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ProblemsByVin File / 2012-GMC-ACADIA
2012 · gmc

gmc Acadia problems

0 safety recalls. 299 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.

0
Critical
0
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

steering
46 reports · avg $700
moderate
body
39 reports · avg $1,500
severe
powertrain
38 reports · avg $2,500
severe
electrical
34 reports · avg $850
severe
airbags
29 reports · avg $1,100
severe
engine
21 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
lighting
16 reports · avg $250
severe
visibility
11 reports · avg $350
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2012 Acadia · other
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC ACADIA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A RED LIGHT, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE LOST THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE FAILED…
12/31/2018 · NHTSA ODI #11164224.0
2012 Acadia · body Injury
MY CAR WAS PURCHASED WITH A POWER LIFT GATE IN 2012. IT HAS ALWAYS WORKED FINE UNTIL ONE DAY RECENTLY I WAS HOLDING MY YOUNG DAUGHTER PUTTING A PACKAGE IN THE TRUNK WHEN IT SUDDENLY REVERSED ITS MOTION JUST AS IT WAS ALMOST FULLY OPEN AND CAME SLAMMING DOWN ON BOTH MY DAUGHTER…
12/30/2016 · NHTSA ODI #10938822.0
2012 Acadia · powertrain
WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH ON A CITY STREET THE DRIVE SHAFT OF MY 2012 GMC ACADIA FELL OFF. I WAS ABLE TO QUICKLY MOVE MY VEHICLE INTO A PARKING LOT TO AVOID FURTHER DAMAGE. UPON INSPECTION WITH THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER WE NOTED THAT THE AWD DRIVE SHAFT FELL FROM THE UNDER CARRIAGE OF MY…
12/30/2014 · NHTSA ODI #10669187.0
2012 Acadia · electrical
WIPERS SUDDENLY STOPPED DURING A HEAVY RAIN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. MY WIFE AND THREE CHILDREN WERE ON BOARD. THE STUD THAT CONNECTS THE WIPER LINKAGE TO THE MOTOR HAD BROKEN. UPON RESEARCHING THIS, GM HAD ISSUED A RECALL TO AFFECTED VEHICLES IN STATES THAT RECEIVED HEAVY SNOWFALL,…
12/29/2018 · NHTSA ODI #11163904.0

Estimate your repair exposure

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Common questions

Is the 2012 GMC Acadia reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.2 out of 10 based on 299 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 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 2012 GMC Acadia?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 46 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 2012 GMC Acadia?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 299 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 4 days 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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