This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 GMC Acadia steering problems
moderate Owners of the 2017 GMC Acadia have filed 33 NHTSA complaints about the steering at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Complaints
33
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Acadia | 8 |
| 2014 Acadia | 26 |
| 2015 Acadia | 33 |
| 2016 Acadia | 26 |
| 2017 Acadia (this page) | 33 |
| 2018 Acadia | 24 |
| 2019 Acadia | 30 |
| 2020 Acadia | 17 |
| 2021 Acadia | 15 |
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What stands out
Owners have filed 33 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.
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 3 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 steering 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.
This service bulletin provides a procedure to flush and bleed power steering system to correct a power steering noise or fluid leak concern that is caused during extremely low temperatures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin instructs the tech when fuel/fluid is needed to be tested and where it can be sent for analysis.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides a procedure inspecting for excess grease or Sealant on the Exterior of the steering gear due to seeing grease or sealant on certain locations on the gear.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2017 GMC Acadia shows a dominant pattern of intermittent steering assist loss, where the warning "Steering Assist Reduced – Drive with Care" appears and steering becomes stiff or unresponsive for 2–15 seconds. This happens during turns, parking maneuvers, or low-speed driving and is particularly unsafe on highways. Multiple owners report dealers initially could not duplicate the fault, then diagnostic work revealed a faulty thermostat or temperature sensor—a problem that appears chronic across these vehicles.
The thermostat failure creates a cascading fault: when the thermostat sticks open or the temperature sensor fails, the ECM believes the engine is overheating, so it kills the AC compressor, maxes out the cooling fan, pegs the temperature gauge to cold, and reduces steering assist as a protective measure. All of this happens at once. Resetting codes provides temporary relief, but symptoms return within 1–2 weeks. Repair costs run $1,400–$1,800 and are not covered under recall, despite GM having issued tech bulletins on the subject for technicians.
Beyond the steering issue, owners report shuddering across all speeds, rough transmission behavior with RPM bouncing, electrical cascades of simultaneous warnings, and AC compressor failures with unexplained freon loss. Some owners experienced complete power steering loss at low speeds after 100k+ miles, making parking extremely dangerous. Dealership repairs often fail to permanently resolve any of these issues.
Same GMC Acadia steering reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Steering assist loss / power steering system failure
Intermittent loss of power steering assistance that ranges from 2–15 seconds per episode. Occurs during turning, merging, parking, or low-speed maneuvers, with warning message 'ACTION REQUIRED, STEERING ASSIST IS REDUCED DRIVE WITH CARE' appearing on the instrument cluster. Several owners report the issue worsens in the first 10–15 minutes of driving or improves at speeds above 20 mph. In some cases, dealers initially could not duplicate the failure; later diagnostic work revealed thermostat and temperature sensor faults, though repairs did not always resolve the issue. One owner reports complete power steering loss at low speeds after 130k miles, making the vehicle unsafe.
When: Starts at various mileages: 30k–80k miles most common; one case at 76k miles on a used vehicle taken same day; escalates over time with some cases reporting 80k–130k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden temporary loss of power steering during turning or parking; Warning message on DIC: 'Steering assist reduced, drive with care'; Steering wheel becomes stiff or difficult to turn; Whining noise from steering column (early indicator in some cases); Loss of control for 2–15 seconds per event; Intermittent failure; not always repeatable for dealer diagnostics; Often accompanied by AC failure, temperature gauge malfunction, cooling fan running at full speed
Codes mentioned: P16E5 (Sensor Communication Circuit 3 High Voltage), P0128 (Thermostat/Coolant Temperature Sensor failure), P0826-00
Repairs/costs cited: Thermostat and temperature sensor replacement quoted at $1,400–$1,800 by dealers. Some owners report repairs did not permanently resolve the issue; symptoms recurred within weeks to months. Software updates attempted with limited success. Dealers initially offered 'could not duplicate' responses.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM recall 18V586 (GM number 18289) mentioned by one owner for steering assist issues in 2017 vehicles. One owner notes that despite multiple tech bulletins for diagnosis, GM has not issued a recall for the thermostat issue. One dealer mentioned this is a 'typical problem' for these vehicles. 2022 Acadia thermostat recall exists but has not been extended to 2017 models per owner report.
Shuddering / rough transmission behavior
Vehicle shudders across a wide speed range (10–80 mph), sometimes starting at 35–55 mph. Associated with rough gear shifting and engine revving; RPM jumps and bounces around during episodes. Shuddering causes car to hesitate and not accelerate properly. Owner notes they had the same issue with a 2012 Acadia. Multiple certified GMC mechanics could not resolve it despite numerous repair attempts. Issue is ongoing and unfixed as of the report.
When: Started around 35–55 mph range, now occurs at any speed (10–80 mph); one case notes 60k miles as starting point
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shudders across various speeds; Engine revs high and bounces around; Car does not accelerate at times; Rough shifting (jerking during gear changes); Turning traction control off temporarily reduced shuddering (in one case); RPM fluctuations
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple certified GMC mechanics unable to fix. Owner notes extensive online forums discuss this issue and document all attempted repairs—no resolution found. Issue remains unresolved.
Thermostat and coolant temperature sensor failure
Thermostat becomes stuck open or temperature sensor fails, sending false overheat signals to the engine control module (ECM). This triggers a cascade of issues: temperature gauge pegs to 'C' (cold), air conditioning compressor shuts down, radiator cooling fan runs at full speed continuously, and steering assist is reduced as a protective measure. The fault is intermittent; resetting diagnostic codes provides temporary relief before symptoms return within 1–2 weeks. Owners note this is a widespread issue and that GM has issued tech bulletins for diagnosis but no recall.
When: Reported at mileages: 39,228 miles (then recurred 37,638 miles later); another case under 60k miles; one owner reports needing replacement again after 37,638 additional miles
Symptoms owners cite: Temperature gauge stuck on 'C' (cold); Air conditioning stops blowing cold air; Radiator cooling fan runs at constant high speed; Steering assist reduced warning message appears; Check engine light illuminates; Intermittent failure; resetting codes temporarily resolves symptoms; Symptoms return within 1–2 weeks after code reset
Codes mentioned: P0128 (Coolant Temperature Sensor Circuit), P0826-00
Repairs/costs cited: Thermostat and temperature sensor replacement cost $1,400–$1,800. Labor intensive due to engine location (3.6L LGX engine). Repairs have not prevented recurrence in some cases. One owner reports having the thermostat replaced at 39,228 miles and needing replacement again 37,638 miles later.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM has issued multiple tech bulletins advising technicians on diagnosis and repair, but the issue is not classified as a recall. One owner notes GM issued a 2022 Acadia thermostat recall but has not extended it to 2017 models. Dealership technicians have stated this is a 'typical problem' for these vehicles.
Air conditioning compressor failure and freon loss
AC system fails to function or loses freon with no visible leaks. In some cases, freon loss is visible as spewing from under the hood when the steering assist reduced warning is active, suggesting the thermostat fault triggers the AC compressor shutdown. Refilling requires special equipment (1234 refrigerant). The AC failure occurs in tandem with the steering assist reduced warning and temperature sensor faults.
When: One case: started at 20k miles with air-releasing noise; another case: recurrent monthly since purchase in 2019; third case: within days of taking possession at 76,352 miles
Symptoms owners cite: AC stops blowing cold air or stops working entirely; Air-releasing noise when AC is in use; Zero freon detected on inspection despite no visible leaks; Freon spewing from engine bay when steering assist warning appears; Coincides with steering assist reduced warning and thermostat faults
Repairs/costs cited: AC recharge with special 1234 refrigerant totaled over $400 in one case. Repeated refills did not permanently fix the issue; freon loss recurred. Mechanics could not identify external leaks.
Intake air pressure measurement system failure (MAP/MAF sensor)
MAP (Manifold Absolute Pressure) or MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor failure triggers check engine light and causes a cascade of secondary warnings including steering assist reduced, transmission issues, and general drivability problems. One owner reports the MAP sensor was replaced in July 2021, and the same failure recurred within one year at 100k miles. Repairs at the dealership are temporary; the issue reappears within 10 days.
When: Check engine light appeared within two weeks of taking possession (March 2021); MAP sensor replaced July 2021; issue recurred one year later at approximately 100k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light comes on and off randomly; Steering power system reduced (secondary warning during sensor fault); Transmission warnings and shifting issues; Engine warnings (appears to stall or shut off at any time); Vehicle shudders while at idle or in traffic; Whining noise when engine is shut off; Drivability feels unsafe; owner fears car will die while driving
Codes mentioned: Related to intake air pressure measurement system; specific codes not stated
Repairs/costs cited: MAP sensor replaced in July 2021. Same failure recurred one year later. Dealership repairs are temporary; issue returns within 10 days of pickup. Repeat visits required for same complaint.
Steering wheel noise and suspension-related steering complaints
Whining or clunking noise emanates from the steering wheel or steering column when turning. In one case, the airbag coil was found wrapped around the steering column; the coil was replaced but the noise returned within 24 hours. Dealer then attributed the noise to a front left strut, which was replaced on a brand-new vehicle. Dealer noted they had another Acadia in for the same problem. Separately, clunking and popping sounds occur during turns and acceleration/deceleration but cannot be visually located; one shop suggested internal damage.
When: Whining noise noted within first month of ownership (one brand-new car); clunk/pop noise in vehicle purchased March 2022 with 63,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Whining noise when turning steering wheel in any direction (driving or in park); Noise present even during slight wheel movements; Clunking and popping sounds during turns and acceleration/deceleration; Noise cannot be visually located by mechanics; Steering wheel stiffness or difficulty turning (in one case)
Repairs/costs cited: Airbag coil wrapped around steering column (replaced). Noise recurred within 24 hours. Front left strut replaced. Clunking/popping noise not located visually; suspected internal issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer acknowledged seeing the same problem on another Acadia in the shop.
Steering wheel lockup and control loss
Steering wheel locks or becomes unresponsive during driving, lasting 2–10 seconds per event. One owner reported three separate freeway incidents within a few weeks where the steering locked while changing lanes, exiting ramps, or turning through curves. Another owner experienced the steering wheel jerking uncontrollably with a mind of its own when attempting to enter a parking spot. A dealership work order prior to delivery noted transmission lock and a sensor communication circuit fault (P16E5), but the vehicle was released without notification or service records.
When: Freeway incidents within weeks of taking possession (March 2024 lease); one case at approximately 5 mph while navigating a right turn into a parking lot (mileage 64,916)
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks or becomes unresponsive for 2–10 seconds; Steering wheel jerks uncontrollably ('mind of its own'); Loss of steering control during lane changes, ramp exits, or parking maneuvers; Steering becomes very difficult to turn; Warning message: 'ACTION REQUIRED, STEERING ASSIST IS REDUCED DRIVE WITH CARE'; Occurs at various speeds (45 mph freeway to 5 mph turning)
Codes mentioned: P16E5 (Sensor Communication Circuit 3 High Voltage)
Repairs/costs cited: Sensor was replaced by dealership prior to vehicle delivery, but no notification or service records were provided to the new owner. The issue recurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership work order documented the pre-delivery fault and repair, but customer was not informed. Owner references NHTSA campaign 18V586 / GM recall 18289 for similar issues.
Electrical system faults and cascading warning lights
Vehicle experiences intermittent electrical faults that cause multiple warning lights to illuminate simultaneously, including 'Service StabilityTrak,' 'Steering Assist Reduced,' 'Service Brake Assist,' and 'Service Parking Brake,' along with simultaneous transmission shifting problems and loss of power steering. Gauges stop responding or display inaccurate information during episodes. Owner suspects a widespread electrical defect and notes this is an extremely common issue in forums. One case also reports automatic start failing randomly since day 1 and 'Check Engine' light coming on and off randomly.
When: Ongoing intermittent problem for the entire vehicle life; auto start failures since day 1
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple warning lights illuminate simultaneously during single event; Service StabilityTrak warning; Steering Assist Reduced warning; Service Brake Assist warning; Service Parking Brake warning; Check Engine light on/off randomly; Transmission shifts roughly or fails to shift, causing RPM spike; Simultaneous loss of power steering; Traction control failure; Gauges stop responding or display inaccurate readings; Automatic start fails randomly
Codes mentioned: Multiple error codes documented by owner (file attached, specific codes not transcribed in narrative)
Repairs/costs cited: Owner has documented all error codes. One case notes dealers claim 'CND' (could not duplicate) for similar issues.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GMC dealership stated they had 'never heard of this' when owner inquired, despite owner's research showing extremely widespread online reports of the same issue.
Driveshaft separation
Front right driveshaft separated while driving, causing vehicle to pull sharply to the right. Brief notation without additional details.
When: Unknown
Symptoms owners cite: Driveshaft separated while driving; Vehicle pulled to the right
Horn malfunction
Horn failed to work at various speeds with no warning indicators illuminated. Dealer duplicated the failure and consulted with GMC chief engineer, who recommended replacement of the steering wheel with a custom-made unit. After steering wheel replacement, the horn still did not work. Technician then diagnosed that the airbag needed replacement. No repairs were completed.
When: Failure occurred at approximately 500 miles (brand-new vehicle)
Symptoms owners cite: Horn does not work at various speeds; No warning indicators illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Steering wheel replaced with custom unit per GMC chief engineer recommendation. Failure recurred. Airbag identified as needed replacement. Vehicle not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GMC chief engineer recommended custom steering wheel replacement (completed but unsuccessful).
Synthesized from 33 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
P0128 Apparently what happens when the temp sensor on the T-Stat housing goes bad it sends a signal to the ECM that the engine is overheating, causes the temp gauge to peg to "C", shuts down A/C Compressor Clutch engagement to not exacerbate the Overheat condition and super speeds the cooling fans. Of course it's a false flag warning and the engine isn't actually running hot. At the same time a…
Had steering trouble with your 2017 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 2017 GMC Acadia?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 33 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?
Based on the 33 complaints filed, steering issues most often appear around 43,693 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2017/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.