2017 GMC Acadia steering problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jul 8, 2026MNElectrical SystemOther / UnknownSteering

   🚨 P0128 code, thermostat-related symptoms, Steering Assist Reduced warnings, increased steering effort, or other safety concerns while driving.

   NHTSA complaint #11749164 · source
2. Filed May 13, 2026WASteering

   I keep getting this warning "Action Required Steering Assist Is Reduced Drive With Care" . This warning has occurred randomly for several years. Recently, after getting this warning the check engine light came on and the engine temp gauge stopped indicating. I have seen a bulletin from GM that this condition is covered under a 'special warranty extension' for a single model year, but it is common over at least 5 model years. This should be a recall because of the steering…

   NHTSA complaint #11737716 · source
3. Filed Feb 4, 2026ORDriver Assistance & Safety TechSteering

   On [XXX] my 2017 Acadia Denali started driving poorly and a steering assist reduced message appeared. I had O'Reilly scan for error messages and they were: P0128 and P0826-00. The dealership confirmed that they would need to replace the thermostat. The Buick GMC Beaverton technician made a video of my vehicle: [XXX] My safety was put at risk due to the risk of my steering going out. My car intermittently was having trouble engaging in driving (it randomly acted like it was…

   NHTSA complaint #11715597 · source
4. Filed Nov 23, 2025CAEngineSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

   When I’m driving a warning comes on my DIC screen that says “ACTION REQUIRED STEERING ASSIST IS REDUCED DRIVE WITH CARE”. The AC does not work and the temp gauge goes to cold with the radiator fan blowing at full speed. My car has done this since I purchased it used in 2019 and when I call dealer they say there is no recall and $1200-1800 to replace a sensor and thermostate. I have not had the issue fixed yet.

   NHTSA complaint #11701107 · source
5. Filed Sep 29, 2025MESteering

   Vehicle keeps intermittently coming up with "Power Steering Reduced: Drive with Care," during this my steering is perfectly fine, however my A/C stops blowing cold air, the temperature gauge stops working and my engine fan is running constantly. This is obviously a well known issue since googling that warning and my vehicle it comes up with the issue and what the cause is. Which the cause is from the thermostat remaining open and allowing coolant to run through the system,…

   NHTSA complaint #11690305 · source
6. Filed Sep 20, 2025OHDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngineSteering

   While driving at highway speeds, a warning appeared on the Driver Information Center (DIC): “Steering Assist is Reduced – Drive with Care.” Simultaneously, the temperature gauge was stuck on “C,” the radiator cooling fan ran at high speed, and the air conditioning stopped blowing cold air. After researching the issue, I discovered that these symptoms are commonly linked to a failing thermostat—a known and widespread problem with GM’s 3.6L LGX engine. Unfortunately, replacing…

   NHTSA complaint #11688629 · source
7. Filed Aug 1, 2025FLSteering

   We were receiving a message stating steering reduction. Turns out the thermostat sticks open and the electronic control module reset was a temporary fix. We had the thermostat replaced and the issue hasn’t happened again. Steering issues should be a safety issue and be considered for recall. Your thoughts please.

   NHTSA complaint #11677759 · source
8. Filed Jun 2, 2025VASteering

   The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the warning light then turned off independently. In addition, the contact stated that the air conditioning failed to function as intended and the interior of the vehicle became extremely hot. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact stated the vehicle was…

   NHTSA complaint #11664292 · source
9. Filed Mar 24, 202580,510 miSCSteering

   The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the steering wheel was inoperable, with the message “Steering Assist Reduced” displayed. The contact stated that the steering wheel was loosened and became difficult to turn. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the thermostat coolant sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was…

   NHTSA complaint #11650208 · source
10. Filed Nov 4, 2024IAEngineOther / UnknownSteering

    Within a day of taking possession of the car, September 20, 2024, with odometer reading 76,352 , warning message in instrument cluster appears stating action required “steering assist is reduced, drive with care”. Following day, A/C stop working while driving. When park, I can hear radiator fan, running full speed (louder than normal). While driving at night, headlights are not bright, specially the high beam. On September 23, 2024, took it back to dealership I purchased the…

    NHTSA complaint #11623544 · source
11. Filed Dec 9, 2023TXOther / UnknownSteering

    I believe my vehicle has a software issue, the temperature gauge will read cold, I will get a “Steering assist reduced drive with caution” message, my A/C stops working, and the radiator fans come on full blast the moment you start the car because the temperature can not be read. I have read online forums where others are having this same exact issue. Resetting the codes seems to temporarily fix the issue, but it comes back within roughly 2 weeks. This vehicle has not even…

    NHTSA complaint #11559251 · source
12. Filed Jun 28, 2023FLElectrical SystemSteering

    Vehicle will randomly drop into a lower gear which causes the engine to rev up, then a warning light comes on indicating that the steering assist and ABS system are offline. Not what you want to have happen when driving 70MPH on the highway. Problem has been ongoing for ytears and GMC insists it is a transmission problem but another thing I have noticed whenever it happens is that the battery voltage increases. Seems like GMC shipped these cars with weak alternators which…

    NHTSA complaint #11529431 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology