Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2010 GMC Acadia owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 GMC Acadia. On several occasions, while driving, the vehicle failed to respond when the accelerator pedal was depressed. Additionally, the headlamp connector was replaced three times for overheating and melting the wires. The contact also stated that the front and rear windows were inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failures were intermittent. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 112,000.
Driving in the rain and the traction safety came on as I May have sled on some very wet leaves. I was able to pull to the shoulder and get out of traffic, as I gathered myself and got the car ready to drive off the tires started spinning out of control I awesome trying to get traction then the ABS light appeared and the brakes started grinding. Then the vehicle switch gears and the car begin to go in a jerky movement at 6 to 8 MPH the rpms would not go up and the car would not return back to normal gear. After praying I make it to my door the dash then said calibrate vehicle by driving in a circle. The car cut off twice but would immediately start right up then the dash stated engine is hot turn air off. No air was on at all. The thermostat temperature gauge was all the way up and all the needles were flipping up and down at different times. …
The main battery cable running from the battery located behind the passager's seat was resting on a bolt from the frame. The threads from the bolt cut through the battery cable and shorted out the electrical system causing the floor matting to catch fire while the vehicle was in motion. The engine shut down, causing a loss of power steering and brakes. Since it was the main battery cable the connects directly to the battery with no fuse, the short continued to spark. In the particual vehicle the battery is located inside the vehicle, below the passager side rear floor. The positive battery cable runs from there to inside the engine compartment to the alternator, with no fuse in between. I took the vehicle to the dealer and they said it was not a warranty issue. I raised the question with them about a recall and got no where. …
Purchased 2010 GMC Acadia used. At 125000 miles, engine shuts off while driving, rendering it impossible to get out of the way. Had to get towed in. Mechanic said corrosion in some wires. 2 weeks later, wouldn't start, called tow truck, suddenly started. Had to spend $1200 having sensor replaced from water damage. Had to pay $300 for new windshield because said that is where it was leaking. 3 weeks later, wouldn't start, mechanic said two fuses needed replaced. 1 week later, wouldn't start, paid another tow, then started. Tow truck followed me to dealership. Dealership called, said it was starting fine. Couldn't diagnose if it kept starting. Told me to come get it. On my way to dealership, they called back to say, "bingo", it started. Next day, diagnosed it is the OnStar module. Wth! $700 more dollars down the drain. Seriously! It isn't covered under any recalls. …
Running light was out and discovered that both running lamps bulbs had melted in their sockets and electrical wires burned and shorted, this required that both lamp units be replaced. Potential electrical fire hazard. I had reported to the dealer, in 2013 that the inside of the lamp appeared smoky but their reply was that it was moisture condensation. Replaced parts number 22938888 & 22938889 the vehicle is only driven daytime, locally in 10 mile radius, and garaged all the time. --the reason for the low milage. I suspect that the unit was constructed in a manner that the heat of the lamp May not have adequate ventilation to dissipate consequently there is a slow melting of the plastic housing, this is a design failure which could lead to electrical fire.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated, which was a safety concern. The vehicle was taken to bentley Chevrolet (1950 florence blvd, florence, al) where it was diagnosed that the air bag control module needed replacement. The vehicle was repaired, but the indicator illuminated again. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer where it was diagnosed that it needed a new battery and wiring. The vehicle was repaired again, but the failure still recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and they were notified by the dealer that the failures could not be duplicated. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Current recall states: "the affected vehicles, equipped with the power liftgate option, have gas struts that hold the power liftgate up when open. These struts May prematurely wear and the open liftgate May suddenly fall." my vehicle is currently having this problem. The back lift gate will open and then with great force closes down quickly. This is an extreme safety concern as I was struck by it on Monday 10/26/2015 when the problem initially occurred. After speaking with GMC there is currently no resolve. This is a huge safety concern as I have two young children, and no resolution is not acceptable.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 GMC Acadia. While driving 30 MPH, the contact smelled smoke. The bulb overheated and caused the socket and wires to burn and the headlight housing to melt. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was previously repaired under a manufacturer's recall for a related failure in 2013. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the bulb overheated and caused the socket, the wires, and the headlight housing unit to burn. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,279.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the driver parked the vehicle, turned the engine off and removed the key, but the engine continued to operate. The battery cable had to be detached in order for the vehicle to power off. After ten minutes, the contact reconnected the battery and restarted the vehicle, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to a dealer who diagnosed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was scheduled for the repair. The failure mileage was 88,000.
I own a 2010 GMC Acadia... I've had to replace the low beams on both passenger and driver side numerous times!!!!!!!! I'm a single mother of 3... Not only is it extremely dangerous for your headlights to go out at any given moment(especially when my children are in the vehicle... Not to mention other motorists children) but its also costly!!!!! This all started back in aug 2018... This is getting ridiculous!!! I've done my dues... Worked hard to pay my vehicle off...all I wanted was a good and reliable vehicle for my family... And it's far from safe!!!!
Electrical complaints in other Acadia years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2010 GMC Acadia?
NHTSA has 45 complaints about the electrical system of the 2010 GMC Acadia, 13% of the model year's 343 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 GMC Acadia electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2010 GMC Acadia, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2010 GMC Acadia electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 2 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.