Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Steering — runs 2.5× the fleet median for that category across the 1655 model-years tracked on this site.
294Complaints
5Recalls
8Crashes
2Fires
17Injured
0Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Steering (15.3% of complaints) — recall and investigation status for this vehicle is currently unavailable.
Steering complaints here are 2.5× the median for that category across the 1655 model-years tracked on this site.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Steering
45 · 15.3%
not available
—
Power Train
43 · 14.6%
not available
—
Electrical System
39 · 13.3%
not available
—
Engine
35 · 11.9%
not available
—
Air Bags
32 · 10.9%
Recalled
Recall 14V118000 · Recall 21V246000
Structure:body
24 · 8.2%
Recalled
Recall 15V415000
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 294 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Unsecured side curtain air bags may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“ALMOST CRASHED INTO A TREE WITH MY 5 YEAR OLD IN THE CAR AFTER GOING THROUGH A PUDDLE ON A RAINY DAY. THERE WAS A…”NHTSA complaint 11044820 — filed 11/09/2017 · STEERING
“NOTICED ODD NOISE WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL. UPON HAVING NOISE CHECKED DISCOVERED THAT THE RACK AND PINION BOX AS WELL AS THE POWER STEERING PRESSURE…”NHTSA complaint 11040967 — filed 10/29/2017 · STEERING
“THE RACK LEAKED AND WAS REPLACED AT APPROX 50 K MILES. THEN THE POWER STEERING PUMP WAS REPLACED AT APPROX 60K MILES.”NHTSA complaint 11023932 — filed 09/18/2017 · STEERING
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2012 GMC Acadia?
Steering issues are the most-reported category, cited in 45 of 294 NHTSA complaints (15.3%), followed by power train (43), electrical system (39), unspecified/other issues (38). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2012 GMC Acadia have?
294 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 8 involved a crash, 2 involved a fire, and 17 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 2012 GMC Acadia have any recalls?
Yes — 5 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 14V266000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2012 GMC Acadia's reported problems?
Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.
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