeway when every service and warning light went on. Replaced entire instrument cluster and replace ipc, could have killed us and others. Also engine was removed to repair engine front cover leak at 39,000, now at 85,000 same leak repair is required at cost of $2926. That means every 40,000 miles you need to spend $3000 and have engine removed. Power steering always made whining noise which I was told is normal. At 85,000 was told steering rack and pinion gears need replacement and I am sure the pump needs replacement as well $2000. When driving on the freeway could not stop on exit without brake pedal being pushed all the way to floor, stabiltrak light on could have killed us or someone. Had to replace brake master cylinder. Water pump was leaking after engine was put back in from 1st repair of front cover engine seal. Timing chain has stretch you can hear it, but they only added thrust washers. Rear liftgate - while loading groceries lift gate free fell closed on daughters head. Was told rear lift gate shocks failed. Could have killed someone. This car is a death trap. Don't buy it.
While driving the vehicle the steering lock up. My wife almost got into a accident this happen twice it also happen to me I took it to the dealer they could not pin point the problem they gave me a paper about intermittent stiff steering I told them this is very dangerous we just bought the truck a year ago for 20.000 dollars
- Mastic, NY, USA
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The first issue was the water pump, replaced it and 2 months later out went the power steering pump. At that time of replacing the power steering pump the dealership also replaced the rack and pinion and timing chain. Now, it's the transmission. Going rounds with GM to get them to take care of the issue in its entirety. This vehicle doesn't even have 63K miles on it! this vehicle is defective in every which way. I'm worried about what will go out next. I was looking for something reliable and safe and this Acadia has been everything but that. I have several friends that are also experiencing the same issues. Let the game begin. I have never had a vehicle that I feel is so unsafe and unreliable. I am a hard working woman who drove the same car for 13 years and had none of the issues that I am having with this Acadia that I paid twice as much for! so, to anyone wanting to purchase an Acadia, do reconsider, even as dependable as you feel your dealership may be...it will be a lemon in the long run. Be prepared to get your gloves on in the ring with GMC as I'm currently doing...as I'm driving a dealership loaner, for 2 days now...good luck!
When I purchased the vehicle there was a noticeable whine in the steering. I asked the salesman and he said that noise was typical with Acadia's and there was no issue with the car. When I took it in for an oil change at a different dealer right before we left on vacation, I was told the power steering pump was going out and needed to be replaced immediately. Did that even though we were delayed going on vacation and subsequently had it replaced two more times as well. Also have had leaks in the sunroof that continue to return, and have now messed up my power window controls to the point that I can not control any of the other windows from the drivers seat. Have had to replace the water pump, front struts, and now the solenoids are being replaced as well. When I purchased my car it had right at 54K miles on it and I had an extended warranty, that covered my power steering pump issues, but I have had to deal with the rest. I will have now put almost $3K into repairs that seem to be very typical with this car, based on what I have read on the internet.
While making a turn during a rain storm the engine belt began to squeal and I subsequently lost power steering and the battery warning light came on. I was able to get the vehicle to the side of the road without incident until the power steering came back. I've had this happen several times during rain events since I've owned the vehicle. It appears to occur when excessive water gets onto the drive belt controlling the engine and power steering unit.
The vehicle has two problems. The radio works, but there is no sound for the back up warning, turn signals or radio. This problem occurs in the GMC Acadia, Chevrolet traverse and the Buick enclave. The problem is likely the premature failure of the BCM or the amp. When driven in the rain, the power steering fails momentarily and it is very difficult to control the vehicle.
After traveling 160 miles and exiting the freeway the power steering was inoperable stopped to check fluid was full. Steering is fine as long as the car is above 20 mph. Stopped at small town shop, mechanic informed me that this is nothing new with this car. And that GMC has plenty of changes when replacing the system both pump and rack as well as different fluid but would not help me with any cost. For what is worth the NHTSA knows all about this problem would not hold my breath on them doing anything about the problem until this car is fully loaded with eight people and they all are killed then they will wake up!
The contact owns a 2007 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnosis. The technician stated the power steering pump and the gear assembly would have to be replaced. After the repair, the contact noticed a whining noise in the steering. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where she was informed the power steering gear, pump and hose would have to be replaced due to a power steering fluid leak. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 7,000....updated 05/29/13 the consumer stated the failure recurred. The pump and gear assembly were replaced April. 2013. Updated 06/11/2013
Transmission dead-racing RPM without gear shifting, broken wave plate inside transmission is the cause. Water leaking from sunroof when raining, constant whinning in steering column. All these major problems under 75K miles.
The contact owns a 2007 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving 25 mph and attempting a right turn, the steering wheel would not return to the original straight position. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they stated that the wheel well needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified and stated that he needed to the vehicle to the dealer for further diagnosis. The failure mileage was 50,000
Low beam headlights go out. I've also taken the vehicle in many times for noise in the steering column. Eventually, I lose my power steering. Everytime, they tell me there is a leak or steering gear problem and it has been repaired but it continues to happen. Im taking it in for the 4th or 5th time now to repair the squeak in the steering. This vehicle is 5 years old and its been in the shop more than any other car that I have owned.
Driving in moderate rain around a corner at approximately 25mph. The steering wheel locked up for 1-2 seconds almost causing a crash with my two children in the vehicle. This has happened several times since I bought the vehicle 2 years ago. I brought it to the dealer and the put a new piece inside the wheel well but it has not fixed the problem. It recently happened to my wife in the same circumstances which almost caused a head on collision with another vehicle. The children were in the vehicle at the time.
Power steering stops working for 5 to 10 seconds after making a turn through water often no more than a few inches in depth. Usually occurs during or after rain, when water has accumulated at intersection corners or resident/business entrances. When this occurs, it becomes almost impossible to change the direction the vehicle is traveling in and has almost resulted in an accident twice so far.
03/01/2008 - 16,000 I wasn't able to steer, power steering is completely out on the middle of the road 12/01/2008 - 32,000 - misfire in the 2 engine cylinders and was making lot of noise, dealer took 5 weeks to fix the problem 06/01/2009 - 41,000 issue with the engine making noise at start, had to make multiple trips to the dealer 06/01/2011 - 66,000 water pump leaking 03/01/2012 - 72,000 brake control failure 06/29/2012 - 76,000 broken wave plates, evaporater solenoid, and transmission failure most of these issues are very common in this model, GMC need to recall and fix once for all rather than waiting on the issue to happen on each vehicle.
On two separate occasions in rainy weather I was unable to steer my car and turn it because water had gotten on the belts and belts were slipping and I had no power steering to control the car. I was told at the dealership that I needed to have both front inner wheel well front covers replaced. This would eliminate water getting on the pulleys and eliminate the slippage of the belts that run the power steering. I later found out that there was a technical bulletin out to correct this condition. I had to pay for this work that was done which I felt should be covered by GMC as I feel it is a safety issue. I almost hit two other vehicles as a result of my not being able to steer my car and that was quite scary. I would not want this to happen to anyone else with this model car.
In the rain or during wet road conditions the serpentine belt gets wet due to it's location at the bottom of the engine compartment. When this occurs the belt starts to slip causing an intermittent squealing and intermittent lose of steering control.
The contact owns a 2007 GMC Acadia. While driving 60 mph, the contact noticed that the power steering had suddenly stopped functioning. The vehicle had not been diagnosed and had not been repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileages were 100,000.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Bellingham, MA, USA