GMC Acadia Timing Chain Recalls: Rest Easy?

Jan 21, 2021

The GMC Acadia first hit the market in 2007, and it’s become a staple among the crossover community ever since. However, even the greats have issues, as is the case with the timing chain in some Acadia models.

Has GMC issued any timing chain recalls for the Acadia?

As of September 2020, no. But there have been several complaints. These include:

Failure to start – The timing chain causes the engine to fail at vehicle startup.
Check engine light – Timing chain issues cause the check engine light to illuminate without reason.
Engine destruction – A faulty timing chain can cause further destruction of the engine.

White 2021 GMC Acadia Next To The Lake

In this article, we’ll take a look at the issues commonly reported by GMC Acadia drivers regarding a faulty timing chain.

Engine Misfire at Start Up Because of Faulty Timing Chain

Typically, the timing chain is a key part of a vehicle starting correctly. When the timing chain is not working, the vehicle may fail to start. While some GMC Acadia owners had this happen when the vehicle had around 100,000 miles on it, others said it happened much sooner.

Ignoring this problem can result in your being stranded, as the car will not start until the timing chain is replaced.

Repairs include having the timing chain completely replaced.

Check Engine Light Because of Faulty Timing Chain

Check Engine Warning Light

Many GMC Acadia owners have noticed that their check engine light becomes illuminated even when the car is running smoothly. Many owners have found that this is due to a faulty timing chain. There are often no signs of an early issue with the timing chain other than the illumination of the check engine light.

Ignoring the check engine light can result in costly further damage to the engine.

If caught early enough, repairs include having the timing chain completely replaced. Bring in the car to be serviced as soon as the check engine light comes on to avoid costly repairs to the engine.

Engine Destruction Because of Faulty Timing Chain

Damage caused by a faulty timing chain can happen quickly, and an issue with it can result in the engine becoming completely destroyed. This means that you can no longer drive the vehicle without a full engine replacement.

Ignoring the issue at this point is impossible, as it’s likely that the vehicle will not start or run.

How Do You Handle an Open Recall on Your GMC Acadia?

So while there aren’t any GMC Acadia timing chain recalls yet, if you’re unsure if any recall has been issued on yours, it’s key to check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website. After entering your vehicle’s VIN or searching for the make and model of your vehicle, you’ll be able to see if any open recalls have been issued by GMC.

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

James Goforth on February 28, 2023

2012 acadia denali timing issues

My wife's car is doing the exact same thing. I've replaced all 4 cam shaft sensors, throttle body assembly, knock sensor, coils, and was really close to replacing the ECM as well when it was diagnosed a timing issue. All the mechanics i spoke with said it would cost around $4,000 to $5,000 to replace the timing chain but it could still have problems. All recommended replacing the motor which would be around $12,000. Although it is a beautiful car and is a Denali is still owe over $11,000 on the car and cant seem to justify spending more than the car is worth. Now what???? PLEASE SIGN ME UP FOR YOUR PETITION!!!!!! GMC needs to be held accountable for this specific ongoing issue! Now I'm stuck driving my wife 45 minutes to her job, 2 hours before i need to be to work and have to leave early to pick her up until we can find some sort of transportation for her. This is going to be difficult as we just spent all our money to move into a different house

Derreka Clinkscale on May 28, 2022

If I could give a minus 5 stars I would

My 2009 GMC Acadia drove fine from November 2021 when I purchased it until March 2022. My car stopped at an intersection in the midst of heavy traffic. Worst of all I was the first person at the light 🚦 so people were honking and trying to maneuver around me. I had my 5 children with me 4 of them small. It was cold and just horrible. After having it towed to a shop they said my engine and timing chain were ruined. The cost of repairs is beyond my budget. GMC needs to be held accountable for not warning us of these issues. My uncle said that there is something written in the owners manual that says when to get a timing chain fixed has anyone actually read that to confirm it? I have had other veichles that lasts longer but not GMC and not Buick either. We should be reimbursed for our troubles and I will initiate a petition and a class action lawsuit for anyone who’s willing to join.

Sheila Reaves on November 27, 2022

A recall needs to be initiated!

I am happy to sign your petition. My 07 Acadia has always been very well maintained. Recently it started making a slight clacking noise when at idle. Took it to the GMC dealer near me and was told the entire timing chain assembly needs replaced. The cost is over $4000 parts and labor. That's insane to me and unaffordable . The mechanic himself said there should be a recall but GMC hasn't initiated one. He also said the most common issue with the Acadia is the cam phasers getting stuck causing the timing chains to jump. GMC is aware of the problem. I would love to join your petition for a class action. Please let me know if you go forward. Sheila

Ms. Dixon on June 2, 2023

Need’s Recall 2011 GMC Arcadia 😤😢👎🏽

Car Just star cutting off as I’m driving had two censor’s replaced lasted 3 months had to have one done twice cam shafts DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR APRIL came and Boom 🤯 Same thing say I need Timing Chain or it’s gonna keep happening and kill the Motor. I’m out $7.500 disabled can’t afford Timing Chain nor a Engine haven’t had it 3 year’s yet It’s Just sitting in driveway 😤😢 oh But I do keep her shining I rinse 🚿 her off when I sit outside to water the grass Now 🤦🏽‍♀️🤷🏽‍♀️ Where’s the Petitioners I wanna Join and Sign . In The Motor City and GMC aynt 💩and s**k’s it

Mrs. Bradshaw on March 11, 2024

No More GMC's for me!

I own a 2012 Acadia. GMC owes me big time for this disaster of a car. I have had to replace the engine because of the timing chain but it hasn't ended with that. I've been replacing coils one after another, along with other parts. The car repairs never end. This car is in the shop a week out of every month. I need to just get another vehicle, but I've spent my savings on this one's repairs. I also have PTSD from it and am very scared that I could buy another car with similar issues. I just don't know what to do anymore. Can someone start a class action against them, please?

Christine Dover on August 16, 2023

Timing chain recall

I own a 2008 Acadia and have always kept the oil changed and my vehicle well maintained. My check engine light on came on as I parked it for the night. Next morning the it was hard to start and as soon as the motor cranked over the rattle of the timing chain hitting the cover and I shut it off.It's been parked for 3 weeks cuz who can afford a$4,000 dollar repair? I still have the new car smell inside. And I'm riding the bus. Recall is in order!!! I try to be true to my country buying American. But I feel I really have been let down by GMC. Thank you.

The Parks Family on December 29, 2021

2012 GMC Acadia

Recently my wife was in line at a restaurant and the engine stopped. They pushed it out of line into a parking spot. We had the vehicle towed to a mechanic who diagnosed the vehicles timing chain broke and there was heavy damage to the engine. He stated “damaged pistons and bent valves”. After three and a half weeks and $4700 later and a week before Christmas we have our vehicle back. Don’t know why these have not been a recall yet as I am reviewing several posts about this problem. Last time we will be purchasing one of these vehicles.

Julie K on December 2, 2023

2014 GMC ACADIA

Bought my Acadia new. No problems until this year. Just replaced the water pump with timing chain immediately following. $6,100 for a timing chain and $800 for a water pump. 152,000 miles and I have always babied my Acadia. My mechanic said he would not recommend a GMC or Chevrolet because they are dropping transmissions out at 60,000 miles. I have now changed my mind about the Yukon being my next SUV. Do better GM! Do recalls when you manufacture faulty vehicle parts!

Becky on June 9, 2022

2011 GMC Acadia

I had to replace my timing chain as well, 78,000 miles, they told me my oil pan was leaking too, which I believe is BS! I never had a drop of oil in my driveway, my oil light was never on saying I needed oil, I think it was just an excuse to say why the timing chain went bad. Cost me over $5000. I think this problem should be recalled too. The dealer really scammed me,I won’t go back there again :(

S. Pelding on May 11, 2022

2010 Acadia

It is a horrible thing that there are no recalls. Same boat as you all. Had mine for 14 months still owed 7,000. Paid for a surrender literally 3 months for the company to come retrieve it. They sold at auction summons me to court for the rest and it shows as repo on credit. Never GMC for me again. Ruined my credit and lost job promotion due to unreliable transportation. Not even worth a star!!

Moria Marshall on April 3, 2022

Unhappy

Timing belt went out and was told it will cost $2000 plus to fix it! Should the flipping company have to fix something that is actually giving a number of owners the same issues? Pretty sure that is when a company should do a recall! We are paying on a car we can’t drive because we don’t have that type of cash. My husband rides a bike to work now! It is just not right!

Casey Haigler on September 27, 2022

2009 Acadia Timing Chain caused engine failure

My engine completely failed after not even having this vehicle for a year! Had to have the vehicle towed at my expense to have it fixed and they could not fix it said it needed a new engine due to a timing chain problem. The vehicle has been sitting for a very long time and I am still checking for recalls! This is absolutely ridiculous and they need to do a recall!

Carri on August 8, 2022

Timing chain has broke twice already.

I have a 2010 Acadia and the timing chain broke around 70,000 miles . It has now broke again at 106,000 miles. I have always had oil changes and take proper care and maintenance of it. I don’t even drive this car that much fir this to have happened twice. Why isn’t there a recall yet or class action law suit since so many people have had the same problem.

larry on May 9, 2022

2011 acadia denali

Well after replacing almost everything from the 3 cats, spark plugs, coil packs, o2 sensors, and the list goes on, I found out the hard way it is the timing chain. Stranded alongside the road at 4:30 pm on a Friday. I really liked this vehicle until it hit 100,000. Definitely should have done more research. Tow guy said, yeah we get a lot of these.

Lawrence H. on June 11, 2023

Class action lawsuit needed for faulty timing chain.

I have a 2009 GMC Acadia and the dreaded engine light came on letting me know the timing chain needs to be replaced. There's no reason for timing chain to fail on relatively low milage, well maintained car. It's long time overdue for a recall on this issue. My next car will definitely be a Japanese or German car. I'm done with GM.

Verloncia C on March 25, 2023

My very costly decision

I got a 2011 with only a 126,000 miles on it and its useless due to .... You guessed it! The timing chain. All I wanna say is please call me when whoever starts the lawsuit. Broke down with me and my babies in 30° weather. I'm so over GMC. I knew I should went back to Chevy. Reach me at verlonciacarr@gmail.com with lawsuit info

RJ on February 28, 2022

2012 Acadia Denali

Bought used, almost paid off and was going to enjoy no car payment for awhile...especially since I am now divorced and handling all expenses solo... However now my timing chain has gone bad and my car sits in garage not moving until I decide what the best next move is. A little challenging getting to work though... Uggghhhhh.

Martin Hupfl on February 5, 2023

Not the timing chain

The timing gear pressed on the camshaft spins. No keyway or splines were ever put on the shift. This to me should be a manufacturer defect. That gear should not be allowed to spin or move. Just another guy with a Acadia that doesn’t run.I need a recall because I can’t afford to fix it like so many others.

Bonnie on February 28, 2023

NEEDS A RECALL!!!!!!!!

I have a 2011 Acadia.....engine light has been on for over a year....thought maybe just a sensor...NOPE!!!..FN TIMING CHAIN!!!....and gonna cost wayyy too much $ to fix.....DO A d**n RECALL, GMC!!!!...THIS Is'NT RIGHT, OR FAIR!!!....did 1 star, cuz I HAD to , to submit comment

Dave Hunter on November 8, 2023

2009 Acadia with 130,000 miles - CEL light on

Bought it 2 years ago with 105,000 miles and has ran great until CEL came on 3 weeks ago. Codes are for camshaft position and crankshaft position sensors plus a couple of others. Now, engine will crank over but not start. Never buying a Traverse/Acadia/Enclave again.

The Bush Family on January 4, 2022

2010 Acadia

This timing chain issue should have been recalled on this vehicle. Just spent $3600 on new timing chain and still have check engine light on. Timing chain was even more costly than the wave plate fail - which also should have been a manufacturer recall. Ridiculous!

Melissa Wright on June 23, 2023

2017 timing chain

I agree there should be a recall on the timing chain. I love my car! I have taken very good care of it. 135,000 miles now my timing chain has to be replaced. 4,000.00 that is if they find nothing else wrong with it. Just sickens me!!

Craig on November 29, 2023

Rimming chain

I changed the chains cam phasers. Twice and i still have clattering on start up runs strong after that bit so tired of noise check engong light comes on with different codes knock senser tps temp need to figure it out gm

Dezerrick Shamburger on June 1, 2023

2008 GMC Acadia

128142 mi on my vehicle. It just started acting up. Come to find out my timing chain is the issue. $4000+ for repair. That's a huge expense given how careful I am with my vehicle maintenence.

Daisy c on August 15, 2023

2011 gmc acadia

Biggest piece of junk I've ever had. Only owned it for 2 months and already put 1500 in it to fix the air conditioner. Now it doesn't even run. Will never purchase a gmc again

Lisa P on July 21, 2023

Acadia timing chain

Yep me too!!! 2014 Acadia timing chain going. After initial start, loose timing chain would hit valve cover. Caught before any damage, however will cost $4800. Ugh!!!

Jenna on October 26, 2022

Did fixing the timing belt solve the noise.

I am having the same problem. To those who said they paid to get their timing belt replaced, did this actually help the problem?

M. W. on November 27, 2023

Timing chain

Same thing , changed all . Ran great for 1000 miles . Light back on! c**p! This is the 2011 acadia. Sign me up for the lawsuit?

Suzanne B on August 26, 2022

2011 Acadia Timing Chain

I’m so disappointed with GMC, we own 2 Acadia’s this timing chain issue should be a recall.

Angela on February 15, 2024

2012 gmc Acadia

Recall for timing needs to be replaced

Amanda T

Amanda T. is a freelance writer, mom, and health nut who refuses to drive anything other than a Nissan. She has six years of automotive writing experience, and loves providing drivers with well-researched information to help them make informed decisions.