The 2010 GMC Acadia is a practical and safe three-row crossover with plenty of space for people and cargo. The most-reported complaints are for steering wheels locking up and the engine’s timing chain failing. Also, two seat belt recalls should not be overlooked.
Key Points
- The 2010 GMC Acadia has accrued four recalls, one investigation, and 341 complaints reported to the NHTSA, covering common problems with faulty timing chains and airbags that may not deploy properly in a crash.
- Of the four recalls issued for the 2010 Acadia, two are related to faulty seatbelts that may not properly restrain occupants. The seat belt issue also triggered an investigation by the NHTSA. The other recalls are for unreliable airbags and falling liftgate.
- Most of the 2010 Acadia’s complaints relate to the steering wheel locking up. However, no recall has been released for this problem.
- The 3.6-liter V6 engine has also been problematic on the 2010 Acadia, primarily with the timing chain failing, which can also lead to engine failure.
- Despite solid safety ratings, the 2010 Acadia’s $800 average annual repair cost is worth considering.
Two of 2010 GMC Acadia’s Four Recalls are for Unreliable Seat Belts, Which Also Triggered an NHTSA Investigation
The GMC Acadia crossover debuted in 2007 as a modern alternative to gas-guzzling SUVs and minivans. While most years are reliable, early years were problematic, including the 2010 model year.
The 2010 Acadia was recalled twice for defective seat belt components that may lead to occupants not being restrained in a crash. Seat belt failure also led to an NHTSA investigation over a faulty anchor cable.
Faulty airbags caused another recall for the 2010 GMC Acadia. Due to a defective wiring harness, the driver and passenger’s side-impact airbags and seat belts may not activate in a crash.
The power liftgate is also a problem for some 2010 GMC Acadias. Struts that hold up the liftgate may prematurely wear and fall unexpectedly, thus a recall was issued. A few related complaints have been reported since the recall came out.
Complaints of Steering Wheels Locking Up are the Biggest Problem Reported by Owners of the 2010 Acadia
Steering problems on the 2010 GMC Acadia have been well documented by owners, making up almost half of the nearly 350 complaints on file with the NHTSA.
Many complaints report the steering wheel becomes difficult to turn at low speeds. In some instances, the vehicle leaks power steering fluid. Owners on the Acadia Forum mention several model years affected by this problem, including 2010. Replacing the steering rack and/or power steering pump may be needed to remedy the problem.
Mileage of affected vehicles varies. Some Acadias have made it over 100,000 miles without a problem, while others experienced failure with less than 50,000 miles.
2010 GMC Acadia’s Problematic Timing Chain Can Lead to Engine Failure and is SUV’s Most Common Issue
The 2010 GMC Acadia’s only engine option is a 3.6-liter V6, which unfortunately had some bugs to work out. The timing chain appears to be a commonly reported source of engine problems and can often lead to motor failure.
Owner complaints filed with the NHTSA report vehicles struggling to start, idle, and accelerate, or stalling while driving. One owner noted that the timing chain stretched on his vehicle’s engine. In another instance, an owner said the timing chain’s tensioner failed.
Threads across several forums, like GM Inside News and Acadia Forum, feature owners discussing their frustrations with their 2010 Acadias and timing chain issues, which appear to occur equally on higher and lower mileage vehicles.
Unfortunately, the repair can be more costly than the vehicle is worth, with Repair Pal estimating the average cost for a GMC Acadia timing chain and gear set replacement at between $2,009 and $2,353.
Expensive Annual Repair Costs for the 2010 Acadia May Hinder an Otherwise Practical Vehicle
With its great safety ratings from both the NHTSA and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety the 2010 Acadia seems like a good vehicle.
However, with the engine and steering wheel issues, on top of a few safety recalls, the 2010 Acadia may not be the best model year to consider.
At an average annual repair cost of $800, it’s worth looking at later Acadia model years with less reported problems and lower repair expenses.
Photos: GMC
