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.
I bought my GMC Acadia in December of 2009. A few days in I noticed a whirring sound in turning. I was told by the dealership that it was normal, a design flaw with brushes in the steering column. June 20110 entire electrical motherboard failed, six months later the water pump failed. Brought the car in 3 times for airbag lights. I sensor was replaced then I was told to just "keep something heavy in the seat". for eight months ABS and brake light chimed with nothing wrong. I reported that the air conditioner was not cooling only to be told it was all good, of course until the warranty was out then a repair of $600. Now that so called design flaw and whirring noise has turned into power steering failure an leak in power steering rack, !000 repair not covered by the recall of power steering pump. Unreal. What a bunch of crooks. The worst part is the GMC dealers pretend they know nothing about any issues and accept responsibility for nothing all. I am sure it is a protocol to delay and major diagnosis until a warranty is expired.
I have had 3 recalls on my 4 year old Acadia in the last several months and also had to replace my power steering at less than 65,000 miles. My car is back at the dealer for the third time in less than 10 days for the service air bag light after they have attempted to fix the recall. Although no specific safety incident, my concerns with the ability of the dealer/automaker to provide a safe vehicle and well as the overall lack of reliability of the car in less than 4 years is both disappointing and concerning. I am currently in touch with GMC about my options.
While trying to attempt a right turn on a green light at approximately 10 mph my steering wheel did not turn. This was completely unexpected and I was caught off guard but managed to stop the vehicle inches away from traffic coming in the opposite direction. I brought it in for servicing and was told the R&P needed to be replaced. This was done but the issue persists. The dealer claims they can not find any issues with my steering even though we have been on test drives where the steering locks up. To this day the problem continues only at low speeds, but I will not let my family travel in this vehicle.
I filed my initial complaint over the phone but I'd like to add a few more details. After getting nowhere with GMC corporate I did my own research uncovering there is a "class action lawsuit" (I have this document and can forward if needed) in place for multiple GMC vehicles for the steering issue. GMC has publicly admitted to installing wrong size power steering pump! in addition, the power steering cable, a loose rivet in steering column, power steering fluid leaking, and/or no or low pressure all have been the sited as a "possible" cause! point being fixing all of these issues will cost owners thousands of dollars and most don't have this money. GMC needs to recall this issue asap! GMC has recalled numerous other non-lifethreatening issues with their vehicles. Loss of power steering when turning left on a main road or at any other time can and will result in serious injury or fatality!! this is serious and needs to be made a priority addressed asap!
The contact owns a 2010 GMC Acadia. While making a left turn at an unknown speed, the vehicle jerked violently and the steering wheel seized. The contact had to forcefully turn the steering wheel. The dealer was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 51,000.
- Ocean City, NJ, USA
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Was turning left into a parking lot and there was no assist from the power steering. It was almost as if it was locking up. This issue has been occurring several times a week since then, usually at low speeds. There have been a couple of close calls to hitting other vehicles as this issue surfaces with no warning. I asked lafontaine in highland mi to look at it when I was having water pump issues. It seems there was no true investigation on the issue, just that it was out of warranty and I would have to pay to change the R&P, even though that may not be the issue. I issued a complaint to GM customer service when the vehicle was in the shop again for a transmission module replacement. Again, no concern from GM that the steering fails without warning. Loss of steering is a very big safety concern. I am trying to sell or trade in the vehicle as I do not feel safe having my wife and kiss in the car.
Power steering failed.during low speed turns, then recovered and acted normally for awhile. Similar problem occurred a few days later and since then has been happening intermittently. This will be a very serious safety issue if it happens when entering or exiting a highway or turning into a two way street. I have read multiple similar reports (over 100 within a year or so} almost all stating that the dealers are not sure what is causing this problem except to attempt to replace various power steering components with varying degrees of success.
Steering loses power everyday, mostly when vehicle is going slower. It is getting harder & harder to turn. Coming out of the turn it will all of a sudden pop & loosen up again. I can't believe with all these complaints no recall has been issued. Very dangerous.
Power steering does not work well when making sharp turns in parking lot's or at slower speeds. The vehicle becomes nearly impossible to turn and the failure occurs unexpectedly causing near accidents. Has occurred at higher speeds as well which is even more dangerous. GM should recall this issues before any major accidents. Mechanic said this is "a common problem" with this particular vehicle. They should look into statistically how many times this issue has been diagnosed and repaired.
When pulling onto the road or out of a parking lot at low speed, the steering fails. I have manhandle the steering wheel to make the car turn. On several occasions I have had to stop to avoid hitting on coming cars.
Early part of June, 2014, noticed at very isolated times steering was hard while making very low speed turns. This happened very infrequently during very low speeds such as parking or turning into a small spaces. The intervals of this problem began to increase in July, but only at low speeds. Towards the end of July the steering became harder at turning and the speed became higher at which the event occurred. Beginning of August it became a safety concern when turning corners the power steering would go out and control of the vehicle became difficult. I called the dealer and made an appointment to diagnose the problem. The dealer found the power steering pump and rack of the steering to have slow leaks. The solution was to replace the parts. Fortunately I had purchased an extended warranty as the cost of labor and parts came to over $1,300. Because I have commercial driving experience, I was able to deal with the loss of steering in what could have resulted loss of control of the vehicle. In my opinion, this is a safety concern.
2010 GMC Acadia. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle steering issue. The consumer stated the steering would become stiff and made turning difficult at low speeds and the engine would also race at a low steady speed without acceleration. The consumer's private mechanic, informed her, the steering gear was leaking and recommended she take the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer replaced the steering gear and front wheel drive shaft seal. The vehicle was returned to her. However, five days later, the consumer experienced the issue again, with the engine racing and the tight steering. The vehicle was taken to the dealer again, but the dealer was unable to replicate the problem. When she left the dealer, the engine raced again. She went back to the dealer, and left the vehicle. The mechanic diagnosed the problem as timing chain issue. The timing chain and tensioner were replaced, as well as the steering rack and pinion. Between May 2013 and August 2013, the consumer continued to experience several sporadic incidents of the power steering failing or significantly tightening on low speeds. Also, a noise and vibration developed in the right front side of the vehicle. The consumer was informed the motor mount was loose.
Vehicle becomes almost impossible to steer at low speeds. Problem is intermittent. Becoming more frequent and occurring at higher speeds. Very dangerous to drive. I hope they recall it so the problem can be fixed and before someone gets hurt.
The contact owns a 2010 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the power steering fluid was leaking from the vehicle. The failure occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing, who informed that the failure was normal wear and tear on the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 48,000.
While turning corners, power steering locks making it difficult to turn the wheel. Feels very dangerous as you never know when it is going to occur. I am getting to a point where I am getting nervous to drive the vehicle. Especially with my kids in the car! this occurs even if the vehicle is warm and also after a cold start. It appears as though this is an issue with this model and I cannot believe that GM has not done a recall. I was told by a mechanic the power steering rack needs to be replaced, but I have also seen other online complaints the pump also needs to be replaced. This repair is very costly and my truck is not that old! I have already brought the vehicle in for the previously named recalls.
Power steering goes out intermittently at low speeds. Specifically when turning corners or pulling into a parking space. Some times I can't even turn the wheel. Was told by the dealer that the steering gear needed replacing and it would cost $2000, and wasn't covered under the warranty. I brought it to a local car repair shop, and they replaced it for $1700, but that did not fix the problem. I am hesitant to drive the vehicle since I have 2 small children. The NHTSA needs to investigate this issue, since the majority of the complaints for this vehicle are related to the power steering.
While driving my 2010 GMC Acadia up a slightly curing pass at 65mph the power steering spontaneously went out. No leaking, noises or warning signs of failure prior. Steering became very difficult and stiff, unable to change lanes without difficulty which could have easily caused an accident in heavier traffic. Had performed flawlessly without any signs of difficulty 8 miles prior while turning onto the highway from a stop. Car is otherwise in excellent condition and current on all manufacturer recommended services.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Gretna, LA, USA