I had issue with the timing chain an have check engine light is on I have heard other people having problems with there timing chain. It starts hard. I've had it looked at multiple times. I feel like this is a safety concern. It has low miles on it
2011 GMC Acadia engine problems
56 complaints (21% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 80,000.
- owner complaints
- 56
- of this car's complaints
- 21%
- typical mileage
- 80,000
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
Owners did not name a specific part.
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
GMC Acadia engine problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2011 GMC Acadia engine
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Check engine light 17Loss of power 17Stalling 12Overheating 10Won't start 9Engine failure 6
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 2011 GMC Acadia owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The engine light came on. Had a mobile mechanic look at it, he ran a diagnostics, it showed a P0017 code. He advised to get another opinion on how to repair, as he said it may need a new engine. Took it to a local repair shop, was told the same thing. The Acadia runs fine, and only has 116K miles. The problem is that it will not pass the required emission test for annual registration and tag. The cost of a new engine was estimated at about $10K, which is more than the Acadia is worth. Was told that these vehicles have had a history of this same issue.
Looking into a check engine light I found I had a misfire in a few cylinders. Looking into it I found oil in my spark plug tubes, my coils were perfectly dry and the top of the tubes were dry as well. Looking into this issue I found multiple tsb forms for the issue stating there was a manufacture defect in the head. It says it effects all vins for all years as they use the same engine.
I was driving on the freeway then my car suddenly started slowing down. I tried changing lane so i can pull over on the side of the freeway but unfortunately i couldn't get to pull over before the car completely stopped on the freeway. I called AAA. They sent a tow truck which came to the freeway to tow my car. My husband came and took me to work. The car was towed to a GMC dealership. I went to the dealership after work. I was told my car has timing chain problem and if not fixed will damage the engine. I went online to read reviews of this car only to see it was a very common problem for this year and model of GMC which if i have ever read those reviews i would not have bought a GMC. This vehicle should be recalled for this issue.
Looses power while driving. Cannot jump the battery it needs to be recharged every time. Power steering stops working while driving( low rpm and when stopped) dangerous for merging or lane changes. Engine shudders when trying to accelerate. TCM/ ECM replaced 2020. Problem still persists. Whining noise upon start of the vehicle. Auto start will not work. traction control light, check engine airbag and
The contact owns a 2011 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the steering wheel would shake uncontrollably without warning while driving at various speeds. She also stated that the steering wheel would lock in the middle of turning the steering wheel in either direction without warning. After taking the vehicle to the dealer for routine maintenance, several warning lights appeared on the instrument panel. The contact called that dealer and was informed that the vehicle would reset itself upon restart; however, the failure persisted. A few days later, the Push to Start button failed to operate after multiple attempts and the key was used to start the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed back to the dealer and she was informed that the purge valve was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer informed her that there were no recalls on the vehicle and referred her to the federal safety agency for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
I was driving on a busy freeway, my car lost power and became very slow at only 20mph. Almost got rear ended, luckily I was able to pull over. Then check engine light came on. My engine failed and had to tow it. Mechanic said faulty timing chains destroyed my engine. Bought a used engine and is costing me over $4,000. I was lucky not to get killed. GM knows there’s a timing chains issues with these engines. People have complained about this costly and dangerous problem. They should recall and pay for the repairs. There was no warning for me until it was too late.
On July 27 at 400 pm I arrived home and my daughter went to take out the trash and I heard her scream daddy the car is on fire. I rushed outside and flames were 6 ft tall I called 911. After putting the fire out he stated th car was running doors locked so they couldn’t open the hood
Accordingly, the said vehicle first manifested a dangerous defect issue on July 14, 2021, while traveling out of town. A significant and abrupt reduction of power completely disabled the vehicle while parking in a parking space .Despite several attempts, the vehicle still fail to start. Only to notice the engine light illuminating and flashing repeatedly. At the same time the dashboard indicated a faulty reading of fuel and oil. This is a very serious and frightened situation because I received absolutely no warning before the vehicle shut down. Without reason of doubt, I do believe it is unsafe, extremely dangerous and is potentially a hazardous situation that should be investigated. Fortunately, I was in a parking lot went the problem occurred. Whereas, if the vehicle engine stopped abruptly in the mist of traffic it could have resulted with a different outcome. On July 16th the vehicle was towed to a certified GMC dealership for further inspection. Hours later, I received the service contract and a follow up call from the dealership given that the diagnostic is the Engine Control Module (ECM) and needs to be replaced. Surprisingly, to my dismay I was advised that General Motors no longer make the part and the Service Center is not sure when and if the part will be available. As of today, July 26th, no one has taken the necessary steps to remediate my situation. I have already attempted to resolve this problem by contacting the Manufacturer directly. Yet, no information on when a resolution will be made. I have been a loyal customer for several years and currently seeking answers.
Had to replace transmission. I waa sowing down to come to a stop and the car shuts off in the road while I am turning into a drive way. After getting a new gmc transmission,My speedometer is moving back and forth again. The vehicle shutters while in park. These are some of the same signs from last time.
Questions about the 2011 GMC Acadia engine
Does the 2011 GMC Acadia have engine problems?
Owners have filed 56 complaints about the engine of the 2011 GMC Acadia, 21% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2011 GMC Acadia engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 80,000 miles.
Is there a recall for the 2011 GMC Acadia engine?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
Other 2011 GMC Acadia problems
Steering 64Electrical 47Lights 38Transmission 33Airbags 19Driver assistance 18Acceleration 13Brakes 10Fuel system 10Visibility 10Body 9Seat belts 7Suspension 7Seats 6Wheels 3Locks 2Tires 2
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