GMC Acadia overheating problems

Filed Oct 23, 2026 · Engine · TN

Known GMC problem of a coolant leak which could cause an on-highway failure.

Filed Sep 14, 2026 · Engine, Steering · LA

I am submitting this complaint to request that the federal safety agency investigate a potential safety defect involving the engine coolant temperature monitoring system, thermostat/engine coolant temperature sensor system, and its relationship to reduced steering assist in 2019 GMC Acadia vehicles. My 2019 GMC Acadia, currently at approximately 91,500 miles, has experienced the following symptoms: • The engine temperature gauge remains flat or reads abnormally low/cold. • The cooling fans run continuously at extremely high speed, creating a loud "screaming" fan noise. • The vehicle displays the warning message "Steering Assist is Reduced — Drive with Care." • The vehicle has a history of diagnostic trouble code P0128, "Engine Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature." I am concerned that these symptoms are related and represent a potential safety defect rather than an isolated thermostat or cooling-system repair. GM has issued bulletin PIT5967, "Service Steering Message With P0128," which applies to GMC Acadia vehicles from model years 2017 through 2023. The bulletin states that when P0128 is present, the ECM may be reading coolant temperature incorrectly and that a "Service Steering Message" may be displayed to protect the steering gear in the event of an undetected overheating condition. GM instructs technicians to diagnose and repair P0128 first. GM bulletin 17-NA-158 also describes a relationship between P0128, an invalid coolant-temperature signal, and the "Steering Assist Reduced, Drive With Care" warning. The bulletin explains that the steering module relies on valid coolant-temperature information to provide additional steering assistance under cold conditions. Also will not register when put in park. Getting error message "shift to park" take multiple restarts of the vehicle and shifting gear back and forth for it to register.

Filed Jul 29, 2026 · Steering · ME

I am submitting this complaint to request that the federal safety agency investigate a potential safety defect involving the engine coolant temperature monitoring system, thermostat/engine coolant temperature sensor system, and its relationship to reduced steering assist in 2019 GMC Acadia vehicles. My 2019 GMC Acadia, currently at approximately 61,500 miles, has experienced the following symptoms: • The engine temperature gauge remains flat or reads abnormally low/cold. • The cooling fans run continuously at extremely high speed, creating a loud "screaming" fan noise. • The vehicle displays the warning message "Steering Assist is Reduced — Drive with Care." • The vehicle has a history of diagnostic trouble code P0128, "Engine Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature." I am concerned that these symptoms are related and represent a potential safety defect rather than an isolated thermostat or cooling-system repair. GM has issued bulletin PIT5967, "Service Steering Message With P0128," which applies to GMC Acadia vehicles from model years 2017 through 2023. The bulletin states that when P0128 is present, the ECM may be reading coolant temperature incorrectly and that a "Service Steering Message" may be displayed to protect the steering gear in the event of an undetected overheating condition. GM instructs technicians to diagnose and repair P0128 first. GM bulletin 17-NA-158 also describes a relationship between P0128, an invalid coolant-temperature signal, and the "Steering Assist Reduced, Drive With Care" warning. The bulletin explains that the steering module relies on valid coolant-temperature information to provide additional steering assistance under cold conditions. When the coolant-temperature signal becomes invalid, this function can become inoperative, potentially resulting in a heavier-than-normal steering feel.

Filed Jun 27, 2026 · Engine · PA

Shortly after purchasing my 2019 GMC Acadia with approximately 52,000 miles, the vehicle displayed a "Steering Assist is Reduced. Drive with Care." warning message and illuminated the check engine light with diagnostic code P0128 00 (Engine Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature). I disconnected and reconnected the battery, after which both the warning message and check engine light disappeared. However, the engine coolant temperature gauge then began behaving erratically. On multiple cold starts, the gauge would immediately indicate that the engine was already at normal operating temperature even though the engine had been sitting long enough to be completely cold. This led to a diagnosis of a thermostat and/or engine coolant temperature sensor failure. After researching the issue, I found many other owners reporting the same thermostat and engine coolant temperature sensor failures. I believe this is a widespread defect that should be investigated because incorrect coolant temperature readings can prevent the driver from knowing the true engine temperature and may result in improper engine temperature regulation, overheating, and possible engine damage.

Filed Jun 6, 2026 · Transmission · IN · fire

Without warning transmission overheated, blew out fluid and caught the front end of the vehicle on fire

Filed May 10, 2026 · Electrical · KS · fire

The relay for the fan at the top of the fuse/relay box on the right side when facing the front of the vehicle. (under the hood) Gets hot and blows the relay and melts the spot where the relay prongs plug in. Causing the need for a new fuse box and circuit problems within the fuse box connectors. The fans, specifically the a/c fan does not kick on when turning on the a/c and the low speed fan does not kick on at all until the secondary temp fan kicks on after the temperature raises past the normal operating range. Which an overheating engine is bad for all parts of the engine which can and sooner or later will lead to a catastrophic failure putting the operator and other motorists life's at risk.This time it created a small fire that was extinguished only because the fuse box cover was off and I was looking at it as it happened, putting the cover back on extinguished the fire. This is the third time it has happened with the exact same problem. You tube is full of videos with the exact same problem.

Filed May 9, 2026 · Engine · MI

I am submitting this complaint regarding ongoing mechanical and electrical issues with my 2021 GMC ACADIA that have been occurring intermittently for approximately the past year and a half. The primary issues involve the coolant temperature sensor, thermostat system, engine cooling fan, and dashboard warning messages. The vehicle repeatedly experiences problems related to the coolant temperature sensor and thermostat. During these episodes, the engine cooling fan continues running even after the vehicle has been turned off, sometimes for an extended period of time. In addition, the dashboard frequently displays the warning message: “Steering Assist is Reduced – Drive With Care.” These warning messages and symptoms occur off and on without consistent resolution. The vehicle has already undergone repairs, including replacement of the radiator, yet the problems continue to return. Despite previous service attempts, the underlying issue has not been permanently corrected. The recurring nature of these problems raises concerns about the reliability, safety, and dependability of the vehicle, especially considering the steering assist warning and possible overheating or electrical system concerns connected to the cooling system malfunction. The repeated failures have caused significant inconvenience, concern for safe operation of the vehicle, loss of confidence in the vehicle’s reliability, and ongoing disruption due to repeated repair needs. I am requesting a thorough diagnosis and permanent repair of the coolant temperature sensor, thermostat, cooling fan system, and any related electrical or control module issues contributing to these recurring problems.

Filed Feb 21, 2026 · Engine · IN

The engine is spewing oil from the sides of the engine. This is causing overheating and check engine light to come on. Mechanics cannot get an error read on it. There is no oil leak coming from under the engine.

Filed Feb 19, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · TX

In the process of taking my daughter to the emergency room I receive a dash notification on my recently purchased 2024 GMC Acadia "car overheating, possible engine failure". My gauges were within normal range and being that I was in an emergency I kept traveling. Leave hospital to head home the error message is gone. The following Monday, January 5th, heading in to work I receive the same error message on my dash "car overheating, possible engine failure". Drove to the nearest mechanic, left my car, and they discover a leak in the upper radiator hose. They call with bad news that the part is on nationwide back order. GM admitted to a faulty design, in the process of redesign. A SPAC case with a local GM dealership was opened. GM would expedite my case if I towed to a GM dealer. I would have to pay for the tow. And just how can my case be expedited if the part isn't available? It can't. I was told the redesigned hose is going on the new models currently being built. I have lost all faith in GM. Today is February 19th and my car is still at the mechanic with no ETA on part delivery. I called every GM dealership parts department within 100 miles and get the same response, "we have two hoses with four cars needing it, we have 4 hoses with 8 cars needing it, the hose is hell to find, etc.". Why has GM not issued a recall on the upper radiator hose. If you have a 2024 GMC Acadia, you will incur this same issue.

Filed Jan 31, 2026 · Brakes · OH

Front left brake was locking up. Happened 1st a couple months ago. Happened again recently and was towed to dealership. Burning smell from brake and hot in wheel area. Left front brake caliper was locked, pads overheated, rotor warped. Replaced front left caliper, front left brake hose, front pads, and front left rotor. Road tested, brakes operate properly. Brake life on monitor shows 18%, brake pads are at 8mm Out of calibration, reprogrammed brake system control module and performed brake percent calibration per bulletin #25-NA-282. Warranty code is 28YZ314171448.