CarModelProblems.com

2012 GMC Acadia Problems & Recalls

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 categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Steering45 · 15.3%not available
Power Train43 · 14.6%not available
Electrical System39 · 13.3%not available
Engine35 · 11.9%not available
Air Bags32 · 10.9%RecalledRecall 14V118000 · Recall 21V246000
Structure:body24 · 8.2%RecalledRecall 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.

Complaints by component

STEERING45 · 15.3%
POWER TRAIN43 · 14.6%
Unspecified / other38 · 12.9%
ENGINE35 · 11.9%
AIR BAGS32 · 10.9%
STRUCTURE:BODY24 · 8.2%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM22 · 7.5%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING21 · 7.1%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL10 · 3.4%

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.

Recalls — 5 campaigns

Seat Belts

NHTSA campaign 14V266000 · 2014 · reported 05/20/2014

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

Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate

NHTSA campaign 15V415000 · 2015 · reported 06/30/2015

If the open liftgate unexpectedly falls, it may strike a person, increasing their risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Air Bags:side/window

NHTSA campaign 14V118000 · 2014 · reported 03/17/2014

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

Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:linkages

NHTSA campaign 12V151000 · 2012 · reported 04/09/2012

IF THIS OCCURS, DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Air Bags:critical Fasteners

NHTSA campaign 21V246000 · 2021 · reported 04/08/2021

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 it Park 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

8201293220143646201642472018572920202572022221220242052026

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.