2020 GMC Acadia steering problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 4, 2026OHSteering

   Thermostat housing failed. Got the message of "Steering Assist Is Reduced – Drive With Care". Have seen this numerous times in message boards. Has been reproduced. Safety is put at risk with the steering assist reduced. Mine happened on an highway.

   NHTSA complaint #11768830 · source
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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
5. Filed Jul 8, 2026MNSteering

   "Steering Assist Is Reduced – Drive With Care" warning appeared while the vehicle is in motion. This may require increased steering effort and could affect a driver's ability to respond to changing traffic conditions. Any steering-related warning that appears unexpectedly while driving deserves serious attention. P0128 code was shown. The cause was a faulty thermostat housing assembly and needed to be repaired. This is an extremely common issue in this vehicle across many…

   NHTSA complaint #11748973 · source
6. Filed Jul 7, 2026LASteering

   Steering assist reduced is the warning. The AC will no longer work and the fan runs constantly. From what I’ve read, it is a popular problem for Acadia owners and the thermostat and sensor has to be replaced. We have not been able to replace ours yet because of the cost.

   NHTSA complaint #11748881 · source
7. 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
8. Filed Apr 15, 2026NYOther / UnknownSteering

   I bought the car at the end of October 2025, so it was always cold till last month. Last month the first day it’s warm I get a warning saying my steering assist has been limited with a code saying the thermostat needs replacing as well as the sensor. This is a known issue with these vehicles and now I have to pay $1500 out of pocket to have fixed because my limited warranty expired 2 weeks before it was warm enough to trip the codes. This is ridiculous especially seeing as I…

   NHTSA complaint #11731342 · source
9. Filed Mar 17, 202647,000 miVAElectrical SystemSteering

   The contact owns a 2020 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the AC was inoperable. The message “Driving Assist Reduced - Drive with Care” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the battery. While driving, the message "Driving Assist Reduced" was displayed. The contact was concerned about…

   NHTSA complaint #11724868 · source
10. Filed Mar 13, 2026FLElectrical SystemSteering

    My 2020 GMC Acadia slt has a a warning message that pops up on the dash display which reads power steering operating at reduced assistance. Please proceed with extreme caution. At high speeds the wheel kinda pulls and is loose for handling. It also atfff conley buick out by the conley buick sericexx2020 acadias. I don't not54⁴ lower rates of speed becomes extremely hard to maneuver . Almost zero ability to turn the steering wheel. I'm disabled and really can't afford the…

    NHTSA complaint #11724079 · source
11. Filed Feb 15, 2026ILSteering

    Reduced steering assist came up on screen then as we went a few more miles the tire pressure on right front dropping like crazy for no reason on screen in vehicle stopped looked at tire no issues.

    NHTSA complaint #11718069 · source
12. Filed Nov 24, 2025VAElectrical SystemSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

    1. Shift to Park failure, P0700/P187e internal sensor, causing me to have to get a rebuilt transmission. 10/2025 2. Transmission shudder/hard-shifting ongoing 2022-2025 3. Coolant/thermostat issues. Steering Assist Reduced" message, fans stay on HIGH, no AC, engine temp on ZERO ongoing since 2024 3. Start/Stop button failure multiple times (replaced 3 times) 4. Rack and pinion/steering gear (would not return/ got stuck while turning) got new rack and pinion 2023 5. Water…

    NHTSA complaint #11701183 · 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