This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 GMC Acadia powertrain problems
moderate 59 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
59
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1crash
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 59 powertrain complaints filed for the 2009 GMC Acadia, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 59 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 7 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and explains the PQC process, GWM Transaction submission, vehicle service record retention and proper handling of assembly returns for Canadian Dealers only.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2009 GMC Acadia develops predictable, expensive failures that strike outside the manufacturer's warranty window. The transmission 3-5-R wave plate fractures between 35,000 and 108,000 miles, with the heaviest concentration near 75,000–82,000 miles—just past the 100,000-mile powertrain warranty boundary. Owners describe sudden transmission slippage, hard shifts, high engine RPM with no acceleration, jerking, and complete loss of forward or reverse motion. Many took the vehicle to dealers weeks or months earlier reporting transmission hesitation; dealers either said "nothing is wrong" or blamed "normal" behavior. When the wave plate finally breaks, complete transmission replacement or rebuild runs $2,200–$5,300, and GM refuses warranty coverage citing mileage or time limits.
The timing chain fails abruptly without check engine light or diagnostic codes, producing rough rattling sounds and sudden engine shutdown. Repair requires full engine replacement, costing thousands. Owners who fall 5,000 miles or six weeks past warranty were denied coverage despite GM being aware of the defect.
Secondary issues include the vehicle rolling backward on inclines despite being in Drive or Park—dealers claim this is normal. One owner was struck and seriously injured by his rolling vehicle. Electrical failures (stabilitrak disabled, window motors, corroded wire harness) stack up early. Low oil pressure warnings with no stored codes and excessive oil consumption between changes suggest internal engine wear or sensor problems, but GM offers minimal support. No recalls or service bulletins alert owners to these risks before they strand you on a highway or leave you with a five-figure repair bill.
Same GMC Acadia powertrain reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008 · 2010 · 2011 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission 3-5-R Wave Plate Failure
The 3-5-R wave plate (also called reverse wave plate or drive/reverse clutch) fractures or breaks, causing the transmission to slip, fail to shift into certain gears, or lose all forward or reverse motion. Owners report the wave plate becomes brittle due to improper heat treatment during manufacturing. This is the dominant failure pattern in the complaint cluster.
When: Typically 35,000–108,000 miles; many failures occur just outside the 100,000-mile powertrain warranty window, between 75,000–82,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slips or hesitates when shifting gears; Hard shifts from 2nd to 3rd gear or between other gear ranges; Vehicle jerks, lurches, or shudders during acceleration; Engine revs high (3,500–4,500 RPM) but vehicle loses power or accelerates slowly; Check engine light illuminates; Vehicle fails to shift into or maintain certain gears (reverse, drive, or 3rd–5th); Complete loss of forward or reverse motion; vehicle will not move; Whining noise from transmission when attempting to shift; Transmission slips more frequently once initial symptoms appear
Codes mentioned: P0007 (mentioned in one narrative), Transmission diagnostic codes (generic)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement or complete transmission rebuild required. Owners report repair costs of $2,200–$5,300; many dealerships refuse to cover the repair because the vehicle exceeds 100,000 miles or the 5-year powertrain warranty has expired. Some owners report dealerships performed fluid flushes or sensor replacements that did not resolve the issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM is aware of the issue but has not issued a recall. Several narratives mention owners were told by dealerships that the transmission shifts/slips are 'normal' for this particular transmission. One narrative mentions Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 14404A. Dealers have refused warranty coverage citing mileage or time limits, even when failures occur near the boundary (e.g., 82,000 miles on a 100,000-mile warranty or six weeks past the 5-year mark). GM extended the timing chain warranty to 120,000 miles in one case but made no similar extension for the transmission.
Timing Chain Failure
The timing chain kit fails suddenly, causing severe engine rattling, rough running, complete engine shutdown, and engine damage. Affected vehicles may require full engine replacement. Failures appear to occur across a wide mileage range without diagnostic warning.
When: Occurs across a broad range of mileage (some as early as when vehicle is well-maintained); owner reports note the failure happened without warning and without any check engine light before complete engine seizure; one case occurred at 120,000–200,000 miles range.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine makes rough, rattling sound (like something stuck in the fan); Sudden loss of power while driving; Vehicle dies or becomes inoperable without warning; Engine light may not illuminate before failure; Shuddering or shaking while driving at normal speeds (25–30 MPH)
Codes mentioned: P0007 (mentioned in narrative #22), No diagnostic codes stored in system before complete failure (per owner accounts)
Repairs/costs cited: Timing chain replacement or full engine replacement required. Owner reports costs in the 'several thousands of dollars'; one narrative cites repair quotes of $2,000–$2,500 for timing chain work. One owner reports having a recall on the timing chain but vehicle was 5,000 miles over the manufacturer's warranty limit and repair was denied.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM has a recall for timing chain issues on this model, but the recall coverage limit is 120,000 miles. One owner reports the vehicle was denied coverage at 125,000 miles despite loyalty to GM. One narrative mentions a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) and bulletin number 14404A. However, no proactive service bulletins were sent to owners, and GM has not extended warranty coverage beyond the stated limits for many affected vehicles. Owner states GM 'refuses to take responsibility' despite being aware of the issue as a 'continuous problem.'
Transmission Won't Shift or Engage (Linkage/Shifter Issue)
The transmission fails to engage into gear when the shifter is moved, or the shifter linkage pops off, leaving the vehicle unable to move. In some cases, the vehicle is in gear but will not start, or the transmission will not recognize the gear selection.
When: Varies; one case involves recall history for transmission linkage popping off.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle in gear but will not start; Shifter pops off or becomes loose; Transmission will not engage into any gear despite shifter movement; Clicking sound from shifter but no engagement; Vehicle cannot be put in gear and remains stationary
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission linkage repair or shifter adjustment. One narrative mentions a previous recall for transmission linkage popping off; the same owner now has the linkage popping off again.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner notes a prior recall for transmission linkage; dealership did not inform owner that the linkage had popped off again despite vehicle being serviced.
Vehicle Rolls Backward in Drive or Park on Incline
The vehicle rolls backward when parked on a slight or steep incline, even when the transmission is in Drive or Park. In one severe case, the vehicle rolled backward and struck a person. This represents a serious safety defect.
When: Occurs on inclines; mileage varies (one case at 25,144 miles, another at 90,000 miles).
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward down incline while in Drive position; Vehicle rolls backward down incline while in Park; Vehicle rolls backward at traffic lights or stop signs on slight grades; Rolls occur even with foot on brake or transmission in Drive
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented in narratives. Dealers stated vehicle was 'operating as normal' or 'working up to specifications' despite the hazardous behavior.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers are unable or unwilling to replicate or fix the issue. One narrative explicitly states the vehicle was advised to be 'safe to drive' 1,000 miles back to owner's residence. One narrative references NHTSA campaign number 09V073000 (powertrain) and notes the affected vehicle was NOT included in that recall. In one case, a person was injured when the vehicle rolled backward over his body, causing fractured tibia, fractured pelvis, punctured lungs, and seven fractured ribs—no repair was attempted.
Erratic Engine Idle and Stalling
Engine idles erratically, revs on its own at stop lights, or stalls unexpectedly while driving. Some cases involve the vehicle not starting after being shut off, or difficulty starting in gear.
When: Varies; occurs during normal driving and at traffic stops.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine independently revs at stop sign or traffic light; Vehicle stalls while driving at speed (65 MPH documented); Engine will not start after shutdown; Vehicle has difficulty starting when in gear; Check engine light illuminates
Repairs/costs cited: Root causes remain undiagnosed in most narratives. One narrative mentions potential oil pump or oil pan issues, and speculation about low oil pressure sensor failures.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers cannot replicate the problem or identify the cause. GM offers minimal support (one owner reports a $100 voucher toward a $250 diagnostic check with no guarantee of a fix). No TSBs or recalls provided.
Low Oil Pressure Warning and Engine Shutdown
Low oil pressure warning illuminates while driving, engine shuts down, or vehicle exhibits symptoms consistent with low oil pressure. Oil level is adequate, and diagnostics reveal no stored codes.
When: One case at 45 MPH; timing not specified in others.
Symptoms owners cite: Low oil pressure warning light illuminates while driving; Engine shuts down due to low pressure warning; No diagnostic codes stored in system; Oil level is normal despite warning
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnosis unclear. Speculation includes bad oil pump or oil pan requiring cleaning. One owner reports other Acadia owners on forum spent thousands with no resolution; some had to install new engines. Repair costs unspecified but potentially very high.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM states there are no bulletins for this issue. Support limited to $100 diagnostic voucher. Owner reports no recall or TSB despite multiple owners experiencing the same problem.
Electrical System Failures (Stabilitrak/Traction Control, Window Motors, Wiring Harness Corrosion)
Multiple electrical system failures including stabilitrak/traction control flashing or disabling unexpectedly, power window failures, back hatch inoperability, corroded wire harnesses, and airbag light illumination.
When: Varies; stabilitrak issues noted early and throughout vehicle life; wire harness corrosion reported after one year of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Stabilitrak/traction control system turns off unexpectedly and will not turn back on; Stabilitrak light flashes constantly; Driver-side window stops working; Back hatch cannot be opened (no key or button function); Airbag light illuminates; Wire harness corrodes, causing cascading electrical failures; Passenger windows and rear windows malfunction; Vehicle will not shift during driving after electrical failures
Repairs/costs cited: Window motor replacement required. Wire harness corrosion repair cost $1,400 (one owner, after one year of ownership). Some issues require electrical specialist diagnosis.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers advise owners to contact electrical specialists rather than providing factory repair. No recalls or TSBs mentioned. One dealership (a Ford dealer) stated they lacked the tools to diagnose the vehicle.
HVAC Control System Malfunction
Heat and air conditioning control does not match knob position; defrost function fails intermittently.
When: Early in ownership; one case after two months.
Symptoms owners cite: HVAC output does not match control knob setting; Defrost does not work 75% of the time
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired in narratives provided.
Engine Oil Consumption (Excessive Oil Burn)
Engine burns excessive amounts of oil between changes; owner must add oil every 3 weeks despite low mileage and routine driving.
When: Early in vehicle ownership; noted within first 2–3 months of ownership in one case.
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level drops rapidly between scheduled oil changes; Owner must add quart of oil every 3 weeks despite light driving; Issue persists after oil change and filter replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Not diagnosed or repaired in narratives. One owner speculates issue is related to transmission evaporation (EVAP) system.
Synthesized from 59 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
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 acadia. *dt*jb
Our 2009 GMC acadia, with front wheel drive, rolls backward when parked on a slight incline even when the transmission is in drive. This past weekend it rolled backward hitting my husband who was walking behind the vehicle. He wasn't injured but we believe this is a serious safety issue especially if children are involved. Also, the vehicle rolls backward, approximately one foot in distance,…
The car felt as though the gears weren't catching and RPM would drop but if you took your foot off the accelerator it would go away for a second but then it would happen again. No one seems to know what's wrong, but it seems as though the transmission is slipping. It seems to happen at speeds of 50 miles and higher which is very dangerous especially when traveling on the expressways. *tr
We purchased a 2009 acadia from a reputable dealer that claims quality in regards to their used vehicles. We have had the vehicle for 6 months and the vehicle has left me stranded on different occasions and compromised others individuals and my own well being. First incident the car was in gear but would not start. We never found the reason the vehicle would not start. The battery fully charged.…
Initially noticed when shifting from park to another gear shifting was hard. About a week later noticed hesitation in shifting gears while driving at various rates of speed then the engine would rev once it shifted into gear. Eventually parked the car in drive then went to back out to take to dealership and it would not go into reverse. Vehicle towed to dealership where they replaced the wave…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2009 GMC Acadia?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2009 GMC Acadia?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 59 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 53 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 72,000 and 108,000 miles, with the median around 82,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 72,000; a quarter make it past 108,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/GMC/Acadia.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.