About this problem
The "Steering assist is reduced, drive with care" warning appears when the electric power steering system detects a fault, often a low or unstable voltage from the battery or a failing sensor. The steering may become heavy or stay normal, but the warning tends to return. Fixes range from a battery and cable check to a new steering gear.
Across all owner complaints filed about the GMC Acadia since 2012, 261 (7.9%) describe "Steering assist reduced" warning, the second most reported problem we track on the Acadia. The reports cluster on the 2012, 2017 and 2019 model years, and the 2019 drew the most, with 42. It tends to show up in the middle years of ownership: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 43,000 and 81,000 miles. One report describes a crash or fire linked to it. No recall covers it, but GMC has sent dealers service bulletins about it, listed below.
What owners report
Acadia owners report a 'Steering assist reduced, drive with care' message and heavy steering, often at low speed. The 2017 and 2019 cars drew the most reports.
How it gets fixed
Dealers update software or replace the electric steering gear.
Typical cost: Software updates are often free; a steering gear costs $1,200 to $2,000.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"On three separate occasions this vehicle has, with no warning, experienced a sudden loss of power steering for 2-10 seconds per event."
2017 GMC Acadia, 64,916 miles
"Difficulty in turning, along with a grinding noise when turning right. Vehicle mileage was 73,113. Taken to GMC dealer in brighton, mi on nov. 14, 2014 and power steering pump and rack and pinion were replaced for $2,100.00. The car was then driven approx."
2012 GMC Acadia, 73,113 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
GMC has sent dealers 43 bulletins that mention this problem on the Acadia. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
17137 01 - Customer Satisfaction Program.
17137-Customer Satisfaction Program.
This service bulletin provides a procedure to correct a customer concern of Loss of Power Steering Assist, Service Power Steering and/or Steering Assist is Reduced Drive with Care Message Displayed on Driver Information Center ...
This Preliminary Information communicates to thetechnician that some customers may comment on the operation of their haptic seat during a Lane Keep Assist event.
This Preliminary information communicates a technician may replace a steering gear and after programming it, find communication codes set and a loss of steering assist.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the power steering control module to correct a condition of Reduced Steering Assist Message with DTC C0460 Sym 5A due to a software abnormality.
Before you buy a Acadia
- Turn the wheel from lock to lock with the car stopped and while parking; it should feel even and light.
- Watch for a power steering warning on the dash during the drive.
- Check by VIN for open steering recalls.
Questions
Which GMC Acadia years have "Steering assist reduced" warning?
Complaints are highest for the 2012, 2017, 2019 model years. The 2019 drew the most, with 42 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 60,000 miles, and half reported it between 43,000 and 81,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
Software updates are often free; a steering gear costs $1,200 to $2,000.