2017 GMC Acadia: loss of power steering

Filed Sep 20, 2025 · Driver assistance, Engine · OH

While driving at highway speeds, a warning appeared on the Driver Information Center (DIC): “Steering Assist is Reduced – Drive with Care.” Simultaneously, the temperature gauge was stuck on “C,” the radiator cooling fan ran at high speed, and the air conditioning stopped blowing cold air. After researching the issue, I discovered that these symptoms are commonly linked to a failing thermostat—a known and widespread problem with GM’s 3.6L LGX engine. Unfortunately, replacing the thermostat on this engine is not a simple repair, often requiring significant labor and cost. The most concerning aspect is the loss of steering assist, which poses a serious safety risk, especially at highway speeds. Given the frequency of this issue across many GM vehicles, it’s clear that this is a defective part and not an isolated incident. GM should take responsibility and cover the cost of repairs for affected vehicles. This is not just a mechanical failure—it’s a safety hazard that deserves immediate attention. I'm attaching a picture of the message as well a paid repair invoice from the work the dealer performed to replace the thermostat on my vehicle.

Filed Jun 2, 2025 · Steering · VA

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the warning light then turned off independently. In addition, the contact stated that the air conditioning failed to function as intended and the interior of the vehicle became extremely hot. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to the dealer in 2024 for the failure, and the contact was informed that the power steering assist feature had failed, and the software needed to be updated. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for a diagnostic test, and a case number would then be provided. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Apr 6, 2023 · Steering · CT

Sudden loss of power steering due to steering pump failure. Wife was turning onto a busy road and the power steering went out causing her to almost hit oncoming traffic on the other side of the lane. Very serious and upsetting experience. In doing so research it appears this has been an ongoing issue with this vehicle and the previous model. Life safety issues such as this should be recalled at once before someone else’s wife and children are killed. Vehicle is currently at shop for replacement.

Filed Dec 25, 2022 · Electrical, Steering · CA

P0128 Apparently what happens when the temp sensor on the T-Stat housing goes bad it sends a signal to the ECM that the engine is overheating, causes the temp gauge to peg to "C", shuts down A/C Compressor Clutch engagement to not exacerbate the Overheat condition and super speeds the cooling fans. Of course it's a false flag warning and the engine isn't actually running hot. At the same time a signal to the ECM also tells the Power Steering Rack that it's Super Cold out and the lube in the steering system may freeze up causing loss of steering assist. the federal safety agency 17-NA-158 - MAY 2017 Needed to have Thermostat and Temperature sensor replaced. Was quoted by two dealers $1400-$1700. Very deceiving for GM to have SEVERAL "tech bulletins" advising their techs how to properly diagnose this common "error"... but it's not a recall so they won't foot the bill for what is clearly a defect. Car has only 59,400 / 2017 GMC Acadia All Terrain

Filed May 17, 2022 · Steering · AR

Loss of power steering: bought NEW late 2017: In 1st month a whining noise was present while turning the steering wheel in any direction (driving or in park) even when slightly turning the wheel. At the time, didn't seem to effect anything. Difficulty started around 80k miles & continued to get worse as time went on. Each time varies on type of turn, speed of turn, how long the car has been in use. On average: it starts (& continues to get worse) after the first 10/15 minutes of driving. Loss of steering comes & goes (not only happening while turning) for at least 4 -15sec. In the last year (mid 2021 - 2022) went to mechanic -couldn't find an issue. Husband checks fluid levels monthly (no changes/no leaks are visible ). As of May 2022 (130k miles) turning into parking lots/spots/driveways/etc I have NO power steering, my husband is barley able to turn the wheel during these events. Its unsafe to drive. Doesn't seem to be as bad if speed is 20mph or faster. Shudder issue (maybe @60kmiles): *We had this issue w/our 2012 Acadia too. Multiple GMC Certified mechanics have been used to correct this. Only one mechanic was able to witness the shuddering. All things tried have failed to correct it. First started happening between 35 - 55mph (now its at any speed: 10 - 80mph), speeding up used to make it shudder less, turning traction control off USE to make it shudder less. Plenty of forums abt this issue including all things tried & failed. No resolution. Shudder causes car to not accelerate at times. RPM jumps high & bounces around. AC would stop working (started @20k miles) it makes an air releasing noise when AC is in use. *2012 Acadia did this too. Adding Freon helps for limited time. No leaks. Mechanics "CND", its still not fixed. "Tighten fuel cap" warning comes on randomly. When checked, its tight. Automatic start fails randomly, since day 1. "Ck Engine" light comes on & off randomly. Main issue was the shuddering *Reporting date used for loss of power steering.

Filed Jun 9, 2019 · Steering · 64,916 miles · AR

On three separate occasions this vehicle has, with no warning, experienced a sudden loss of power steering for 2-10 seconds per event. #1 june - 2018 (aprox mileage 30k+): while exiting the freeway offramp and slowing below 40mph, my wife experienced a loss of power steering for 1-2 seconds before regaining power steering. Went to a local mechanic and he said everything looked to be ok, cnd (could not duplicate). #2 11-18-2018 (mileage 46171): while slowing and turning left into our drive way the car experienced a sudden loss of power steering for 5-10 seconds. I was able to bring the car to a stop and snap a picture of the following error msg: action required, steering assist is reduced drive with care. This time we went to the dealership where we purchased the vehicle with pictures and again cnd. #3 6-9-2019 (mileage 64916): while coming out of a left hand turn, at aprox 5mph and slowing, I began to navigate a right turn into a parking lot when I experienced a sudden loss and return of power steering. The incident lasted apron 2-3 seconds, enough time to her my passenger take a picture of the following error msg: action required, steering assist is reduced drive with care. I am taking this vehicle back to the dealership with pictures of the warning and mileage for a second time. I have notice that gm had recalled numerous vehicles with this problem from 2017 till now. The federal safety agency campaign number: 18v586. Gm's own number for this recall is 18289. Do these vehicles need to be added to initiate a fix?

Filed Sep 19, 2017 · Steering · 7,799 miles · IL

Power steering failed/ lose of power steering on 5 times ranging from 2 second to at least 6 second/steering lost at low speed going into driveway of garage/steering lost while car at red light in traffic waiting for green light to go