Service bulletin no.: sbc-14329 component(s): steering NHTSA id number: 10056459 2011 GMC acadia ..power steering failure. Received a notice about the potential failure in my power steering pump. Took the vehicle into the GMC dealership to have this fixed as I have experienced early indications of a failure, air bubbles in the fluid and noisy turns. (confirmed by dealer) was told they cannot…
2011 GMC Acadia steering problems
moderate 64 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
64
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
When does it fail?
Of the 64 steering complaints filed for the 2011 GMC Acadia, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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 64 steering 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.
Steering accounts for 23% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 12 categories tracked.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
Whining noise in steering column, thumping at slow right turns, needed new rack and pinion, cv joints replaced
Driving on the highway coming off of an exit ramp, the power steering failed and was unable to control the vehicle steering. Turning the steering wheel was like trying to pull on dead weight to get it to turn. This continued and seemed to get worse as I slowed the car to a stop. Upon driving again a few minutes after the vehicle was stopped, power steering returned for 10 miles of driving on…
Sterring wheel locked during turn
The steering randomly gets tight and then let's loose while driving or turning.
Powersteering gets tight and vehicle shakes. Brought to dealer and powersteering pump and gear is leaking fluid. The gm dealer told me that the powersteering part is covered but will not cover the fluid leaking and I am responsible for $500 payment. Brake pedal squeaks when pressed down. Gm dealer informed that the brake is leaking and needs a brake fluid flush and a new brake booster. *js
Had steering trouble with your 2011 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 steering problem on the 2011 GMC Acadia?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 64 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 53 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 48,890 and 100,245 miles, with the median around 63,910. A quarter of owners report trouble before 48,890; a quarter make it past 100,245. 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 $700 for steering 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 steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering 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/2011/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.