2019 GMC Acadia Steering Assist Reduced Recall: A Complete Guide

If you own a 2019 GMC Acadia, you may have experienced a warning message on your dashboard that says “Steering Assist is Reduced, Drive with Care”. 

This message indicates that your power steering system is not working properly and may affect your ability to steer your vehicle safely. 

In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about the 2019 GMC Acadia Steering Assist Reduced Recall, including the causes, the symptoms, the solutions, and the steps to take if you are affected by this issue. 

This article will also provide you with some tips on how to prevent this problem from happening again and how to maintain your power steering system in good condition. 

By reading this article, you will be able to understand what this recall means for you and your vehicle, and how to deal with it effectively.

What is the 2019 GMC Acadia Steering Assist Reduced Recall and How Does It Affect You?

The 2019 GMC Acadia Steering Assist Reduced Recall is a safety recall issued by General Motors (GM) in April 2021 to address a problem with the power steering system in some 2019 GMC Acadia vehicles. The recall affects about 10,000 vehicles in North America and other regions.

The problem is caused by internal component interference contact within the power steering gear assembly, which can damage the electrical components and cause a loss of power steering assist. This means that the driver may have difficulty steering the vehicle, especially at low speeds or during parking maneuvers. 

The loss of power steering assist can also affect other systems that rely on the steering input, such as StabiliTrak, Lane Keep Assist, and Advanced Park Assist. The driver may see a warning message on the dashboard that says “Steering Assist is Reduced, Drive with Care” or “Service Power Steering” along with a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C0460 or C0545.

The recall affects the 2019 GMC Acadia vehicles that were built between September 28, 2020 and October 22, 2020. The owners of these vehicles are advised to contact their dealers to schedule a free repair. The dealers will replace the power steering gear assembly with a new one that has improved internal components. The repair will also prevent the problem from happening again in the future.

The 2019 GMC Acadia Steering Assist Reduced Recall is a serious issue that can compromise the safety and performance of the vehicle. The owners of the affected vehicles should not ignore the warning message and should seek immediate assistance from their dealers. The recall is intended to fix the problem and restore the normal function of the power steering system and other related features.

How to Check If Your 2019 GMC Acadia is Part of the Steering Assist Reduced Recall?

One way to check if your 2019 GMC Acadia is part of the Steering Assist Reduced Recall is to type your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in the field on the GMC Recall Information website. This will show you any recall repairs that have not been completed on your vehicle. You can also contact your dealer and provide them with your VIN to verify if your vehicle is affected by the recall.

Another way to check if your 2019 GMC Acadia is part of the Steering Assist Reduced Recall is to look for the symptoms and causes of the problem. The recall is caused by a faulty coolant temperature sensor or thermostat that sends an incorrect signal to the Engine Control Module (ECM), which then affects the power steering system. Some of the symptoms of this problem are:

• A warning message on the dashboard that says “Steering Assist is Reduced, Drive with Care” or “Service Power Steering”.
• A diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C0460 or C0545 stored in the ECM.
• A loss of power steering assist, especially at low speeds or during parking maneuvers.
• A malfunction of other systems that rely on the steering input, such as StabiliTrak, Lane Keep Assist, and Advanced Park Assist.
• A low engine coolant temperature reading on the gauge or no heat from the heater.

What are the Symptoms and Causes of the Steering Assist Reduced Problem in 2019 GMC Acadia?

The Steering Assist Reduced Problem in 2019 GMC Acadia is a warning message that indicates a malfunction in the power steering system. 

The symptoms and causes of this problem are:

• A warning message on the dashboard that says “Steering Assist is Reduced, Drive with Care” or “Service Power Steering”.
• A diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C0460 or C0545 stored in the Engine Control Module (ECM).
• A loss of power steering assist, especially at low speeds or during parking maneuvers.
• A malfunction of other systems that rely on the steering input, such as StabiliTrak, Lane Keep Assist, and Advanced Park Assist.
• A low engine coolant temperature reading on the gauge or no heat from the heater.

The possible causes of this problem are:

• Low battery voltage or bad car battery.
• Old trouble code stored in the steering assist control module.
• Faulty temperature sensor or thermostat that sends an incorrect signal to the ECM, which then affects the power steering system.
• Faulty steering assist module or power steering control module.
• Faulty alternator or power steering pump.
• Leaking power steering hose or low steering fluid level.
• Electric connection issues or cooling fan malfunctions

How to Fix the Steering Assist Reduced Issue in 2019 GMC Acadia?

To fix the Steering Assist Reduced Issue in 2019 GMC Acadia, you need to identify and replace the faulty component that is causing the problem. The most common causes are a bad coolant temperature sensor, a stuck thermostat, or a damaged power steering gear assembly. Here are the steps to follow:

• Verify the P0128 fault code using an OBD-II scanner. This code indicates that the engine coolant temperature is below the thermostat regulating temperature.
• Check the coolant temperature sensor, which monitors the engine’s coolant temperature and reports it to the ECM. If the sensor is malfunctioning, it may send an incorrect signal to the ECM, which then affects the power steering system. You can test the sensor using a multimeter or replace it with a new one.
• Check the thermostat, which regulates the flow of coolant between the engine and the radiator. If the thermostat is stuck open, it may prevent the engine from reaching the optimal operating temperature, which can also affect the power steering system. You can test the thermostat by observing its opening and closing behavior or replace it with a new one.
• Check the power steering gear assembly, which provides the power steering assist to the driver. If the assembly has internal component interference contact, it may damage the electrical components and cause a loss of power steering assist. You can inspect the assembly for any signs of damage or replace it with a new one.
• Clear the error codes using an OBD-II scanner or disconnecting the negative battery terminal for a few minutes. This will reset the ECM and the power steering system.

Important: What Are The 2019 GMC Acadia Transmission Problems?

What are the Benefits and Risks of the Steering Assist Reduced Recall for 2019 GMC Acadia Owners?

Benefits

• Free repair of power steering gear
• Improved steering performance and safety
• Prevention of future steering problems
• Restoration of related features (StabiliTrak, Lane Keep Assist, etc.)
• Enhanced customer satisfaction and loyalty

Risks

• Potential loss of power steering assist
• Increased steering effort and difficulty
• Increased risk of a crash
• Malfunction of related features (StabiliTrak, Lane Keep Assist, etc.)
• Inconvenience and cost of scheduling a repair

How to Maintain Your Power Steering System in Good Condition for 2019 GMC Acadia?

Maintaining your power steering system in good condition for your 2019 GMC Acadia is important for your vehicle’s performance and safety. Here are some tips to help you keep your power steering system in optimal shape:

• Check your fluid level regularly

Low fluid level can cause a loss of power steering assist, increased steering effort, and damage to the power steering pump and other components. You can check the fluid level by locating the power steering reservoir under the hood and reading the markings on the side. The fluid should be between the minimum and maximum lines. If the fluid is low, top it up with the recommended type of power steering fluid for your vehicle.

• Change your fluid periodically

Over time, the power steering fluid can lose its viscosity, become contaminated with dirt and metal shavings, and degrade the seals and hoses in the system. This can reduce the efficiency and effectiveness of the power steering system and cause leaks and noises. You should change your power steering fluid every 30,000 miles or as recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. You can either do it yourself or take your vehicle to a professional mechanic for a fluid flush and replacement.

• Inspect your hoses and seals for leaks and damage

The hoses and seals in your power steering system can wear out, crack, or break due to age, heat, pressure, or corrosion. This can cause power steering fluid to leak from the system and affect the steering performance and safety. You should inspect your hoses and seals regularly for any signs of leaks, such as wet spots, stains, or drips under the vehicle. You should also look for any bulges, cracks, or cuts on the hoses and seals. If you find any leaks or damage, you should replace the affected parts as soon as possible.

• Replace your power steering gear assembly if needed

The power steering gear assembly is the part that provides the power steering assist to the driver. It consists of a rack and pinion, a hydraulic cylinder, and an electric motor. The power steering gear assembly can fail due to internal component interference contact, which can damage the electrical components and cause a loss of power steering assist. This can result in a warning message on the dashboard that says “Steering Assist is Reduced, Drive with Care” or “Service Power Steering” along with a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C0460 or C0545. If this happens, you should take your vehicle to the dealer as soon as possible to have the power steering gear assembly replaced with a new one that has improved internal components. This will fix the problem and prevent it from happening again in the future.

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• Follow the recommended maintenance schedule for your vehicle

The best way to maintain your power steering system in good condition for your 2019 GMC Acadia is to follow the maintenance schedule provided by your vehicle’s manufacturer. This will ensure that your power steering system is serviced and inspected at regular intervals and that any potential problems are detected and resolved before they become serious. You can find the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual or on the GMC Recall Information website. By following the maintenance schedule, you will be able to enjoy the benefits of a smooth and safe steering experience for your 2019 GMC Acadia.

Conclusion

The 2019 GMC Acadia Steering Assist Reduced Recall is a safety recall that affects about 10,000 vehicles in North America and other regions. 

The recall is caused by a problem with the power steering system that can result in a loss of power steering assist and a warning message on the dashboard. 

The recall can compromise the steering performance and safety of the vehicle and affect other systems that rely on the steering input. 

The owners of the affected vehicles should contact their dealers to schedule a free repair. 

The dealers will replace the power steering gear assembly with a new one that has improved internal components. 

This will fix the problem and prevent it from happening again in the future. 

By following this article, you have learned everything you need to know about the 2019 GMC Acadia Steering Assist Reduced Recall and how to deal with it effectively.