2012 GMC Acadia Problems
Compared with other GMC Acadia years
Typical for this model
54/100 1.1× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.1× that of a typical GMC Acadia year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 36 of its 296 complaints were filed by the end of 2014.
- Most reported problem: Liftgate drops or closes on its own (45 complaints, median 75,000 mi).
- 5 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2013, 2015
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 296filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles, 220 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 5campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 19 mpgcombined, 3.6L 6-cyl FWD · 17 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2012 GMC Acadia (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2012 Acadia most often write about a power liftgate that drops or closes on its own, transmission shudder and slipping, and power steering assist that cuts out intermittently. Engine misfire and loss-of-power reports, and airbag warning-light complaints, also recur. Reports cluster from roughly 50,000 to 150,000 miles rather than at low mileage.
- Body and structure
Liftgate drops or closes on its own
- 45 complaints (15%)
- median 75,000 mi at 6.5 yrs old (35 state mileage)
- 9 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2014–2026
Owners describe the liftgate opening partway and then falling, or closing by itself while the vehicle is parked; several say it came down on their head or back while they were loading cargo. Some say the gate only stays up if it is pushed all the way to the top, and a few describe a strut or hinge letting go. Complaints mention strut replacement being recommended, and several owners note their vehicle fell outside the liftgate recall build dates. Reported from about 38,000 to 189,000 miles, many between 50,000 and 125,000 miles, almost always while the vehicle was parked.
What to check: Open and close the liftgate several times and see whether it holds at the top without help. Ask whether recall 15V415000 was completed on this VIN and whether the liftgate struts have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The torque converter is failing per dublin Gmc. That is the cause of the stuttering. In addition, the rear lift gate has failed and will not stay open in either power or manuel mode. Apparently my vehicle manufactur date is out side the recall months for this recall (per dublin Gmc and self check on this website) recall # 5420 and nhst #15v415000. How do I get the mfg to pay for this potentially lethal failure (it almost got me when it failed as I was taking groceries out of back)”
NHTSA complaint #11374923, filed 2020-11, 115,000 miles“As my Gmc Acadia is sitting in the garage I pulled on the lift gate handle to open the tailgate. Confidence that it was good to step in an put my baby's stroller I proceeded to step in as soon as the lift gate got to it's peek the strut gave in and the gate came down about two feet or so striking me on top of my head. I managed get down as to not get heart the lift gate seems to be out of service because there is no way to open it and have it stay open. It jerks and then it closes itself.”
NHTSA complaint #10969128, filed 2017-03, 73,100 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission shudder, slipping and hard shifts
- 44 complaints (15%)
- median 97,800 mi at 6.7 yrs old (38 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $4,000 (median of 5 quotes)
- filed 2012–2026
Complaints describe a shudder or washboard-like vibration at highway speeds and around the 2nd-3rd and 3rd-4th gear changes, along with slipping, hesitation and hard shifts. Owners say dealers often could not duplicate the problem when no code was stored, and some were later told the torque converter or the whole transmission needed replacement. A few report the transmission sticking in a low gear. Mostly reported between about 90,000 and 165,000 miles, with a few as late as roughly 210,000 miles.
What to check: Test drive at a steady 55-65 mph and on a hill to feel for shudder or delayed engagement, and ask for transmission service records or a fluid and filter history before buying.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When it is parked and idling it sounds like it wants to stall. When I am driving it it shifts hard and the transmission starts slipping. I took it to a reputable mechanic for an assessment of the problem and he said his computer said that it was the traction control module in the transmission and that it would cost about $1500 to repair it including labor. He called the dealer to see if it was in stock and they said they had many of them. …”
NHTSA complaint #11402864, filed 2021-03, 98,100 miles“Around april/may 2015 I began noticing issues with my vehicle when shifting, upshifting and downshifting while driving. I took it into the dealership several times with complaints of the transmission skipping, hesitating, sputtering, and a variety of other words that I used to describe the issue. The problem continued to become worse. Time and time again the dealership told me they test drove the vehicle, couldn't duplicate the issue, and couldn't do anything further b/c no code was coming up on the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10819017, filed 2016-01, 89,000 miles - Steering
Power steering assist cuts out
- 33 complaints (11%)
- median 73,500 mi at 5.5 yrs old (28 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $2,000 (median of 6 quotes)
- filed 2012–2025
Owners describe the steering suddenly becoming heavy, often at low speed in a turn or after driving through water, then returning after a short time. Several were told the power steering pump, the rack and pinion or the steering gear valve needed replacement, and some had that work done only for the problem to come back. A few mention very hard steering with no warning light. Reported from roughly 33,000 to 157,000 miles, with several complaints below 100,000 miles.
What to check: Turn the wheel lock to lock at idle and listen for whining or groaning, and look for fluid seepage around the pump and rack. Ask whether the power steering system has been flushed or any pump, hose or rack work has been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“During the last year or so, my steering goes out when I'm making a turn after driving through a puddle. It kicks back in after 15-30 seconds. I took it to the dealer last year, they just blew it off, said it was a dirty sensor or something, but didn't fix it, nor did they document it. It kept happening. I took it back to the dealer last week (after my warranty expired) and they did $1800 worth of work to the car (new steering pump and steering hose). My extended warranty covered some of it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10897390, filed 2016-08, 33,000 miles“We bought this used car from a dealer drove it about 4 to 5 months and the left signal light failed, so we changed it worked for one day and then went dead again. Turning left from my street the steering was really hard and had problems turning left but I did finally on another occasion the same thing happened. Finally driving suddenly we saw a turn engine off and the engine started making loud noises and went dead in the middle of the street. So we kept gliding with no engine running and went into a parking lot. …”
NHTSA complaint #11176450, filed 2019-02, 84,000 miles - Engine
Misfire, rough running and loss of engine power
- 21 complaints (7%)
- median 101,250 mi at 7.8 yrs old (16 state mileage)
- filed 2013–2025
Complaints describe a check-engine light with cylinder misfire codes, rough idle and shaking at start-up, and in some cases the engine losing power or quitting while driving. Owners report being told the timing chain, intake, catalytic converter or the engine itself needed replacement, and a few mention metal debris found in the engine. Several say the cause was hard to pin down and repairs were done in stages. Reported from about 70,000 to 172,000 miles, most often after 100,000 miles.
What to check: Check that no warning lights remain after start-up, listen for a rough or uneven idle, and ask for timing chain, intake and emission-related repair history along with oil change records.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“A p0306 code appeared. I took it to my mechanic and he expressed that my engine was 'porous'. When I start my engine there's a rough start. When it's idle the car shakes.”
NHTSA complaint #11415679, filed 2021-05, 70,000 miles“I have 2 ongoing issues, 1st is the car will be driving fine then get a check engine light and have a code for cylinder misfire. Car was at dealer multiple times with issue and could not duplicate while under extended warranty. Mysteriously the intake has to come apart and be reworked since the warranty expired, and still has same issues. The 2nd and more concerning issue is the power steering. Initially took in and told the rack and pinion needs changed. Still had same issue and told power steering now needs to be changed, so we did. …”
NHTSA complaint #11395603, filed 2021-02, 105,000 miles - Air bags
Airbag warning light on
Mentioned in 5 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe a service air bag message that stays on, sometimes with dealer estimates for a passenger airbag or a rear sensor. A few reports describe side curtain or rear airbags deploying without a collision, including one at low speed in a driveway and one after a tire blowout. Others say the warning came on with no explanation offered by the dealer. Reported from about 87,000 to 160,000 miles.
Recall 21V246000Recall 14V118000
What to check: Confirm the airbag light goes out after the ignition self-test, and ask whether recalls 21V246000 and 14V118000 were completed for this VIN.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The side curtain airbags deployed coming up my driveway. There was no collision and my vehicle was traveling only 8 miles per hour. I have asked for explanation from the manufacturer on how the airbags deployed if they did not malfunction. They refuse to provide an explanation or proof my vehicle was tested.”
NHTSA complaint #11389876, filed 2021-01, 160,000 miles“The front passenger tire blew out causing me to run into the ditch. I was the only person in the vehicle but all the rear airbags deployed in the back but not in the front. The front seatbelts locked but not the back....”
NHTSA complaint #11362989, filed 2020-10, 138,000 miles
Buying note. Have the liftgate struts, transmission and power steering checked before purchase, and confirm which open recalls apply to the VIN and were completed. Repair history for the timing chain and emission system is worth asking for, since several owners report repeat visits before the cause was found.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 296 consumer complaints for the 2012 GMC Acadia. 220 of the complaints include a mileage, and 27% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 75,000 miles. Of all complaints, 8 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 17 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 1,587 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 15 GMC Acadia model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 54 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Steering46 16%
- Other or unknown42 14%
- Body and structure42 14%
- Electrical system41 14%
- Engine35 12%
- Air bags33 11%
- Fuel system24 8.1%
- Exterior lighting21 7.1%
Also reported: Vehicle speed control (10), Electronic stability control (9), Brakes (8), Seat belts (8), Suspension (6), Seats (5), Equipment (4), Engine cooling (3), Wheels (3), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Tires (1).
Example complaints
Steering: “While going under 10mph on a roadway, (3) different occasions, my steering wheel completely locked up. I braked and then after a few seconds it resumed steering. Got home and my husband checked the power steering fluid, all full. Called local dealer and they said there is no recall on my specific vehicle but many surrounding years have the same issue and have been recalled.”
NHTSA complaint #11243898, filed 2019-08, 89,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “The car sputters and hesitates when changing gears. I took it to a Gmc dealer and found out the torque converter and transmission were bad. I researched and found multiple complaints of this happening with the Gmc Acadia. I received a price of approximately $4500 to correct the issue. I did contact Gmc and was told no assistance would be offered.”
NHTSA complaint #11271771, filed 2019-10, 118,000 milesOther or unknown: “Lift gate would not open, tried to open my driver door to open it from there and it still would not work. Tried to crank car and it made a lot of clicking noises and looked as if the battery was dead but then all of my doors started making clicking noises. Won't start. Won't release key.”
NHTSA complaint #11073516, filed 2018-02, 108,000 milesBody and structure: “Liftgate struts did fail and the liftgate fell down uncontrollably. It happened exactly as mentioned in NHTSA campaign number 15v415000 but the dealership said my vehicle was not on the recall list so there was nothing they could do about the issue under warranty and I would need to pay for the repairs out of pocket.”
NHTSA complaint #11102998, filed 2018-06, 75,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
27% of the 220 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 47,000 and 100,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2012 GMC Acadia. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acadia · SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 15.5% risk |
| Acadia · SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 16.9% risk |
Neighbouring years: 2011: same overall rating; 2013: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2012 GMC Acadia version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acadia AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Acadia FWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 21V246000Apr 8, 2021Air bags › Critical fastenersCovers: GMC Acadia 2011–2016, Chevrolet Traverse 2010–2019, Buick Enclave 2010–2015, 2017
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2015, 2017 Buick Enclave, 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2011-2016 GMC Acadia vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not be properly attached.
- 15V415000Jun 30, 2015Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgateCovers: GMC Acadia 2007–2012, Buick Enclave 2008–2012, Saturn Outlook 2007–2010 +1 more
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…
- 14V266000May 20, 2014Seat beltsCovers: GMC Acadia 2009–2014, Chevrolet Traverse 2009–2014, Buick Enclave 2009–2014 +1 more
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…
- 14V118000Mar 17, 2014Air bags › Side/windowCovers: GMC Acadia 2008–2013, Buick Enclave 2008–2013, Chevrolet Traverse 2009–2013 +1 more
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…
- 12V151000Apr 9, 2012Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › LinkagesCovers: GMC Acadia 2011–2012, Chevrolet Traverse 2011–2012, Buick Enclave 2011–2012
General motors (gm) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 chevrolet traverse, buick enclave, and gmc acadia vehicles currently registered in alaska, colorado, connecticut, delaware, idaho, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts…
Recall details for the 2012 GMC Acadia → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,587 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11027601Jan 8, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11025755Nov 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit…
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- 11022084Aug 14, 2025Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11021792Aug 7, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming…
- 11019693Jun 9, 2025Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
Other model years of the GMC Acadia
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 10 | 2,800 | 1 | 5 | 22 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 69 | 3,000 | 0 | 5 | 23 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 61 | 7,000 | 0 | 5 | 23 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 49 | 24,749 | 4 | 5 | 25 | 25 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 52 | 31,500 | 3 | 5 | 25 | 8 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 155 | 27,896 | 2 | 5 | 23 | 47 · Typical | Rising |
| 2020 | 106 | 9,500 | 6 | 5 | 23 | 55 · Typical | Rising |
| 2019 | 388 | 40,000 | 2 | 4–5 | 23 | 46 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 398 | 32,000 | 2 | 4–5 | 23 | 71 · More | Stable |
| 2017 | 706 | 33,000 | 4 | 4–5 | 21 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2016 | 236 | 50,000 | 4 | 5 | 18 | 25 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2015 | 243 | 50,000 | 4 | 5 | 19 | 30 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2014 | 463 | 59,500 | 6 | 5 | 19 | 78 · More | Rising |
| 2013 | 135 | 83,000 | 3 | 5 | 19 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 296 | 75,000 | 5 | 5 | 19 | 54 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 269 | 68,694 | 5 | 5 | 19 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 343 | 75,000 | 4 | — | 19 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 331 | 75,417 | 7 | — | 19 | 67 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 854 | 82,000 | 5 | — | 19 | 82 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 428 | 77,500 | 5 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All GMC Acadia model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2012 GMC Acadia?
Owners of the 2012 Acadia most often write about a power liftgate that drops or closes on its own, transmission shudder and slipping, and power steering assist that cuts out intermittently. The issues reported most often: Liftgate drops or closes on its own; Transmission shudder, slipping and hard shifts; Power steering assist cuts out.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012 GMC Acadia have?
NHTSA recorded 296 consumer complaints for the 2012 GMC Acadia as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2012 GMC Acadia is reported most often?
Steering is named most often, in 46 complaints (16% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 43.
Has the 2012 GMC Acadia been recalled?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2012 GMC Acadia do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2012 GMC Acadia 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2012 GMC Acadia get?
The EPA rates the 2012 GMC Acadia (Acadia FWD, 3.6L 6-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 17 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2012 GMC Acadia reported?
Among the 220 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 75,000 miles and the middle half falls between 47,000 and 100,000 miles; 27% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.