Air bags: critical fasteners
Free remedy
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.
Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
2012 GMC AcadiaRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 302 owner complaints for the 2012 GMC Acadia. Most complaints involve steering (46) and structure (44). The EPA rates it 19 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Combined MPG
19mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
5campaigns
Latest Apr 2021
Owner complaints
302
Top: steering
Fuel cost / yr
$3,400est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
5 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Structure: hatchback
Free remedy
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.
Seat belts
Remedy pending
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.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
302 complaints filed with NHTSA · Apr 2012 – Aug 2026
- Steering46
- Structure44
- Power train43
- Electrical system42
- Engine36
- Air bags35
- Fuel/propulsion system23
- Exterior lighting21
- Vehicle speed control10
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
By model year
Complaints for each Acadia model year we’ve synced.
View as table
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 431 |
| 2008 | 858 |
| 2009 | 333 |
| 2010 | 348 |
| 2011 | 280 |
| 2012 | 302 |
| 2013 | 140 |
| 2014 | 468 |
| 2015 | 261 |
| 2016 | 236 |
| 2017 | 706 |
| 2018 | 398 |
| 2019 | 388 |
| 2020 | 106 |
| 2021 | 155 |
| 2022 | 52 |
| 2023 | 49 |
| 2024 | 61 |
| 2025 | 69 |
| 2026 | 10 |
- Crashes reported
- 8
- Fires reported
- 2
- Injuries reported
- 17
- Deaths reported
- 0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Steering
46 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2012 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that shortly after purchasing the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who discovered that the catalytic convertor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The mechanic also inspected the vehicle and determined that the steering rack, front struts, and suspension control arms were also faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 130,000.”
Structure
44 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2012 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, after pressing the liftgate button the liftgate raised and crashed down independently after several seconds. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact researched and was made aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle remained at the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 189,352.”
Power train
43 reports2 crashes
“The contact owns a 2012 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to release from low gear while at a stop. The transmission was backed up. The engine light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who confirmed there were no recalls. The failure mileage was approximately 213,766.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Engines
- 3.6L 6-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic 6-spd
- Drive
- All-Wheel Drive · Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acadia AWD Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,400 | 468 |
| Acadia FWD Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,400 | 468 |
- 19mpg comb.
- 19mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5GMC Acadia SUV AWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 15.5%
Overall
5 / 5
GMC Acadia SUV FWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 16.9%
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2012 Acadia questions
How many recalls does the 2012 GMC Acadia have?
5 safety recalls as of Oct 30, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What are the most common 2012 GMC Acadia problems?
Owners filed 302 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (46), structure (44), power train (43). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2012 GMC Acadia get?
The EPA rates the 2012 GMC Acadia at 19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
How safe is the 2012 GMC Acadia?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2012 GMC Acadia 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 30, 2026