CarBrief

NHTSA has 705 owner complaints on file for the 2017 GMC Acadia, led by power train and electrical issues[1][2][3]. It also has four recalls, including one for a driver's air bag inflator that can explode[4][5].

705owner complaints[1]
4recalls[4]
17–23MPG combined (EPA)[6]
4–5★NHTSA overall rating[7]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 705 owner complaints for this model year[1]. Ten mention a crash, 2 a fire and 15 injuries[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one component. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold.

Here is how the complaints split by component group.

Component group Complaints
Power train[2] 236
Electrical system[3] 193
Unknown or other[8] 167
Air bags[9] 76
Engine[10] 64
Brakes[11] 36
Steering[12] 34
Exterior lighting[13] 25

Power train. This is the largest group, with 236 complaints and a median mileage at failure of 36,000[2]. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe vibration or an odd shift feel, often at certain engine speeds or between second and third gear. Some describe a "shift to park" message that shows while the car is already in park, and a smaller number describe the vehicle rolling while in park. Four complaints in this group mention a crash[2].

Electrical system. There are 193 complaints, with a median mileage at failure of 34,252[3]. In the sample we read, every complaint describes the same thing: the horn needs unusually hard pressure, sometimes both hands, before it sounds. Several say the dealer called this normal[3].

Air bags. There are 76 complaints, and this group has the most injuries of any group, 9[9]. In the sample we read, owners describe waiting for parts for the air bag recall repair. Others describe the same hard horn, an air bag warning light that comes on and off, or air bags that did not deploy in a collision[9].

Engine. There are 64 complaints[10]. In the sample we read, owners describe stalling or loss of power, along with shifter trouble[10].

The brakes, steering and exterior lighting groups each have fewer than 40 complaints[11][12][13]. We did not read enough of them to describe a pattern.

Recalls

We list four recalls, newest first. Some cover other models too.

To see whether a recall applies to a specific car, check its VIN with NHTSA or a GMC dealer.

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. All use regular fuel and an Automatic 6-spd[6][17][18][19][20][21]. Annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.

Version City / highway / combined MPG EPA annual fuel cost
FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl[6] 21 / 26 / 23 $2,900
AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl[18] 21 / 25 / 23 $2,900
FWD, 3.6L 6-cyl[17] 18 / 25 / 21 $3,200
AWD, 3.6L 6-cyl[19] 18 / 25 / 20 $3,350
Limited FWD, 3.6L 6-cyl[20] 15 / 22 / 18 $3,700
Limited AWD, 3.6L 6-cyl[21] 15 / 22 / 17 $3,950

The 4-cylinder rates 23 combined MPG with either drive[6][18]. The 3.6L V6 rates 21 combined with front-wheel drive and 20 with all-wheel drive[17][19]. The two Limited versions rate lowest, at 18 and 17 combined[20][21].

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the all-wheel-drive version 5 stars overall, with 5 stars for frontal and side crashes and 4 stars for rollover[7]. Its rollover risk is 15.0%[7].

The front-wheel-drive version gets 4 stars overall, with 5 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 4 stars rollover[22]. Its rollover risk is 16.4%[22].

Engine and size

The EPA lists two engines for the 2017 Acadia. The 2.5L 4-cylinder is rated 193 hp[23]. The 3.6L 6-cylinder is rated 310 hp[24].

Size numbers below are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, converted to inches and pounds, and they can differ slightly from US models.

Measure FWD AWD
Length[25][26] 194 in 194 in
Width[25][26] 76 in 76 in
Height[25][26] 69 in 69 in
Wheelbase[25][26] 113 in 113 in
Curb weight[25][26] 3,955 lb 4,405 lb

How 2017 compares with other years

2007: 428 complaints, 5 recalls20072008: 854 complaints, 5 recalls2009: 331 complaints, 7 recalls20092010: 343 complaints, 4 recalls2011: 269 complaints, 5 recalls20112012: 296 complaints, 5 recalls2013: 135 complaints, 3 recalls20132014: 463 complaints, 6 recalls2015: 243 complaints, 4 recalls20152016: 236 complaints, 4 recalls2017: 705 complaints, 4 recalls70520172018: 396 complaints, 2 recalls2019: 387 complaints, 2 recalls20192020: 106 complaints, 6 recalls2021: 154 complaints, 2 recalls20212022: 49 complaints, 3 recalls2023: 47 complaints, 4 recalls20232024: 61 complaints, 0 recalls2025: 67 complaints, 0 recalls20252026: 10 complaints, 1 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Acadia model year. The 2017 is highlighted[4].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20074285
20088545
20093317
20103434
20112695
20122965
20131353
20144636
20152434
20162364
20177054
20183962
20193872
20201066
20211542
2022493
2023474
2024610
2025670
2026101

NHTSA's list of Acadia model years runs from 2007 to 2027. The 2017 model year has 705 complaints[4], the second most of any year listed. Only 2008 is higher, with 854[4]. The next highest are 2014 with 463 and 2018 with 396[4].

For recalls, 2017 has 4[4]. Years such as 2009 (7 recalls), 2014 (6) and 2020 (6) have more[4]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide within the same model.

Should you buy a used 2017 Acadia?

The data points to a few things worth checking before you buy. This year draws more complaints than all but one other Acadia year, and the most reported groups are power train and electrical[4][2][3]. Before buying, ask whether the air bag inflator recall 23V334 and the other three recalls have been done, using the VIN[5][14][15][16]. Also test the horn and the shifter, since owners in the complaint sample describe both. Fuel costs vary a lot by version, from $2,900 a year for the 4-cylinder to $3,950 for the Limited AWD[6][21]. The AWD version earns 5 stars overall from NHTSA, and the FWD version earns 4[7][22].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2017 GMC Acadia?
Power train has the most NHTSA complaints at 236, followed by electrical system at 193[2][3]. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe vibration or odd shifting, and a horn that is very hard to press[2][3].
Does the 2017 GMC Acadia have recalls?
Yes, four: an air bag inflator (23V334), a fuel pump (18V358), a driveshaft (17V516) and front brake calipers (16V802)[5][14][15][16].
What is the gas mileage of the 2017 GMC Acadia?
EPA combined ratings run from 23 MPG for the 2.5L 4-cylinder down to 17 MPG for the Limited AWD[6][21].
What is the safety rating of the 2017 GMC Acadia?
NHTSA gives the AWD version 5 stars overall and the FWD version 4 stars overall[7][22].
Is 2017 a bad year for the GMC Acadia?
It has 705 complaints, the second most of any model year listed after 2008 with 854[4]. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so compare with caution.

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 705 owner complaints on file for the 2017 GMC Acadia (10 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 15 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 236 complaints name the power train component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 36,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. 193 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 34,252). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. Owner complaints and recalls for every GMC Acadia model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  5. Recall 23V334, filed May 10, 2023: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  6. EPA rating for Acadia FWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 26 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  7. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 15.0%. NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 167 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 33,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 76 complaints name the air bags component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 9 injuries, median mileage at failure 42,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 64 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 40,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 36 complaints name the brakes component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 37,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 34 complaints name the steering component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 15,885). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 25 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 3,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. Recall 18V358, filed May 31, 2018: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 17V516, filed August 22, 2017: Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 16V802, filed November 4, 2016: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper. NHTSA recall database
  17. EPA rating for Acadia FWD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Acadia AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 25 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Acadia AWD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 25 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Acadia Limited FWD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Acadia Limited AWD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 22 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 16.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
  23. EPA Test Car List, 2017 GMC Acadia with 2.5L 4-cylinder: rated 193 hp. www.epa.gov
  24. EPA Test Car List, 2017 GMC Acadia with 3.6L 6-cylinder: rated 310 hp. www.epa.gov
  25. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ACADIA 4DR SUV FWD: length 194 in, width 76 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 113 in, curb weight 3,955 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  26. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ACADIA 4DR SUV AWD: length 194 in, width 76 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 113 in, curb weight 4,405 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.