Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
The contact owns a 2010 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the high- and low-pressure hoses, steering pump, and rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The contact called the local dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
I purchased this vehicle in Feb. 2021. Shortly after my purchase I noticed the steering would tighten up randomly when turning corners making it very difficult to steer / control the vehicle. It also does this when parking. This has happened numerous times since I purchased the vehicle. I googled the problem and found some info dated in September 16, 2014 indicating GM's Special Coverage Adjustment - Loss of Power Steering Assist indicating the special coverage covers condition described for 10 years after 1st svc date (the Carfax I received said was 2.10.2011) or 150,000 mi whichever occurs first from date vehicle originally placed in service regardless of ownership. I purchased my vehicle from a dealership on 2.03.2021 - took possession 2.06.2021. My vehicle only has 73,676 mi on it. …
The same model and year has a recalled for a steering issue. But due to mine having a salvage title it is not cover. They say it is NOT a safety issue. And that is NOT true. It is to the point that I can't hardly even turn it. It is so hard to turn the steering wheel. And it is getting worse. It is a safety issue if you can't turn the steering wheel it can cause a wreck. Please please help me with this issue..
When drving at a slower speed to make a sharp turn, steering wheel almost locks up or have to use both hands to turn the wheel. As if there is no power steering in the vehicle. At times you can not turn as sharp as needed putting you in danger of being hit by another vehicle.
Check Engine Light. Faulty timing chain. Rack and pinion repairs needed. Examined by two automotive locations: LaFontaine Automotive GMC of Ann Arbor (Michigan) and Mazur's Total Automotive in Pinckney, MI
My son was driving on the interstate when the steering wheel locked. He was not able to turn the steering wheel to negotiate the curve of the road, so he crashed into a concrete construction barrier. The police report stated the cause of the accident as "defective steering." the vehicle was towed to the dealership, and a report was filed with GMC corporate. Their inspection of the vehicle found no defect with the steering. What this means for me is that my insurance and I must pay for all of the repairs (if the insurance company doesn't total the vehicle). It also means that, since they could not find anything wrong with the vehicle, the incident of the steering locking up could reoccur, causing serious injuries or fatalities. In doing research, it appears from the number of complaints and the class action suit filed against GMC that the 2010 Acadia has defective steering. …
We bought our 2010 GMC Acadia in December of 2012. At the time we noticed an intermittent low whining noise and by the time we went for our first oil change at a dealership it had begun to make more noise when turning to the left so I asked the service department to check into it. When I picked up the vehicle the same gentleman who checked my car in told me the noise was because my oil was so low. I knew this wasn't true. The noise grew slightly louder and constant, around November 2014 we took the vehicle to another repair shop for an oil change and asked that they check out the noise. Their diagnosis was that we would need to replace the sway bar links within the next couple months. February 14, 2015 while backing out of our driveway the noise was louder than ever before and my husband said it felt very unsafe when turning. …
Nothing specifically happened, but I'm wanting to make a complaint regarding issues with my car. At 30K miles, I had a power steering leak in which the pump was replaced under warranty. In for servicing today, now told I have another leak, but this time the gear assembly needs to be replaced. Cost is 1800. I have done some research online and discovered that this is an ongoing issue in which there have been numerous complaints and it seems that nothing is being done. So far I have been one of the fortinate ones and have not been injured or injured someone else. I have had ongoing issues since purchasing my car new. This is the one repeat issue thus far and definitely most expensive so far. I do not understand how GMC can put out a defective part/car without taking any responsibility. Some of us can not afford to keep buying cars. …
This is my wife's vehicle which I rarely drive. While attempting to make a turn at a slow speed in city driving, I noticed that the power steering went away and I was barely able to force the steering wheel enough to complete the turn. Once straight and the vehicle moving at normal speeds the power steering was working fine. In subsequent slow moving turns both to the right and left steering difficulties were encountered intermittently. My wife stated that she had encountered this type of steering difficulties for several months and had ask the technicians at the local Goodyear dealer to check the power steering fluid level at one of her oil changes. The technicians informed her that the level was full. I recently drove the vehicle on a trip myself and noticed a rattle near the front left tire area and some popping noises when accelerating from a complete stop. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 GMC Acadia. The contact had not experienced any failures prior to the vehicle receiving service for a manufacturer recall for the steering provided by an authorized dealer (christopher Chevrolet Buick, inc., 1111 wicker st, ticonderoga, ny 12883, [phone]). The dealer took longer than a week to repair the vehicle. The contact was uncertain if the remedy prevented a failure or caused a failure. In addition, the dealer mentioned that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced due to a leak. The contact stated that there had not been any leaks since owning the vehicle. The contact was informed that the recall repair was completed. The manufacturer was notified and provided no solution concerning the remedy and dealer repairs. The VIN and NHTSA campaign number were unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000.
Steering complaints in other Acadia years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2010 GMC Acadia?
NHTSA has 148 complaints about the steering of the 2010 GMC Acadia, 43% of the model year's 343 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist › pump (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 GMC Acadia steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries and 1 death to steering 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.