2009 GMC Acadia

Above average

Owners filed 331 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the steering. It has been recalled 7 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

281 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,00075,000 miles; the median is 75,417 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Steering95
200
Power Train51
101
Engine45
020
Electrical System29
030
Exterior Lighting23
020
Air Bags14
402
Electronic Stability Control (esc)11
000
Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate8
016
Structure › Body8
115
Vehicle Speed Control5
010

7 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate15V415000
Filed Jun 30, 2015691,144 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured January 3, 2007, to February 29, 2012, 2009-2012 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured July 6, 2008, to March 9, 2012, 2007-2012 GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured September 15, 2006, to February 29, 2012, and 2007-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles manufactured August 17, 2006, to March 18, 2010. The affected vehicles, equipped with the power liftgate option, have gas struts that hold the power liftgate up when open. These struts may prematurely wear and the open liftgate may suddenly fall.

Risk. If the open liftgate unexpectedly falls, it may strike a person, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the power liftgate actuator motor control unit so that the motor will prevent the rapid closing of the lift gate, free of charge. The recall began on November 15, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 15240.

Seat Belts14V266000
Filed May 20, 20141,339,355 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. General Motors is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured April 14, 2008, through May 14, 2014, Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured June 6, 2008, through May 14, 2014, and GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured April 9, 2008, through May 14, 2014, and 2009-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles manufactured April 14, 2008, through March 18, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the flexible steel cable that connects the seatbelt to the front outboard seating positions may fatigue and separate over time.

Risk. If the steel cable becomes fatigued and separates, the seatbelt may not properly restrain the seat occupant increasing the risk of an injury in a crash.

Remedy. General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, repair and replace the lap pretensioner, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. An interim notice will be mailed to owners in July 2014. A second notice will be mailed to owners once parts become available. The recall for the 2009-2010 model years began on July 11, 2014. The interim letter for the 2011-2014 model years were distributed on July 11, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-462-8782 (GMC), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). General Motors recall number for this campaign is 14187.

Air Bags › Side/Window14V118000
Filed Mar 17, 20141,176,407 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia and 2009-2013 Chevrolet Traverse and 2008-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the driver and passenger seat mounted side impact air bag (SIAB) wiring harnesses may result in the SIAB and seat belt pretensioners not deploying in the event of a crash.

Risk. Failure of the side impact air bags and seat belt pretensioners to deploy in a crash increase the risk of injury to the driver and front seat occupant.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected harness connections with soldered connections, free of charge. The recall began on June 16, 2014. Buick owners may contact the owner center at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet owners at 1-866-694-6546, Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, and GMC owners at 1-866-996-9463. GM's number for this recall is 14030. Note: Vehicles repaired as part of Customer Satisfaction Campaign 10085 and special coverage 10335 have already had the subject condition repaired and therefore are not included in the safety recall.

Seat Belts10V375000
Filed Aug 12, 2010207,210 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE, BUICK ENCLAVE, GMC ACADIA, AND SATURN OUTLOOK VEHICLES. THE SECOND ROW SEAT SIDE TRIM SHIELD RESTRICTS THE UPWARD ROTATION OF THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE WHEN THE SEAT BACK IS RETURNED TO A SEATING POSITION AFTER BEING FOLDED FLAT. IF THE BUCKLE CONTACTS THE SEAT FRAME, ADDITIONAL EFFORT IS REQUIRED TO RETURN THE SEAT TO A SEATING POSITION. IF SUFFICIENT FORCE IS APPLIED, THE BUCKLE COVER COULD BE PUSHED DOWN THE STRAP, EXPOSING AND PARTIALLY DEPRESSING THE RED RELEASE BUTTON.

Risk. THE SAFETY BELT MAY NOT RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANT AS INTENDED DURING A CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE SECOND ROW SEAT SIDE TRIM SHIELDS. IF A SAFETY BELT BUCKLE IS DAMAGED, DEALERS WILL REPLACE IT FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 18, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, AND SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876, OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

Electrical System10V240000
Filed Jun 4, 20101,365,070 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2009 BUICK, LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 BUICK ENCLAVE; CADILLAC CTS; MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL; SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MODEL YEAR 2009 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WASHER FLUID SYSTEM (HWFS). A RECALL WAS IMPLEMENTED IN 2008 TO ADD A FUSE TO THE CONTROL CIRCUIT HARNESS TO ADDRESS THE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES OF A PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD (PCB) ELECTRICAL SHORT. HOWEVER, THERE HAVE BEEN NEW REPORTS OF THERMAL INCIDENTS ON HWFS MODULES AFTER THIS IMPROVEMENT WAS INSTALLED. THESE INCIDENTS RESULTED FROM A NEW FAILURE MODE ATTRIBUTED TO THE DEVICE'S THERMAL PROTECTION FEATURE. THE SIGNIFICANCE VARIES FROM MINOR DISTORTION TO CONSIDERABLE MELTING OF THE PLASTIC AROUND THE HWFS FLUID CHAMBER.

Risk. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE HEATED WASHER MODULE TO IGNITE AND A FIRE MAY OCCUR.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL PERMANENTLY DISABLE AND REMOVE THE HEATED WASHER FLUID MODULE. AN UPDATED PAGE FOR THE OWNER MANUAL WILL BE PROVIDED AND INSERTED IN THE OWNER MANUAL TO DOCUMENT THAT THE FEATURE HAS BEEN PERMANENTLY DISABLED AND REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 11, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 AND HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Column Shift09V073000
Filed Mar 6, 2009276,729 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING 276,729 MY 2009 BUICK ENCLAVE, CHEVROLET COBALT, HHR, MALIBU, TRAVERSE, GMC ACADIA, PONTIAC G5, G6 AND SATURN AURA AND OUTLOOK PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLES SAFETY STANDARD 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT POSITION SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT", AND FMVSS 114, "THEFT PROTECTION AND ROLLAWAY PREVENTION". ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT CLIP MAY NOT BE FULLY ENGAGED. IF THE CLIP IS NOT FULLY ENGAGED, THE SHIFT LEVER AND THE ACTUAL POSITION OF THE TRANSMISSION GEAR MAY NOT MATCH. WITH THIS CONDITION, THE DRIVE COULD MOVE THE SHIFTER TO "PARK" AND REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY, BUT THE TRANSMISSION GEAR MAY NOT BE IN "PARK".

Risk. THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AWAY AFTER THE DRIVER HAS EXITED THE VEHICLE, RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND ENSURE THAT THE SHIFT CABLE ADJUSTMENT CLIP IS FULLY ENGAGED. IN THE EVENT THAT THE CLIP DOES NOT ENGAGE, THE SHIFT CABLE WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE MARCH 24, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 AND SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 OR AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

Seat Belts › Rear/Other › Buckle Assembly08V615000
Filed Nov 24, 200816,667 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. GM IS RECALLING 16,667 MY 2009 BUICK ENCLAVE, CHEVROLET TRAVERSE, GMC ACADIA, AND SATURN OUTLOOK VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, 'SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES.' THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A SAFETY BELT BUCKLE IN THE SECOND OR THIRD ROW THAT IS MISSING A RIVET.

Risk. IN A VEHICLE CRASH, IF THE RIVET IS MISSING, THE BUCKLE MAY SEPARATE FROM THE MOUNTING STRAP, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE PASSENGER.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLES IN THE SECOND AND THIRD ROWS, AND REPLACE THEM IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 26, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; GMC AT 1-866-996-9463; SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876; OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .

What owners reported

Newest filings
Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior
Filed Jul 10, 202654,000 milesOH

The contact owns a 2009 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front driver’s side and passenger’s side exterior mirrors moved out of place and failed to remain in a set position. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was garage-kept and was concerned about the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.

Engine
Filed Jul 10, 2025MN

There was a recall for gmc premature timing chain engine recall. This recall was complete in 2011 but it did not fix the problem. The timing chain keeps breaking off the cam shaft sensor and needs to be replaced.

Steering
Filed Apr 23, 2024CA

The vehicle tire system lights came on the air bag sensor light Car did not fill safe driving no control on the road unstable on turns car was sold one lug muissing front tire ,returned car several times last time I took the vehicle was due to drivesrs back wheel wobbling so bad , Someone followeing said it looked like tire was coming off . the owner said it was fine , put it on the rack let me drive off , I drove it and it was very unstable to drive and took it to Nor cal Tires Ukiah Ca they informed me it was not safe to drive .

Engine
Filed Feb 24, 2024AR

The stabilizer/traction control keeps going off and it will stay off.i can turn,hit a bump or start it up and the traction control/stabilizer system is off.i almost had a accident on the freeway in the rain because it turned off out of nowhere and I almost lost control. Also I was going down the road and all of a sudden my vehicle died and I had little control over vehicle. Once it came to stop it would not start again and when attempting it sounded like something was stuck in my fan or something because of the way it rattled and sounded and was rough sounding. Vehicle was inoperable and had to be towed. Upon investigating it was the timing chain kit that had failed suddenly for no apparent reason. Vehicle was well maintained and kept accordance with running policies and practices required and suggested by manufacturer. Still the failing caused engine damage that is well in to the several thousands of dollars and engine must be replaced due to this issue failing and I have noticed several thousand people having this same very issue and rendering them a foot and vehicle less due to the high cost of fixing without any warning or engine light or code suggesting of the timing chain kit failing or about to fail before stranding a person wherever and whenever unexpectedly and suddenly without any warning or check engine light at all. No OEM code to validate the issue either. Manufacturer should be held liable for the exact same issue occuring in so many of the multitude of people e

Electrical System
Filed Nov 15, 2023MI

The stabilizer/traction control keeps going off and it will stay off.i can turn,hit a bump or start it up and the traction control/stabilizer system is off.i almost had a accident on the freeway in the rain because it turned off out of nowhere and I almost lost control

Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
Filed Jul 22, 2023MD

When it rains the drainage holes in the sunroof of the vehicle do not drain properly. The water runs down the side of the passenger side window in the front and on the circuit/fuse box in the front. When this happens, the water effects the driving. The vehicle will get sluggish and eventually cut off when the circuit/fuse box gets wet. The vehicle had a recall in approximately 2015 and I took it to be serviced. I think the problem is reproduced. I had no warnings of this type of issue. This just happened in April 2023 when I was caught in a storm.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 14, 2023MI

Airbag light keeps flashing had it checked at a dealer said it needs new module on passenger side. Airbag won’t deploy if there’s a crash.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 4, 2023OR

Stabilitrak system in 2009 gmc Acadia randomly acts up disabling abs system and traction control. Also randomly get a low oil pressure warning light but oil level, temperature is fine and no noises smoke or performance decline. Used different scan tools to read codes and the vechile has none listed. Changed numerous sensors and the problem is never resolved

Tires › Sidewall
Filed May 25, 2023158,712 milesNV

The contact owns a 2009 GMC Acadia equipped with Dean tires, Tire Line: Back Country Touring H/T, Tire Size: 255/65/R19, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the tire retailer for snow tire replacement, the technician informed the contact that the rear driver's side tire had three slashes along the sidewall. The technician confirmed that the tires could not be replaced due to the tires no longer being manufactured. The tires were not replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 158,712.

Engine
Filed Apr 26, 2023FL

Got code po0008 crank sensor/cam did resurch said timming chain replaced complete chain still noisey changed cam phasers and sensors still making noise it is so frustrating bee going on 3 weeks I'm disabled not easy to work on myself being I'm a master technician and this has really been mind boggling

Engine
Filed Oct 18, 2022194,726 milesME

The contact owns a 2009 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that after purchase of the vehicle, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled while driving at 45 MPH. There was no warning light illuminated. Despite the failure, the contact was able to coast the vehicle to a stop as the vehicle failed to restart after multiple attempts. The contact's husband inspected the engine and had the vehicle towed to the residence. The contact's husband replaced the crank shaft position sensor, purge valve, high pressure tank, fuel pump, and battery; however, the failure persisted. The contact then towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it diagnosed with engine failure due to the timing chain, and a cylinder #1 and #5 defect. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the vehicle related to the engine. The vehicle remained in possession of the mechanic unrepaired. The failure mileage was 194,726.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 5, 2022148,000 milesOH

The contact owns a 2009 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled and lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that a fuel module had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V614000 (Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage 148,000.

Steering
Filed Jun 27, 2022123,000 milesPA

The contact's daughter owns a 2009 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an unknown speed, the steering wheel seized without warning. His daughter restarted the vehicle and resumed normal driving operation. The contact stated that the failure recurred while his daughter's boyfriend was driving the vehicle later on that same evening. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with a defective rack and pinion. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.

Air Bags
Filed May 31, 2022NY

The wire harness corroded , and it caused everything in my car to stop working my back passenger window won’t go down , my back driver side cannot be put up or down from the back , my airbag light is now on and now my car will not shift while driving to allow me to drive it over 30mph .. I’ve paid the dealer almost $1400 to fix wiring. I’ve owned the car exactly a year now

Unknown or OtherFire
Filed Nov 5, 2021MI

I’m unsure what caused my 09 Acadia to catch fire, but it burned the longest and hottest under the engine. I need help.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 4, 2021MA

The sunroof has leaked into my passanger floor making my car battery full of water legit my whole battery is under water! This is the second time the sunroof has leaked ! I still don’t understand why they would put a battery behind my passanger seat infront of the back seat on the floor this is very dangerous. Second I still have no clue why this car has no recalls because if you look this car up it has so many problems it’s a lemon car for sure I had to put a catalytic converters in my car three times the same one three times and then the last time I changed all three of them when only one needed to be changed! I have cruise control stable track and wheel speed sensors lights on my car that I have changed everything possible to fix the light won’t come of I changed all the wheel speed sensors and the light with still not come off the dash I’m still very confused on to why there are no recalls on this vechile all these problems I’m telling your are all on google that this same suv other people have have the same issues I’m having

Engine
Filed Oct 10, 2021NC

Engine jumped out of time driving down the road

Electrical System
Filed Aug 3, 2021IL

1.)What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? A.) To start with i went in to the dealership for a timing chain recall they said the work was performed. This was never done all they did was replace ECU from an older car so that the code would not come back (REPLACED WITH A 2002 ECU) to get rid of the timing chain recall code. this code never existed in 2002..Complete negligence these SUV could hurt or kill someone B.)Huge Electrical issue suv stops on its own while driving. Sometimes does not start at all. can not pass emission for the life of it .. new codes all the time i have replaced just about Every sensor and switch there is.. . this is a money pit and death trap.. C.) The Investigation NHTSA should have included the Lambda Frame it's the same design flaw they're trying to fix one problem with an old problem. The ones on these have this fixed tie rods, lateral arms and upper control arms the bushings will wear out eventually and repeat the bouncing up and down rocking back and forth rear end barely staying on the ground it's a very dangerous ride and you see these vehicles on the expressway on a daily basis you look at them for what you know now I get really nervous seeing these vehicles. Arcadia rollovers Call it what you will it's the same problem the needs a total redesign it's defective anyway you look at it. Just looking to how many Roll over there are with this body frame and suspension it's got its own self-c

Air Bags
Filed Feb 19, 2021128,000 milesNY

AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF, THEN WILL STAY OFF FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS AND THEN STARTS THE SAME PROCESS AGAIN. CAN BE IN MOTION OR STATIONARY AFTER PARKING, BUT ENGINE STILL RUNNING.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 12, 2020112,000 milesOH

I GO THROUGH HEADLIGHTS EVERY 6 MONTHS THIS LAST TIME, MY DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT GOT REPLACED AND TWO DAYS LATER IT WENT OUT AND THE GLASS WAS SHATTERED. I WENT AND GOT NEW BULB AND IT DID NOT WORK, AFTER INSPECTING THE THE WIRING WE NOTICED IT WAS BURNT UP AND NEED REPLACED, GMC SAID IT'S ON US. WE HAVE SPOKE WITH GMC ABOUT OUR ENGINE BURNING OIL WHICH THEY ARE WELL AWARE OF AND THE DEALERSHIP TRIED TO HELP BUT GMC REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING MY CAR SEND A SIGNAL TELLING ME TO TURN OFF THE CAR OR STARTS MISS FIRING EVERY WHICH WAY AND GIVES CODES SAYING I NEED NEW COILS WHICH IS NOT THE CASE. THE AIR BAG LIGHT GOES OFF SAYING THAT THERE IS SOMEONE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT BECAUSE THE CALIBRATION GET OFF, IT TOOK MCDANIEL'S TO FIGURE IT OUT THE OTHER DEALERSHIP BLAMED IT ON ELECTRONICS. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER FLUID NO LONGER COMES OUT PROPERLY AND NEEDS SOMETHING REPLACED SO THAT IT WILL GO UP ON THE WINDSHIELD.

20 of 331 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2008
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20267100Routine
202563000Routine
202457000Routine
202343410Routine
202249310Routine
2021149200Routine
2020100600Routine
2019384220Above average
2018393210Above average
2017702420Above average
2016236420Above average
2015243430Above average
2014462620Above average
2013135380Routine
2012296520Above average
20112695100Above average
2010343481Fatalities reported
2009 — this page3317140Above average
20088545130Above average
2007428570Above average

Compare every Acadia year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jun 30, 2015. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.