2011 GMC Acadia: engine failure

6 of the 269 complaints about the 2011 GMC Acadia describe engine failure.

owner complaints: 6
of this car's complaints: 2%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 241 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Engine failure by model year

2026
2
2024
5
2023
1
2021
1
2019
3
2018
1
2017
1
2016
2
2014
1
2013
3
2012
11
2011
6
2010
14
2009
12
2008
14
2007
7

What owners say

Filed Sep 4, 2023 · Engine · GA

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.

Filed Oct 22, 2021 · Engine · MI

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.

Filed Sep 14, 2016 · Engine · 85,000 miles · NJ

Stopped at stop sign making right turn excellerate to 10-15 MPH notice gargling sound or like a muffler explodes power reducted...with in a hundred yards or so engine light go on power (engine) failure not breaks or stearing available coast to curb try to start vehicle again...dead as a door nail. Flat bedded to kerbeck gmc dealership by 1:00pm 09/12/16 ...service mgr. Call at 6pm no news still being diagnosed, will call in the am...later that day called to tell me that it sucked a valve and has broken rocker assembly and seems to be damage in the lower end of the motor! Need new engine...vehicle is in the hands of the dealer! No written report has be given to me, just verbal! Passange in vehicle at time of occurance...

Filed Mar 30, 2016 · Steering · 101,000 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 gmc acadia. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 5 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering pump failed and needed replacement. The vehicle remained at the dealer for repairs under an extended warranty issued by the manufacturer. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted daily. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 101,000.

Filed Sep 20, 2015 · Brakes, Engine · 113,000 miles · NC

When traveling at about 35 MPH, all systems failed -- steering, braking, electrical. The dealer indicates that this is a "catastrophic engine failure."

Filed Jan 6, 2015 · Steering · 55,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 gmc acadia. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the steering wheel seized and excessive force on the steering wheel was required. The contact stated that power steering fluid was leaking. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000. ...updated 02/11/15 *bf the consumer stated a gm technician vehicle and noted fluid leak from the power steering pump and power steering gear. Gm offered to pay for the pump repair but, not the gear leak repair. Updated 06/9/2015