2017 GMC Acadia transmission & drivetrain problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

170 owners have reported transmission & drivetrain problems with the 2017 GMC Acadia, 36% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 37,500 mi.

Transmission & Drivetrain complaints
170
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Related recalls
1
Median mileage
37,500 mi

Specific components reported

Transmission & Drivetrain covers: transmission shifting, slipping, axles, driveshaft, transfer case.

ComponentComplaints
Power train165
Power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:floor shift5
Power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl)1

Transmission & Drivetrain complaints across GMC Acadia years

42007652009472011181320132011201517170201712515120192217202141220237420253
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year. The 2017 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

4Under 10k2710k–30k3830k–60k2260k–100k6100k–150k2150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 17V516000Aug 22, 20172,905 vehicles
    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.

    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.

What owners say

  1. Filed Sep 29, 202648,000 miILTransmission & Drivetrain
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11767738 · source
  2. Filed Aug 27, 2026TXTransmission & Drivetrain
    My Shift To Park senor come on often and wouldn't let me turn the vehicle off. I have taken to dealership for repair. Long wait and because parts are back ordered due to numerous vehicles having this same problem. This has left me stranded in my vehicle and not able to turn it off and leave the vehicle. I feel this is unsafe and should be handled on a recall. I am now without a vehicle for who knows how long?
    NHTSA complaint #11760081 · source
  3. Filed Jul 9, 202630,000 miNYTransmission & Drivetrain
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11749380 · source
  4. Filed Jul 9, 202699,968 miMOCrashTransmission & Drivetrain
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11749319 · source
  5. Filed Jun 18, 2026KSElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11745036 · source
  6. Filed Jun 15, 2026138,000 miTNTransmission & Drivetrain
    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.…
    NHTSA complaint #11744232 · source
  7. Filed Mar 16, 2026140,000 miALTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle briefly lost motive power before slamming into gear. Additionally, the vehicle vibrated abnormally while changing gear. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA…
    NHTSA complaint #11724790 · source
  8. Filed Jan 16, 2026NJElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    The Car has over the last few years not turn off due to shift to park. This is concerning, due to we cannot turn the car off unless we strike the shifter few times assuming this is the remedy. It doesn't look like there is any type of recall but there should be.
    NHTSA complaint #11711466 · source
  9. Filed Dec 2, 202550,000 miKYTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that after the vehicle was parked and the gear shifter was shifted to park(P), the vehicle failed to turn off as intended. The message "Shift to Park" was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked, and the gear shifter was shifted to park(P), however the vehicle failed to recognize that the gear shifter was in park(P). The contact jiggled the gear shifter button several times and…
    NHTSA complaint #11702515 · source
  10. Filed Nov 23, 2025CAEngineSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain
    When I’m driving a warning comes on my DIC screen that says “ACTION REQUIRED STEERING ASSIST IS REDUCED DRIVE WITH CARE”. The AC does not work and the temp gauge goes to cold with the radiator fan blowing at full speed. My car has done this since I purchased it used in 2019 and when I call dealer they say there is no recall and $1200-1800 to replace a sensor and thermostate. I have not had the issue fixed yet.
    NHTSA complaint #11701107 · source
  11. Filed Oct 28, 2025TNTransmission & Drivetrain
    There is a continuing issue with the shifter causing a "Shift to Park" message that is resulting in the vehicle electrical system not turning off. This is causing the vehicle to drain the battery and not able to lock the vehicle while the "Shift to Park" message is displayed on the instrument panel. Concerned not only what is mentioned above but mainly concerned in not knowing if the vehicle is truly in park that may cause the vehicle to roll.
    NHTSA complaint #11695979 · source
  12. Filed Oct 24, 2025106,000 miMATransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact's boyfriend owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked abnormally while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure; however, the mechanic stated that the failure was related to the transmission. The contact called two local dealers about the failure, and both stated that the…
    NHTSA complaint #11695403 · source

Other 2017 GMC Acadia problem areas

Back to all 2017 GMC Acadia problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology