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.
Vehicle was slowing to turn and at 15mph the steering locked up making the vehicle uncontrollable. Vehicle was stopped by median curb and steering somehow unlocked. Took vehicle to dealership and they replaced the steering gear, rack and pinion, and power steering pump. Now a little over 18months later the vehicle has started losing power steering again. Dealership is quoting me $2100 to fix when they replaced the last part under a warranty/recall.
Just as others here, I was notified by the technician that the steering gear/rack and pinion assembly required replacement due to power steering fluid leak. The dealership stated this would not be covered under a warranty and only the power steering pump has been recalled if steering fails while operating the vehicle. There seems to be several complaints regarding this issue with the 2011 GMC Acadia. Please consider taking the time to investigate these particular complaints. It very alarming to be informed that a recurring issue will not be resolved unless the power steering fails while operating the vehicle. It's also concerning that several consumers have experienced the same issue with power steering fluid leakage and malfunctioning steering gear/rack. This is a obviously a consistent complaint and should be addressed.
During a recent oil change, I was notified by the technician that the steering gear/rack and pinion assembly required replacement due to power steering fluid leak. The dealership stated this would not be covered under a warranty and only the power steering pump has been recalled if steering fails while operating the vehicle. There seems to be several complaints regarding this issue with the 2011 GMC Acadia. Please consider taking the time to investigate these particular complaints. It very alarming to be informed that a recurring issue will not be resolved unless the power steering fails while operating the vehicle. It's also concerning that several consumers have experienced the same issue with power steering fluid leakage and malfunctioning steering gear/rack. This is a consistent complaint and should be addressed. Thank you for your time and consideration.
My power steering has made a high pitched noise for some time now. When I took it to the dealership after receiving a letter which addressed potential power steering failure I was told that the only way it would be repaired free of charge was if I had power steering failure. I just took it to my mechanic for a separate issue and he told me that he has serviced several Acadia's with the same issue. This seems to be an engineering defect. In researching the issue I am finding multiple complaints about the same problem. Does there have to be a death or potentially multiple deaths from this defect before a recall is issued? it would seem that total loss of power steering when operating the vehicle would be a huge safety issue.
My 2011 Acadia had a defective power steering pump and power steering rack. The pump was replaced under an extended warranty; however, the rack was not covered. The dealer advised that the rack was not covered and provided an estimate for $1700. I took the vehicle to a independent automotive repair shop to confirm the need for the repair. The independent shop advised that the entire rack needed to be replaced. They advised that the part should not have failed so quickly and it is likely a defective part. Based on research, it appears that this steering rack is a common problem with this vehicle. I had the independent shop replace the rack for $1404. Please research the possibility of making this a recall. Thank you.
- Easton, PA, USA
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The contact owns a 2011 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the power steering failed and vehicle made a loud abnormal noise without warning. The failure occurred on a daily basis. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering gear and the bushings failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.
Vehicle makes a high pitch whining noise when starting and at low speeds. Steering wheel rubs when turning either direction. I complained about the noise on several occasions, service tech said was normal. Now they state that the power steering is leaking and there is a power steering gear leak. To fix it will cost $1600 plus dollars. Seems to be an issue across the board with these vehicles. GMC will replace the steering pump under a recall, but not the gear rack which is a more expensive fix. How many complaints will it take for them to fix this issue! this can cause power steering to fail and is unsafe!
During check for other warranty work, GMC dealer informed me that the power steering fluid was leaking. The repair was not covered under warranty. All the power steering fluid had leaked out of the internal gasket because the gasket failed and the power steering fluid need to be replaced with new fluid, and replace the steering gear.
The contact owns a 2011 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at 45 mph, the steering wheel seized and excessive force on the steering wheel was required. The contact stated that power steering fluid was leaking. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000....updated 02/11/15 the consumer stated a GM technician vehicle and noted fluid leak from the power steering pump and power steering gear. GM offered to pay for the pump repair but, not the gear leak repair. Updated 06/9/2015
Service bulletin no.: sbc-14329 component(s): Steering NHTSA id number: 10056459 2011 GMC Acadia..power steering failure. Received a notice about the potential failure in my power steering pump. Took the vehicle into the GMC dealership to have this fixed as I have experienced early indications of a failure, air bubbles in the fluid and noisy turns. (confirmed by dealer) was told they cannot replace it until it "fails". so I need to crash my car because the pump fails. Just feel that GMC need to fix this potential safety issue before someone gets hurt. They are aware of the issue since they issued the bulletin or "recall".
Powersteering gets tight and vehicle shakes. Brought to dealer and powersteering pump and gear is leaking fluid. The GM dealer told me that the powersteering part is covered but will not cover the fluid leaking and I am responsible for $500 payment. Brake pedal squeaks when pressed down. GM dealer informed that the brake is leaking and needs a brake fluid flush and a new brake booster.
During low RPM turning (such as parking or pulling out/in from/to a parking lot or stop sign) the power steering stops working. The vehicle becomes impossible to steer and causes the vehicle to head into traffic. We have not had an accident yet but have had numerous close calls.
My 2011 GMC Acadia intermittently looses power steering, this started around 4 months ago and happens when I am driving at low speeds (parking, turning into driveway, backing out of spots, etc...) the steering completely locks up and I end up doing 16 point turns with this vehicles dead weight! after looking on the internet I see this is a common issue with this car yet nothing has been done about it. This is extremely dangerous as I never know when its going to happen. I have been contacted by GMC about a "safety" recall for a bolt on a wiper coming loose yet haven't heard a thing about a recall on a real safety issue like randomly loosing my steering ability!
Began hearing whining noise and thought it was in the engine or transmission. Took it to dealer and was told it was the power steering pump and rack and was not covered under power train warranty. I just had the "numerous" recalls repaired and now this. According to many posts on various websites, this is a common problem with GM products. Repairs are costly and should be covered under warranty, or should be recalled! this is ridiculous considering the cost of these vehicles.
Power steering went out. After that was replaced, the steering column went out. This is a known defect. When will someone do something" after someone dies" more detailed information will be provided upon request.
I was pulling out of my driveway when it felt like the power steering locked up. The car wouldn't turn in any direction. I applied more force to the steering wheel and immediately heard a grinding noise and saw white smoke coming from under the hood. I shut the car off and opened the hood to see the smoke coming from the front of the engine and it smelled horrible. I checked the power steering fluid and it was perfect. I started the car back up and the power steering came back, but now there's a whinning sound every time I turn. After research online, I found that thousands of others have had this same exact problem and that GM is going through a class action lawsuit over this issue because it's a huge safety concern for individuals inside the car. The class action lawsuit is case # [xxx] filed on 03/22/2013. Affected vehicles are as follows: 2009-2012 GMC Acadia, 2009-2012 Buick enclave, 2009-2012 Chevrolet traverse. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Steering would intermittently lock up or be very difficult to turn at low rpms. This problem has gotten significantly worse in the last year and has nearly caused several accidents. Upon researching a fix to the problem I have found multiple complaints online on all GM Acadia, traverse, enclave and outlook vehicles. GM has a couple of tsb covering this issue. This is a very serious safety issue that GM has known about and done nothing other then to charge your $1500+ to fix a known steering defect.
I had to have my steering pump replaced because of a loud whining sound. I bought this car new. Also the heating element went out in my heated seat on passenger side where it is rarely used. All repairs over $1100.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Waldorf, MD, USA