The 2009 GMC Acadia only has seven recalls, but they’re all rather serious safety risks, and four relate to faulty seat belts and airbags that may not function properly. Owners have also filed over 300 complaints relating to timing chain failure, faulty power steering, and headlights burning out and melting.
Key Points
- The 2009 GMC Acadia has seven recalls, three investigations, and over 300 complaints registered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the majority of recalls are very serious safety risks.
- Three of the Acadia’s seven recalls relate to faulty seat belts that may not restrain occupants and side-impact airbags that may not deploy.
- One recall related to rear liftgate failure has reportedly resulted in multiple injuries to customers as the rear liftgate struts fail and cause it to fall unexpectedly.
- 2009 GMC Acadia owners have headed to popular forums like Acadia Forum and GM Forum, where they mention experiencing transmission troubles, powertrain problems, and a testy wave plate issue that negatively affects shifting gears.
- Despite showcasing some notable problems addressed by owners, the 2009 GMC Acadia has been confirmed a 2009 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
2009 GMC Acadia’s High Safety Ratings are Overshadowed by Seven Serious Recalls Over Failing Seat Belts and Airbags That May Not Deploy in a Crash
The 2009 Acadia earned stellar safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, with the IIHS even naming the eight-seat crossover SUV a Top Safety Pick. Despite the accolades, some of its seven recalls bring into question just how safe the Acadia really is.
There are currently three seat-belt-related recalls for the 2009 Acadia. The first relates to the fatigue and eventual failure of the flexible steel cable connecting the front outboard seats, causing the seat belt to fail.
The second involves the interference of a second-row trim piece restricting the movement of the seat belt.
The last concerns a missing piece of the seat belt mounting strap in the second and third rows of the vehicle. In total, these recalls potentially affect over 1.5 million vehicles.
Another notable recall involves the wiring that controls the side-impact airbags and seat belt pretensioners. The related wiring harness may stretch because of excess tension, causing the seat belt pretensioners and side-impact airbags to fail to activate in an accident.
Other mentionable Acadia recalls include rear liftgate strut failure, the heated windshield module potentially catching on fire, and potential rollaway.
Timing Chain Failures Encompass the Bulk of Engine-related Consumer Complaints While Power Steering Issues Follow Closely Behind
The 3.6L V6 engine used in the 2009 Acadia is also used in other models like the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and Chevrolet Equinox, and all have documented complaints of timing chain failure. In total, official engine and powertrain complaints submitted to the NHTSA make up 41% of all complaints submitted by affected customers.
Power steering failure is also a common problem experienced by Acadia owners. In many cases, drivers experienced power steering lockup due to a leaking or faulty power steering pump.
Another common consumer complaint includes rainwater leaking into the dashboard, affecting the electrical system. Some customers have reported fires while others have simply mentioned various electrical failures throughout the vehicle. Of the 319 total complaints submitted to the NHTSA, 110 relate to power steering problems, and over 80 relate to faulty headlamps and other electrical issues.
One remaining prominent issue pertaining to the electrical woes of the Acadia includes headlight burnout and melting. There have been 38 separate official complaints filed with the NHTSA categorized as exterior lighting issues.
Potentially Defective Headlights Only Rub Salt in the Wounds and Warrant Official Investigations
The Acadia’s headlight failures are one of the few issues connected to an official investigation by the NHTSA. Although there were nearly 500 consumer complaints about faulty headlights, a conclusion was reached that only a small percentage were detrimental to the safety of the driver and passengers.
This is because there was only a small number of complainants that experienced simultaneous headlight inoperability as opposed to single headlight inoperability. The NHTSA, therefore, deemed the issue as a non-safety-related defect and did not pursue further action. There have been no injuries or deaths associated with this defect.
Only two more investigations have been opened by the NHTSA for the 2009 Acadia. One resulted in the seat belt anchor cable recall, and the second was related to investigating how completely and how quickly rental car fleets perform necessary recall-related remedies.
Acadia Owners Report Even More Problems in Forums, Including Transmission and Wave Plate Issues
According to owners on sites like Acadia Forum, the previously mentioned consumer complaints are prevalent, and many owners report problems with cylinders misfiring, too.
“Looks like our 2009 Acadia now has the wave plate issue,” says a visitor to Acadia Forum. “No reverse, problems shifting to third and fifth.” Fellow forum members question if the issue is related to the vehicle’s high mileage.
In another thread on the same forum, an owner reports engine issues in his brand-new 2009 GMC Acadia, which randomly started shaking and couldn’t make it over small hills. “There was an issue with cylinders misfiring,” he says. “The dealership said there was a loose wire and it was fixed. …[But then I] noticed the same issue at speeds of 60-65 mph, and the whole vehicle would shake.”
On GM Forum, a 2009 GMC Acadia SLT owner with 250,000 miles on his vehicle reports having experienced a charging system warning and replaced the battery, alternator, serpentine belt, and cleaned all of the posts under the hood. Afterward, he says, “I still, occasionally, will get the same warning when starting the car after it has been sitting for a while.”
2009 GMC Acadia is a Big Family-friendly SUV That Can Be Appealing to Buyers, but its Hidden Flaws are Quite Serious
Not every 2009 Acadia will suffer from timing chain problems, power steering lockup, or transmission failure, but these issues can be quite serious, expensive, and dangerous.
Acadias may not be as expensive to purchase as similar Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Ford Flex models, but there could be serious hidden issues waiting for you just because you are offered a bargain.
The best way to make sure you get a good one if you need one is to get a comprehensive list of service records and keep up with maintenance moving forward. Your wallet will thank you, and you will avoid any major issues that could affect you and your family.
Photos: GMC
