Owners have filed 954 complaints
about the 2017 GMC Acadia with NHTSA between 2016 and 2026.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 20 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the GMC Acadia. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 15
2.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 93
54% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Blind Spot Detection
1022.2%
Horn
817.8%
Automatic Emergency Braking
715.6%
Assist
511.1%
Floor Shift
511.1%
Body
48.9%
Warning
36.7%
Warnings
36.7%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
509.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
5410.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
6913.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
22644.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
7514.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
214.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
122.3%
150,000+ miles
71.4%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Sep 2016peak 33Jul 2026
Recalls on the 2017 GMC Acadia
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
23V334000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
18V358000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
Risk: A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
17V516000
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles and 2017-2018 GMC Acadia vehicles. The right front intermediate driveshaft may fracture and separate while driving.
Risk: If the front right intermediate drive shaft assembly separates while driving, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. If the assembly separates while parked on a grade, without the park brake engaged, the vehicle may move unintentionally, increasing the risk of a vehicle roll-away.
16V802000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2017 Cadillac XT5 vehicles manufactured April 16, 2016, to May 9, 2016, and 2017 GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured April 19, 2016, to April 22, 2016. The front brake calipers may have a torn or misaligned caliper piston seal which may allow brake fluid to leak.
Risk: If there is a brake fluid leak, braking performance may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202327742,154 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, the driver-front airbag inflator could rupture when the airbag deploys in a crash. If this happens, the airbag may not properly inflate and fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants. Safety Risk: An airbag inflator that ruptures can create a risk of injury or death. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the driver-front airbag module.
Recall 202114610,859 units in Canada
Fabrics
Issue: Under certain testing conditions, the front seat material may not meet the flammability requirements of Canadian regulations. However, when the seat mat is tested in a fully assembled state, with all four layers, it meets all requirements. Safety Risk: This is a testing issue that does not affect vehicle safety. Corrective Actions: This is not a recall. The company has made changes to ensure that all new vehicles have fully compliant seat-vent mats.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 99,968 milesSaint Peters, MOCrash
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked on an incline with the engine turned off, the contact's toddler was able to shift into drive(D), and the vehicle rolled backwards, hit a light pole and a basketball stand, causing damage to the front driver-side door. No police report was filed, and no injuries were reported. The contact was unable to shift back into park(P) and was forced to start the vehicle in neutral(N). The contact was then unable to shut off the vehicle as the gear shifter was no longer in park(P). Upon investigation, the contact learned that it was necessary to manually flip a switch underneath the gear console for the vehicle to register that it was in park(P). The contact initially took the vehicle to the independent mechanic but was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact submitted a claim with pictures and videos of the failure. The contact was then instructed to take the vehicle to a dealer for an inspection. The contact was later informed by the claim manager that the claim would be denied, and no further assistance was offered. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 99,968.
NHTSA complaint #11749319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesDanville, IL3 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while parked at her work, she had attempted to start the vehicle and was unable. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The contact had smelled the strong odor of gasoline from the front end of the vehicle. The contact stated a co-worker had looked underneath the vehicle and confirmed the leak of gasoline. The contact had taken the vehicle back to the same independent mechanic, who advised that the fuel pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that she was in a parking lot at a shopping center as she was looking for a parking spot, the driver's side air bag exploded, there was no crash. The contact said that she heard a loud "boom," and she had scrapes on her arms, hands, and face. The contact stated that her sons both had cuts and scrapes on their faces, the contact said one of her children needed stitches on his lip from the explosion. The contact stated that the police and emergency services were at the scene. The contact stated that her vehicle was towed back to her residence. The contact stated that she and her children were transported by ambulance to the emergency room. The contact stated that the police issued a report, but she was not given the report number. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11724860 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesDanville, IL3 injured
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while parked at her work, she had attempted to start the vehicle and was unable. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The contact had smelled the strong odor of gasoline from the front end of the vehicle. The contact stated a co-worker had looked underneath the vehicle and confirmed the leak of gasoline. The contact had taken the vehicle back to the same independent mechanic, who advised that the fuel pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that she was in a parking lot at a shopping center as she was looking for a parking spot, the driver's side air bag exploded, there was no crash. The contact said that she heard a loud "boom," and she had scrapes on her arms, hands, and face. The contact stated that her sons both had cuts and scrapes on their faces, the contact said one of her children needed stitches on his lip from the explosion. The contact stated that the police and emergency services were at the scene. The contact stated that her vehicle was towed back to her residence. The contact stated that she and her children were transported by ambulance to the emergency room. The contact stated that the police issued a report, but she was not given the report number. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11724860 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Elsinore, CA1 injured
SEAT BELTS
Seatbelt buckles are defective. Unable to latch properly in first 2 rows. In 3 led row seatbelt is also defective. Somehow my daughter got tangled in seatbelt and could not breathe, I was forced to cut seatbelt with scissors. Always had seatbelt problems since purchase. However due to the trauma my daughter faced I am very concerned.
NHTSA complaint #11575342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mesa, AZCrash4 injured
AIR BAGS
We had a head on collision on 4/26/23. The other at fault vehicle airbags did in fact deploy and we believe ours should have also deployed but Didn’t. We have dash cam footage to see the impact and at that speed, one would anticipate airbags deploying.
NHTSA complaint #11520363 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coahoma, TXCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When shifting into park, getting a Shift to Park error. Have to jiggle the shifter to get the car to turn off. Sometimes it won’t turn off. About a month after purchasing used in 2020 my wife put the car into park in our drive way, the car rolled backwards with my son in it and the passenger side door open. The passenger side door hit a tree and folded the door backward toward the body. Door had to be replaced. Luckily no one was injured. At the time we did not know about the shifter issue. Secondly our transmission has now gone out with only 80k miles on the car. This is another reoccurring issue that GMC has ignored with a know manufacturer default in the transmission.
NHTSA complaint #11519577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Foristell, MO
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
My Acadia went into limp Mode displaying low power mode on the screen and wouldn’t start for a couple days after. Lights started illuminating on the dash as abs, traction control, and stanilitrack, then check engine light came on and my gmc app displayed code p2138. I have had since low power and extremely high gas consumption.
NHTSA complaint #11751463 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Foristell, MO
TIRES
P235/65r18, 106v 3 of the 4 tires are bubbled out lose air and are constantly feeling as if they are hydroplaning with lack of ice water or snow, constantly having to fill the tires with air. One has popped completely and am driving on a spare tire. It is unsafe to drive, 33 of the 4 tpms sensors have quit working as well:
NHTSA complaint #11751472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Foristell, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My Acadia went into limp Mode displaying low power mode on the screen and wouldn’t start for a couple days after. Lights started illuminating on the dash as abs, traction control, and stanilitrack, then check engine light came on and my gmc app displayed code p2138. I have had since low power and extremely high gas consumption.
NHTSA complaint #11751463 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Foristell, MO
ENGINE
My Acadia went into limp Mode displaying low power mode on the screen and wouldn’t start for a couple days after. Lights started illuminating on the dash as abs, traction control, and stanilitrack, then check engine light came on and my gmc app displayed code p2138. I have had since low power and extremely high gas consumption.
NHTSA complaint #11751463 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Foristell, MO
SERVICE BRAKES
Something inside the wheel started smoking and my gmc app displayed low break fluid. I pulled over and had someone come out two days later. The breakpad had uneven wear and the caliper had a broken seal on it which in turn tore the caliper up! This was not a safe situation to have with 4 kids in the car. This car has been one problem after another !
NHTSA complaint #11751467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greeley, CO
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Shift to park take forever to get it to recognize that vehicle is in park. my lane departure only works sometimes.
NHTSA complaint #11750345 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greeley, CO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Shift to park take forever to get it to recognize that vehicle is in park. my lane departure only works sometimes.
NHTSA complaint #11750345 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greeley, CO
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
Shift to park take forever to get it to recognize that vehicle is in park. my lane departure only works sometimes.
NHTSA complaint #11750345 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,968 milesSaint Peters, MOCrash
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked on an incline with the engine turned off, the contact's toddler was able to shift into drive(D), and the vehicle rolled backwards, hit a light pole and a basketball stand, causing damage to the front driver-side door. No police report was filed, and no injuries were reported. The contact was unable to shift back into park(P) and was forced to start the vehicle in neutral(N). The contact was then unable to shut off the vehicle as the gear shifter was no longer in park(P). Upon investigation, the contact learned that it was necessary to manually flip a switch underneath the gear console for the vehicle to register that it was in park(P). The contact initially took the vehicle to the independent mechanic but was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact submitted a claim with pictures and videos of the failure. The contact was then instructed to take the vehicle to a dealer for an inspection. The contact was later informed by the claim manager that the claim would be denied, and no further assistance was offered. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 99,968.
NHTSA complaint #11749319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesMontgomery, NY
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that after shifting into park (P), the vehicle failed to shut off because it failed to recognize that the gear shifter was in park (P). The "Shift To Park" warning message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact jiggled the gear shifter button several times until the vehicle responded as intended and turned off. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently but became frequent. A dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the vehicle, and a diagnostic estimate was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
NHTSA complaint #11749380 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mora, MN
STEERING
🚨 P0128 code, thermostat-related symptoms, Steering Assist Reduced warnings, increased steering effort, or other safety concerns while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11749164 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mora, MN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
🚨 P0128 code, thermostat-related symptoms, Steering Assist Reduced warnings, increased steering effort, or other safety concerns while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11749164 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mora, MN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
🚨 P0128 code, thermostat-related symptoms, Steering Assist Reduced warnings, increased steering effort, or other safety concerns while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11749164 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia, MD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My Shift To Park senor come on often and wouldn't let me turn the vehicle off.
NHTSA complaint #11748052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My Shift To Park senor come on often and wouldn't let me turn the vehicle off.
NHTSA complaint #11748052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bryan, TX
CHILD SEAT
The contact owns an Evenflo Car Seat, Model Type: Evenflo Gold Revolve360 Extend, Manufactured Date: January 14, 2025, installed in a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the 360-degree rotating car seat failed to lock securely into position while the child was seated in the car seat. While attempting to position the car seat in the forward-facing setting, the rotational shell failed to engage or snap into the locking mechanism on the base. The failure had occurred inside the vehicle. The car seat was not repaired or replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was in the process of replacing the car seat.
NHTSA complaint #11745684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wichita, KS
POWER TRAIN
Vehicle has experienced multiple electrical and mechanical failures at unusually low mileage. Purchased at 32,000 miles. At approximately 50,000 miles, the factory radio/infotainment system failed completely. Electrical systems were observed remaining active after the vehicle was powered off, suggesting an underlying electrical fault. At approximately 60,000 miles, the power steering rack and fuel pump both required full replacement and were confirmed and replaced by an authorized dealership. No warning lights appeared prior to these failures — components failed without any prior indication. At approximately 100,000 miles, the transmission began failing and exhibits the known torque converter shudder issue widely reported on this vehicle platform. The shudder was present prior to full transmission failure symptoms appearing. The pattern of premature failures across multiple unrelated systems — electrical, steering, fuel delivery, and transmission — suggests a broader manufacturing defect.
NHTSA complaint #11745036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wichita, KS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle has experienced multiple electrical and mechanical failures at unusually low mileage. Purchased at 32,000 miles. At approximately 50,000 miles, the factory radio/infotainment system failed completely. Electrical systems were observed remaining active after the vehicle was powered off, suggesting an underlying electrical fault. At approximately 60,000 miles, the power steering rack and fuel pump both required full replacement and were confirmed and replaced by an authorized dealership. No warning lights appeared prior to these failures — components failed without any prior indication. At approximately 100,000 miles, the transmission began failing and exhibits the known torque converter shudder issue widely reported on this vehicle platform. The shudder was present prior to full transmission failure symptoms appearing. The pattern of premature failures across multiple unrelated systems — electrical, steering, fuel delivery, and transmission — suggests a broader manufacturing defect.
NHTSA complaint #11745036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wichita, KS
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle has experienced multiple electrical and mechanical failures at unusually low mileage. Purchased at 32,000 miles. At approximately 50,000 miles, the factory radio/infotainment system failed completely. Electrical systems were observed remaining active after the vehicle was powered off, suggesting an underlying electrical fault. At approximately 60,000 miles, the power steering rack and fuel pump both required full replacement and were confirmed and replaced by an authorized dealership. No warning lights appeared prior to these failures — components failed without any prior indication. At approximately 100,000 miles, the transmission began failing and exhibits the known torque converter shudder issue widely reported on this vehicle platform. The shudder was present prior to full transmission failure symptoms appearing. The pattern of premature failures across multiple unrelated systems — electrical, steering, fuel delivery, and transmission — suggests a broader manufacturing defect.
NHTSA complaint #11745036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hayward, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I have replaced 5 batteries in my vehicle. The battery is constantly being drained. There is no lights or residual drawing power that can be identified.
NHTSA complaint #11744647 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,000 milesJoelton, TN
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the transmission and torque converter were previously replaced twice; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
NHTSA complaint #11744232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lincoln, AL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Imagine wrapping up your errands and stepping into your GMC Acadia to drive home. You arrive and everything seems fine until you park, press the button to shut it off, and a “Shift to Park” message lights up the dashboard. Thinking you might have made a silly mistake, you double-check the shifter, only to realize it’s already in Park. It has become so rampant, has drained my battery and caused anxiety.
NHTSA complaint #11739164 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vallejo, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
UNKNOWN I’m told the micro parking switch is the problem. This is an intermediate issue. This is a well known problem with the GMC Acadias. Their times when I try to turn off the engine, I get a shift to park error message. The car will not turn off, I’m unable to lock the doors and I’m concerned that the car is not in the park position thus and fearful, it can roll away. This has been occurring more often than before.
NHTSA complaint #11738841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Moreno Valley, CA
ENGINE
Steering assist is reduced Brake assist reduced Seems to be a defective thermostat and sensor .temp gauge is below Normal operating temperature this needs to be addressed by GM should be a recall as this can be a costly repair.Many reports of same issue
NHTSA complaint #11738919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When the car was parked and turned off, I received a notice to "SHIFT TO PARK" even though the car was in park.
NHTSA complaint #11738561 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.