2009 GMC Acadia problems
Owners have filed 486 complaints about the 2009 GMC Acadia with NHTSA. Steering accounts for 23.5% of them — the clear leader, ahead of power train at 14.8%.
Complaints486
Crashes13
Fires20
Injuries29
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Steering 23.5% · 114
Power train 14.8% · 72
Engine 13.8% · 67
Electrical system 9.7% · 47
Exterior lighting 7.8% · 38
Structure 5.3% · 26
Unknown or other 3.5% · 17
Air bags 3.1% · 15
Severity
Of those complaints, 13 describe a crash, 20 describe a fire and 29 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 16 model years of the GMC Acadia in this data, 2009 sits 7th by complaint volume. 2008 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 8 in the last three years against 24 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 76,588 miles.
In owners' own words
Steering is difficult at low speeds. While driving at low speeds the steering wheel seems to almost lock up and needs considerable force to be turned. The problem is consistently happening every time the Acadia is driven. This problem makes it extremely difficult to maneuver in parking lots and at any intersection. This problem has been going on for a little while and seems only to be getting worse. Steering · reported at 74,000 miles
The contact owns a 2009 GMC Acadia. The contact stated when the steering wheel was turned it made a knocking noise. The dealer performed a diagnostic test which located the failure in the steering gear box and the rack pinion ball rack assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 28,600. Steering · reported at 28,600 miles
At low speeds power steering failed. Need to be accellerating in order for power sterring to work. Seems like a default that should have a recall given that this isn't an uncommon experience. My mileage is really low and I am frankly surprised to have the issue. GMC should probably do a recall before someone gets hurt or killed. Hopefully this isn't a recurring issue after I get it fixed. Steering · reported at 26,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…