2016 GMC Acadia: loss of power steering

7 of the 236 complaints about the 2016 GMC Acadia describe loss of power steering.

owner complaints: 7
of this car's complaints: 3%
typical mileage: 50,000
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 21 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Loss of power steering by model year

2025
1
2022
1
2020
3
2019
4
2018
4
2017
7
2016
7
2015
8
2014
11
2013
4
2012
9
2011
21
2010
42
2009
27
2008
34
2007
23

What owners say

Filed Feb 16, 2026 · Steering · OH

While operating my vehicle, the power steering suddenly failed without adequate warning. The steering became extremely difficult, creating a significant safety hazard for myself, my passengers, and other drivers on the road. A sudden loss of steering assist increases the risk of collision, especially at lower speeds, during turns, or in emergency maneuvers.

Filed Aug 24, 2020 · Steering · 50,000 miles · PA

Failure of power steering system - at low speeds, power steering assistance is not active. Very difficult to turn steering wheel from a stopped position or moving at low speed. This presents a safety risk in the ability to avoid pedestrians, vehicles or other objects while driving at slow speeds, most notably parking lots. Condition started around the 50,000-mile mark. After further examination, fluid appear to be leaking from the vehicle. Had vehicle taken to gm-certified dealership for service, and was advised that the power steering system required immediate attention. After further research there appears to be concerning history of power-steering related failure on the gmc acadia. Prior model years (2007-2011) had the warranty extended on the system upwards of 10 years and 150,000 miles. In addition, a variety of technical service bulletins have been issued on the power steering system of the 2016 gmc acadia. Nhsta database also points to a number of similar incidents, typically occurring around the 50,000 mile range. This indicates a latent manufacture defect in which further action must be taken to address this ongoing safety issue.

Filed Jun 2, 2020 · Steering · 58,000 miles · PA

2016 gmc acadia slt-1, 58,000 miles. Total loss of power steering backing out of a parking space with no prior symptoms. The car would barely turn at low speeds and made a loud howling noise when wheel was turned. I took the vehicle to the dealer and they tell me I need the power steering pump, rack and pinion and all new hoses. No prior wrecks or issues. This is ridiculous to be hit with a $4100 bill with no explanation of why this could happen.

Filed Jan 21, 2020 · Steering · 37,000 miles · NJ

My powering steering pump stopped functioning while driving, making it very hard to turn the wheel at low speeds, as if there is no power steering at all. Took it to the dealership and was told it's a wear and tear problem and after investigating it I noticed they have recalled over 1 million cars for steering failure.

Filed Nov 19, 2019 · Steering · MA

Vehicle taken in for faulty caliper, then told by dealership we needed to fix a leaking power steering line, we paid to fix both. Taken in today and told we have a leaking power steering gear. Safety issue $2,065. 58,200 miles. Could loose power steering due to multiple leaks. Have not lost steering yet. Must get fixed.

Filed Sep 9, 2019 · Steering · 50,000 miles · SC

Power steering pump failure. While driving my 2016 gmc acadia on a trip of about 350 miles (mostly highway) everything seemed to be working fine until near the end of the trip. As I exited the highway and started slowing down the steering became very stiff and by the time I came to a stop light I could not turn the steering wheel at all. When the light turned green I pressed the gas pedal and as the RPM increased the power steering pump worked good enough to make the turn and get me home. Luckily I only had about a mile to go. I checked the fluid and it was low so I topped it off and raised the front tires off the ground in order to turn lock to lock to try to get any air out of the system. After lowering the vehicle I tried to drive it and I still could not turn the steering wheel without pressing the gas. As I looked further I noticed that the hose that leads to the power steering pump has fluid all over it where it goes through a grommet attached to the rear of the engine. The grommet in the metal bracket was falling apart and the hose appears to be chaffing on the metal bracket. The leak is very small and there's no telling how long it has been rubbing the bracket. The vehicle is out of warranty but only has 50k miles on it and has never been wrecked or had any repairs done that could have caused this. It appears to be an improperly installed bracket/grommet that caused the problem.

Filed Sep 6, 2019 · Steering · 39,000 miles · MI

My vehicle is a 2016 gmc acadia denali with awd. The power steering was very stiff while at low speeds when the weather was cold last winter. During this spring and summer the steering continued to get worse and now there is no power steering at low speeds and low RPM. The vehicle just turned 39,000 miles. This makes driving very dangerous while making turns and trying to park the vehicle. The vehicle is now in the dealers shop and they have said the power steering pump and steering gear both need to be replaced as the pump is failing and the steering gear is leaking internally.