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2010 Gmc Acadia Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2010 Gmc Acadia carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering seat belts and side/window. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Transmission slipping and wave plate failure.” GMC trucks and SUVs use the GM Oil Life System (OLS) — the same algorithm as Chevrolet. Because GMC's lineup is exclusively trucks and SUVs, severe-service intervals apply to most owners (towing, hauling, off-roading). The schedule below surfaces the items most relevant to GMC's truck-focused buyer.

4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

SEAT BELTS

Campaign #14V266000 · May 20, 2014

Issue: General Motors is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured April 14, 2008, through May 14, 2014, Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured June 6, 2008, through May 14, 2014, and GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured April 9, 2008, through May 14, 2014, and 2009-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles manufactured April 14, 2008, through March 18, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the flexible steel cable that connects the seatbelt to the front outboard seating positions may fatigue and separate over time.

Risk: If the steel cable becomes fatigued and separates, the seatbelt may not properly restrain the seat occupant increasing the risk of an injury in a crash.

Fix: General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, repair and replace the lap pretensioner, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. An interim notice will be mailed to owners in July 2014. A second notice will be mailed to owners once parts become available. The recall for the 2009-2010 model years began on July 11, 2014. The interim letter for the 2011-2014 model years were distributed on July 11, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-462-8782 (GMC), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). General Motors recall number for this campaign is 14187.

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

Campaign #14V118000 · Mar 17, 2014

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia and 2009-2013 Chevrolet Traverse and 2008-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the driver and passenger seat mounted side impact air bag (SIAB) wiring harnesses may result in the SIAB and seat belt pretensioners not deploying in the event of a crash.

Risk: Failure of the side impact air bags and seat belt pretensioners to deploy in a crash increase the risk of injury to the driver and front seat occupant.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected harness connections with soldered connections, free of charge. The recall began on June 16, 2014. Buick owners may contact the owner center at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet owners at 1-866-694-6546, Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, and GMC owners at 1-866-996-9463. GM's number for this recall is 14030. Note: Vehicles repaired as part of Customer Satisfaction Campaign 10085 and special coverage 10335 have already had the subject condition repaired and therefore are not included in the safety recall.

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE

Campaign #15V415000 · Jun 30, 2015

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Buick Enclave vehicles manufactured January 3, 2007, to February 29, 2012, 2009-2012 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles manufactured July 6, 2008, to March 9, 2012, 2007-2012 GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured September 15, 2006, to February 29, 2012, and 2007-2010 Saturn Outlook vehicles manufactured August 17, 2006, to March 18, 2010. The affected vehicles, equipped with the power liftgate option, have gas struts that hold the power liftgate up when open. These struts may prematurely wear and the open liftgate may suddenly fall.

Risk: If the open liftgate unexpectedly falls, it may strike a person, increasing their risk of injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the power liftgate actuator motor control unit so that the motor will prevent the rapid closing of the lift gate, free of charge. The recall began on November 15, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 15240.

SEAT BELTS

Campaign #10V375000 · Dec 8, 2010

Issue: GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE, BUICK ENCLAVE, GMC ACADIA, AND SATURN OUTLOOK VEHICLES. THE SECOND ROW SEAT SIDE TRIM SHIELD RESTRICTS THE UPWARD ROTATION OF THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE WHEN THE SEAT BACK IS RETURNED TO A SEATING POSITION AFTER BEING FOLDED FLAT. IF THE BUCKLE CONTACTS THE SEAT FRAME, ADDITIONAL EFFORT IS REQUIRED TO RETURN THE SEAT TO A SEATING POSITION. IF SUFFICIENT FORCE IS APPLIED, THE BUCKLE COVER COULD BE PUSHED DOWN THE STRAP, EXPOSING AND PARTIALLY DEPRESSING THE RED RELEASE BUTTON.

Risk: THE SAFETY BELT MAY NOT RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANT AS INTENDED DURING A CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.

Fix: DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE SECOND ROW SEAT SIDE TRIM SHIELDS. IF A SAFETY BELT BUCKLE IS DAMAGED, DEALERS WILL REPLACE IT FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 18, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, AND SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876, OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2010 Gmc Acadia.

Reported to NHTSA

Transmission slipping and wave plate failure

POWER TRAIN

11 NHTSA complaints · 2015-02 → 2021-10

“2010 GMC Acadia transmission had to be replaced due to faulty wave plate. I have seen many others with this same problem. GM is aware of the issue and even issued a special warranty for 2007-2009 models. 2010 models are having this same issue. GM should stand behind their”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11435750
“79,100.00 MILES WAVEPLATE FAILURE. ENTIRE TRANSMISSION REBUILD REQUIRED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11025024
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 GMC ACADIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION AND EMITTED A WHINING NOISE. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A FAILURE CODE RELATED TO THE TRANSMISSION. THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10823518

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power liftgate strut failure

STRUCTURE

7 NHTSA complaints · 2015-10 → 2019-06

“CURRENT RECALL STATES: "THE AFFECTED VEHICLES, EQUIPPED WITH THE POWER LIFTGATE OPTION, HAVE GAS STRUTS THAT HOLD THE POWER LIFTGATE UP WHEN OPEN. THESE STRUTS MAY PREMATURELY WEAR AND THE OPEN LIFTGATE MAY SUDDENLY FALL." MY VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY HAVING THIS PROBLEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10786638
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 GMC ACADIA. WHILE PULLING INTO THE GARAGE, THE VEHICLE'S LIFTGATE FAILED AND CAUSED THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE TO LIFT AND DAMAGED THE DOOR OF THE GARAGE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V415000 (STRUCTURE); HOWEVER, THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10816458
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 GMC ACADIA. WHILE PULLING INTO THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN PARK. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE LIFTGATE AND IT CLOSED BY ACCIDENT. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RE-OPEN THE LIFTGATE, BUT IT DID NOT OPEN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11064700

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Timing chain stretch and engine stall

ENGINE

57 NHTSA complaints · 2015-02 → 2022-11

“CAR WOULD NOT START AFTER PUTTING GAS IN IT. WE TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC THAT REPLACED THE TIMING CHAIN AND HE SAID THE ENGINE WENT OUT OF TIMING CAUSED THE ENGINE TO BE OUT OF TIME, COMBUST, AND DESTROY THE ENGINE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11319158
“TIMING CHAIN ISSUES. FAILED TENSIONER. 114,00 MILES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11258413
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 GMC ACADIA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART ON THE THIRD ATTEMPT; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10930217

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering loss during low-speed turns

STEERING

57 NHTSA complaints · 2015-02 → 2022-11

“When drving at a slower speed to make a sharp turn, steering wheel almost locks up or have to use both hands to turn the wheel. As if there is no power steering in the vehicle. At times you can not turn as sharp as needed putting you in danger of being hit by another vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11490961
“MY SON WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. HE WAS NOT ABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO NEGOTIATE THE CURVE OF THE ROAD, SO HE CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION BARRIER. THE POLICE REPORT STATED THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT AS "DEFECTIVE STEERING."”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10721826
“POWER STEERING GOES OUT AT LOW SPEED TURNS BOTH TURNING LEFT AND RIGHT, AND THEN COMES BACK WHEN STEERING WHEEL FORCED THROUGH THE TURN. VERY DANGEROUS. NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO AS I SEE A COMMON ISSUE. STARTED AT ABOUT 85K MILES AND NOW AT 88K. NEED TO GET SERVICED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11230264

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Headlight and low-beam bulb failure

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

15 NHTSA complaints · 2015-07 → 2020-08

“WE HAVE A 2010 GMC ACADIA THAT HAS HAD MULTIPLE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS GOING OUT. THE WHOLE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY HAS BEEN AN ISSUE AS PER MANY COMPLAINTS IN VARIOUS FORUMS ONLINE. GMC KNOWS THEY HAVE ISSUES WITH THE POWER TO THESE UNITS AND WILL NOT DO ANYTHING TO REPLACE. I HAVE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10884333
“LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT CONTINUES TO BURN OUT AND THE BULB HARNESS DOES NOT SECURELY HOLD THE BULB. MULTIPLE FAILURES OF THE HARNESS AND BULBS MAKE DRIVING AT NIGHT A SAFETY HAZARD. BASED ON OUR MECHANICS OPINION, THE FAULT IS A POOR DESIGN OF THE PART AND IT SHOULD BE REDESIGNED AND”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10896520

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Dashboard cracking near airbag area

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

5 NHTSA complaints · 2017-04 → 2020-07

“DASH HAS CRACKED IN A GARAGE KEPT DENALI. IT IS UNSIGHTLY AND SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11342474
“THE DASHBOARD HAS CRACKED IN TWO PLACES. THE VEHICLE IS GARAGE KEPT WHEN NOT IN USE. I AM CONCERNED THAT DASHBOARD PIECES MAY INJURE THE DRIVER OR PASSENGERS DURING A VEHICLE ACCIDENT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11132673
“DASHBOARD CRACKING ALONG THE CONSOLE AND AROUND THE AIRBAG. SEEMS TO BE A DEFECT FLAW IN THE PRODCT USED FOR THE DASHBOARD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10969968

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 2 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (per Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change oil when OLS reaches 0% or every 12 months. dexos1-approved synthetic required on Sierra 1500 5.3L/6.2L; dexos2 specified on Duramax diesel.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Sierra and Yukon owners running 4x4 should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Towing accelerates pad wear by 30-50%; check more often if towing regularly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

DOT 3 brake fluid: test annually, replace when moisture exceeds 3% or fluid is darker than copper.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

Long-life cellulose filter rated 45,000 miles. Trucks driven on unpaved roads or construction sites should inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Severe service (towing 5,000+ lbs regularly, heavy stop-and-go): every 45,000 miles. Normal: 97,500 miles. Use Dexron-VI for 6L80/6L90, Mobil 1 LV ATF HP for 10L80/10L1000.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 45,000 mi

Sierra and Yukon 4WD: replace every 45,000 miles. Use GM Auto-Trak II for active 4WD; GM 9986115 for selectable 4WD.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Differential Fluid (front + rear)

Every 50,000 mi

Replace front and rear axle fluid every 50,000 miles, or 25,000 miles if towing. G80 limited-slip rear axles require GM friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs on the L83/L84 5.3L and L86/L87 6.2L V8 are rated 100,000 miles. AFM/DFM cylinder deactivation can cause uneven plug wear — check at 75,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Dex-Cool Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Dex-Cool (orange): first change at 150,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000. Duramax diesel uses ELC (red) — different chemistry, do not mix.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 22,500 miles. Sierra HD and Yukon XL owners in dusty work environments should replace at 15,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

31 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

5

complaints mentioning a crash

8

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2010 Gmc Acadia reflects GMC's published service intervals and the Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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