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2011 GMC Acadia engine complaints

Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 56, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2011 GMC Acadia engine problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Nov 30, 2020 · Engine · 163,000 miles · FL

I have had this 2011 arcadia for less then a month. The dealer I bought it from assured me that the only issue it had was it needed a new A/C condenser. ( permanent codes, p0008, p0332, p0017 ) (pending codes p0161, p0332, p0017 ) ( stored codes, p0332, p0008 ) severe urgency replace timing chains and related components, t chain x1 t chain x1 t chain x2 timing tensioner x1 x1 x1 x1. I havent even been able to drive it and the sold me the car on false pretenses. They wont help me with fixing it, they wont even fix the A/C condenser. Im going through a divorce and I put the only money I had into this car. I dont know what to do.

Filed Oct 16, 2020 · Engine · 138,706 miles · PA

Was driving my car. Got off I-79 to get gas. Got back in my car and it wouldn't start. Had to get a jump. It started. Started driving (about 4 miles) all of a sudden it started making a noise from the motor. It never gave me a warning, no noise or anything before this. It ran perfectly. I'm so disgusted. They're saying almost $5000.00 with parts and labor with a used motor. The bearing spun, the roller rocker broke off timing chain, and something else. Hmm a used motor. You do know a used motor will fall into that category again!! I took it to the mechanic where it still sits. I upkept the oil before it was due. It has 138,706 miles I never had any problems with this car at all . Gm I hope you do us right because we stood by you and trusted you!

Filed Sep 9, 2020 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 80,000 miles · VA

It stalls while driving. Looses power, max speed 20mph. Won't start.

Filed Aug 25, 2020 · Engine · 86,000 miles · OH

At 86,000 miles, the engine needed to be replaced. Despite our regular maintenance and oil changes, the vehicle began to make a loud ticking sound. We immediately pulled into the nearest auto shop. We had two mechanics (had car towed for second opinion) say that the engine needed to be replaced.

Filed Jul 11, 2020 · Engine · 86,900 miles · FL

While slowing down to make a left turn, my engine turned off and would not restart. Up until that point the engine was running fine. I was fortunate that I was on a secondary road making a left turn at a slow speed when the engine stopped. However, had this happened 10 minutes earlier I would have been atop a very high bridge and would have been traveling at about 65 miles per hour which is the posted speed for I-295. Had the engine stopped running on this bridge I have no doubt that there would have been serious consequences. My vehicle could have gone over the railing and plunged 300+ feet down into the river. Or possibly other vehicle traffic could have crashed into me causing untold damage and injury or possibly someone's death. Fortunately I was in a safer area when the vehicle stopped running. I had my vehicle towed and the engine control module repaired at my dealer. My complaint is that this should not be happening. Engines should not simply turn off and stop running because of some electronic control part. This is a hazardous situation and I'm sure that other people are probably experiencing similar situations. I don't believe this is something unique to my vehicle, but all newer and late model vehicles. It is dangerous to think that the auto industry has employed such a dangerous engineering and device that could cause the death of someone. I appreciate your help reviewing this situation for all the people.

Filed Jun 3, 2020 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 9 miles · CA

It has happen to me when my vehicle is in motion and when I go above 65 miles ph. The gmc starts to heat up and sends a message on the display saying transmission is hot a lot of smoke comes out and the speed decreases completely I have to come to a complete stop and park in the street until it cools off what is dangerous is that it has happen when I'm in the high way putting me at risk to crash I made some fixes one time the mechanic charged me about $500 dollars to fix it now is doing it again and they want to charge me about a $1000 dollars more I have been having a lot of issues with the gmc since I got it and I only have like between 9 to 11 months with the gmc hopefully I could get help so they could fix it by the company at no extra charge.

Filed Mar 25, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 145,000 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 gmc acadia. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the coolant sensor was replaced however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was diagnosed by two additional unknown mechanics but not repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000.

Filed Jan 31, 2020 · Engine · 125,000 miles · VA · fire · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 gmc acadia. The contact stated that the front of the vehicle caught on fire as it tried to enter the interstate from a ramp. The contact and her passenger quickly exited the vehicle after she pulled off to the shoulder. The complete front of the vehicle was destroyed by the fire. A police report was filed and the contact was the only one transported to the emergency room and was given a cat scan. There were no other injuries .the contact had not spoken to the dealer or manufacturer since the incident occurred back in 10/2019. The contact just received her VIN from the insurance company since the fire destroyed all traces of the VIN on the vehicle. The insurance company did not total the vehicle since it only had liability coverage. The failure mileage was 125,000.

Filed Mar 17, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 82,000 miles · MD

While driving 70 MPH, I was just about to pass a semi when the engine quit, as if I turned off the key, no power steering...nothing. I notice the "traction control" light come on for a second. I pulled to the side of the road. I attempted to restart and the "check engine" light would just flash yet the engine was not turning over. The vehicle was towed to gmc dealer and preliminary reports (incomplete) was it was computer/electrical related. I also noticed the rear lift gate would not open (although this has happened once before two years ago and gmc dealer found "fretting at the lgcm terminals." possibility related, my wife told me only the passenger door window would roll down a few days before but only happened one time. She said she turned off the car and restarted a few minutes later all windows rolled down fine...just another electrical issue with this vehicle. This vehicle also has been having radio issues for years. 1/2 of the radio screen randomly disappears (left). Tapping it sometimes helps and sometimes is flickers wildly on and off. Gmc dealer told us the radio needs replacing...like that's going to happen.

Filed Feb 5, 2019 · Engine · 120,000 miles · IL

While the car was being driven, it was noted that the power steering system became very hard to steer while driving on a side street. The car was stopped and the engine was turned off. When the engine went to be restarted, the engine would not restart. The car was towed, and was noted after investigation by the gmc dealer that the engine had a catastrophic failure with approx. 120,000 miles. It was fortunate this occurred on a side street with no traffic verses on a highway. Also it should be noted that the engine timing chain had to be replaced about 6 months ago due to being stretched.

Filed Aug 28, 2018 · Electrical, Engine · 98,000 miles · IA

Under 100k miles and engine just blew up with out warning only had the car for 3 yrs prior when we first got it we had issues with the dvd cd player had to replace it and after 1 yr it went out again. Had issues with headlight bulb being replaced then blowing out. The big problem now is the engine and the car not running

Filed Apr 23, 2018 · Engine, Seat belts · 80,637 miles · GA

I took our 2011 gmc acadia, mileage 80,637, to the dealership on 12/16/2017 because the display showed "service air bag." the service technician reported that he found dtc b0022 and b0015 stored in sdm, tested circuits, good. He found excessive resistance in both front seat belt anchor pretensions and recommended replacement of both front anchor pretensioners, cpa connectors with leads and reprogram the sdm. Repair estimate of $1,164.51. Charged $125 to diagnose. It was explained to me that the pretensioners are connected to and communicate with the air bag. In addition, the service technician found the front engine mount weak. Repair estimate of $447.85. The seat belt pretensioners and "service air bag" appear to be significant safety issues. I contacted gmc on 04/23/2018 to request repair assistance and to inquire if there was a recall, case # 8-4111443314. I was advised that I would have to pay out of pocket.

Filed Dec 25, 2017 · Acceleration, Engine · MI

Takata recall traction contro,l service stabilitrak, engine speed reduced light turned on in my 2011 gmc acadia. Wouldn't go no faster then 15mph on a 55 MPH road and the engine got really loud and rough. Was going 40 when the lights all came on driving down the road. This is very dangerous to drive when it keeps doing this. I'm scared to drive it now. Specially when I have a baby in the vehical with me. I'm not sure what causes it to do this. Some people say it's a glitch in the main vehicle computer, read it's a glitch in several different vehicals. This is something that seriously needs to be recalled and diagnosed and fixed immediately!

Filed Sep 26, 2017 · Electrical, Engine · 100,000 miles · SC

I was driving my 2011 gmc acadia and all of a sudden the car started to decelerate. I pulled over and turn the car off and then the car would not start again. I had it towed to the dealership. The dealership is saying there is an issue with the timing chain. The dealership said that the timing chain failed. Upon doing research, I see that this is a common issue with gmc models, especially the acadia model. The dealership is saying that the repair is going to cost me $7500. Given that this is well-known issue with the acadia model, I feel that this issue should be recalled for the safety of consumers.

Filed Aug 17, 2017 · Engine · 95,000 miles · AK

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 gmc acadia. While attempting to start the vehicle, the engine stalled. The failure occurred several times. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine cylinder head failed. The contact stated that oil penetrated the cylinder head, spark plug tube, and timing chain, which caused the engine to fail. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 95,000.

Filed Jun 6, 2017 · Engine · 77,000 miles · IL

The car has 77,000 miles and had to replace the timing chain and all components involved. The service manager said they had recalls on 2007-2009 vehicles buit had since fixed the problem but apparently not. I had my machanic fix this the cost was $1636.00 which was way cheaper than the dealer. I think that gmc should resolve this problem as I heard this is a common problem still.

Filed Mar 25, 2017 · Engine · 38,250 miles · IL

The 2011 gmc acadia vehicle at 38k miles suffered a major leak in the cooling system.per the federal safety agency id number 10052213 & pb-13079, the fix did not stop the coolant leakage around the water pump seal. With the vehicle at 38k miles the dealer tested and charged for the replacement of the water pump. This should not have happened with this low mileage. The manufacturers safety issue in my part was unsatisfactory do to the replacement of the defective part not under warrenty.

Filed Feb 9, 2017 · Acceleration, Engine · 105,490 miles · MI

I was driving down the road with almost 1/2 a tank of gas, and I lost power suddenly, and had no control over my vehicle because the power steering and everything quit. Because I am fairly strong, I was actually able to turn off the road into a safe place, and not be stranded on a very busy two lane road. After having the car towed to paul's automotive garage, I was advised that the vehicle was out of gas.

Filed Jan 10, 2017 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · 55,675 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 gmc acadia. The contact stated that the vehicle had drastically reduced speed with no warning. Various warning lights flashed on the instrument panel, the service traction control light, the service stability traction control light and then the engine reduced speed warning indicator as the vehicle drastically reduced speed to less than 15 MPH. The contact had to coast the vehicle over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for further inspection and diagnosis. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 55,675.

Filed Dec 27, 2016 · Engine, Transmission · 70,000 miles · VI

I was complaining about the performance of this vehicle to the dealer for the past three years. Now that the warranty is expired, I had to change the driveshaft, fell out while transporting passengers; transfer case, the transition from drive, the automatic shift would jerk; a passenger I had in the car told me one day I would not make it up a hill. One week later it happened. Transmission, the vehicle wouldn't move even when gas was applied; 6 coils and plugs, the bad smell of something burning was scary. I had to pull off the road because the reduce power light come on. Yesterday, 12/26/16, I went through this again!!! There is a rubbing sound in one of my wheels, don't know what that is yet. I also changed the axels and about to change the tie rods for a clunking noise while making turns on uneven surfaces. I made numerous complaints to gmc hq and the dealer here in the vi from 2013. The dealer changed parts that were irrelevant and told me it was fixed.

Filed Dec 2, 2016 · Engine · 10,000 miles · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 gmc acadia. While driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled and several warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. After pulling over and attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle restarted on the initial attempt. The failure occurred intermittently on several occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 10,000.

Filed Oct 22, 2016 · Engine · 116,000 miles · IN

My 2011 gmc acadia would not start one morning. We put a battery charger on it. It started but has a pinging sound. We checked the oil. The oil was reading low. We added 3 qts of oil. We had auto repair shop change oil and install new battery. I still noticed the pinging sound. That evening, as I was driving the engine started making terrible sounds and loosing power. I stopped driving and had it towed to dealer. They said the engine was blown. I had no warning lights come on at all. The dealer is telling me it is most likely the timing chain. The acadia is only 5 yrs old with 116k miles. This should not be happening to this new of car. I have spoken to several mechanics and they all say this is a known issue with the acadia and this should be a recall or warranty issue. Equally frustrating, I bought a warranty that I was told was an "extended warranty" that I thought would lover it now I'm being told the warranty was from the date of purchase which is not what the salesmen told me when I bought it. I feel totally taken advantage of as a women.

Filed Oct 18, 2016 · Brakes, Engine · 100,800 miles · NC

Motor stops running while in movement in gears of forward and reverse. Driver has no control of the car. Steering works but no breaks or power to power train. Motor just shuts down with out any notice. This happens while in movement on public roads, freeways and while parking.

Filed Sep 26, 2016 · Engine, Transmission · 136,000 miles · AL

My vehicle has 136,000 miles and the timing chain is out, I have had to have the front passenger axle repaired, there is an oil leak. I had the vehicle checked while under warranty because the check engine light would come on, the service department said it was because the gas cap wasn't tightened. Now I have no warranty and the timing chain needs replaced. The first day I drove my vehicle the brake system failed, it was brand new. It had had several recalls.

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 Jun 4, 2016 · Airbags, Engine · FL

"tamara recall". I received several notices. Initially auto dealership denied recall existed. Now claims it doesn't apply to my car. Original owner and live in south florida. What engine the heck is going on? Do we have to have a fatal injury to get their attention? Engine mounts keep breaking, 16,000 mile intervals. First time dealership replaced. Now at 33,000 miles my phone problem? Guess we need catastrophic failure before manufacturer engineers better engine mounts?! Low mileage vehicle, careful driver on good roads. Please send feedback.

Filed Feb 28, 2016 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · 106,345 miles · SC

Can started to smoke. Panel stated reduce engine. Couldn't go over 20mph. Car broke down with two kids in car.

Filed Feb 9, 2016 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · 89,000 miles · NC

While driving this morning I had a series of messages appear : "traction control off" , then "service stabilitrak" and then very soon after "reduced engine power". The car would still run, but would not go above approximately 20mph and struggled to maintain speed. At one point had to pull over and turn engine off to almost "reset" car to be able to continue driving to destination. This is the third time that this has happened and have had to take to the shop. I have small children that are typically in the vehicle when this happens and am concerned for their safety if this issue cannot be resolved.

Filed Jan 20, 2016 · Driver assistance, Engine · 67,000 miles · SC

While driving this morning this message appeared : "traction control off" , then "service stabilitrak". Very soon after message "reduced engine power" appeared. The car was still running, but would not go above approximately 2k RPM's or 15mph. This is the second time that this has happened and have had to take to shop and have throtle body inspected and recalibrated. This is my wifes car and I have a small child that was in car when this happened. This happened in an area that is heavily traveled to include school buses.

Filed Oct 27, 2015 · Engine · 68,887 miles · IN

The car would not speed up. I was driving on a heavily trafficked road (pendleton pike) in indianapolis, in. After passing sunnyside road, it went from 40 MPH to 25 MPH in a matter of seconds. I hit the accelerator multiple times, but it would not speed up. I turned my hazard lights on. I panicked! I was barely able to pull into a starbucks parking lot and shut the car off. I waited ten seconds exactly, and then turned it back on. It was fine after that procedure.

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