VehicleVerdict

2017 GMC Acadia problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 939 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.8 times the median Acadia year — the 2017 model ranks #2 of 20 Acadia years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 20 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (233), electrical system (204), and other (165), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

939

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

12

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

20

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2017 compare to other Acadia years?

Acadia NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted1,296 complaints2007: 641 complaints2008: 1,296 complaints2009: 485 complaints2010: 436 complaints2011: 373 complaints2012: 397 complaints2013: 191 complaints2014: 603 complaints2015: 309 complaints2016: 279 complaints2017: 939 complaints2018: 521 complaints2019: 521 complaints2020: 155 complaints2021: 213 complaints2022: 70 complaints2023: 63 complaints2024: 79 complaints2025: 103 complaints2026: 11 complaints
Acadia NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Acadia years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 GMC Acadia problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission23325%
Electrical System20422%
Other16518%
Airbags768%
Engine627%
Brakes364%
Driver Assistance344%
Steering323%
Lighting253%
Fuel System131%
Seat Belts131%
Tires & Wheels121%
Speed Control81%
Suspension81%
Seats61%
Visibility & Wipers51%
Body & Structure40%
Latches & Locks20%
Child Seat10%

Does the 2017 GMC Acadia have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V334000AirbagsMay 10, 2023 · 995,085 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the driver's air bag module, free of charge. GM began mailing final owner letters February 23, 2024 and will continue mailing through December 2025. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232404980.

18V358000Fuel SystemMay 31, 2018 · 895 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.

17V516000TransmissionAugust 22, 2017 · 2,905 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right front intermediate drive shaft assembly, free of charge. The recall began August 25, 2017. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17329.

16V802000BrakesNovember 4, 2016 · 1,844 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If there is a brake fluid leak, braking performance may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front brake calipers, replacing the brake caliper assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 12, 2016. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 16096.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 GMC ACADIA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS ENGAGED IN PARK WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, IT INADVERTENTLY ROLLED AWAY. AS A RESULT, THE OCCUPANT WAS STRUCK BY THE DOOR AND THE VEHICLE RAN OVER THE OCCUPANT'S FOOT. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ROLL AWAY AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 2, 2018 · crash

“Vehicle went on fire in or near the engine compartment - the entire front end was burned and car is a total loss. I was in the vehicle driving home with my children (a 5 min drive from their school) and we smelled what we assumed was a a fire pit or fireplace burning nearby; we got out of the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 23, 2022 · fire

“Vehicle went on fire in or near the engine compartment - the entire front end was burned and car is a total loss. I was in the vehicle driving home with my children (a 5 min drive from their school) and we smelled what we assumed was a a fire pit or fireplace burning nearby; we got out of the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 23, 2022 · fire

“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. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · April 26, 2023 · crash

“Vehicle went on fire in or near the engine compartment - the entire front end was burned and car is a total loss. I was in the vehicle driving home with my children (a 5 min drive from their school) and we smelled what we assumed was a a fire pit or fireplace burning nearby; we got out of the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 23, 2022 · fire

2017 GMC Acadia — common questions

Is the 2017 GMC Acadia reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 939 complaints put the 2017 model at #2 of 20 Acadia years. It is one of the Acadia years to avoid.

What are the most common 2017 Acadia problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (233 complaints), electrical system (204 complaints), other (165 complaints).

Does the 2017 GMC Acadia have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 GMC Acadia. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which GMC Acadia years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Acadia years to avoid are 2008, 2017, 2007, 2014, 2018, 2019. The cleanest record among Acadia years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2017 GMC Acadia?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2017 GMC Acadia earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.