2012 GMC Acadia Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 35about this part
- Share
- 12%of 296 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 95,500miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 35 complaints about the engine of the 2012 GMC Acadia, 12% of the 296 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 95,500 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Tamara recall I have replaced two hard fuel lines in the last month from them cracking or the weld failure and now I have to replace one of them again. When these lines fail they spray fuel on the hot engine and transmission that could cause the vehicle to start on fire”
NHTSA complaint #11246300, filed 2019-08, 88,674 miles“Car started running roughly. It was loud upon starting. The car would make especially loud noises when on curves. Then the check engine light came on. Had it checked by a mechanic. Was told the timing chain is bad and needs replaced. This mechanic told me he sees this problem a lot & it has to be repaired by a dealership. The dealership's cost for this repair is $4400. I can't afford that. Upon calling mechanics all over town, they all say it's a common problem with GM's timing chains.”
NHTSA complaint #11251965, filed 2019-08, 111,900 miles“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“Driving down the road made my vehicle made a weird noise and lost all power. Took it to a dealership they said it was the timing chain. I spent 10k on a newer vehicle and this happens. Dealership it gonna be anywhere from $5,500-7,000 to fix it. I cam't afford to fix that. How is GM still making this motor with a timing chain issue and how is this year not on recall for this the years before were on recall for it. My vehicle justs sits on trailer. Jas been there for 2 monthes. Nothing like payin on a dead horse”
NHTSA complaint #11283148, filed 2019-12, 140,000 miles“Bought this Gmc used with 32000 miles. Performed regular scheduled maintenance. The car just hit 102,000 miles and the engine seized up. I was driving it home and stopped at a light and the car just died. I thought it was the battery. There was no warning as I heard no noise, did not see any build-up or smoke coming from the car. The dealership and a 2nd mechanic both verified the engine issue. It just blows my mind that a vehicle that just hit 100,000 miles would have an engine do this. The cost to replace the engine is about $8,000-$9,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11319166, filed 2020-03, 102,500 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11026017Jun 5, 2025This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
- 11024485May 15, 2025The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 11016942Mar 4, 2025This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to…
- 11014230Jan 31, 2025This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11014233Jan 30, 2025This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011709Nov 5, 2024This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010490Oct 5, 2024This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11009532Sep 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 10% |
| 2025 | 7 | 10% |
| 2024 | 10 | 16% |
| 2023 | 13 | 27% |
| 2022 | 15 | 29% |
| 2021 | 30 | 19% |
| 2020 | 29 | 27% |
| 2019 | 53 | 14% |
| 2018 | 35 | 9% |
| 2017 | 62 | 9% |
| 2016 | 13 | 6% |
| 2015 | 18 | 7% |
| 2014 | 45 | 10% |
| 2013 | 21 | 16% |
| 2012 | 35 | 12% |
| 2011 | 52 | 19% |
| 2010 | 74 | 22% |
| 2009 | 67 | 20% |
| 2008 | 124 | 15% |
| 2007 | 46 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2012 GMC Acadia
46 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
43 complaintsOther or unknown
42 complaintsBody and structure
42 complaintsElectrical system
41 complaintsAir bags
33 complaintsFuel system
24 complaintsExterior lighting
21 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
10 complaintsElectronic stability control
9 complaintsBrakes
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 GMC Acadia
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology