Problems · NHTSA complaints
2012 GMC Acadia problems
Owners filed 302 complaints about the 2012 GMC Acadia with NHTSA between Apr 2012 and Aug 2026. The most-cited component is steering (46).
Complaints
302
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
8
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
17
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Steering46
- Structure44
- Power train43
- Electrical system42
- Engine36
- Air bags35
- Fuel/propulsion system23
- Exterior lighting21
- Vehicle speed control10
- Electronic stability control (esc)9
- Seat belts8
- Visibility/wiper8
- Service brakes7
- Suspension6
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
7
6
23
31
39
33
39
39
23
18
5
10
11
12
6
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 7 |
| 2013 | 6 |
| 2014 | 23 |
| 2015 | 31 |
| 2016 | 39 |
| 2017 | 33 |
| 2018 | 39 |
| 2019 | 39 |
| 2020 | 23 |
| 2021 | 18 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2024 | 11 |
| 2025 | 12 |
| 2026 | 6 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
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 crash1 related recall
“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.”
Electrical system
42 reports
“Hello so I notice 3 weeks ago my headlights keep cutting off and on then a week later my radio stopped working, The floor of the driver side is always wet after it rains. I noticed one day the rain started dripping on my feet when I drive after a big rain fall, I believe the car is not sealed properly and now water is coming out from the airbag signs in my vehicle and the car starting to smell like mildew. I think water is sitting in certain parts of my vehicle. I'm not sure what to do.”
Engine
36 reports2 crashes
“The contact owns a 2012 GMC Acadia. The contact’s wife stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 172,000.”
Air bags
35 reports4 crashes2 related recalls
“I HAVE A 2012 GMC acadia denali with about 147,000 miles on it and the "Service Air Bag" light is on I brought it somewhere to have the code read and the said there is about 5 different codes popping up for the issue... I've called auto shops around me locally and can't find anyone that is willing to look at it. I just want to know what my best options are as to getting this issue resolved. As I have never been in an accident so I don't know why the air bag light is on.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.