Steering complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 6% | — |
| 2024 | 1 | 2% | 47,000 miles |
| 2023 | 4 | 9% | — |
| 2022 | 3 | 6% | — |
| 2021 | 17 | 11% | 28,000 miles |
| 2020 | 20 | 19% | 62,000 miles |
| 2019 | 33 | 9% | 70,000 miles |
| 2018 | 24 | 6% | 49,000 miles |
| 2017 | 34 | 5% | 16,000 miles |
| 2016 | 26 | 11% | 54,000 miles |
| 2015 | 31 | 13% | 60,000 miles |
| 2014 | 26 | 6% | 45,000 miles |
| 2013 | 8 | 6% | 89,000 miles |
| 2012 | 46 | 16% | 73,000 miles |
| 2011 | 64 | 24% | 64,000 miles |
| 2010 | 148 | 43% | 70,000 miles |
| 2009 | 112 | 34% | 71,000 miles |
| 2008 | 133 | 16% | 74,000 miles |
| 2007 | 76 | 18% | 55,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Car driven off the lot 06/14/2025 On Sunday 07/06/25 (21 days from purchase) while driving home from a 30 minutes away from home trip with 3 young children with me, the car gave multiple alerts and service warnings. "Service Brake Assist" and "Service ECS" Lights / Symbols related to the following were also displayed: Traction Control System (TCS)/ Electronic Control Stability Light, Anti-lock Brakey System (ABS); Brake System Warning Light, Forward Collision Alert and BREAK light I stopped the car immediately and pulled to the side of the road. After restarting vehicle, lights were still displayed and service alerts still on. Power steering was very diminished and the breaks were struggle to break. Acceleration was also impacted and every time I breaked it appeared as though the car was trying to accelerate. I was able to drive the car home slowly following back roads. …
Upon starting the vehicle the vehicle immediately starting moving while foot on brake and moved from park to reverse or drive. Unable to stop the vehicle in idle gear and no gas pedal applied. Power steering warning and no brake assist warning on the dash. Unable to stop vehicle within 20ft while traveling at idle speed. Vehicle lights and warnings have been reproduced and is currently at a dealership awaiting further inspection. Vehicle is available for third party inspection if needed. Vehicle at Barker Buick GMC, 6444 W Main St, Houma, LA 70360 on 8/4/25
I purchased my 2023 Arcadia FFWD SLT a few months ago used with 11,000 miles. During the past few months I have noticed when reaching a speed of 45-60 mph the vehicle vibrates. I took the vehicle to the dealership on 10-10-24 and they said they could not find anything but they did not do an intensive problem search. I am concerned the problem may be related to a transmission recall dated 6/23. I did a search but no recalls came up my VIN but the vehicle has a major vibration when going 45-60 mph.
Temperature gauge dropped to zero or no reading, message displayed on screen "Steering Assist Reduced, Drive with Care", continued to drive speed limit, when parked fan runs after car is shut off, in a few days the temperature gauge started working again, then the cycle repeats about once every 2 weeks for a couple months before engine light came on last week & when checked at a local parts place was told temperature sensor malfunction. Read multiple accounts of this same issue online
I have had multiple sensor issues with my Acadia since reaching 60000 miles. Currently, there is a thermostat sensor causing hard shifting, No cold air blowing from the AC, stabilitrack, traction control, steering assist reduced and fan running after turning off. I would not report it but I am in a facebook group where MULTIPLE people are reporting having the same issue in their Acadia's.
Engine light warning displayed, temp gauge on display needle remains far left C and doesn't deviate from that position, steering assist warning displayed, and fan runs for a few moments after the engine is shut off.
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle suddenly decelerated to 35 MPH. The vehicle stalled, and the "Steering Assistance Reduced" message was displayed. The vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer the following day, where it was diagnosed that the accelerator pedal and terminal connector were bent. The dealer retrieved DTC codes: P2138, and P2122. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 27,792.
My vehicle's steering became dangerously stiff while driving on the highway, nearly causing my wife to be involved in a serious accident. While she was traveling on I-95 in Miami, Florida, the steering suddenly got so hard that she could barely control the vehicle and was unable to turn the wheel properly. This created an extremely dangerous situation and put her life, as well as the lives of others on the road, at risk. She was thankfully able to get off the highway, and I had to come take over the vehicle to make sure she got home safely. This was terrifying and completely unacceptable. A failure like this should never happen while a vehicle is in motion. When I took the vehicle to the dealership, I was told I would have to pay over $3,500 for the repair. That is outrageous for such a serious safety issue. …
Frequently asked questions
Which GMC Acadia years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2010 (148), 2008 (133), 2009 (112), 2007 (76) and 2011 (64) model years. Steering complaints make up 43% of all complaints for the 2010.
Is there a recall for GMC Acadia steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for any GMC Acadia model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do GMC Acadia steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 66,000 miles; 26% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the hydraulic power assist › pump (8 mentions), followed by the rack and pinion (7).
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.