2018 GMC Acadia steering problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jul 7, 2026MASteering

   When I’m driving on the highway, I get a message on my dashboard saying steering assist reduced, drive with care. I have taken to the GMC dealership and they will not cover this repair even though it would be covered for 2021 GMC. When this happens, my car makes a loud noise and my steering wheel does not feel right. I do not feel safe.

   NHTSA complaint #11748910 · source
2. Filed Jun 12, 2026CASteering

   this is the second time I am having to replace gear shift with under 160000 miles. Turn the car off and it tells me the car is not in park when it is. It can not tell what gear it is in or when. AGAIN. This is the second repair

   NHTSA complaint #11743789 · source
3. Filed Jun 1, 202678,000 miWISteering

   The contact owns a 2018 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speed, the steering assist reduced warning light illuminated. The contact's husband attached a portable diagnostic tester to the vehicle, and P0128 was the failure code. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact…

   NHTSA complaint #11741369 · source
4. Filed May 20, 2026TXEngineSteering

   I am getting the known P0128 code. My engine says it's cold when it's not, my AC isn't working, and I am getting a message that says "Steer assist reduced. Drive with care". This is a known problem and complaint of the GMC Acadia.

   NHTSA complaint #11738997 · source
5. Filed Dec 20, 2025MNEngineSteering

   The warning light for a steering assist needs service came on the dash. The dealer had a code (po128) that pertained to a bad thermostat and coolant temp. sensor. The steering assist could have failed, along with possible engine damage. The dealer replaced the thermostat and the coolant temp sensor. Their were no police or insurance reports needed.

   NHTSA complaint #11706286 · source
6. Filed Nov 20, 2025ILSteering

   "STEERING ASSIST IS REDUCED" This message appears on the instrument panel once in a while, and I have to get a mechanic to reset it. Many other people who drive the 2018 GMC Acadia, are reporting the same problem. This occurs so frequently on this model, that it obviously was a manufacturing design flaw.

   NHTSA complaint #11700513 · source
7. Filed Jul 23, 2025MIElectrical SystemOther / UnknownSteering

   Battery saver ignited comes on and and the entire dash flickers and turns off ! This happened in a middle of an intersection and I could move my car. We jumped it and went to the nearest auto zone replaced the battery . It was pulling 89 amps . The next day it popped up again and we replaced the alternator. Upon replacing this there was oil everywhere! And we don’t know where it is coming from . Now shift into part light comes on !

   NHTSA complaint #11675562 · source
8. Filed May 14, 2025MSBrakesSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

   All of this has been going on for a while but it's gotten to the point of dangerous. The Shift to Park keeps coming on preventing me from shutting the vehicle off even though it's, in fact, in Park. Then, "Steering Assist Reduced Drive With Care" keeps coming on. This will come on and off. Preventing the engine from heating up like it needs to be. Then the transmission keeps slipping. Was nearly rear-ended on the highway with my child in the car when it decided to start…

   NHTSA complaint #11661065 · source
9. Filed Mar 17, 2025105,000 miFLElectrical SystemSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2018 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while shifting the gear shifter into park(P), the "Shift to Park” message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact was forced to shift from drive(D) to Park(P) repeatedly before the failure was corrected. In addition, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel would become sticky with the "Steering Assist Reduced - Drive with Care," message displayed on the instrument…

   NHTSA complaint #11648834 · source
10. Filed Nov 18, 2024ILEngineSteering

    My steering assist is coming on an the thermostat play apart in this. The thermostat need to be change. 2018-GMC-Acadia are having problems with these parts.

    NHTSA complaint #11625851 · source
11. Filed Oct 1, 2024FLSteering

    " steering assistant reduced, drive care" " power steering ,drive with care". My car has been properly maintained, and has no issues, but this messages that keep coming up out of nowhere. And when it comes out my steering wheel gets very hard and stiff, causing me to almost get in accident in highway. This is definitely a factory defect that needs to be recalled and taken care of.

    NHTSA complaint #11617540 · source
12. Filed Aug 6, 2024FLElectrical SystemSteering

    I purchased this car in May 2024 and it has done this since the day I bought it. When I shift into park and turn the car off it alerts me that I need to shift into park but it already is, I have to squeeze/jiggle the button on the shifter to make it stop. I feel this could cause some serious problems

    NHTSA complaint #11606693 · 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