DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD MADE MY VEHICLE MADE A WEIRD NOISE AND LOST ALL POWER. TOOK IT TO A DEALERSHIP THEY SAID IT WAS THE TIMING CHAIN. I SPENT 10K ON A NEWER VEHICLE AND THIS HAPPENS. DEALERSHIP IT GONNA BE ANYWHERE FROM $5,500-7,000 TO FIX IT. I CAM'T AFFORD TO FIX THAT. HOW IS GM STILL MAKING THIS MOTOR WITH A TIMING CHAIN ISSUE AND HOW IS THIS YEAR NOT ON RECALL FOR THIS THE YEARS BEFORE …
2012 gmc Acadia engine problems
moderate 21 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100
Complaints
21
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$3,100
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
The timing chains went on the engine at 148,000 miles. Which is known for 3.6l engines. Gm needs to own up to their faulty manufacturing on these engines. I need this vehicle for my children. This is the second time I have to put another engine in this truck. Thankfully when I purchased this vehicle it had a warranty but it only cover so much so I had to put a jasper motor in it instead of a bra…
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2012 gmc Acadia?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 21 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. 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.
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