810 of the
7,767 complaints filed about the GMC Acadia
are about the steering —
10% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2010.
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 time I noticed the ac would not work either it only blew out hot air. Also the fan under the hood turns on as soon as the car is started. Been about 3 days and it started working again out of nowhere.
NHTSA complaint #11758890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
No incident but steering assisted reduced could cause an issue. Also the fix is to reset the computer by detaching the negative pole on the battery. This could be an issue due to the heat in the car someone could get burned.
NHTSA complaint #11754182 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am submitting this complaint to request that NHTSA investigate a potential safety defect involving the engine coolant temperature monitoring system, thermostat/engine coolant temperature sensor system, and its relationship to reduced steering assist in 2019 GMC Acadia vehicles. My 2019 GMC Acadia, currently at approximately 61,500 miles, has experienced the following symptoms: • The engine temperature gauge remains flat or reads abnormally low/cold. • The cooling fans run continuously at extremely high speed, creating a loud "screaming" fan noise. • The vehicle displays the warning message "Steering Assist is Reduced — Drive with Care." • The vehicle has a history of diagnostic trouble code P0128, "Engine Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature." I am concerned that these symptoms are related and represent a potential safety defect rather than an isolated thermostat or cooling-system repair. GM has issued bulletin PIT5967, "Service Steering Message With P0128," which applies to GMC Acadia vehicles from model years 2017 through 2023. The bulletin states that when P0128 is present, the ECM may be reading coolant temperature incorrectly and that a "Service Steering Message" may be displayed to protect the steering gear in the event of an undetected overheating condition. GM instructs technicians to diagnose and repair P0128 first. GM bulletin 17-NA-158 also describes a relationship between P0128, an invalid coolant-temperature signal, and the "Steering Assist Reduced, Drive With Care" warning. The bulletin explains that the steering module relies on valid coolant-temperature information to provide additional steering assistance under cold conditions. When the coolant-temperature signal becomes invalid, this function can become inoperative, potentially resulting in a heavier-than-normal steering feel.
NHTSA complaint #11753437 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
[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 P0128 - Engine Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature. A GMC Certified Dealer technician diagnosed a failed engine coolant thermostat housing assembly. [Manufacturer Information] GM documentation links DTC P0128 and invalid engine coolant temperature signals to the "SARDWC" condition. GM Bulletin 17-NA-158 states the “SARDWC” condition is caused by an invalid coolant temperature signal and the steering module relies on coolant temperature information for steering-assist compensation. GM bulletin PIT5967 directs technicians to diagnose and repair DTC P0128 when the warning message is present. In Oct 2025, GM issued N252508350 for 2021 Acadia vehicles equipped with the 3.6L LGX engine due to an engine coolant thermostat condition. My 2020 Acadia is part of the same generation vehicle platform and is equipped with the same 3.6L LGX engine. It experienced the same thermostat-related failure symptoms, including DTC P0128 and the "SARDWC” warning. [Reason for Complaint] I am filing this complaint because a thermostat-related cooling-system failure resulted in a steering-assist warning and reduction in steering assist while the vehicle was being driven. Moreover, GM issued N252508350 for 2021 Acadia vehicles equipped with the 3.6L LGX engine due to the same engine coolant thermostat condition, yet similarly affected 2020 Acadia vehicles are not included. NHTSA should investigate whether additional 2020 vehicles are experiencing the same failure sequence and resulting safety risk.
NHTSA complaint #11749841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Steering assist code pops up and then the temperature gauge goes down and the air stops working and the screen in the cars starts going all crazy. Shift to park code keeps coming up and keeps all electronics on in car
NHTSA complaint #11749323 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
"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 years and needs to be investigated.
NHTSA complaint #11748973 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
NHTSA complaint #11741369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Display suddenly says "Steering assistance reduced, drive with care" Temp gauge goes to C and stays there. Radiator fans speed up and stay on after the car has been turned off. Dealer unable to find a diagnostic code for the problem.
NHTSA complaint #11741035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My thermostat failed in my car, my temp goes out and reads at 0° then my steering assist says it’s reduced. There are many forums online regarding this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11740094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 assist issue.
NHTSA complaint #11737716 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My check engine light is on there is a note that says steering assist is reduced. I took it to O’Reilly’s to get it scanned. The code that comes up is P0128 indicating that the coolant thermostat has a fault. There are other GMC‘s that have a recall for this, but apparently not mine.
NHTSA complaint #11735849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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, Gasoline). The contact stated that he was a master mechanic. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called two other local dealers, Tadd Jenkins Chevy 409 Farnsworth Way, Rigby, ID 83442, and Smith Chevrolet. Address: 3477 Pioneer Dr Suite 200, Idaho Falls, ID 83402. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 61,699.
NHTSA complaint #11734889 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 am disabled and can’t afford an extra $1500 after spending $7000 for the down payment!
NHTSA complaint #11731342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The warning steering assist reduced, drive with caution appears. Shift to park appears. Temperature gauge drops to zero. Fan runs on high. A/C & heater don’t not work when this happens. We certainly do not feel safe driving our Acadia like this. Can’t trust that it won’t start on fire.
NHTSA complaint #11730600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.