repaired · 2023 Q1
Air bags: critical fasteners
Risk. Unsecured side curtain air bags may not perform as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
2012 GMC AcadiaProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 296 owner complaints about the 2012 GMC Acadia, most often about the steering. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-246 the manufacturer reports only 40% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 5, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 GMC Acadia has problems
296 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
46Steering2 crash/fire/injury
43Power train2 crash/fire/injury
42Structure10 crash/fire/injury
41Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
35Engine2 crash/fire/injury
33Air bags5 crash/fire/injury
22Fuel/propulsion system
21Exterior lighting
10Vehicle speed control
6716 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 46 | 2 |
| Power train | 43 | 2 |
| Structure | 42 | 10 |
| Electrical system | 41 | 1 |
| Engine | 35 | 2 |
| Air bags | 33 | 5 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 22 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 21 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 10 | 2 |
| 16 other systems | 67 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2012 GMC Acadia recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2018 Q2
Body: hatchback/liftgate
Risk. If the open liftgate unexpectedly falls, it may strike a person, increasing their risk of injury.
repaired · 2015 Q4
Seat belts
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.
repaired · 2016 Q2
Air bags: side/window
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.
Show 1 more recall
no report yet
Windshield wiper/washer: linkages
Risk. IF THIS OCCURS, DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with GMC.
Mileage at failure
When do steering problems start?
73kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 39 steering complaints. 85% were reported before 100,000 miles.
1under 30k miles33under 100k miles6100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2012 vs. every other Acadia year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Acadia median. How we score
'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2012 GMC Acadia safety ratings
2012 GMC Acadia SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (15.5% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2012 GMC Acadia, and the recalls they led to.
- Outboard Front Seat Belt Anchor Cable FailureLed to recall 21V-245
- Seat Belt Anchor Cable FailureNo recall
In owners' words
What Acadia owners report
Recent steering complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2012 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that shortly after purchasing the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who discovered that the catalytic convertor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The mechanic also inspected the…
About 1 month ago While making a slow speed turn from a parking lot to a street the steering seemed to lock for no reason. After a brief moment the steering resumed normal function. I inspected the ignition switch and found nothing abnormal. Checked power steering fluid level, it was in the…
No warning light when transmission went out. Traction control/stabiltrac service light came on, doors locking and unlocking, not stating what gear acadia was in. Check engine light eventually came on, after it stalled twice on highway. Vehicle is at gmc dealership service department and they are…
Own a 2012 Acadia?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.