Makes›GMC›Acadia›2009

2009 GMC Acadia

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.

GMC Acadia
Pictured: 2024 GMC Acadia Denali front view. Photo: Deathpallie325, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV FWD Sle/Slt1/Slt2
Engines
3.6L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
19 combined · 17 city / 24 hwy
Length
201.2 in
Curb weight
4,722 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
5 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints160 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 25 for similar models — most often about the engine.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2009 GMC Acadia is a SUV - offered with a 3.6L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.

It measures about 201 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 119-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,722 lb.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 19 MPG combined (17 city / 24 highway), 3% worse than the 2009 SUV - average of 19.5 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.

It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 160 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2009

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2008 Acadia — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 Acadia →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV FWD Sle/Slt1/Slt2201.2 in78.7 in72.8 in118.9 in67.3 / 66.9 in4,722 lb55/45

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Acadia FWD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive17 / 24 / 19-3%$3,550468
Acadia AWD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive16 / 23 / 19+7%$3,550468
Spend $5,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
19.5 MPG2009 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 GMC Acadia under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2009 SUV -s

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2009 GMC Acadia (this car)19 MPGNot rated5
2009 Toyota Land Cruiser15 MPGNot rated6
2009 Chevrolet Tahoe21 MPGNot rated4
2009 GMC Yukon21 MPGNot rated4
2009 Ford Expedition16 MPGNot rated0
2009 Nissan Pathfinder18 MPGNot rated2
2009 Dodge Durango21 MPGNot rated4

Recalls (5)

Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate · Jun 30, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V415000 · 691,144 vehicles

Problem
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 · May 20, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V266000 · 1,339,355 vehicles

Problem
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 · Mar 17, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V118000 · 1,176,407 vehicles

Problem
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.
Seat Belts · Aug 12, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V375000 · 207,210 vehicles

Problem
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.
Electrical System · Jun 4, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V240000 · 1,365,070 vehicles

Problem
GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2009 BUICK, LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 BUICK ENCLAVE; CADILLAC CTS; MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL; SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MODEL YEAR 2009 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WASHER FLUID SYSTEM (HWFS). A RECALL WAS IMPLEMENTED IN 2008 TO ADD A FUSE TO THE CONTROL CIRCUIT HARNESS TO ADDRESS THE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES OF A PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD (PCB) ELECTRICAL SHORT. HOWEVER, THERE HAVE BEEN NEW REPORTS OF THERMAL INCIDENTS ON HWFS MODULES AFTER THIS IMPROVEMENT WAS INSTALLED. THESE INCIDENTS RESULTED FROM A NEW FAILURE MODE ATTRIBUTED TO THE DEVICE'S THERMAL PROTECTION FEATURE. THE SIGNIFICANCE VARIES FROM MINOR DISTORTION TO CONSIDERABLE MELTING OF THE PLASTIC AROUND THE HWFS FLUID CHAMBER.
Risk
IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE HEATED WASHER MODULE TO IGNITE AND A FIRE MAY OCCUR.
Fix
DEALERS WILL PERMANENTLY DISABLE AND REMOVE THE HEATED WASHER FLUID MODULE. AN UPDATED PAGE FOR THE OWNER MANUAL WILL BE PROVIDED AND INSERTED IN THE OWNER MANUAL TO DOCUMENT THAT THE FEATURE HAS BEEN PERMANENTLY DISABLED AND REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 11, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 AND HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2009 GMC Acadia is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

160Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
2Involved a crash
7Involved a fire
3Injuries reported
101,745 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine46
Steering37
Power Train34
Electrical System29
Exterior Lighting19
Unknown Or Other16
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)11
Air Bags10
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
20/02: 320/04: 120/05: 120/06: 320/08: 220/09: 120/11: 220/12: 121/02: 121/08: 121/10: 121/11: 222/05: 122/06: 122/10: 223/04: 123/05: 123/06: 223/07: 123/11: 124/02: 124/04: 125/07: 126/07: 120/0220/0620/1121/0822/0523/0423/0724/04max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2009 GMC Acadia buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 46 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Steering — 37 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  4. Power Train — 34 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 101,745 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2009 GMC Acadia. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Acadia years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Acadia22–Not rated00
2026 Acadia22203.9 inNot rated110
2025 Acadia23203.9 in★★★★★069
2024 Acadia23203.9 in★★★★★061
2023 Acadia25193.3 in★★★★★449
2022 Acadia25193.3 in★★★★★352
2021 Acadia25193.3 in★★★★★2155
2020 Acadia24193.3 in★★★★★6106
2019 Acadia23193.7 in★★★★★2388
2018 Acadia23193.7 in★★★★★2398
2017 Acadia23193.7 in★★★★★4706
2016 Acadia18201.2 in★★★★★4236

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or GMC. How we calculate this →