2012 GMC Acadia: steering wheel locks up

6 of the 296 complaints about the 2012 GMC Acadia describe steering wheel locks up.

owner complaints: 6
of this car's complaints: 2%
typical mileage: 70,500
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 33 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Steering wheel locks up by model year

2017
2
2015
2
2014
1
2013
1
2012
6
2011
4
2010
17
2009
9
2008
15
2007
7

What owners say

Filed Mar 11, 2024 · Steering · WA

About 1 month ago While making a slow speed turn from a parking lot to a street the steering seemed to lock for no reason. After a brief moment the steering resumed normal function. I inspected the ignition switch and found nothing abnormal. Checked power steering fluid level, it was in the operating range. Unable to duplicate the issue at that time. On 3-9-23 while driving the vehicle started making an unusual noise coming from the engine. It seemed to be consistent with engine rpm. I believe it was the power steering pump. After stopping and starting the engine the noise was gone. A few minutes later while driving at slow speed the steering locked again, or the resistance was too great for my wife to overcome.

Filed Nov 9, 2017 · Steering · 70,500 miles · MA

Almost crashed into a tree with my 5 year old in the car after going through a puddle on a rainy day. There was a very loud squealing noise and then the steering wheel froze. I needed to shut the car off and turn it back on to unfreeze it. It happened a second time after going through another puddle which thankfully was in my driveway! Brought it to get my belt checked and the gmc dealer said they think I have a small steering fluid leak and would need a new rack and pinion? I had a private mechanics second opinion and they said they did not see a leak and the fluid was not low? However my transmission fluid was a bit low? My car does stutter from time to time but no lights have come on to tell me there is a problem? Not sure what to do I cant afford the $1400 to supposedly fix the car. We just purchased it a year ago and it only has 70,000 miles on it! I have done research and others have the same issue! Gm needs to recall this safety issue before someone gets hurt or worse!! They also need to figure out why so many have stuttering transmissions! I almost got into a collision because my car stuttered as I was turning! The other person had to slam on the brakes as I tried to hit the gas harder! I had a 3 kids in the car on the way to baseball!! Figure this out gm please before someone get hurt in this so called family car!!!!

Filed Aug 1, 2017 · Steering · 50,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 gmc acadia. While driving 10 MPH and making a right turn, the power steering seized. The contact was able to merge into traffic and steer the vehicle with force. While accelerating, the steering returned to normal. In addition, there was an abnormal winding sound and the failure gradually recurred. The dealer (hanless hilltop buick gmc, 3230 auto plaza, richmond, ca, 94806, 510‑222‑4141) scheduled an appointment for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no open recall on the vehicle. No further assistance was offered. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Filed Feb 13, 2017 · Electrical, Steering · 80,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 gmc acadia. While attempting to drive the vehicle, the ABS, engine, battery, and traction control warning indicators illuminated. The steering wheel seized and became difficult to maneuver. Also, the key failed to retract from the ignition switch. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

Filed Jan 25, 2016 · Steering · 97,000 miles · AR

Purchased a gmc acadia denali in sep 2015. Had to have transmission repaired, struts replaced in nov 2015. Began having problems with steering locking up when turning wheel hard and making a loud whining sound as well as burning fluid smell in jan 2016. Took vehicle to dealer and was advised by service department that the power steering pump/motor was leaking and requires replacement, and the rack and pinion is bad and has to be replaced. Further research indicates this is a very common issue with this vehicle and gm is aware of the defective power steering pump/motor and rack and pinion. Even dealer service techs advised it is a very well known and documented problem with this model vehicle yet the repair is not covered by the manufacturer. This is a very dangerous condition to the driver of the vehicle as well as to the driving public and pedestrians in general. There is an open class action lawsuit as well. The federal safety agency should require gm to recall these vehicles and make the required repairs as to prevent a clear danger to the public.

Filed Oct 2, 2015 · Steering · 56,650 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 gmc acadia. While driving at a high rate of speed, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact had to apply force to the steering wheel in order to turn the vehicle. In addition, while driving at a low speed, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that the power steering pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v415000 (structure). The part needed to repair the vehicle was unavailable. The failure mileage was 56,650.