When thinking about buying a GMC Acadia, you should know which years to avoid. Specifically, the 2007-2012 models have a lot of common but expensive problems.
These issues include engine and transmission troubles, power steering failures, and electrical malfunctions.
Knowing why these particular models are problematic can help you make a smarter choice, saving you from future headaches and costly repairs. So, what problem areas should you be especially careful about?
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Key Takeaways
- Steer clear of 2007-2012 GMC Acadia models because they have timing chain and engine problems.
- The 2008 and 2009 models have major transmission issues.
- The 2011 and 2012 models often have engine failures and air conditioning troubles.
- Power steering issues are common in the 2007-2011 models.
- Fixing transmission and engine problems in these years can be very expensive.
2007 GMC Acadia Problems
When thinking about a GMC Acadia, you should know about some big problems with certain years.
The 2007 and 2008 models often have engine and transmission issues, causing frequent breakdowns.
The 2010 Acadia has problems with the timing chain wearing out too soon, which can seriously damage the engine.
The 2011 model also has engine failures and leaks in the steering system, making it a risky option.
The 2012 Acadia deals with engine failures too, often along with air conditioning issues.
These ongoing engine problems suggest that some model years are less reliable than others, so make sure to do your homework before buying one.
2008 GMC Acadia Issues
If you’re thinking about getting a 2008 GMC Acadia, you should know about some big problems.
The transmission can fail and it’s expensive to fix, usually around 86,000 miles.
The engine might shut down unexpectedly, and parts wear out faster than they should.
This means you could end up with frequent and annoying repairs.
Transmission Failure Costs
Fixing a broken transmission in a GMC Acadia can be very expensive. For example, a 2008 Acadia needed $3,700 in repairs at 86,000 miles. Another one from 2009 had similar problems, with the transmission failing at 103,000 miles and costing $3,500 to fix. These high repair costs show that these models have serious issues, making them less reliable and more expensive to maintain.
If you’re thinking about buying a used GMC Acadia, it’s important to know about these potential costs. A broken transmission can mess up your driving and put a big dent in your wallet, so make sure to do your homework before deciding.
Engine Shutdown Problems
Engine shutdown problems in GMC Acadia models from 2007 to 2014 have caused major safety concerns and high repair costs for owners. Common issues include engine shutdowns in 2008 models around 112,000 miles, costing up to $3,800 to fix.
For the 2010 Acadia, engine failure usually happens at 104,000 miles, with repair costs reaching $8,900. The 2011 Acadia models often lose engine power at 85,000 miles, needing repairs that average $7,700.
Additionally, 2009 models face engine shutdowns at around 103,000 miles, with costs around $3,500. These frequent and costly engine problems have made owning these GMC Acadia years particularly tough and expensive for many drivers.
Premature Component Failures
Premature component failures in GMC Acadia models from 2007 to 2012 have caused owners a lot of expensive repairs and reliability problems. If you’re thinking about getting one of these GMC Acadia model years, it’s really important to look over the vehicle carefully to avoid common issues.
Owners have reported several frequent problems:
- Loss of engine power and engine shutdowns
- Transmission problems
- Power steering issues
- Timing chain repairs
- Water leaks
These aren’t just small problems; they can lead to big repair costs. Engine and transmission failures can cost thousands of dollars to fix, while timing chain and power steering issues can cost several hundred.
Checking out any vehicle from these years thoroughly is crucial to avoid high repair bills and to make sure you get a reliable car.
2009 GMC Acadia Troubles
If you’re thinking about getting a GMC Acadia, you should know about some major problems.
The 2008 and 2009 models often have transmission failures, which can be expensive to fix.
There are also frequent issues with power steering and the check engine light, making the car less reliable and safe.
Transmission Failure Issues
If you’re thinking about getting a GMC Acadia, it’s important to know that the 2007-2010 and 2014 models have major transmission problems. These issues can lead to engine shutdowns, which can leave you stranded.
Expensive repairs that can cost anywhere from $2,100 to $3,700.
Transmission failures at different mileage points, making the car less reliable.
Trouble selling the car because of its bad reputation for those years.
Lots of complaints about transmission problems and the costs to fix them.
These transmission issues can cause big inconveniences and high repair bills. By avoiding the 2007-2010 and 2014 GMC Acadia models, you’ll likely have a more reliable car.
Power Steering Problems
GMC Acadia owners often experience power steering issues, especially in models from 2007 to 2011. Common problems include power steering fluid leaks, pump failures, and a stiff steering wheel, which can be both annoying and dangerous. Fixing these issues can be expensive, with repairs averaging around $3,200. Problems can start as early as 79,000 miles, so regular maintenance is essential.
Here’s a quick look at common power steering problems by model year:
| Model Year | Common Issues | Average Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Fluid leaks, pump failure | $3,200 |
| 2008 | Steering wheel stiffness | $3,200 |
| 2009 | Fluid leaks | $3,200 |
| 2010-2011 | Pump failure, leaks | $3,200 |
Keeping up with repairs can help avoid major power steering failures.
Engine Light Concerns
Over the years, Acadia models from 2007 to 2012 have often triggered the engine light for several reasons, including timing chain problems and engine issues. Here’s why the engine light might come on:
- Timing chain problems: If not fixed quickly, these can seriously damage your engine.
- Loss of engine power: Often due to cam sensor failures, making your vehicle lose power suddenly.
- Melted wiring in daytime running lights: This not only triggers the engine light but also poses a safety risk.
- Transmission issues: Shuddering, vibrating, and revving problems can cause the engine light to come on.
- Air conditioning system problems: These can light up the engine warning, signaling deeper issues.
Understanding these problems can help you avoid these problematic years.
2010 GMC Acadia Concerns
If you’re thinking about buying a GMC Acadia, be aware that certain years have had a lot of problems. Make sure to check these models carefully.
The 2008 Acadia is known for transmission failures and engines shutting down.
The 2009 model has issues with the check engine light, power steering, and transmission failures.
The 2010 Acadia often has worn-out timing chains, engine problems, and leaks in the steering rack.
The 2011 model is known for losing engine power, cam sensor issues, and melted wiring in the daytime running lights.
2011 GMC Acadia Faults
When looking at the GMC Acadia, it’s important to know about some specific problems that have affected different model years. These issues can really affect your driving experience and cost you a lot of money. One big problem is the engine shutting down unexpectedly.
Here are some of the most common issues:
- Transmission failures in the 2008 model, costing up to $3,700 to fix.
- Check engine light issues in the 2009 model, with repairs around $3,000.
- Premature timing chain wear in the 2010 model at 92,000 miles.
- Engine power loss in the 2011 model at 85,000 miles.
- Air conditioning problems in the 2012 model at 34,000 miles.
Knowing about these problems can help you avoid expensive repairs.
2012 GMC Acadia Defects
If you’re thinking about buying a used 2012 GMC Acadia, there are a few common issues you should know about. Many owners have reported engine problems like the timing chain wearing out too soon or even the engine failing completely.
Air conditioning problems and ongoing transmission and vibration issues are also frequent complaints, which can end up being expensive to fix.
Common Engine Problems
The 2007 and 2008 GMC Acadia models are known for engine problems, such as timing chain cover leaks, oil leaks, and issues with the camshaft sensor light. These problems can be a big hassle and expensive to fix.
Here’s what you might run into:
- Timing chain cover leaks: This can cause a lot of engine oil to leak out.
- Oil leaks: Can make the engine run poorly and might cause damage.
- Camshaft sensor light issues: Can make the engine run unevenly.
- Premature brake wear: While not an engine problem, it still shows the car’s reliability issues.
- Expensive repairs: These problems often need costly fixes.
Avoiding these model years can help you save money and reduce trips to the mechanic.
Air Conditioning Issues
Did you know that GMC Acadia models from 2012 and 2014 are well-known for having air conditioning problems that can cost between $700 to $1,000 to fix? Owners have reported that their air conditioning blows hot air and sometimes stops working altogether at relatively low mileage, usually between 34,000 and 57,000 miles. These issues not only make the car less comfortable but also add to the overall cost of owning the vehicle.
| Year | Problem |
|---|---|
| 2012 | Blowing hot air |
| 2012 | System failures |
| 2014 | Blowing hot air |
| 2014 | System failures |
| 2012/14 | Repair costs |
Fixing these problems can be expensive, making these particular model years less attractive for buyers worried about reliability.
Transmission and Vibration Troubles
Shifting away from air conditioning problems, it’s important to know about the serious transmission and vibration issues in some GMC Acadia model years. These problems have caused a lot of frustration and cost for many owners.
The 2008 and 2009 models, in particular, often have transmission failures that can cost up to $3,700 to fix.
The 2017 Acadia has its own set of issues, with reports of ‘shift to park’ alerts and vibrations at different speeds. Here are the main concerns:
- 2008 models: Transmission failures
- 2009 models: Transmission issues
- 2017 models: ‘Shift to park’ alerts
- 2017 models: Vibration problems
- Expensive repairs: Up to $3,700
Avoiding these years can help you dodge these big problems.
2013 GMC Acadia Shortcomings
When thinking about buying a GMC Acadia, keep in mind three main problems that might affect your experience.
First, the 2007-2012 models often have timing chain issues, which can cause serious engine damage if not fixed quickly.
Second, many 2007-2011 models have power steering problems, making it hard and unsafe to steer.
Lastly, the 2007-2016 models often have water leaks from sunroof drains and door seals, which can damage the interior and electrical systems, leading to expensive repairs.
Knowing about these issues can help you make a better decision if you’re considering a GMC Acadia.
2014 GMC Acadia Flaws
When thinking about buying a used GMC Acadia, it’s important to know about some common problems that can come up. Here are the main issues you might face:
- Engine Problems: The engine can fail early and the timing chain can wear out quickly.
- Transmission Issues: The transmission often fails and can be expensive to fix.
- Brake Wear: The brakes wear out faster than usual, so you’ll need to replace them more often.
- Power Steering Failures: The power steering can fail, making it harder to control the car.
- Electrical Problems: Issues like melted wiring in the daytime running lights.
Knowing about these common problems can help you make a smarter choice. Always check for these issues before buying.
2015 GMC Acadia Drawbacks
Considering the various issues reported across multiple model years, the GMC Acadia has some notable drawbacks that potential buyers should be aware of. Common problems like transmission failures, engine shutdowns, and power steering issues affect several model years. Here’s a straightforward summary of the drawbacks:
| Model Year | Common Issues | Mileage Range |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Transmission failures, engine shutdowns | 86,000-112,000 miles |
| 2009 | Power steering failures, costly repairs | 95,000-103,000 miles |
| 2010 | Worn timing chains, steering rack leaks | 79,000-104,000 miles |
| 2011 | Engine power loss, cam sensor failures | 79,000-85,000 miles |
These issues highlight the importance of doing thorough research before buying a GMC Acadia.
2016 GMC Acadia Weaknesses
When thinking about getting a GMC Acadia, you should know there are high repair costs, problems with stability control, and it loses value quickly.
These issues not only cost you money but also affect how dependable the vehicle is and how much you can sell it for later.
Here’s how each of these problems can impact owning the car.
High Repair Costs
The GMC Acadia, especially models from 2008 to 2012, is known for expensive repairs because of common issues with the transmission, engine, and other major parts. Owners often face high repair bills that can add up quickly, making the vehicle less cost-effective.
- 2008 GMC Acadia: Transmission problems at 86,000 and 119,000 miles, costing thousands to fix.
- 2009 GMC Acadia: Power steering and transmission issues around 102,000 and 103,000 miles, with repairs over $3,000.
- 2010 GMC Acadia: Timing chain and engine problems around 92,000 and 104,000 miles, costing more than $3,000.
- 2011 GMC Acadia: Engine power loss and cam sensor issues around 85,000 and 81,000 miles, averaging over $3,000.
- 2012 GMC Acadia: Air conditioning and engine problems around 34,000 and 97,000 miles, with repairs costing more than $5,000.
Stability Control Issues
While earlier models of the GMC Acadia had high repair costs, the 2016 version has its own problems with stability control that impact safety and driving.
Many owners have reported failures in this system, leading to complaints and recalls. The stability control is supposed to help keep your vehicle steady during sudden moves, but if it malfunctions, it can create dangerous driving conditions.
The 2016 Acadia’s stability control issues not only make you less confident behind the wheel but also pose serious risks. These problems can affect how well the vehicle handles, especially in bad weather.
Given these significant issues, it’s smart to be cautious if you’re thinking about buying a 2016 GMC Acadia.
Depreciation Concerns
Be aware that certain GMC Acadia models, especially from the years 2010, 2013, 2014, 2017, and 2018, lose their value quickly, which can affect your investment. These models drop in price fast, making them worth less over time.
For instance, the 2013 Acadia isn’t very popular in the used car market, and the 2014 model’s value drops because of high mileage. The 2017 Acadia doesn’t hold its value well, and the 2018 model loses value faster than other similar cars.
- 2010 models: Lose value quickly.
- 2013 models: Not in high demand, so resale value is low.
- 2014 models: High mileage hurts resale value.
- 2017 models: Don’t hold value well.
- 2018 models: Lose value faster than competitors.
Knowing about these depreciation issues can help you make a better decision.
2017 GMC Acadia Failures
Many GMC Acadia owners have faced significant issues, so it’s important to know the seven most common problems.
- The 2008 Acadia often has transmission problems at around 86,000 miles, which can cost about $3,700 to fix.
- The 2009 model tends to have power steering issues at around 102,000 miles, with repairs costing about $3,200.
- The 2010 Acadia usually experiences timing chain wear at around 92,000 miles, and fixing this can cost around $3,300.
- The 2011 model often faces cam sensor and chain problems at about 81,000 miles, costing around $3,400 to repair.
- The 2012 Acadia frequently has air conditioning system issues at around 34,000 miles, with a repair cost of about $700.
These issues highlight the importance of being aware of potential problems in these models.
Common Transmission Failures
Transmission problems in some GMC Acadia models, especially from 2008 and 2009, highlight why it’s so important for buyers to research before buying. These models often have transmission issues at different mileage points, leading to costly repairs.
For example, the 2008 Acadia has had failures at 86,000 and 119,000 miles, while the 2009 model tends to have problems around 103,000 miles.
Common transmission problems include:
- Gears slipping or shifting roughly
- Delayed or no response when changing gears
- Leaking transmission fluid
- Grinding or shaking while driving
- Complete transmission failure that needs a rebuild or replacement
Electrical System Malfunctions
Electrical problems in the GMC Acadia, like short circuits and bad wiring, can seriously affect the car’s reliability and how well it works.
You might see warning lights come on for no reason, have issues with power accessories, or notice that electronic features act up. These problems usually come from bad wiring or faulty parts in the electrical system.
To fix these issues, you’ll need to run some tests and then repair the wiring or replace the bad parts. Keeping up with regular maintenance can help prevent these problems and ensure your Acadia runs safely.
If you own or are thinking about buying a GMC Acadia, be aware of these common electrical issues and the costs to fix them. Fixing problems early can save you from bigger troubles later on.
Power Steering Failures
Power steering problems are another big concern for GMC Acadia owners, especially if you have a model from 2007 to 2011. If you own one of these vehicles, you might find it hard to steer because the power steering can stop working. Fixing this problem can cost between $3,000 and $3,200 and can make your car unsafe to drive. Regular check-ups and maintenance can help prevent these issues.
Here’s what to remember:
- Affected models: 2007-2011
- Signs: Hard to steer, loss of power steering
- Repair costs: $3,000 to $3,200
- Safety risks: Higher
- Prevention: Regular maintenance and inspections
Keeping an eye on these issues can help you avoid expensive repairs and keep your car safe and easy to drive.
Timing Chain Problems
Timing chain problems are common in GMC Acadia models from 2007 to 2012. These issues often cause early wear and can lead to expensive repairs, ranging from $3,000 to $4,000. If not addressed, they can damage the engine. Regular upkeep and catching problems early can help prevent major damage.
| Problem | Details |
|---|---|
| Affected Years | 2007 to 2012 |
| Common Issues | Early wear, timing chain failure |
| Consequences | Engine damage, high repair costs |
| Repair Costs | $3,000 to $4,000 |
| Prevention Tips | Regular maintenance, early detection |
Owners should watch for signs of timing chain trouble to avoid expensive repairs and keep their vehicle running smoothly.
When looking at performance cars, make sure to check out our guides on models like the Gmc Canyon, Gmc Sierra and Gmc Terrain. Knowing which model years to target and which to avoid is crucial. Our expert reviews break down these models, providing insights into the years that are celebrated for their engineering excellence and driving satisfaction, as well as those that are best to avoid due to potential issues.
Conclusion
When you’re looking to buy a GMC Acadia, it’s a good idea to steer clear of the 2007-2012 models. These years are known for a bunch of issues, like engine problems, timing chain troubles, and transmission failures.
You might also run into electrical problems and power steering issues. To avoid the hassle and expensive repairs, go for newer, more reliable models. You’ll be glad you did.
