Problems · NHTSA complaints
2017 GMC Acadia problems
Owners filed 706 complaints about the 2017 GMC Acadia with NHTSA between Sep 2016 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is power train (236).
Complaints
706
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
10
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
15
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Power train236
- Electrical system193
- Air bags76
- Engine62
- Steering35
- Service brakes33
- Exterior lighting25
- Lane departure17
- Seat belts13
- Forward collision avoidance13
- Electronic stability control (esc)13
- Fuel/propulsion system12
- Vehicle speed control9
- Suspension8
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
9
57
43
120
119
34
35
72
107
68
42
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 9 |
| 2017 | 57 |
| 2018 | 43 |
| 2019 | 120 |
| 2020 | 119 |
| 2021 | 34 |
| 2022 | 35 |
| 2023 | 72 |
| 2024 | 107 |
| 2025 | 68 |
| 2026 | 42 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Power train
236 reports4 crashes1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into gear after parking in the McDonald's drive thru. The vehicle was shifted into gear and resumed normal operations after an extended period. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that the vehicle operated as designed, and no repairs were needed. The failed had occurred in 2022, and the gear shifter and the drive shaft were replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.”
Electrical system
193 reports1 crash2 fires
“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.”
Air bags
76 reports2 crashes1 related recall
“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…”
Engine
62 reports1 fire
“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”
Steering
35 reports1 crash
“Warning light "steering assist is reduced, drive with care" pops on, check engine light comes on, thermostat gauge does not work, full on coolant, cruise control does not work when this populates. Steering is different and does not feel safe.”
Service brakes
33 reports1 crash
“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 !”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.