GMC ACADIA · model year

2010 GMC ACADIA

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.

435
Complaints
5
Crashes
9
Fires
9
Injuries
1
Deaths

Total Complaints

435 filings

Crashes Reported

5 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
STEERING146
ENGINE73
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM42
POWER TRAIN37
EXTERIOR LIGHTING22
AIR BAGS16
UNKNOWN OR OTHER11
SUSPENSION10
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL8
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING7
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)7
SEAT BELTS6
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION5
SERVICE BRAKES5
SEATS4

Recalls (4)

15V41500030/06/2015

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

14V26600020/05/2014

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

14V11800017/03/2014

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

10V37500012/08/2010

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

Recent Complaints

20250908FireENGINE

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.

20250805ENGINE

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.

20221111ENGINE

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

20221111STEERING

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

20221026STEERING

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.

20221005ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Timing chain and gears

20220714STEERING

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

20220310ENGINE

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.

20220215ENGINE

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.

20211206UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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

20211118ENGINE

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

20211110POWER TRAIN

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

20211006POWER TRAIN

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.

20210921STEERING

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 can’t 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 can’t turn the steering wheel it can cause a wreck. Please please help me with this issue..

20210804FireENGINE

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

20210713STEERING

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

20210311SEATS

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

20210224ENGINE

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

20201221ENGINE

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.

20200927POWER TRAIN

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

Compare 2010GMCACADIA to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2010 GMC ACADIA have?
The 2010 GMC ACADIA has 435 NHTSA complaints, 5 crashes, 9 fires, 9 injuries, and 1 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2010 GMC ACADIA?
Yes, the 2010 GMC ACADIA has 4 recall(s). The most common affected component is STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2010 GMC ACADIA?
The most-complained component for the 2010 GMC ACADIA is STEERING with 146 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Is the 2010 GMC ACADIA safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

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.