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Vehicle safety record

2010 GMC Acadia Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 348 complaints about the 2010 GMC Acadia with NHTSA, most often about the steering (148) and the engine & cooling (84). Those complaints describe 5 crashes, 8 fires, 11 injuries and 1 death. It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in June 2015 for the hatchback / liftgate. For comparison, the 2009 has 333 and the 2011 has 280.

NHTSA data checked

CAbout as many problems as a typical Acadia year, for its age

#39 most complained-about 2010 vehicle

Complaints
348
Recalls
4
Crashes
5
Fires
8
Injuries
11
Deaths
1

Most common 2010 GMC Acadia problems

Share of all 348 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2010 GMC Acadia recalls 4

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Structure: hatchback / liftgate

15V415000691,144 vehicles affected

The problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured January 3, 2007, to February 29, 2012, 2009-2012 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured July 6, 2008, to March 9, 2012, 2007-2012 GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured September 15, 2006, to February 29, 2012, and 2007-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles manufactured August 17, 2006, to March 18, 2010. The affected vehicles, equipped with the power liftgate option, have gas struts that hold the power liftgate up when open. These struts may prematurely wear and the open liftgate may suddenly fall.
The risk
If the open liftgate unexpectedly falls, it may strike a person, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the power liftgate actuator motor control unit so that the motor will prevent the rapid closing of the lift gate, free of charge. The recall began on November 15, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 15240.

Seat belts

14V2660001,339,355 vehicles affected

The problem
General Motors is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured April 14, 2008, through May 14, 2014, Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured June 6, 2008, through May 14, 2014, and GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured April 9, 2008, through May 14, 2014, and 2009-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles manufactured April 14, 2008, through March 18, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the flexible steel cable that connects the seatbelt to the front outboard seating positions may fatigue and separate over time.
The risk
If the steel cable becomes fatigued and separates, the seatbelt may not properly restrain the seat occupant increasing the risk of an injury in a crash.
The fix
General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, repair and replace the lap pretensioner, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. An interim notice will be mailed to owners in July 2014. A second notice will be mailed to owners once parts become available. The recall for the 2009-2010 model years began on July 11, 2014. The interim letter for the 2011-2014 model years were distributed on July 11, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-462-8782 (GMC), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). General Motors recall number for this campaign is 14187.

Air bags: side / window

14V1180001,176,407 vehicles affected

The problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia and 2009-2013 Chevrolet Traverse and 2008-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the driver and passenger seat mounted side impact air bag (SIAB) wiring harnesses may result in the SIAB and seat belt pretensioners not deploying in the event of a crash.
The risk
Failure of the side impact air bags and seat belt pretensioners to deploy in a crash increase the risk of injury to the driver and front seat occupant.
The fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected harness connections with soldered connections, free of charge. The recall began on June 16, 2014. Buick owners may contact the owner center at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet owners at 1-866-694-6546, Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, and GMC owners at 1-866-996-9463. GM's number for this recall is 14030. Note: Vehicles repaired as part of Customer Satisfaction Campaign 10085 and special coverage 10335 have already had the subject condition repaired and therefore are not included in the safety recall.

Seat belts

10V375000207,210 vehicles affected

The problem
General motors is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 chevrolet traverse, buick enclave, gmc acadia, and saturn outlook vehicles. The second row seat side trim shield restricts the upward rotation of the safety belt buckle when the seat back is returned to a seating position after being folded flat. If the buckle contacts the seat frame, additional effort is required to return the seat to a seating position. If sufficient force is applied, the buckle cover could be pushed down the strap, exposing and partially depressing the red release button.
The risk
The safety belt may not restrain the occupant as intended during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.
The fix
Dealers will modify the second row seat side trim shields. If a safety belt buckle is damaged, dealers will replace it free of charge. The safety recall began on august 18, 2010. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, buick at 1-866-608-8080, gmc at 1-866-996-9463, and saturn at 1-800-972-8876, or at the owner center at www.Gmownercenter.Com.

What owners say

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348 complaints about the 2010 GMC Acadia

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 14.

Engine & coolingFire4 injuries

The contact owns a 2010 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact became aware of white smoke coming from the vents. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact and minor children exited the vehicle. The contact stated that while exiting the vehicle, there was fire coming from underneath the hood. The Fire truck arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. The...

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vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The vehicle had liability coverage, and the insurance company declined to inspect the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was a total loss. The failure had occurred while the contact's minor children were seated in the rear seat of the vehicle. The contact and the children sustained smoke-related injuries. The contact and the children later received medical treatment for the smoke-related injuries. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The manufacturer declined to inspect the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 163,000.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11744975
Engine & coolingFire1 injury

The contact owned a 2010 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, white and black smoke had leaked into the interior cabin through the air vents. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle had caught on fire under the hood. The contact pulled over to the side of the road when the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The local fire department arrived on scene and extinguished the fire. The source of the fire was unidentified. A police report was filed. The contact sought medical...

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attention for smoke inhalation. The vehicle was towed to a local tow lot via the insurance provider. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The local dealer was not contacted. In addition, the contact related the failure to an unknown NHTSA Campaign that was previously repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11685628
Engine & cooling

Shift to park issue known recall issue in other GMC Acadias ... Vehicle will not lock into park and can NOT remove key anymore electrical still runs in vehicle causing the battery to drain ... Now have to force vehicle to shift into Park as best as possible but still does not fully lock into Park gear anymore ... I was shifting into Park.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11678396
SteeringEngine & cooling

Check Engine Light. Faulty timing chain. Rack and pinion repairs needed. Examined by two automotive locations: LaFontaine Automotive GMC of Ann Arbor (Michigan) and Mazur's Total Automotive in Pinckney, MI

Filed Incident Steering · EngineNHTSA 11493190
Steering

When drving at a slower speed to make a sharp turn, steering wheel almost locks up or have to use both hands to turn the wheel. As if there is no power steering in the vehicle. At times you can not turn as sharp as needed putting you in danger of being hit by another vehicle.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11490961
Engine & cooling

Timing chain and gears

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11487993
Steering

The contact owns a 2010 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the high- and low-pressure hoses, steering pump, and rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The contact called the local dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11473816
Engine & cooling

The car completely stopped while driving. Upon towing it to the shop, they stated the timing chain cause the engine to not work. This is a safety hazard due to anyone could of gotten hurt or this could have cause an accident due to I was not able to steer or do anything.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11456086
Engine & cooling

Timing chain was replaced on 11/26/2019 and failed again on 02/09/2022. Needs to be a manufacturer defect that gets fixed for free. So dangerous.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11452008
Other & unknown

all the wiring under the dash has got the installation melted off of the wiring and can't get the vehicle to start or get any power to the battery or ect and the fuse box under the dash has 50 fuses in it and out of all of them only one of them out of 50 is getting power and to me it's a fire Hazzard and i think gmc needs to do a recall on it or replace my vehicle i've got it in a garage now and that's what the mechanic has found out about is the wiring under the dash

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11442944
Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2010 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start without warning. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact was informed by an independent mechanic that the failure was due to the timing chain and rod bearings. The failure mileage was approximately 133,208.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11440897
Transmission & drivetrain

power train came up on a computer check witch looks like the same problem that is already on here my engine light is on as long as my abs and track control light stable light is on

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11440036
Transmission & drivetrain

2010 GMC Acadia transmission had to be replaced due to faulty wave plate. I have seen many others with this same problem. GM is aware of the issue and even issued a special warranty for 2007-2009 models. 2010 models are having this same issue. GM should stand behind their products and issue a recall. This cost us over $3000.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11435750
Steering

The same model and year has a recalled for a steering issue. But due to mine having a salvage title it is not cover. They say it is NOT a safety issue. And that is NOT true. It is to the point that I can't hardly even turn it. It is so hard to turn the steering wheel. And it is getting worse. It is a safety issue if you can't turn the steering wheel it can cause a wreck. Please please help me with this issue..

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11433908
Engine & coolingFire

The contact owns a 2010 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while driving 45 mph, the vehicle began to idle rapidly and smoke was exiting the hood. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road for approximately an hour before driving to her residence. The contact never saw a fire while examining the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with needing the timing chain to be replaced along with an oil leak. The vehicle was not repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11427724
Steering

I purchased this vehicle in Feb. 2021. Shortly after my purchase I noticed the steering would tighten up randomly when turning corners making it very difficult to steer / control the vehicle. It also does this when parking. This has happened numerous times since I purchased the vehicle. I googled the problem and found some info dated in September 16, 2014 indicating GM's Special Coverage Adjustment - Loss of Power Steering Assist indicating the special coverage covers condition described for 10 years after 1st...

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svc date (the Carfax I received said was 2.10.2011) or 150,000 mi whichever occurs first from date vehicle originally placed in service regardless of ownership. I purchased my vehicle from a dealership on 2.03.2021 - took possession 2.06.2021. My vehicle only has 73,676 mi on it. I reached out to general motors to see if they would assist with the problem since I was not aware the issue prior to purchasing and I am the second owner. They declined and told me to contact my dealership and work with them.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11424612
Seats & seat belts

Back seat arm rest bracket welds failed. Not enough penetration. What else doesn't have enough weld penetration on the seat frames? Working in an automotive seating facility I know the importance.

Filed Incident SeatsNHTSA 11400305
Engine & cooling

In 2013 gmc sent a letter that the engine coolant may leak from the water pump shaft seal and results in water pump failure. They said do not take your vehicle in unless you think you have a leak. They also said if this condition occurs within 10 yrs of the date your vehicle was originally placed in service or 120,000 miles they will cover repairs. However, at the end it says all work has to be completed by october 31, 2014. By july 2019 before the 10 yrs and the 120,000 my vehicle failed on the highway. The...

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coolant leaking on the transfer case/axel from the water pump caused it to fail and needed to be replaced. They did not honor reimbursement and made the terms of their warning confusing and difficult to participate in. While driving on the highway the vehicle began to shake and black smoke spilled out from the hood.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11397740
Engine & cooling

I purchased this vehicle on june 25 ,2020 and on august 19,2020 it broke down on the expressway while I was transferring from one hospital to another hospital with me I'll 3 year old .I replaced the battery and starter it still would not crank I sent it to buick gmc in morrow and they told me that the motor was completely gone. I paid my car note up until february 5,2021 and I don't have a vehicle because it needs a new motor.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11384452
Transmission & drivetrainLights

The transmission slips. When you start the vehicle it sometimes starts in the wrong gear and needs to be shut off an restarted, otherwise it runs on too many rpm. At times when pushing on the gas, after a stop at a light, it does not move for a while. When it does move it jerks and abruptly starts. The running day head lamp overheats and burns out the light bulb, causing it to explode.

Filed Incident Power train · Exterior lightingNHTSA 11361368
Airbags

Vehicle was backed into a concrete porch in the driveway at a low speed. Side airbags near the front seats partially deployed, separating the plastic and releasing smoke/powder into vehicle without deploying the airbag and locked the seat belts so tightly it broke the plastic base of the seat belts.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11352549
Lights

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 gmc acadia. On several occasions, while driving, the vehicle failed to respond when the accelerator pedal was depressed. Additionally, the headlamp connector were replaced for overheating and melting. The vehicle was taken to a dealer (bob howard buick gmc address: 13300 broadway ext, oklahoma city, ok 73114) the vehicle was diagnosed but not repaired. The diagnosis was failed headlamps the contact stated that the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified however offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000. Tp

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 11348885
Steering

Power sttering is locking up. Have checked the fluid its full. Makes it very hard to steer when you make turns

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11342925
Other & unknown

Dash has cracked in a garage kept denali. It is unsightly and should not have happened.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11342474
Steering

Started to drive truck, turned out of driveway in residential neighborhood, max speed is 45 mph and was able to drive and then the steering wheel locked up 2 miles down the city street. Couldn't turn left or right and almost crashed into a t intersection power steering fluid was at max and no engine light or status was lit.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11339903

GMC Acadia: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20144686152AirbagsD
2013140358Electrical systemB
2012302582SteeringC
20112805810SteeringC
2010348458SteeringC
20093337814SteeringC
200885852213Transmission & drivetrainF
20074315137Transmission & drivetrainD
All Acadia years

2010 GMC Acadia vs rivals

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 2010 GMC Acadia

Does the 2010 GMC Acadia have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2010 GMC Acadia: hatchback / liftgate (June 2015); seat belts (May 2014); side / window (March 2014); seat belts (August 2010). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2010 GMC Acadia?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the steering (148), engine & cooling (84), electrical system (45).

How many complaints has the 2010 GMC Acadia had?

348 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on December 14, 2009 and the latest on June 18, 2026. Of these, 5 describe a crash and 8 a fire, and together they report 11 injuries and 1 death.

Is the 2010 GMC Acadia a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 44 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical GMC Acadia year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which GMC Acadia years have the most complaints?

2008 (858), 2017 (707), 2014 (468). See every GMC Acadia year compared.

What should I do if my 2010 GMC Acadia has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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