Is the 2012 GMC Acadia reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 GMC Acadia is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2012 GMC Acadia?

The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 16% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2012 GMC Acadia have?

5 recalls on file for this model year.

2012 GMC Acadia

● Typical for this model

2012 GMC Acadia
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 296
Recalls: 5
Investigations: 2
Top problem: Steering

Complaints per year

2012: 296 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2007	428
2008	854
2009	331
2010	343
2011	269
2012	296
2013	135
2014	462
2015	243
2016	236
2017	704
2018	395
2019	385
2020	106
2021	150
2022	49
2023	44
2024	60
2025	66
2026	9

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Steering

16% · 46 reports

Most commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar.

CRASHINJURY

Structure

15% · 44 reports

Most commonly citing body and hatchback/liftgate.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

The back seat driver's side door shut with such impact as to amputate the finger from an adult. Vehicle was parked on incline when front driver's side door shut, the back door also shut.

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-07-25

I opened the rear tailgate and while taking an object out of the back of the vehicle, the tailgate came crashing down on my head with great force. After physically recovering, I tested the tailgate and the issue repeated itself.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-01-22

As power liftgate was opening, I started to retrieve items from back of vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-10-06

Power train

15% · 43 reports

CRASH

Electrical system

14% · 41 reports

Most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.

INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Hello so I notice 3 weeks ago my headlights keep cutting off and on then a week later my radio stopped working, The floor of the driver side is always wet after it rains.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-05

Also filed under Air bags

Engine

12% · 35 reports

CRASH

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2012-04-27Visibility12V151000 General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Chevrolet traverse, Buick enclave, and GMC Acadia vehicles currently registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho…

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the wiper arm nuts, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 20, 2012.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2014-06-16Air bags14V118000 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.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2014-07-11Seat belts14V266000 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...

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-11-15Structure15V415000 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...

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2019-05-28Recall queryClosed 2020-08-31 Seat Belt Anchor Cable Failure
I
2020-08-31Engineering analysisClosed 2024-08-30 Outboard Front Seat Belt Anchor Cable Failure
R

2021-05-24Air bags21V246000 General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2010-2015, 2017 Buick Enclave, 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse, and 2011-2016 GMC Acadia vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not be properly attached.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, realign or replace the weld nuts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 24, 2021.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2012 GMC Acadia — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Steering: 46 reports on file for this year.
Structure: 44 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 43 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 12V151000 · Visibility
Recall 14V118000 · Air bags
Recall 14V266000 · Seat belts
Recall 15V415000 · Structure
Recall 21V246000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2012 GMC Acadia reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 GMC Acadia is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 GMC Acadia?: The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 16% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 GMC Acadia have?: 5 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.