Top 5 Problems GMC Acadia SUV 1st Generation 2007-2016

What are the GMC Acadia Top Problems? Andy shows you 5 of the top problems you may face with a GMC Acadia, and gives you tips and suggestions on how to approach, or avoid them.

In this video, Andy references a couple other 1A Auto videos. Here's the links to those too!

Top 5 Issues with Cadillac CTS:

How to Replace Power Steering Pressure Hose Line 07-16 GMC Acadia:

Check out this playlist to see all of our videos for the GMC Acadia (and Chevy Traverse and Buick Enclave!)

0:00 Top Problems GMC Acadia 1st Gen 2007-16
0:21 Power steering
3:41 Evap purge solenoid
4:57 Cold start misfires
7:05 Timing chains
9:50 Transmission

🔧 List of tools used:
• No Tools Needed

⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video*
√ *Do it Yourself*
√ *Save Money*

[deespasojevic]

Hey man just wanted to compliment you on your clear concise explanations. From verbal to hands on explanations. U are the man 👍🤙

[troycannon]

I have a 2010 gmc acadia. Kept throwing a p0449 code. Replaced solenoid underhood, replaced vent solenoid on top of the gas tank and bought a new gas cap from the dealer. Nothing was fixing it. Found a forum and was told to look at the wiring harness outside, under the drivers side. Sure enough had two wires broke in two. No more check engine light. Just wanted to share so No one else would go through what I did.

[gregcjdr]

In the last year and a half we've sold about 12 of these vehicles. Those being the Acadia, the Traverse and the Buick Enclave. Of the 12, nine of them needed timing chain replacements before we could sell them. We do all the work in house thankfully and that seriously cuts down on the cost of repair. As an example our local Chevy dealer wanted $3, 325 to do the timing service on a 2010 Acadia 3.6. If you are mechanically inclined and able to do this job yourself, and it is quite the job, my one word of caution to you is do not buy your timing set from Autozone. We purchase the first two sets from them and had tensioner failures. They did cover the cost of Labor to repair the job but it really sucked to have to do it again. Use Cloyes brand timing sets which I feel are excellent quality. Don't forget to replace your water pump while you're in there because you certainly wouldn't want to have to take the front of that engine apart again should you have a water pump failure in the future.

[jamesconnell]

190K on my 2012 Acadia Denali, It's been a good car. I've done all the scheduled maintenance according to the manual. Replaced suspension at 175K. Replaced an ignition coil at 90K and 130K miles. I have experienced torque converter issues on an incline at 43mph or 21 mph but I've learned to drive around it by either dropping speed or accelerating past the gear changes on those inclined roads I drive. The Acadia likes acceleration around 3-4K rpm. Driving it like a grandma with 2-3K rpm acceleration the carbon will build up on valves. I've learned that it doesn't like 4-5K rpm or higher when accelerating, overheats the ignition coils and the car will misfire. Drive it too hard and you will need to replace an ignition coil or two. I asked the mechanic the first time why my ignition coil went out and he said it could be bad gas. So I always bought Shell or Chevron gas from the same gas station. After the second coil went out I realized it was because of my driving habit on long drives down highways with traffic lights and accelerating too fast. I also clean the PCV valve every 60K miles. The PCV valve isn't a true valve just a cylinder with one pinhole on one side and two pinholes on the other (this will save your catalytic converter). You know it's time to clean when you get oil in the air intake pipe, there is a little oil catch pouch just before the throttle body.

[LSmiata]

This video is SPOT ON!

Acadia is great, but does have issues...mostly minor and CHANGE THAT OIL more frequently that service/spec. I change at 50% life...~5, 000 miles and engine is happy.

Just did EVAP purge solenoid as noted in this video, OCT-2021. Part confirmed N.G. and better starting. Replacement is under 10 minutes and code was P0442

Thank you!

Mr. P

[bubba]

There was a TSB and a recall for both the Timing Chain and the Power Steering pump.
I had both of these problems and never had to pay a penny for either problem.
One of the most comfortable cars i have ever driven for long road trips.

[danieltaylor]

I currently own a 2011 Acadia, I bought it in 19 and since then I have had the ac compressor clutch go bad and the power steering pump go bad, the serpentine belt snapped twice (back to the bad clutch on the ac compressor), one mirror motor go bad and the master switch array. And probably a few more things I forgot to mention. I would never recommend buying this car to anyone, but if you do, theses are some really good people to help you figure out how to fix the wide range of problems to come.

[Badfilms]

1 minute in and im already impressed. I have changed my Power Steering Pump twice in 9 years.

[JerodMatlock]

As an '08 Acadia owner who has done all of his own maintenance and mechanical work I can tell you that this person knows exactly what he is talking about. I rebuilt my transmission due to the failed 35Rclutch wavy plate. I replaced the trans control module as well. The debris ruined a couple of other parts as well in the trans. I think it cost me around $400 for the trans parts and another maybe 500 bucks for the transmission control module. I have been through a couple of steering racks and had the steering rack leakage and also the small valve that varies the steering stiffness with speed. I've gone through several alternators and a power steering pump. I've gone through two evap purge valves. I have replaced the timing chains once at 150k had to drop the engine. Went ahead and replaced the water pump while I was at it.

[DustmanDiagnostics]

One of my customers has an 08 Acadia. It was constantly leaking oil and had oil reversion into the throttle body. Finally found that the PCV valve was completely plugged, causing excessive crankcase pressure and forcing oil out of the oil pan pretty much everywhere it could. Replaced the valve and modified the inlet and outlet holes by drilling them oversized, problem solved. Just a heads up if your leaking out the front seal and the air box intake tube is full of oil.

[mmathis]

I just had a timing belt issue on my 2012 GMC Acadia Denali. Bought new in 2012. Meticulously maintained throughout. Never had one issue until a month ago. Wife driving, Acadia flashing Traction Control issue on dash panel, Acadia dies.
Go to her rescue, switch vehicles and have it towed to mechanic.
Piston slapped spark plugs. Timing chains were the cause.
74, 000 miles on engine. Had to put new Reman back in. Just got it back yesterday 6/24/21.
$6400.00 for the replacement and that included a new water pump just for precautionary issues in the future.

IMOP, GM, should be held accountable for their faulty products. 74, 000 miles is a slap in the face to consumers. This is not acceptable. For what I paid for this vehicle it should last 300, 000 miles.
This vehicle has been pampered since day one.

[ryansmith]

I have changed 2 transmissions in my 08 Acadia, first one was 102k and the second one at 203k . You may read forums that say 100-104k miles transmissionissues happen . It's TRUE... also change Evap solenoid. Last, oil leaking from timing chain cover . Thanks for the video

[wlt]

This applies to the Chevy Traverses as well in this time period... These Vehicles are headaches!

[michaelbyrnee]

I really appreciate your low-key delivery! Great presentation!

[bkj]

I have a 2010 Traverse and from what I've been reading, I must've got an odd one. My Traverse hasn't caused me any real issues right now it's shy of 135, 000 miles. I'm real vigilant on preventive maintenance and constantly look it over as well as any vehicle I've ever owned. I also own a 2010 Silverado with 139, 000 miles and it also runs great....Anyways, as always, 1A Auto Repair put out another great video.

[Adrian-ekne]

Great video. This also applies to Saturn Vues with the 3.6l. Another common problem is the PCV valves becoming clogged because the holes in them are too small. The clogging causes oil to pool up in the intake as well as oil loss and clogged cats. I recently cleaned and drilled out mine.

[eddiefuentes]

That’s crazy . I guess I’m part of the lucky few who never had a issue. I have a 2016 Acadia. I’m the 2nd owner and have had it for 3 years. No issues at all knock on wood 🙏 . Runs and looks new. I’ve put 30k miles on it so far. I know that’s not much but so far so good. I’m it’s just about to hit 70k miles so hopefullyi don’t see any problems anytime soon

[mvintrigue-trawlerdiy]

I still have a 2007 Saturn Outlook. It has 205k on it, been in two serious accidents and runs great. I just replaced the front struts and strut mounts. I have had the trans rebuilt at 175k. I put an alternator on at 195k. Just changed the water pump today at 205k. I have the rear AC blocked off due to leak. The front AC has a slow leak and I just top it off every few months. Had the timing chains done under recall at 120k. Its long paid for, AWD, tows small trailers and has massive space. I just keep repairing it. The other day I needed the front struts and front strut mounts redone. I got two new front tires and aligment done at the same time. It was about $1050 total. When discussing why I would put $1050 into a 2007 SUV with a coworker I thought about it....because its paid for. It tough to cough up $300 or $700 or even $1500 for repairs on an old car. But if I where to purchase a new one...its $600+ a month...month after month after month for 6 or 7 years. When i do replace it though it will likely not be another GM product. The warranty is just not competitive any longer and the price is out of line with the warranty and quality.

[dthomas]

I have a 2011 GMC Acadia AWD. 113K miles. So far so good, no major issues, thank God. I always take it to the dealer for oil changes and do all recommended maintenance work on time. Hoping it will last for another 30-40K.