2009 GMC Acadia: common problems and reliability

The 2009 GMC Acadia has 332 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are steering and power train.

Safety record for the 2009 model year

332
Owner complaints
7
Recalls
8
Crash reports
14
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2009 GMC Acadia vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2009 a good year for the Acadia?

Across the 6 Acadia model years we track, complaint volume runs from 94 (2020) to 506 (2015). With 332 complaints, the 2009 Acadia sits belowthe model's median of 431.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

steering
112
power train
72
engine
67
electrical system
47
exterior lighting
38

Recalls affecting the 2009 Acadia

seat belts

Campaign 14V266000

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 Acad

structure:body:hatchback/liftgate

Campaign 15V415000

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, 20

air bags:side/window

Campaign 14V118000

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

seat belts

Campaign 10V375000

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 B

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is sharply divided by generation and is heavily influenced by powertrain reliability. For the 2024+ redesign (2025-2026 model years), owner sentiment is cautiously positive, praising its spacious interior, comfortable ride,…

  • Engine failures (3.6L V6): Catastrophic failure due to oil pickup tube clogging and cam failures, particularly in 2010-2015 models around 80,000-100,000 miles. Frequency: very frequent for older generations.
  • Transmission failures: Complete transmission failure reported around 100,000 miles on a 2017 model; transmission issues and "known transmission problems" cited as a deal-breaker for 2017-2023 models; early reliability issues with the 2024+ generation's transmission. Frequency: very frequent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Acadia. See the full Acadia owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

Used Acadia listings typically run $16,824–$38,874 across 2014 to 2026 model years.

Other Acadia model years

Compare every Acadia year side by side to see how 2009 ranks against the rest.

Compare the Acadia against its rivals