This page covers 3 recalls, 293 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2012 GMC Acadia.
19 mpg combined
12.4 L/100km
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
The 2011 to 2012 GMC Acadia received an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA crash testing for US-market vehicles. The frontal crash test yielded 4 stars, while the side crash test earned 5 stars. The side pole test also received 5 stars. In rollover testing, the vehicle achieved 4 stars. This NHTSA rating applies across the model years shown until the next redesign.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
For the 2012 GMC Acadia, steering and structure are the most-reported complaint areas. Owners frequently describe sudden or unexpected steering failure, often with the wheel becoming stiff or unresponsive while driving, a pattern that appears across a significant share of the steering complaints. On the structure side, reports center on the liftgate, with owners describing the power liftgate dropping unexpectedly or opening on its own while the vehicle is in motion or parked. Powertrain complaints round out the top three, with owners reporting rough shifting, transmission hesitation, and loss of power. A recurring structural detail in the liftgate reports is that the failure occurs without any warning indicator, leaving drivers unaware until the gate is already moving.
293
Total Complaints
8
Crash-Related
2
Fire-Related
15
With Injuries
By System
The 2012 GMC Acadia has 3 recalls, the most serious being an unsecured liftgate that can drop without warning and strike anyone standing behind the vehicle, and side curtain airbags that may not deploy correctly in a crash.
The liftgate recall covers vehicles where the struts or support mechanism can fail to hold the hatch open, leaving it to fall on a person loading cargo or working near the rear of the vehicle. The airbag concern involves side curtain units that are not properly attached to their mounting points, meaning they may not inflate correctly or stay in position during a side-impact collision, reducing protection for occupants. On the visibility side, this recall applies only to vehicles registered in states that receive significant winter weather: the windshield wiper linkage can corrode or fail, causing the wipers to stop moving across the glass while driving in rain or snow and leaving the driver with an obstructed view of the road ahead.
At a glance
What can fail
The side curtain air bags may not be properly attached due to weld nut issues, which could prevent them from deploying correctly in a side-impact crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the side curtain air bag weld nuts and realign or replace them as needed at no charge to you.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The gas struts that hold the power liftgate open may wear prematurely, causing the liftgate to suddenly fall when open.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the power liftgate motor control software to prevent rapid closing of the liftgate.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Snow or ice buildup on the windshield or wiper can restrict wiper arm movement, causing the arm to loosen and the wiper to stop working.
What the fix does
Dealers will tighten the wiper arm nuts at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
