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ProblemsByVin File / 2009-GMC-ACADIA
2009 · GMC

GMC Acadia problems

0 safety recalls. 332 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.2 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

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Critical
0
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

steering
112 reports · avg $700
moderate
powertrain
59 reports · avg $2,500
moderate
electrical
36 reports · avg $850
severe
engine
35 reports · avg $3,100
severe
lighting
24 reports · avg $250
severe
body
17 reports · avg $1,500
severe
airbags
11 reports · avg $1,100
severe
cruise control
6 reports · avg $600
severe
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2009 Acadia?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2009 Acadia · powertrain
THE TORQUE CONVERTER FAILED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, WAS LEFT STRANDED ON THE HIGHWAY IN WINTER WHILE IN ND. THE VEHICLE IS VERY WELL MAINTAINED. VEHICLE HAS 105,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY A GM DEALER THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE…
12/31/2018 · NHTSA ODI #11164180.0
2009 Acadia · electrical
I BELIEVE I HAVE SOME TYPE OF ELECTRICAL ISSUE. I STARTED TESTING DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS SUCH AS THE DRIVER SEATBELT. I PURPOSELY DROVE SEVERAL MILES IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD WITH THE SEATBELT OVER ME, BUT NOT ENGAGED AND THE LIGHT DID NOT COME ON. MY AIRBAG…
12/30/2010 · NHTSA ODI #10373406.0
2009 Acadia · steering
WHEN TRYING TO STEER THE VEHICLE BELOW 5 MPH'S (ENGINE BELOW 1200 RPM), THE STEERING WHEEL WILL LOCK UP AND IS VERY HARD TO STEER. MY WIFE HAD THIS HAPPEN TO HER THE FIRST WHEN SHE WAS PULLING INTO OUR DRIVEWAY (THANKFULLY IT DID NOT HAPPEN IN THE CITY). SHE TOLD ME ABOUT IT,…
12/27/2012 · NHTSA ODI #10490282.0
2009 Acadia · body Injury
THE SUV WAS PARKED IN MY MOM'S DRIVEWAY. I PUSHED THE REMOTE TO OPEN THE REAR POWER LIFT GATE. I CAME UPON THE BACK OF THE SUV WITH MY 3 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AND THE LIFT GATE WAS UP. I WENT TO PUT SOMETHING IN THE TRUNK WHEN THE LIFT GATE COLLAPSED ON MY HEAD KNOCKING ME OUT AND…
12/26/2013 · NHTSA ODI #10557304.0

Estimate your repair exposure

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Common questions

Is the 2009 GMC Acadia reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.2 out of 10 based on 332 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 GMC Acadia is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2009 GMC Acadia?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 112 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The steering is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my GMC Acadia has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2009 GMC Acadia?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 332 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $700, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 21 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with GMC. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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