2020 GMC Acadia engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 30, 2026ALEngineSteering

   Engine thermostat not functioning properly, therefore the display stayed on cold and would not show temp. It also cause the fan to run fast to cool engine. The AC would not cool and reduce power steering assist error message comes on. This is a known problem by GM and there is a recall for this issue on many of these vehicles, other GMC and Cadillac vehicles. Our vehicle should be added to the recall list!

   NHTSA complaint #11768037 · source
2. Filed Sep 21, 2026VTEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   2020 GMC Acadia bucks/hesitates when I take off or slow down and speed back up. Mechanic looked at it can see engine is having random misfires. We have tried plugs, transmission fluid, looked at everything we could think of. The condition improves if I put into AWD but still exists and worsens for a period of time after it shifts back into FWD mode. My mechanic has done a lot of research and found that one possible issue was a stretched timing chain but since it is out of…

   NHTSA complaint #11765876 · source
3. Filed Sep 21, 2026MNEngine

   Engine thermostat not functioning properly, opening too early and not allowing engine to operate at proper engine temperature. Check engine light comes on, reduce power steering assist error message comes on, engine temperature gauge reads cold when vehicle has been running for an extended period of time. This is a known problem by GM and there is a recall for this issue on many of these vehicles, other GMC and Cadillac vehicles. Our vehicle should be added to the recall…

   NHTSA complaint #11765790 · source
4. Filed Aug 23, 2026NYEngineOther / UnknownSteering

   Received a power steering reduced notice when starting the car, noticed shortly after driving the temperature gauge had not moved from its resting position. A few trips later it still had not moved and the check engine light came on. Mechanic looked at it said it may be a sensor quoted $1k to fix. A few days later it randomly started working and the light went off so I did not have it fixed. About 4 months later the same code displayed on the dash with the same issues. This…

   NHTSA complaint #11758890 · source
5. Filed Jul 12, 2026CAElectrical SystemEngineSteering

   [Symptom & Safety Hazard] While driving my 2020 GMC Acadia 3.6L V6, the Driver Information Center displayed the warning: "Steering Assist Reduced, Drive With Care" (SARDWC). Steering effort increased abruptly, the engine temperature gauge dropped to cold/zero, and the HVAC system lost air-conditioning function. The warning and reduction in steering assist presented a safety hazard and increased the risk of a crash. [Diagnostic Findings] Vehicle diagnostics identified DTC…

   NHTSA complaint #11749841 · source
6. Filed Jun 22, 2026CAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Thermostat and cooling sensor went out on my car. GMC issued a special coverage bulletin for 2021 Acadia since it's a widespread issue but not the 2020 (mine) which is also a widespread issue looking online. The repair is over $1000 and should be covered!

   NHTSA complaint #11745760 · source
7. Filed May 31, 2026NYElectrical SystemEngine

   Thermostat issue causing check engine light as well as steering assist to be turned off. Fan constantly runs. Reset code and immediately is fine again for anywhere from a day to weeks but then happens again. Car is just out of warranty but seems to be common occurrence as there is a service bulletin for the 2021 model

   NHTSA complaint #11741177 · source
8. Filed May 10, 2026TXEngine

   A common issue in GMC vehicles (particularly 2017–2020 Acadias) is a "Steering Assist Reduced" warning message triggered by a failed engine coolant thermostat that gets stuck open. This causes the engine to run too cold (P0128 code), causing the computer to reduce steering assist (which is dangerous) and run fans on high, also the air conditioner fails. I have seen many complaints about this and it seems to be a manufacturers problem. GMC put out a repair bulletin for the…

   NHTSA complaint #11736917 · source
9. Filed May 10, 2026MIEngine

   Coolant temperature sensor failed - it is still in the engine. the fan stays on high all the time. And the AC does not want to turn on. The car is extremely hot to drive in during the summer months. I have to transport persons who are seniors and in their mid 80s. It is not safe to drive this car in the summer. I can't tell if its over heating or what is happening. The coolant temperature gauge does not work. The dealer said my car is out of warranty and that the AC will not…

   NHTSA complaint #11736892 · source
10. Filed Apr 30, 202661,699 miIDEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionSteering

    The contact owns a 2020 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle, it stalled after initially adding fuel. Even though the reading indicated there was 1/8 of a tank of fuel. The fuel gauge failed to move. The thermostat was stuck open. The electric steering was not working properly. The engine light was illuminated. The traction control was turned off. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V639000 (Fuel System,…

    NHTSA complaint #11734889 · source
11. Filed Mar 6, 2026WIEngine

    Check engine light codes: P01F0; P0128 Engine coolant thermostat opening at a lower temperature than intended. Replace thermostat.

    NHTSA complaint #11722457 · source
12. Filed Feb 12, 2026MIEngine

    Rear heater line leak detected during evaluation of engine code P01F0 and empty expansion tank was noted. There was never any puddle in my garage prior to the incident, and nothing detected after the fact either. Pictures included demonstrate a leak at the double-crimp near the farthest rear point of the vehicle. The other hose behind the drip photo was also leaking at the crimp under the secondary piece of hose insulation. The design of the system requires replacement of…

    NHTSA complaint #11717537 · 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