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2008 GMC Acadia steering complaints

Page 4 of 6: complaints 71 to 100 of 133, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2008 GMC Acadia steering problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Mar 23, 2014 · Steering · 78,800 miles · TX

Three times in one day my acadia gmc 2008, steering refused to respond correctly. Each of the tree times it refused to steer. Car on no other time has shown this problem before now. But only purchased used car three months ago. This seems to be a common problem with car that is not being handled under a recall. Steering box and power steering pump on car seem very underpowered. On the three times it happened on 3/20/2014 two where on highway driving conditions in which I was on an on ramp attempting to navigate a circle on ramp in which I almost had to stop car to prevent it from running off road do to lack of power on turn. On another I was attempting to perform a u-turn in which I almost hit a cub. U turn should have been easy do to the fact I had three lanes to perform the turn. In this case I came extremely close to curb and close to damaging car due to impact with 8 inch curb. All three events came on same trip!

Filed Jan 12, 2014 · Engine, Steering · 65,000 miles · AL

Locked up making a turn going slow, pump getting noisy, just got back for water pump replace.

Filed Jan 9, 2014 · Electrical, Steering · 108,000 miles · GA

Transmission started failing and finally went out at 108,000 miles, sitting in our driveway and we had to have it towed to dealer. Gm dealer replaced it under warranty but the labor cost us several thousand dollars. Now at 170,000 miles, this remanufactured transmission is now going out. It sticks in low speed and then overheats driving 65mph in 40deg weather. The dealer claims that a stretched timing chain has to be fixed first, before the transmission, at a cost of $1944. They also said the on board computer didn't store the numerous overheated transmission events that began occurring immediately after the remanufactured transmission was installed at 108,000 miles. The gm dealer is trying to tell me that the transmission is probably ok and that the overheating is due to some other reason, but he then couldn't even guess at what the other reasons might be! The fluid level is good, and the vehicle has a tow package with a cooler for the transmission fluid. Gm dealer said the transmission will be covered by warranty, which will likely mean another several thousand dollar labor charge on top of the so called stretched timing chain cost of $1,900. The power steering pump has been whining for about a year and is getting loud. The navigation and dvd player system failed twice. Might be time to trade the vehicle for something more reliable. My wife is getting scared to drive it too far and end up being broken down in atlanta traffic...very dangerous.

Filed Dec 17, 2013 · Steering, Suspension · 54,000 miles · TX

Transmission started slipping. I would pull out onto a street and it would slip and I almost got his by a car. I took it in repeatedly to dealer and they couldn't duplicate and after repeatedly taking it back and them keeping it for a month they finally replaced the transmission. Repeated steering issues. I took it in constantly and was told nothing wrong but after looking at it myself I found melted bushing and after being told all that had been replaced already. Steering problems from day 1. 4 times of having power steering replaced and steering column and every time I got the vehicle back the vibration was worse, today I found the problem on my own. The rack and pinion has a major leak. Not sure how repeated trips to the dealership and they couldn't see this. My steering also locks up while driving almost hit a car..and the dealership never has loaners so im stuck driving an unsafe vehicle while I wait because I was told I can only go where I bought my vehicle because of the extended warranty. This vehicle goes in to the shop and as soon as it is picked up it needs to go right back the same day. Worst vehicle and most unsafe of anything I've ever owned.

Filed Dec 3, 2013 · Steering · 15,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 gmc acadia. The contact was driving 20 MPH when the steering wheel made a grinding noise and became difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the steering wheel pump was replaced but the defect was not remedied. The contact took the vehicle to a second dealer and was informed that the steering column needed to be replaced. No repairs was performed. The manufacturer was contacted in reference to the defect. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 15,000.

Filed Nov 2, 2013 · Steering · 85,000 miles · IN

At low speed, power steering seemed to go out while in parking lot. The steering became very difficult to manage with a loud clunking noise coming from the front end. Shutting off and back on, steering returned to normal. Took it in for service at gm dealership in evansville, in for diagnosis and response was that the power steering pump, fluid and steering rack needed to be replaced. Investigation online turned up information that this is a relatively common occurrence but gm would not do anything about it as it was outside of warranty.

Filed Oct 28, 2013 · Engine, Steering · 93,000 miles · GA

Gmc acadia, catastrophic engine failure, and steering system. 23 sept 2013, while driving my gmc acadia, and the vehicle shut off after a loud nose came from the engine, tuesday 24, 2013, SUV towed to private repair shop. After attempting to start the vehicle and checking the SUV out, I was told that they would not go further because they believe the vehicle needs a new engine, I call gmc and talked with [xxx] a problem specialist, arrangements for vehicle to be check out at ?hennessey gmc. Poc, [xxx], I have met with before in regards to a recall, and told him on multiple occasions that I heard some sounds coming from the engine, I was told they did not hear anything. 25 sept 2013 SUV left at shop, [xxx]would call me that day. I didn't hear from him, 1 oct 2013 I stop by hennessey, on the SUV's problem, spoke to [xxx], I stated that I been waiting for his call, they were still checking it out, but gmc only paying for one hour, to open up the engine, it may cost $500 to $ 600 dollars. I can not afford to purchase another vehicle. Army motor sergeant/ master mechanic, responsible for (aoap), army oil analysts program, this uses labs that analyze the oil pull from ?engines, transmissions, of vehicles such as gmc, ford, chrysler, and other manufactures. 3,000 miles or bi-annually vehicles I.e. Hummve. The military learn decades ago that vehicle manufactures will delivery vehicles with defected parts, such as engines, transmissions, that can be out of tolerance. The army started pulling oil samples, and sending them to the labs for test, for water, metal, and any other foreign matter, this help to identify issues in the engine before the ?warranties expired. So the suggested failure that manufactures placed on vehicles that covered their bottom line. $2,000 credit to purchase a new vehicle from them is a insult, I have this in writing. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Sep 23, 2013 · Steering · 83,000 miles · KS

For several week I have been having power steering problems with the gmc acadia. This particular vehicle had a "noisy" power steering since new and I brought this to the attention of the dealer on two occasions while under warranty. The serivce personal said that gmc was aware of issues but they did not have a "fix". The vehicle is extremly hard to turn a low speed as if the power steer is not functioning. My wife is not able to drive the vehicle due to the strength require to turn the wheel and I will not allow her to drive it with our children due to safety concerns. This past weekend I went off the road (over the curb) while turning into a subdivision since the steering seemed to "lock up". I have read numerous reports on the internet of the exact same problem. This is a known problem that gma is aware of but has not offer any recall or assistance to repair the power steering system. The cost of repair is nearly $2000.00. I feel that gmc should be required to fix this issues as it is major safety concern.

Filed Sep 17, 2013 · Steering, Transmission · 77,700 miles · NH

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 gmc acadia. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed and became hard turn when parking or when turning at low speeds. The failure was experienced numerous times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who flushed the power steering lines. The failure was not corrected. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for further inspection. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,700 and the current mileage was 104,000. Updated 11/19/13*lj the consumer stated that the wave plate and timing chain were both replaced under warranty. The steering gear box pump was not covered under warranty. Updated 12/2/2013

Filed Aug 30, 2013 · Steering · 73,000 miles · MI

Power steering intermittently will not work.. Pulled into parking spot and the veh started a loud screaching sound for several minutes. Again while traveling down the road the steering completely cuts out. In may of 2013 the power sterring rack was reported to me that it was leaking ( while in the dealer for transmission replacement ). The gmc dealer, serra gmc in washington , mi., replaced the steering rack and charged us for the new rack. A few weeks later the power steering began to cut out while driving. We took veh in for service and paid for a diagnostic of the problem and we were told that they could not duplicate the power steering issue.. But said it was probrably the steering pump.in addition we were told the timing chain cover was leaking oil and the timing chain would need replacing. They got gm to pay a portion of the repair. They wanted over $700 to replace the power sterring pump but would not gaurantee that would fix the problem. This is crazy we just paid to have the steering rack replaced and a portion of the transmission replacement and now the steering pump. The veh currently has less than 79,000 miles. I really feel this is an unsafe condition that the federal safety agency needs to look into. My daughter ( who is 15 years old ) is currently a "learning driver" who drives this veh ( with a licensed driver in the veh) as part of her logged driving time. I'm concerned that the steering will fail while she is driving. Gm would be liable for any damage and injuries if the steering fails while she is behind the wheel. ..

Filed Jul 29, 2013 · Airbags, Body · IL

Problem #1 of 3: during heavy rains, water would leak in through the sun visors on both sides. Took it to the dealership several times. They said the drain tubes from the sunroof were clogged, they blew it out, when that didn't work, they charged me to put it longer tubes, when that didn't work, they said it was because they only replaced the front tubes, not the back. Problem #2 of 3: when driving through water puddles at low speed I lose power steering for a brief time (which is troublesome when turning). Problem #3 of 3: two warning lights for airbags come on everytime I start the vehicle. I can push a button each time to make the written warning go away, but the red light with a picture stays on. Not sure if the airbags would deploy or not.

Filed Jul 29, 2013 · Steering · 75,000 miles · OH

In the winter of 2012, the steering started to get more difficult while parking and backing out of spaces. It whined a bit. Service at collection auto told me to replace the position sensor. No change. The steering got worse, fluid began leaking, and I was involved in two near crashes with young children in the car. One the power steering went out upon entering a freeway ramp. It returned to normal after about 10 seconds. It then again happened, but total steering failure while turning into a shopping center across oncoming traffic. The car had to be towed. We took it back and were told that the pump and rack and pinion needed to be replaced. After a good deal of digging and speaking with several dealers other than the one that recommended the change for pump and rack and pinion, we found out that there was no need to replace the position sensor and there were several service bulletins to dealers to replace these with redesigned parts dating to 2012. It currently is at a dealer who is working with gm to fix the problem.

Filed Jul 29, 2013 · Engine, Steering · 71,309 miles · UT

8/26/2011 - 71,309 miles - water pump went out and had to be replaced. 5/07/2012 - 86,885 miles - transmission shuttered when coming to a stop in traffic. Would not start and had to be towed to mechanic. Transmission assembly replaced with gm reman transmission due to broken reverse wave plate that damaged the carrier, sun shell and metal throughout. Also detected an oil leak in the engine front cover that needed to be repaired and heard power steering noise so bled power steering system. 12/31/2012- 100,947 miles - headlight switch fell inside dash panel. 7/26/2013 - 112,506 miles - power steering has never worked properly. It has always made noises and has been stiff. Had it bled several times with no improvement. Power steering went out while making a left hand turn into a busy intersection. At shop now to determine if it needs a new power steering pump, rack, and/or serpentine belt. I have read many complaints with the same issues as those that I have experienced. I am disappointed that gm isn't more concerned about the safety of their consumers and the reliability and quality of their vehicles. I have never owned such a lemon! I personally will never own another gm product. Going back to lexus.

Filed Jul 17, 2013 · Electrical, Engine · 33,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 gmc acadia. The contact stated that the air bag, the stability control, and traction control warning lights failed along with the daytime running lights failed. The contact also stated that the engine overheated and the power steering also failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the light bulb was replaced but the failure recurred. The dealer was also unable to diagnose the other failures. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 33,000 and the current mileage was 112,000.

Filed Jul 15, 2013 · Acceleration, Steering · 94,000 miles · CA

About a week ago my family and I were driving home from vacation and had been on the road for about 3.5 hours. As we pulled out of a driveway about 5 minutes from our home the car engine light came one, the car would not gain speed like normal and it began to over heat rapidly. We took side roads and slowly crawled home. I took it into the shop the next day and it came back with a crack in the radiator and codes p0700 and p07016, which they confirmed to be a transmission issue and suggested to have a specialist look at it. I did some research and found that this are common codes that come back for the 2007 and 2008 acadia's that require a rebuild/replaced transmission with an average cost of $4000. This is a known issue with gmc for many years and they have yet to acknowledge it. I am very lucky to not have had a worse incident in discovering this issue, but I am very concerned that at any moment the transmission will go out, and we do not have $4000 to drop into a new one, especially when I just spent $650 on a new radiator. These are not problems that a reliable car, the 2008 acadia, under 100,000 miles should be having. Gmc needs to own up to these issues and take action to correct it before something more serious happens.

Filed Jul 1, 2013 · Body, Steering · 136,000 miles · GA · crash

While attempting to maneuver out of a parking space, my wheels locked up. Still thinking the wheel had turned enough, I attempted to clear a cement bea, however the car rolled into it. I was told that the tire had detached from the car "rod under the car" which prevented me from turning.

Filed Jun 14, 2013 · Brakes, Engine · 74,000 miles · KS

We purchased our 2008 acadia in 2011, it had approximately 30,000 miles on it at the time of purchase. Less than thirty days after purchase we had to replace the front rotors. At 40,000 miles we had to replace the front brakes; the air conditioner backed up, which required maintenance to the blower motor; and the head lights went out, which required replacement. At 45,000 miles the rear struts went out, which required replacement; and we had to replace two tires. At 60,000 miles the water pump went out and needed to be replaced. At 55,000 miles the front struts went out, which needed replacing, along with four new tires, and a new set of headlights. At 60,000 miles the rear brakes and rotors needed to be replaced. At 70,000 miles the transmission went out, which also required replacement. The final incident happened on 6/10/13 at 74,000 miles, while I was driving with all three of my children. I was going 50 miles an hour on a highway, and the entire car shut down. The steering console locked with the keys in the ignition, I had no ability to steer the vehicle, the brakes did not function either. I had to use the parking brake to slow the vehicle down, barely avoiding a collision with another vehicle.

Filed May 31, 2013 · Steering · 50,000 miles · GA

Steering column makes a grinding noise when you turn in either direction. Dealer says the rack & pinion is leaking.

Filed May 29, 2013 · Steering · CA

The steering started making grinding noise when I turn it to the left or right at the around 38000 miles on the car. I contacted gmc dealer they didn't care about it. And I can see on the acadia forums that thousands of people have the same problem. I'm afraid of steering wheel being stuck and I have my family in the car. Gmc has to recall for this problem before lives are lost. Why do we always have to act after people are dead. Is there anyone in the government that actually care about us. Gmc knows this car has a problem but does nothing about it. This is stupid.

Filed May 20, 2013 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 72,000 miles · PA

2008 gmc acadia- steering problems!!- 65,000 started noticing power steering loss when slow turning sometimes...off and on...then got more often and much worse...replaced rack ($300).....problem still not fixed...next trying to replace power steering pump ($$ yet to find out)...recall on headlight- socket melted and replaced....airbag light continues to come off and on...traction control, stability track, and airbag light come off and on randomly. No sound...took to gmc dealership, they told us it was the radio. Replaced radio($450), still didn't work. Dealership stated amp blew and needed new amp ($400)...thought it was the amp the entire time due to the cd player working visually, but no sound in entire vehicle for any electronic feature. Shifting randomly when going down highway. Gas mileage horrible-- about 14 to 14 .5mpg-- much worse than when we first got it at 48,000...love the look and when it works....why is there no recall will the power steering?? Come on gmc step up and do the right thing already!!!

Filed Apr 29, 2013 · Airbags, Steering · 65,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 gmc acadia. The contact stated that when attempting to complete a sharp turn at low speeds, the power steering assist failed. The failure recurred frequently. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated intermittenlty. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing and the dealer stated that the power steering pump was failing. There was also a defect found in the air bag but the exact part was unknown. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and they advised the contact that they would assist with partial repair costs. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 65,000. The current mileage was 75,000.

Filed Mar 23, 2013 · Steering, Transmission · 21,431 miles · IN

I have been very disappointed with my vehicle! When I was in the market for a new vehicle I new I wanted the acadia. I have been a long time customer at my local dealership and when I arrived at the lot they had just brought in a 2008 that had one owner. I was ecstatic because it was everything I could want and not as expensive as a 2012. When I first started driving it was great I loved it! I bought the car with 8,000 or so miles on it and as time went on I started to notice that it wasn't driving like it did the first day I bought it. I drive to and from work 5 days week roughly 35 miles a day. I was in town at the bank and as I started to pull out into the lane my RPM's went sky high and wouldn't come back down and I could not accelerate. I was so scared I pulled over in the next available spot and turned off the car. I waited for 5 minutes, turned it back on and proceeded to pull into traffic. Ever since that day my car has been in the shop twice for transmission issues. I currently have 29,000 miles on the car and it drives like crap! I have it aligned, tires rotated, and I cannot get a smooth ride. The steering wheel shimmies over 50 MPH, shimmies when I hit the breaks, my heater doesn't seem to work well unless it is on 85 way too hot. I now have to take the car back into the shop yet again for the same thing transmission failure, alignment off, and who knows what else. I read a lot reviews on this model and seems as though we have all experienced the same issues. I have been a long time pontiac/gmc buyer and I am very disappointed in gm for not taking this transmission thing serious. How many more complaints do you need to receive before something is done? Fatal accident? In which case I hope it isn't me but also nobody else. Please fix this issue it has been a thorn for some time and it's about time that gm do something about it!

Filed Mar 14, 2013 · Brakes, Engine · TX

Multiple problems with this vehicle. It has been in the shop more than 10 times in the past 4 years that I have owned it, frustrating. List of repairs: timing belt, head lights, steering, camshaft, oil leak, struts, brakes and this is what I can recall mostly.this vehicle has had multiple services especially for service stability track that never gets repaired, they can't find the problem. Also service air bag keeps coming on but dealership cannot do anything while the light is not on. Very frustrated with this vehicle. I have never experienced so many repairs and services with any other vehicle as I have the acadia. I owned a galant car before the acadia for 5 years and only had to do one repair in those 5 years I owned it. I regret purchasing this vehicle! I am a single mother of two and I need a dependable vehicle not one that is malfunctioned!

Filed Mar 12, 2013 · Airbags, Steering · 68,000 miles · TX

My wife was driving the vehicle and approached a stop sign. Once she tried going again the car would not accelerate and we had to tow it to the dealer. They said the transmission went out @ 68,000 miles? Also the waterpump, powersteering pump. Master cylinder, as well as something with an air bag connector. The air bag connector has been going on and off for the last two years since we bought it two years ago as a gm certified pre-owned vehicle. I am not sure how this vehicle has not been recalled.

Filed Mar 4, 2013 · Steering · 84,400 miles · VA

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 gmc acadia. The contact stated that while making a turn at 25 MPH, the steering failed. The vehicle was merged to the shoulder and restarted then operated as normal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and they stated that the power steering pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 84,400.

Filed Feb 28, 2013 · Steering · WY

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 gmc acadia. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized an abnormal noise sounded from the steering unit. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was told that the electronic power steering module and the rods within the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was unknown, but the current mileage was 16,000.

Filed Feb 27, 2013 · Airbags, Lights · 5,000 miles · IL

I was taking my daughter to florida for cheer leading competition; I was just outside of illinois when the check airbag light and message screen came on thankfully the light went off but came back on on our way back to chicago and kept coming on and off. Took it to dealer but they only said that the harness was tight they only wiggled it and light went off but came back a couple of days later. Then the power steering started making noise dealer said they didn't hear anything and didn't do anything and noise is getting louder. Then suspension stared it making noise. Took it to dealer and had tie rods replaced. Then the service airbag problem came back and this time didn't go away. Took it to the dealer and they said that the harness was to tight and they rerouted it so it wasn't tight anymore. Worked for a couple of days and its on again but I didn't take it back and now is past its warranty.then head lamp went out. Had to pay dealer $180 (rip off) next the other head light went out. My nephew replaced it in less than 10 min. Now there is a recall for that head light problem. Then wipers arm came loose from motor I had my cousin fix it for me. Now I have had the check engine light on for a couple of weeks took it to autozone came back with the code to replace the canister purge solenoid now I have the transmission problem, it started to act funny shifting pretty hard some times and then a few days ago I was driving on the freeway coming home when I notice the rpms at about 45000 and it wouldn't change gears and the fuel gauge started going nuts I don't know why and had to drive it home on the same gear. Took it to autozone and came back with the same code for the solenoid plus p0700/p0716/p0717 for the transmission. Now my acadia is just sitting on my driveway no money to fix it and driving my 15 year old truck hoping gmc does something about this nightmare

Filed Feb 22, 2013 · Steering · 56,453 miles · SD

Parts inside the power steering pump destroyed causing metal filings in the power steering fluid. The filings caused the the rack and pinion system to fail resulting in a complete loss of power steering.the vehicle became extremely hard to steer and is a major safety issue that needs to be addressed! There is no recall on this and undoubtably will result in fatalities.research I have done says this is a common problem. Please take action!

Filed Jan 9, 2013 · Steering · 56,614 miles · VA

Gmc says powersteering rack is cracked in my truck. They told me that because my truck is an "older" model that does not have the redesigned steering assembly in it, my truck repairs are not covered under the 100,000 mile warranty. They also acknowledge this is a common problem with the 2008-2009 acadia models and all the problems seem to happen right around the 50k mile marker, but no recall has been issued. I've visited countless websites and read hundreds of comments from people with the same exact problem I'm having yet gmc refuses to correct what is clearly a mistake on their part in the design of their vehicle. I've also read comments from people who had the scary result of total powersteering loss as a result of this issue. There is no doubt in my mind if I lost powersteering in my truck while driving I would crash with my two kids in the backseat. After many different phone calls within the gmc corporation, I was basically told this is not their problem and there would be no further communication to me at all. When I stated that I would be looking into other avenues to file a complaint, I was told that because I was considering filing a complaint, my case is now closed and the guy hung up on me. I am beyond frustrated with gmc. I love my truck, but do not have the money to fix this issue and I don't feel I should have to fix their safety defect. I'd love to speak to someone about how to get this changed so either the warranty picks it up or a recall is issued.

Filed Dec 22, 2012 · Steering, Transmission · 105,169 miles · NC

The power steering stopped working while driving and I had to complete emergency maneuvers to get the car off of the road.

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