RoadVitals

2012 GMC Acadia Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
296
Latest Aug 5, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
17
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
10

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2012 GMC Acadia, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

46
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2012 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that shortly after purchasing the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who discovered that the catalytic convertor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The mechanic also inspected the vehicle and determined that the steering rack, front struts, and suspension control arms were also faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 130,000.

NHTSA ID 11670219 · filed Jun 30, 2025

About 1 month ago While making a slow speed turn from a parking lot to a street the steering seemed to lock for no reason. After a brief moment the steering resumed normal function. I inspected the ignition switch and found nothing abnormal. Checked power steering fluid level, it was in the operating range. Unable to duplicate the issue at that time. On 3-9-23 while driving the vehicle started making an unusual noise coming from the engine. It seemed to be consistent with engine rpm. I believe it was the power steering pump. After stopping and starting the engine the noise was gone. A few minutes later while driving at slow speed the steering locked again, or the resistance was too great for my wife to overcome.

NHTSA ID 11576701 · filed Mar 11, 2024
All 46 reports naming steering

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

43
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2012 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to release from low gear while at a stop. The transmission was backed up. The engine light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who confirmed there were no recalls. The failure mileage was approximately 213,766.

NHTSA ID 11739205 · filed May 21, 2026

The transmission has all the symptoms of a broken wave plate and/or torque convertor as reported in the first generation T75 transmission service bulletin. This started occurring at 120K. I know the service bulletin was for the 2007-2009 models but the 2012 had the same exact transmission and waveplate. The car feels like it's going to shudder out and die on the highway.

NHTSA ID 11681462 · filed Aug 18, 2025
All 43 reports naming powertrain (other)

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

42
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2012 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, after pressing the liftgate button the liftgate raised and crashed down independently after several seconds. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact researched and was made aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle remained at the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 189,352.

NHTSA ID 11754818 · filed Aug 4, 2026

The contact owns a 2012 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while reversing, the liftgate unexpectedly opened, even though the liftgate was properly closed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or a dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

NHTSA ID 11733369 · filed Apr 23, 2026
All 42 reports naming body & structure

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

41
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Hello so I notice 3 weeks ago my headlights keep cutting off and on then a week later my radio stopped working, The floor of the driver side is always wet after it rains. I noticed one day the rain started dripping on my feet when I drive after a big rain fall, I believe the car is not sealed properly and now water is coming out from the airbag signs in my vehicle and the car starting to smell like mildew. I think water is sitting in certain parts of my vehicle. I'm not sure what to do.

NHTSA ID 11755081 · filed Aug 5, 2026

service battery charging station error code keeps popping up

NHTSA ID 11730616 · filed Apr 12, 2026
All 41 reports naming electrical

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

37
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2012 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to release from low gear while at a stop. The transmission was backed up. The engine light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who confirmed there were no recalls. The failure mileage was approximately 213,766.

NHTSA ID 11739205 · filed May 21, 2026

The contact owns a 2012 GMC Acadia. The contact’s wife stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 172,000.

NHTSA ID 11682845 · filed Aug 25, 2025
All 37 reports naming engine

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

33
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Hello so I notice 3 weeks ago my headlights keep cutting off and on then a week later my radio stopped working, The floor of the driver side is always wet after it rains. I noticed one day the rain started dripping on my feet when I drive after a big rain fall, I believe the car is not sealed properly and now water is coming out from the airbag signs in my vehicle and the car starting to smell like mildew. I think water is sitting in certain parts of my vehicle. I'm not sure what to do.

NHTSA ID 11755081 · filed Aug 5, 2026

SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG CONNECTOR,FRONT SAFETY BELT ANCHOR, POWER LIFT GATE PROP ROD RECOVERY

NHTSA ID 11560760 · filed Dec 18, 2023
All 33 reports naming airbags

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

24
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Ratle sound in the engine thinking it may be the timing chain. Code p0430 came on stating catalytic converter bank 2 needs replaced. We replaced o2 sensor downstream on bank 2 code was cleared by shop. After driving a few miles same check engine light came on and i took it to the shop they hooked it up to run the code and it was the same p0430 again

NHTSA ID 11668471 · filed Jun 22, 2025

SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG CONNECTOR,FRONT SAFETY BELT ANCHOR, POWER LIFT GATE PROP ROD RECOVERY

NHTSA ID 11560760 · filed Dec 18, 2023
All 24 reports naming fuel system

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

21
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Daytime Running light bulb and housing failure. Some 2012 Acadia models recalled under now expired recall for bulbs and deformation of surrounding housing. Apparently the above recall was excluded from this recall and should have been included. Both DRL on this vehicle have failed and surrounding housing has been damaged . Subsequently replacing just bulbs is not possible. The housing melted on the bulb. Photo is available on request. This failure should be considered a fire hazard. GM customer service center stated to me that this vehicle was not included in recall after VIN search. Some 2012 Acadias were in fact included , this one was not. And should have been since the failure occurred as stated in the original recall.

NHTSA ID 11716658 · filed Feb 9, 2026

The headlights in this make and model go out frequently. I've owned my vehicle for 2 years and have put 5 headlights in it.

NHTSA ID 11468418 · filed Jun 9, 2022
All 21 reports naming exterior lighting

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

17
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Was waiting on dealership to catch up to bring in for a transmission problem. I know it is transmission related due to not wanting to shift properly and the fact my friend has same make and model only about 100000 more miles than mine does was doing same symptoms and she took to 3 or 4 mechanics and all said nothing wrong..no codes show up...needless to say after about 2 months it stalled out on her on interstate with speed limit 75 and she barely moving. I myself was at a sharp curve in turn lane waiting on traffic and when I braked to stop it made horrible sound and felt like brake was pushed through floorboard. When I was clear to go i push accelerator down to the floor and am barely inching along and am now stuck in the road in a 90 curve where its hard to see traffic coming. This was very scary and traumatic having this happen. I'm just glad it was only myself and the other drivers were being observant and paying attention to the road. This has happened a lot compared to research on blogs car complaints websites. The common problem is it doesn't give a code when diagnostic checked. 99% of cases show they best guess or find something else wrong and you pay 3 or 4 charges until you finally convince them its the transmission and then you're out 5000. Not counting the average 4500 you've already pd due to not listening to the driver of their vehicle and causing unnecessary charges and leaving you without a vehicle too long that isn't necessary.

NHTSA ID 11431779 · filed Sep 5, 2021

Driving at 55mph, suddenly the Traction Control blinks on & off, the vehicle starts skipping. Next, Service Stabilitrack System appears and I almost come to a complete stop, Engine Running at Reduced Power appears. I barely made it to the side of the road, traffic was heavy at the time. This is apparently a common issue with other Owners and could be a number of different sensors, parts malfunctioning.

NHTSA ID 11430560 · filed Aug 25, 2021
All 17 reports naming driver assistance

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2012 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the liftgate lamp detached from the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. After a visual inspection, the contact observed that the adhesive had severely deteriorated. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 175,000. The VIN was unavailable.

NHTSA ID 11569486 · filed Feb 2, 2024

FRONT BLOWER MOTOR FOR DEFROST/HEATING/COOLING SYSTEM INTERMITTENTLY STOPS WORKING. SEEMS TO STOP WORKING MORE OFTEN IN RAIN, SNOW, AND COLD. HAS BEEN A SAFETY HAZARD, ESPECIALLY BECAUSE DEFROST DOESN'T WORK AND WINDSHIELD FOGS UP. VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE. BELIEVE THAT SOME OLDER ACADIA MODEL YEARS HAVE A RECALL ON THE BLOWER MOTOR BECAUSE IT GETS WET DURING RAIN AND SNOW AND NO LONGER WORKS. THE 2012 ACADIA HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. POTENTIALLY GETTING WET THROUGH A FAULT IN THE SUNROOF?? (08312020REAR BLOWER CONTINUES TO WORK.)

NHTSA ID 11366455 · filed Oct 26, 2020
All 12 reports naming visibility

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Incomplete recalls

NHTSA ID 11506882 · filed Feb 13, 2023

Rear driver side cast aluminum knuckle/hub assembly fractured. The rear wheel partially separated from the suspension with uncontrolled toe, camber, & caster. Wheel impacted suspension linkage causing fracture of rear driver side rotor. Vehicle is available for inspection. Incident caused driver to lose control of vehicle and go into ditch UNKNOWN if problem has been reproduced Vehicle/component has not been inspected No warning symptoms prior to failure

NHTSA ID 11505287 · filed Feb 2, 2023
All 9 reports naming other / unspecified

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I was driving along [XXX] . I stopped at Walmart and shopped for about 2 hours. I was Leaving Walmart and was stopped at a red light at the exit from Walmart [XXX] and traction control light comes on and a message came up and stated traction control off and to service stability control and the vehicle loses power right at the light. I checked everything I could and dis connect the battery for about 30 minutes and connected the battery back up vehicle still would not start. After sitting there for 3 hours the vehicle starts up. A week later the same thing happens again. I had to go through all the steps again so after a couple of hours. The vehicle started up. A few days later it happens shin but this time I'm at a stop sign on a busy road. I called Road side service for a tow. No one showed up so I went through Ll those same steps of disconnecting the battery and hooking it back up after a couple of hours and it stated up. I drove it home and started doing some research and found something saying to change the brake pedal position sensor so I done that and it worked for a few days and started doing the same thing all over again. S week later I drive it to the store and got almost home and the vehicle shut down again and would not start back up. I had it towed to my uncle shop Nd he done a diagnostic on it and got about 4 or 5 codes. All of those things are very expensive to purchase. I just ran the Vin to check for recalls on the vehicle but couldn't find any but it should have been a lot of recalls because there are so many of these vehicles the exact same model and year with trouble with stability control ND brake and traction control issues. All the issues they hD on this car thT I have should not have been sold to anyone except the manufacturer. I wish I could just get my money back that I paid for it. $4700.00 not included in the work I had done like the cv axles replace on both sides in the front. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11662691 · filed May 22, 2025

The brakes on the vehicle have failed 5-7 times within the past year and a half. By "failed" I mean that the pedal was touching the floor of the vehicle and did NOT engage. Mechanic was unable to replicate the failure any of the three times we took it in to get it looked at. The brake pads, rotors, and fluid lines have all been checked multiple times and are all in good condition. The master cylinder was replaced and the brakes worked well for about 6-7 months. Approximately 3 weeks ago, the brakes failed entirely, yet again, this time driving on a highway at 70mph. The emergency brake had to be used in order to get the vehicle to slow down. The vehicle was then dropped off at a local dealership, who has kept it for about 2 weeks and states that they cannot replicate the problem when they take it for a test drive. We have 2 young children and this has been our primary family vehicle. There has not been a check engine light or any other warning lamp AT ALL.

NHTSA ID 11432366 · filed Sep 9, 2021
All 8 reports naming brakes

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG CONNECTOR,FRONT SAFETY BELT ANCHOR, POWER LIFT GATE PROP ROD RECOVERY

NHTSA ID 11560760 · filed Dec 18, 2023

RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE DOES NOT LOCK AND SECURES THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER IN PLACE

NHTSA ID 10923868 · filed Nov 2, 2016
All 8 reports naming seat belts

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2012 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while closing the hatch of the vehicle, the driver's side ball joint hinge fractured, causing the bar holding the hatch to scrape off some of the tints of the windshield. The contact stated that he was able to stop the hatch from fully closing to prevent the hatch from braking the windshield. The contact stated that the hatch had not been opened since the incident occurred to prevent further damage to the windshield. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA ID 11623619 · filed Nov 5, 2024

WARNING "SERVICE AIR BAGS" POPS UP; DEALER SAYS NEEDS PASSENGER PRESENCE ASSEMBLY $200 AND LABOR $500. SAYS AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY. ALSO HAPPENED 1 YR AGO BUT MESSAGE WENT AWAY UNTIL RECENTLY.

NHTSA ID 11256939 · filed Sep 20, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2012 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that shortly after purchasing the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who discovered that the catalytic convertor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The mechanic also inspected the vehicle and determined that the steering rack, front struts, and suspension control arms were also faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 130,000.

NHTSA ID 11670219 · filed Jun 30, 2025

I STARTED HAVING STEERING PROBLEMS WHEN I WOULD SLOW DOWN TO MAKE A TURN ON A CITY STREET. THE STEERING WAS VERY TIGHT. UNSAFE CONDITION WITHOUT WARNING. I HAD THE POWER STEERING UNIT REPLACED, THEN I WAS TOLD THE RACK AND PINION HAD METAL IN THEM AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO FLUSH OUT THE METAL. I PICKED UP THE CAR TODAY AFTER A COST OF $2,200. DROVE HOME ON CITY STREETS, SAME PROBLEM ONLY TIGHTER TURNING. CALLED THE MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD TO RETURN THE CAR. JUST LUCK I HAVE ANOTHER CAR TO DRIVE. SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS VERY UNSAFE CONDITION. *TR

NHTSA ID 11330438 · filed Jun 23, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC ACADIA. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE AIR CONDITIONER LIGHT FAILED TO ILLUMINATE INITIALLY, BUT LATER ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE AIR CONDITIONER FAILED TO TURN ON AFTERWARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A HOLE IN THE AIR CONDITIONER LINE HOSE DUE TO THE HOSE RUBBING UP AGAINST THE POWER STEERING LINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.

NHTSA ID 10969041 · filed Mar 28, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC ACADIA. AFTER THE CONTACT PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT IT DID NOT COME EQUIPPED WITH A SPARE TIRE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DOES NOT COME EQUIPPED WITH A SPARE TIRE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,114. UPDATED 9/18/174*CN UPDATED 02/05/2015 *JS

NHTSA ID 10616910 · filed Jul 28, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .