Received message dash stating "Steering Assist is Reduced, Drive with Care". The AC turned off and temp gauge went to "C". Noticeable difficulty steering at both highway speeds and on city streets. While driving to auto shop the message disappeared, AC turned on and temp went back to normal. About and hour later while diving on the interstate it happened again and steering was difficult again. This first occurred on August 24, then again on September 12 and October 21 and again on October 25. No consistency as for time of day or outside temp. Lasts for a few hours then goes back to normal but when it happens randomly it does pose a safety issue with difficulty steering and no lane assist.
GMC Acadia power steering loss problems
206 of the 5,599 owner complaints about the GMC Acadia describe loss of power steering, most of them for the 2010 model year.
- owner complaints
- 206
- worst model year
- 2010
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,450
- typical mileage
- 69,000
Is there a fix? No recall or service bulletin covers this area of the car yet.
By model year
Often reported together
Loss of power 74Steering noise 14Whining noise 12Check engine light 8Won't start 5Steering lock-up 5Jerking 5Headlights 5
Trouble codes mentioned
P0128 2
What owners say
Engine thermostat not functioning properly, therefore the display stayed on cold and would not show temp. It also cause the fan to run fast to cool engine. The AC would not cool and reduce power steering assist error message comes on. This is a known problem by GM and there is a recall for this issue on many of these vehicles, other GMC and Cadillac vehicles. Our vehicle should be added to the recall list!
Engine thermostat not functioning properly, opening too early and not allowing engine to operate at proper engine temperature. Check engine light comes on, reduce power steering assist error message comes on, engine temperature gauge reads cold when vehicle has been running for an extended period of time. This is a known problem by GM and there is a recall for this issue on many of these vehicles, other GMC and Cadillac vehicles. Our vehicle should be added to the recall list.
Ongoing problem with only solution is a recall notice. Power Steering Assist Reduced -Customer reports Power Steering Assist Reduced message displayed on DIC, A/C is inoperative, Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor inoperative. Recall needed to update Engine Control Module (ECM) with latest calibration.
Loss of steering assist code P0128 due to stuck thermostat.
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.
The vehicle has experienced repeated electrical and engine-related malfunctions, including random engine shutdowns while driving and random no-start conditions. The thermostat and cooling system failed and were replaced in 2024. Multiple sensors have failed. The braking system remains noisy even after brake replacement. The lane detection safety system does not provide audible alerts. The vehicle is currently operational and available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The vehicle has randomly shut off while driving on both highways and city roads in Azle, Texas. This occurred while my two children were in the vehicle. When the engine shut off, there was a risk of losing power steering and braking assist, which could have caused an accident, especially at highway speeds and in traffic. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The thermostat and cooling system failure were confirmed and repaired by a service center in 2024. Electrical and sensor issues have occurred repeatedly but have not been fully diagnosed or resolved. Brake noise persists despite replacement. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? UNKNOWN. The vehicle has been serviced by repair facilities, but the manufacturer has not provided a definitive diagnosis for the engine shutdown and electrical failures. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure? When did they first appear? Yes. Various warning lights and symptoms appeared prior to failures, including cooling system warnings and sensor alerts. Electrical issues and battery failures have occurred repeatedly, with batteries lasting only 2–3 years. Symptoms began after purchase and have continued throughout ownership. Additional details The brakes have been noisy even after replacement, and the lane detection system does not produce audible warni
New vehicle. At 935 miles on odometer, displayed “Service Power Steering” “No Assist Soon” message on dash. Contacted OnStar and was advised of potential loss of power steering & advised to take car to dealership. Car spent 10 days in service to have a new steering gear installed at GMC dealership.
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.
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.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the GMC Acadia power steering loss
Which GMC Acadia years have loss of power steering problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2010 (42 complaints), 2008 (34 complaints) and 2009 (27 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix loss of power steering on the GMC Acadia?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,450 (median of 32 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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