Total Complaints
435 filings
GMC ACADIA · model year
435 NHTSA complaints, 5 crash reports, and 4 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2010GMCACADIA carries 435 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 5 crashes, 9 fires, 9 injuries, and 1 fatality. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2010 ACADIA is steering with 146 filings, followed by engine (73) and electrical system (42). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 4 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 2 investigation files overlapping the 2010 ACADIA. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
435 filings
Crashes Reported
5 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| STEERING | 146 |
| ENGINE | 73 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 42 |
| POWER TRAIN | 37 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 22 |
| AIR BAGS | 16 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 11 |
| SUSPENSION | 10 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 8 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 7 |
| ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | 7 |
| SEAT BELTS | 6 |
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 5 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5 |
| SEATS | 4 |
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
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 2
SEAT BELTS
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 Satu
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
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
SEAT BELTS
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 F
The contact owned a 2010 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, white and black smoke had leaked into the interior cabin through the air vents. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle had caught on fire under the hood. The contact pulled over to the side of the road when the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The local fire department arrived on scene and extinguished the fire. The source of the fire was unidentified. A police report was filed. The contact sought medical attention for smoke inhalation. The vehicle was towed to a local tow lot via the insurance provider. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The local dealer was not contacted. In addition, the contact related the failure to an unknown NHTSA Campaign that was previously repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Shift to park issue known recall issue in other GMC Acadias ... Vehicle will not lock into park and can NOT remove key anymore electrical still runs in vehicle causing the battery to drain ... Now have to force vehicle to shift into Park as best as possible but still does not fully lock into Park gear anymore ... I was shifting into Park.
Check Engine Light. Faulty timing chain. Rack and pinion repairs needed. Examined by two automotive locations: LaFontaine Automotive GMC of Ann Arbor (Michigan) and Mazur's Total Automotive in Pinckney, MI
Check Engine Light. Faulty timing chain. Rack and pinion repairs needed. Examined by two automotive locations: LaFontaine Automotive GMC of Ann Arbor (Michigan) and Mazur's Total Automotive in Pinckney, MI
When drving at a slower speed to make a sharp turn, steering wheel almost locks up or have to use both hands to turn the wheel. As if there is no power steering in the vehicle. At times you can not turn as sharp as needed putting you in danger of being hit by another vehicle.
Timing chain and gears
The contact owns a 2010 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the high- and low-pressure hoses, steering pump, and rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The contact called the local dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
Mileage: 145,000
The car completely stopped while driving. Upon towing it to the shop, they stated the timing chain cause the engine to not work. This is a safety hazard due to anyone could of gotten hurt or this could have cause an accident due to I was not able to steer or do anything.
Timing chain was replaced on 11/26/2019 and failed again on 02/09/2022. Needs to be a manufacturer defect that gets fixed for free. So dangerous.
all the wiring under the dash has got the installation melted off of the wiring and can't get the vehicle to start or get any power to the battery or ect and the fuse box under the dash has 50 fuses in it and out of all of them only one of them out of 50 is getting power and to me it's a fire Hazzard and i think gmc needs to do a recall on it or replace my vehicle i've got it in a garage now and that's what the mechanic has found out about is the wiring under the dash
The contact owns a 2010 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start without warning. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact was informed by an independent mechanic that the failure was due to the timing chain and rod bearings. The failure mileage was approximately 133,208.
Mileage: 133,208
power train came up on a computer check witch looks like the same problem that is already on here my engine light is on as long as my abs and track control light stable light is on
2010 GMC Acadia transmission had to be replaced due to faulty wave plate. I have seen many others with this same problem. GM is aware of the issue and even issued a special warranty for 2007-2009 models. 2010 models are having this same issue. GM should stand behind their products and issue a recall. This cost us over $3000.
The same model and year has a recalled for a steering issue. But due to mine having a salvage title it is not cover. They say it is NOT a safety issue. And that is NOT true. It is to the point that I canât hardly even turn it. It is so hard to turn the steering wheel. And it is getting worse. It is a safety issue if you canât turn the steering wheel it can cause a wreck. Please please help me with this issue..
The contact owns a 2010 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while driving 45 mph, the vehicle began to idle rapidly and smoke was exiting the hood. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road for approximately an hour before driving to her residence. The contact never saw a fire while examining the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with needing the timing chain to be replaced along with an oil leak. The vehicle was not repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Mileage: 120,000
I purchased this vehicle in Feb. 2021. Shortly after my purchase I noticed the steering would tighten up randomly when turning corners making it very difficult to steer / control the vehicle. It also does this when parking. This has happened numerous times since I purchased the vehicle. I googled the problem and found some info dated in September 16, 2014 indicating GM's Special Coverage Adjustment - Loss of Power Steering Assist indicating the special coverage covers condition described for 10 years after 1st svc date (the Carfax I received said was 2.10.2011) or 150,000 mi whichever occurs first from date vehicle originally placed in service regardless of ownership. I purchased my vehicle from a dealership on 2.03.2021 - took possession 2.06.2021. My vehicle only has 73,676 mi on it. I reached out to general motors to see if they would assist with the problem since I was not aware the issue prior to purchasing and I am the second owner. They declined and told me to contact my deal
BACK SEAT ARM REST BRACKET WELDS FAILED. NOT ENOUGH PENETRATION. WHAT ELSE DOESN'T HAVE ENOUGH WELD PENETRATION ON THE SEAT FRAMES? WORKING IN AN AUTOMOTIVE SEATING FACILITY I KNOW THE IMPORTANCE.
Mileage: 122,000
IN 2013 GMC SENT A LETTER THAT THE ENGINE COOLANT MAY LEAK FROM THE WATER PUMP SHAFT SEAL AND RESULTS IN WATER PUMP FAILURE. THEY SAID DO NOT TAKE YOUR VEHICLE IN UNLESS YOU THINK YOU HAVE A LEAK. THEY ALSO SAID IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS WITHIN 10 YRS OF THE DATE YOUR VEHICLE WAS ORIGINALLY PLACED IN SERVICE OR 120,000 MILES THEY WILL COVER REPAIRS. HOWEVER, AT THE END IT SAYS ALL WORK HAS TO BE COMPLETED BY OCTOBER 31, 2014. BY JULY 2019 BEFORE THE 10 YRS AND THE 120,000 MY VEHICLE FAILED ON THE HIGHWAY. THE COOLANT LEAKING ON THE TRANSFER CASE/AXEL FROM THE WATER PUMP CAUSED IT TO FAIL AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THEY DID NOT HONOR REIMBURSEMENT AND MADE THE TERMS OF THEIR WARNING CONFUSING AND DIFFICULT TO PARTICIPATE IN. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE AND BLACK SMOKE SPILLED OUT FROM THE HOOD.
Mileage: 106,877
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE ON JUNE 25 ,2020 AND ON AUGUST 19,2020 IT BROKE DOWN ON THE EXPRESSWAY WHILE I WAS TRANSFERRING FROM ONE HOSPITAL TO ANOTHER HOSPITAL WITH ME I'LL 3 YEAR OLD .I REPLACED THE BATTERY AND STARTER IT STILL WOULD NOT CRANK I SENT IT TO BUICK GMC IN MORROW AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE MOTOR WAS COMPLETELY GONE. I PAID MY CAR NOTE UP UNTIL FEBRUARY 5,2021 AND I DON'T HAVE A VEHICLE BECAUSE IT NEEDS A NEW MOTOR.
THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS. WHEN YOU START THE VEHICLE IT SOMETIMES STARTS IN THE WRONG GEAR AND NEEDS TO BE SHUT OFF AN RESTARTED, OTHERWISE IT RUNS ON TOO MANY RPM. AT TIMES WHEN PUSHING ON THE GAS, AFTER A STOP AT A LIGHT, IT DOES NOT MOVE FOR A WHILE. WHEN IT DOES MOVE IT JERKS AND ABRUPTLY STARTS. THE RUNNING DAY HEAD LAMP OVERHEATS AND BURNS OUT THE LIGHT BULB, CAUSING IT TO EXPLODE.
Mileage: 130,000
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.