We were driving in a parking lot and as we began to turn left to park the car, the power steering failed. We had to stop suddenly to avoid a collision. It took incredible arm strength to straighten the car out to leave the parking lot - to return home with the car. When accelerating (higher RPM's) the power steering capability returned. When driving slowly to turn into our driveway, the steering not only failed - but also froze. No amount of arm strength could turn the wheels. This is a serious accident waiting to happen, and after searching online today - I found that this is a systemic issue with this make and model of gmc acadia. I also found that a class action lawsuit has been filed for this same car defect. It is very disappointing that a recall has not been mandated, as this defect causes random steering failure and could be fatal.
2009 GMC Acadia steering complaints
Page 4 of 5: complaints 71 to 100 of 112, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 gmc acadia. The contact stated that a knocking and creaking noise was present when turning the steering wheel. The contact also indicated that the steering wheel became more difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, who diagnosed that the steering gears were faulty and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 69,000. Updated 9/12/14
When going at slow speed turning to right or left is tight.
The rack and pinion steering gear and power steering pump appear to be defective in my 2009 gmc acadia. For the past several weeks my power steering will lock up or freeze mid-turn, which is very scary. The power steering is gone completely and I have to turn really hard before it seems to re-engage. I am unable to take tight turns in this situation and I am often on the wrong side of the road as I try to pull out of the turn waiting for the power steering to re-engage. I have been lucky so far that I have not run into any oncoming cars when the system locks up. My car is currently in the shop and we are looking at least $1500 worth of repairs.
I took my 2009 acadia into the gmc dealer with around 65,000 miles on it after buying it used (1 previous owner) with around 42,000 miles. They told me I had a power steering leak in the rack and pinion and it would cost around $2000 to replace a seal because they have to pull the whole rack off. He told me it would be okay for a while, but eventually it would cause the power steering to go out. After researching, I've seen multiple other acadia owners who have had the exact same problem. I have refused to pay for the repairs because I think this is a safety issue that has effected enough of this model vehicle to warrant a general safety recall. I know of 3 other people in my hometown who have experienced power steering problems with their acadia's, and the gmc dealership acknowledged to me that it is a significant problem with gmc acadia model years 2008-2012. If that's not enough, then I'm not sure what is, but if my power steering goes out while I'm driving, well, let this serve as notice to gmc.
When making a turn at a low speed, the power steering failed. After a minute or two and pulling hard on the steering wheel, I hear a click and the power steering re-activates. Another incident just like the first one happened the next day. I did not drive the car again until I took it to the local gmc dealership. It has been the for 3 days and they say that they can not determine what the problem is. The car is not safe to drive until there problem is solved. Although I did not have an accident when this happened, it was very scary when I felt that I could not control the turning of the car. I see there are many incidents described just like this posted online.
Steering failure. Appears to be a prevalent complaint among owners of this vehicle. Safety hazard. Gm should issue a recall.
Tl* 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.
The steering locks up at low speeds when trying to make a turn. It is extremely dangerous because it is almost impossible to get the vehicle to steer, I barely got mine off the road when it occurred. It is kind of a hit and miss situation, it does not happen on every turn you make; it might happen once and then the next turn it won't and then the next it locks up again. At this point I have my vehicle parked until it's repaired because it's too dangerous to operate because you never know when it will lock up and if you would be able to maintain control of your vehicle. This problem needs to be recalled, especially after so many complaints have been made of the same issue with the vehicle, before someone ends up injured due to the faulty steering. After reading all of the complaints I'm surprised gm has not addressed this issue.
On slow speeds the power steering goes out completely on turns this seems to be a ongoing issue due to other reports power steering just fails but not all the time someone is going to get injured badly as gm knows and you know of this problem.
The power steering was noisy from around the date of purchase. This problem evolved into intermittent failure of the power steering at both low speeds and at highway speeds. The complaint has not been addressed adequately by general motors even though I am finding many complaints for this same issue. In fact, there is a class action lawsuit pending currently (see below). The vehicle now has approximately 78,000 miles and the intermittent problem persists along with electrical issues on rh side of vehicle. The class action was brought on behalf all persons in the united states who purchased or leased any 2009 through 2012 gmc acadia, 2009 through 2012 buick enclave, or 2009 through 2012 chevrolet traverse vehicles (collectively, 'class vehicles') designed, manufactured marketed, distributed, sold, warranted and serviced by general motors, llc and general motors company this action arises out of a uniform and widespread defect in the integral steering system of an entire class of automobiles that poses an extremely unreasonable safety risk not only to the driver and passengers of the vehicle, but to other drivers on the road and pedestrians on the streets. The lawsuit alleges that the steering system in these vehicles are defective because steering may intermittently and drastically fail while the car is in motion (the 'steering defect'), thus creating a serious safety risk. A copy of the complaint is attached here. Complaint: gm 4-1-13 the court denied gm's motion to dismiss and ordered it to answer the complaint. Gm motion to dismiss.
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.
During the last few months I have noticed a problem with my 2009 gmc acadia. The problem occurs with the power steering failing when I am trying to steer or turn. It is as if the power steering stops working completely and I am forced to use manual steering which can be extremely difficult and is a serious safety issue.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 gmc acadia. The contact stated while traveling approximately 5 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The failure was not diagnosed nor was the vehicle repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
* transmission was slipping and revving up between gears. Delayed response and clunking sound when it is in reverse. "check engine light" also came on. Barely drove the car to the dealership for repairs. Dealership service advisor scheduled a transmission rebuild. After doing internet search, I saw countless complaints in blogs, sns, etc. There are so many people having this transmission problem. Not acceptable. Gmc has powertrain warranty 5 year /100k miles. My warranty expires in four months and gm should provide extended powertrain warranty beyond 5 years based unreliable transmission design/quality. * power steering problem. Power steering is making moaning under low speed driving (in the parking lot, driving around subdivision, etc.). Noise is coming from the inside steering column area. Also steering is very tight and hard. Complained to dealership multiple times. Dealership replaced the seal twice, but the problem is still there. Dealership told me that gm does not have a fix for this problem.
2009 gmc acadia slt1 - 67,000 miles currently. Power steering failing at lower speeds. When purchasing the vehicle used with only 25,000m+- approx. 2 years ago, I questioned the dealership about the whining noise coming from the steering components and was told that this is normal for all acaidias and not a concern. Now the steering is failing at low speed turns. Gmc service dept recommending: steering gear housing $42.14 - 2 bolts $11.00 - 2 - bolts $7.59 - 6 - p/s fluid $23.10 and flush and bleed system, labor to replace steering gear housing $640.50 power steering pump $155.69 realign after steering gear repair $69.95 labor for pump $315.00 injectors and coils failing. In dec 2011, I had to replace coils #2 & #3. I just replaced #6 injector on july 17, 2013 (= $685) and on july 24, 2013 (one week later) check engine light reappeared. Gmc service dept recommending: 4 - ignition coils $373.30, 6 - spark plugs $42.25, labor for coils, and plugs $241.50. ........................................................... Total parts $655.07 total labor $1197.00 tax $54.04 align $69.95 total: $1976.06 offering 40% customer portion pay $790.42 why is there no recall on defective steering components & coils/injectors? In the later 2012 models gm did change the power steering & fluid, so gm is aware that there is a problem with the design. The fuel delivery system is also defective and faulty coils/injectors could and have caused fires. Gmc acadia, buick enclave & chevrolet traverse vehicles up to early 2012 models share these above mentioned components are plagued by these two problems along with transmission (wave plate) problems. Gm needs to take full responsibility for defective components and not offer discounted repairs.
My 2009 gmc acadia started to lock up while steering/turning. I took to dealership and was told I needed to replace my rack. They quoted me $1500! I could not afford this, so they told me it's drivable but will eventually get worse. I cannot park easy in parking lots, I can't make easy turns and it's terrifying when I take my kids in the car. I took it other places - some said it's the rack and others it's the pump. So far I had to replace coils every month, my engine had to be remodeled after a rod snapped off into it and now this! Please recall this!!!!!!!!! It's a safety issue and way too costly!
My acadia has some problems with the power steering being "stiff" - or hard to turn in tight spots. (I.e., parking or close turns). I took it to my repairman today and asked him to check it out. He says that he has seen issues with other vehicles, including the acadia and the enclave - this same issue. He started taking it apart and called me and said the entire power steering system, pump, rack n pinion steering, etc. Have to be replaced. He said he has had to do this in several other vehicles like this. He said that there were already metal shavings showing up. He told me that parts and labor would be around $1,100 to get this taken care of. He said it will just gradually get worse - it shouldn't go out all together all at once, but it would get worse. I have seen 25+ other complaints on this same problem with the same vehicles. When is gm going to do something about this. I have done regular maintenance on this vehicle all along. It has approx. 80,000 miles on it right now. Has been doing this for about a year - not bad - but he is right - getting a little worse all the time.
Vehicle is hard to turn at low speeds, particularly when parking. Seems as though power steering is not working. Took to dealer and was told that power steering pump went out and that steering gear/rack should also be replaced for $1800+. This is ridiculous on a vehicle that was purchased new and serviced every 3000, primarily at the dealership from which it was purchased. Given the other 23 complaints that have been filed for the same issue, it appears to be a common defect and I am extremely concerned about the safety of the vehicle that my wife drives every day with our 2 young children.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 gmc acadia. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician stated the power steering pump assembly and the water pump shaft seal had to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
The vehicle's steering stops working at low speeds while trying to park or back out of a parking place. The power steering fails and you must turn the vehicle manually. The issue continues to get worse the longer you wait to get it fixed.
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.
Was driving our 2009 gmc acadia and as I was slowing and turning the car became very hard to steer, if I was applying the brake I could barely turn the steering wheel. I then asked my father to test it out and even he could barely turn it when applying the brakes and was tight to steer in general. I am 500 mikes from home, but not sure it is safe to drive back home. Will call dealer but from all the other complaints it sounds like the power steering pump is or has gone out. This is very unsafe and although I was cautious while driving, it is definitely a safety hazard!!!!
I bought this car in feb 2012 and from the first time I drove it the steering was very tight and makes a clunking nose in the the front end. Took the car in to the dealer and the power steering pump was changed and this fixed the steering when it was hard to turn. Now it's may 2013 and the clunk is still there and was told its the power steering gear and its about 950 dollars to fix. This is crazy there is only about 83,000 miles on my car. I am ready to let the bank have it.
Bought used 2009 acadia in 2011 with 55000 miles and nothing but headache 1) 60k miles: liftgate came crashing down my wife's back while getting the groceries. They should have some safety measures to stop the gate from crashing. 2) 70k miles: truck wont start in drive way. Towed truck to dealer and they changed fuel pump. 3) 70k miles: engine misfire code. Replaced one coil. 4) 76k miles: coolant always low. Dealer changed water pump. 5) 76k miles: truck hesitate and feel a misfire between 45 and 55 MPH. Took truck to dealer and they quoted me over $3300 to replace all coils, spark plugs, steering wheel column and steering rack busing. 6) since we bought the car we cant even drive it with the windows down or the roof open. The truck shakes roughly with both roof and windows open.
On multiple occasions, the power steering has failed when turning the wheel of the vehicle. This specific instance, as I was trying to cross on coming traffic on a major roadway (posted speed limit 45 MPH) to get into a common turn lane to merge with traffic, the steering went out as I barely made it into the common turn lane leaving me with concerns about the safety of driving my vehicle. I have concerns that the steering should be failing so quickly after 3 plus years of the life of the vehicle (bought brand new).
I have been having trouble with the power steering in my 2009 acadia. It looses power for a few seconds almost every time I make a turn now. It is extremely scary if I am in busy traffic. I took it to the dealership and they said that I need to have the whole power steering parts replaced. $1700!!... Which is not covered under warranty. I have a friend who is a mechanic and he said that there are more than one component for the power steering and that the dealership wants to replace it all because it is easier than actually figuring out which part is really causing the problem and just replacing that part. This is very frustrating and it is ridiculous that I can't trust the dealership to take care of the problem correctly. We have been researching and finding out that many 2009 acadia owners are having this same issue. Obviously gmc needs to cover the costs of issues like these that are happening to not just 1 owner but several!!
Driving on sr at approx. 65mph when check engine light comes on and "engine power reduced" is displayed. Car slows dramatically and eventually comes to a stop. Power steering is also lost concurrently. After swerving into opposite lane, I managed to get car off to the side of road. Car was towed to dealership (courtesy gm roadside assistance). Fuel pressure sensor was replaced after finding the sensor intermittently shorting and causing the low pressure condition. The power steering assembly was also leaking. The steering gear was replaced and flushed. Exactly one week later while driving on the same sr at approx. 55mph, the check engine light came on and "engine power reduced" is displayed. Car slows dramatically and comes to a stop. However, this time I was able to steer car off the side of the road with no problem. Heavy smoke was also coming from the exhaust and the car smelled unusual on the interior. After waiting 3 hours for a tow (gm roadside assistance), the car was towed to the dealership. Two fuel injectors were found leaking (# 1 and 3) and were replaced. Fuel injectors 2, 4, 5, and 6 were rebuilt. This same vehicle had two fuel injectors (#3 and 5) replaced in august 2011 when this same chain of events occurred (previously reported). I am concerned as to why fuel injectors in this vehicle continue to fail causing the engine to flood with fuel. The safety concern is the vehicle will decelerate and stop with no warning which could cause a fatality if I were on a interstate with little to no shoulder.
When trying to steer the vehicle below 5 MPH's (engine below 1200 RPM), the steering wheel will lock up and is very hard to steer. My wife had this happen to her the first when she was pulling into our driveway (thankfully it did not happen in the city). She told me about it, so I then took it to town shopping. It took a while before it happened to me, but finally it did when I was making a tight right hand turn into a menards parking lot. I started the turn and notice instantly that I had no steering. I almost hit another car because I was not able to steer sharp enough or fast enough for the right hand turn. After that, I got in the parking lot and did a little testing. I figured out that the steering was locked, and if the engine was revved over 1200 engine RPM, the steering would come back slightly. After several tries, it did come back. Don't know if I can trust it to work all the time??? It appears the problem is worse after the car has been run for a while. With cold temps it works until the steering system warms., then problem is random. Scary!!! Feels like there is a flow control valve maybe that is in pump, and when it sticks open, the steering is lost at idle speeds. Not a good deal...
I was driving slow and when I went to turn the steering was extremely tight. I had told the dealership where I bought it from, from the date of purchase that something was wrong. Finally took it in on 10/19/2012 and was told it was the powersteering pump. It's over $400 to get fixed and I don't have it right now.
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