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2009 GMC Acadia

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By Research the Car 4 min read

The 2009 GMC Acadia is a popular full-size crossover SUV known for its spacious three-row seating and comfortable ride. The Acadia offers a single engine option: a 3.6L High Feature V6 producing approximately 288 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, paired with a Hydra-Matic 6T75 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners appreciate the Acadia’s cargo space and smooth highway driving. Common complaints include issues with the timing chain, transmission, and electrical components.

Engine

3.6L High Feature V6 (LLT)

  • Timing Chain Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idling, check engine light illuminated with codes related to camshaft/crankshaft correlation (e.g., P0008, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0009). The timing chain stretches over time, causing the engine timing to be incorrect.
    • Solution: Replacement of the timing chains, chain guides, tensioners, and potentially camshaft actuators.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • High Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting, long cranking times, reduced fuel economy, stalling, rough idling, and potential fuel leaks
    • Solution: Replacement of the high-pressure fuel pump
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $700 - $1200
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Hydra-Matic 6T75 6-Speed Automatic

  • Wave Plate Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or erratic shifting, slipping between gears, loss of certain gears, and eventually complete transmission failure. Often involves the 3-5-R wave plate fracturing.
    • Solution: Transmission rebuild or replacement, including replacing the damaged wave plate with an updated, stronger version.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $5,000+ for replacement, $1,500 - $3,500+ for rebuild
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Torque Converter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Slipping during acceleration, shuddering, stalling, abnormal noise from the transmission, and poor fuel economy.
    • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter and flush the transmission fluid.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Valve Body Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, slipping between gears, erratic shifting, and transmission not shifting into the correct gear.
    • Solution: Replacement of the valve body.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Worn Struts/Shocks
    • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, excessive body roll when cornering, bottoming out over bumps, and uneven tire wear.
    • Solution: Replacement of the worn struts and/or shocks.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1,000+ per axle (depending on parts and labor)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Sway Bar Link Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the suspension, especially when going over bumps or turning.
    • Solution: Replacement of the sway bar links.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ per link
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Door Lock Actuator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Door locks that don’t respond to the key fob or interior switches, intermittent locking/unlocking, or doors that won’t lock/unlock at all.
    • Solution: Replacement of the faulty door lock actuator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ per door
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Power Window Regulator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Slow or erratic window movement, windows that won’t go up or down, or a grinding noise when operating the window.
    • Solution: Replacement of the power window regulator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per window
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Battery Drain
    • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, needing to jump-start the vehicle frequently.
    • Solution: Diagnosis to find parasitic draw. The parasitic draw can be caused by aftermarket accessories, and/or shorted electronics.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100+ for diagnosis; repair cost varies widely depending on the source of the drain.
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Liftgate Strut Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Liftgate that won’t stay open, falls closed unexpectedly, or requires excessive force to open or close.
    • Solution: Replacement of the liftgate struts.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • HVAC Blower Motor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: No air blowing from the vents, weak airflow, or a noisy blower motor.
    • Solution: Replacement of the blower motor and/or blower motor resistor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Airbag Light On
    • Description/Symptoms: Airbag warning light illuminated on the dashboard.
    • Solution: Requires diagnostic scan to determine the root cause of the issue.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Diagnostic cost starts at $100. Repair cost varies widely depending on the issue.
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2009 GMC Acadia is prone to several issues, with the most concerning being timing chain problems and transmission failures. Timing chain issues can lead to significant engine damage if left unaddressed, and transmission problems can result in costly repairs or replacements. Electrical and suspension issues, while less severe, can contribute to overall ownership costs. Potential buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle’s maintenance history and consider a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic to identify and address any potential problems. The cost of repairs can range from a few hundred dollars for minor issues to several thousand for major engine or transmission work.

GMC, Acadia
GMC Acadia 2009
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