2017 GMC Acadia Problems – Everything You Need To Look Out For

If you are looking for the result of the search “2017 GMC Acadia Problems,” you have come to the right place. Ever since its first launch in 2007, there have been plenty of problems with the GMC Acadia. Though the car has become popular, it has always suffered from low-reliability issues.

Most commonly faced 2017 GMC Acadia problems now are related to the transmission, electrical system, and exterior lighting systems. This information is based on the report published by National Traffic Highway Safety Administration.

• Introduction
• Problems
• First Generation (2006-2016)
• First Generation Problems
• 2017 Acadia
• 2017 Problems (Second Generation)
• Conclusion

Introduction To The GMC Acadia

The GMC Acadia 2017 has become one of the top-selling cars made by GMC motors. The Acadia has also been one of the top 2017 affordable midsize SUVs in the country. As a driver of the GMC Acadia, there are a couple of things you need to be aware of. This is also relevant for potential buyers of a used GMC Acadia.

The all-new GMC Acadia 2017, came with the choice between two engine options, seating up to 7 people and an optional all-wheel-drive system. Buyers can choose between either a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 230 hp or a 3.6-liter V6 engine in the Denali trim with 310 hp. With the V6 you get the towing capacity of up to 4000 pounds with the right equipment.

Before we get into the 2017 GMC Acadia problems, it’s important to understand how they came to be. The GMC, or General Motors (Truck) Company, the brand is used to market the Acadia. The latter of whom is the GM group’s heavy-duty division as a whole. GMC primarily manufactures and sells SUVs, pickup trucks, vans, and light-duty trucks. They’ve made everything from fire trucks to ambulances to motorhomes, buses, and even military vehicles in the past.

The GMC Acadia is a crossover utility vehicle, or CUV for short. Given its size and market sector, it is sometimes referred to as a mid-size SUV. When it first went on sale in 2006, the Acadia replaced a number of other GM vehicles. The GMC Safari and Pontiac Montana SV6 vans, as well as the GMC Envoy SUV, are among them. The GMC Acadia was created and sold over two generations, originally based on the GM Lambda platform.

Introduction To The GMC Acadia Problems

The Acadia, which debuted for the 2020 model year, was panned by critics. With a below-average score, U.S. News rated the Acadia’s dependability. J.D. Power, on the other hand, gave it a poor rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars. This is due not only to the vehicle’s dependability but also to GMC’s subpar warranty service. Consumer Reports also gave it a low rating.

There were 17 problem areas identified, with some owners experiencing squeaking and rattling from the cabin and a few recalls. Some basic complaints of customers include small cargo space, the high price of top trims, and low overall performance. Customers also felt that the car has not been able to keep up with the competition at the price point.

So far, it’s a good idea to be mindful of probable GMC Acadia issues. But exactly what are these problems, and should you be concerned? In a nutshell, you should. When we look more closely at 2017 GMC Acadia problems we’ll use information from CarComplaints.com. They not only keep track of complaints and reports from owners on their website but also those filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. At first look, there appears to be a lot to be concerned about.

They can measure the number of complaints as well as their severity. The cost of repairs and the miles at the time of failure alongside the car’s age, among other things, using CarComplaints.com’s PainRank reliability grading system. According to this data, the GMC Acadia came in dead last among the GMC family, narrowly beating out the Terrain, which came in the second bottom. The Acadia’s first generation was the most egregious of the bunch.

GMC Acadia Recalls

Throughout its model years, the Acadia had a total of 20 recall campaigns and over 1,950 separate TSBs, or technical service bulletins. The latter are notices sent by the manufacturer (GMC) to its dealers on how to diagnose and troubleshoot difficulties. TL;DR, it appears that the GMC Acadia’s most pressing worries are two extremely big, and sometimes very expensive to repair components — the transmission and the engine.

First Generation GMC Acadia (2006-2016)

The first-generation GMC Acadia was the company’s first unibody design. It was also GMC’s first front-wheel-drive vehicle, though it does come with an all-wheel-drive option. It fits between the smaller GMC Terrain and the larger Yukon, with seating for up to 8 people. The Lambda platform was used by a number of other GM-branded automobiles at the time, including the first-generation Acadia. The Saturn Outlook, Chevrolet Traverse, and Buick Enclave are among them.

GM’s ‘High Feature’ LY7 3.6-liter V6 engine was standard on all early Acadia versions. It can produce 275 horsepower and 340 pound-feet of torque. The 2009 model year included a slightly more powerful 3.6-liter LTT V6 engine. This motor has a power output of 288 horsepower and a torque output of 270 pound-feet.

The first-generation Acadia received one more engine change in its penultimate year, the 2016 model year. The final engine is a 3.6-liter LGX V6 with 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. All three engines were equipped with GM’s 6-speed automatic transmission, either the 6T75 or the 6T70. Over the years, it’s had several cosmetic facelifts.

First Generation GMC Acadia Problems

The first Acadia vehicles were sold in 2006, with the model year of 2007. According to CarComplaints.com, the 2007 Acadia was the subject of over 730 complaints from owners, with over 1,000 TSBs. There were also five recalls. The most problematic of the latter involved faulty liftgate struts, short-circuiting heated windshield washers, and defective heated wipers. Concerning the issues, it appears that the transmission is the source of the majority of the complaints.

Check Engine Light Problem

Starting with the first-generation model, there have been numerous GMC Acadia problems. One of the most common problems is that the check engine light seems to turn on for very trivial reasons. For most people, this problem can be associated with the gas cap being loose or worn.

This problem can generally be fixed by tightening the gas cap or replacing it altogether. The main problem with this issue is that the company can charge customers more than $100 just to diagnose this issue. This problem generally arises with a specific number of model year cars, from 2007 to 2012 as well as the 2014 model.

Gas Cap Problem

The second most common GMC Acadia problems associated with the cars are also related to the check engine light. Unlike the problem with the gas cap, this problem is denoted by either of these codes: P0011, P0014, P0021, P0341, P0346, P0336, or P0391.

These codes could mean that Acadia’s power control module needs a software update or that the camshaft needs to be corrected. According to RepairPal, these issues can cost an average of $1700 to repair. These problems usually arise with the Acadia after the car has been driven for 110,000 miles. These problems are also most commonly associated with the model years 2007 to 2012

Transmission Problems

Another common problem with the GMC Acadia is also unsurprisingly related to the check engine light. This problem is usually noticed in cars that have done more than 92,000 miles. This problem is most commonly associated with the model years 2007 to 2013 as well as the model year 2015.

This issue is related to the transmission of the car and is the most costly and time-consuming problem to fix. This issue can be identified if the check engine light is on along with either of these codes: P0716, P0776, P0717, P0777, P2714, P2715, and/or P02723.

Either of these codes is usually associated with the wave plate of the GMC Acadia’s transmission breaking down. This issue is very serious as the car may get stranded by the side of the road due to a transmission failure. Unfortunate customers may have to pay up to $2000-4000 for repairs. This is a rather expensive proposition for the customer as sometimes the entire transmission may be in need of change.

Power Steering Problems

Another of the very-commonly reported GMC Acadia problems is that the power steering system seems to run low on fluid. This is due to leakage of the fluid from the power steering system causing problems in driving the car.

The EVAP solenoid of the car may also at times be conked causing problems with starting the car after getting filled with gas. The car may also sometimes misfire on cold starts because of the carbon build-up on the valves of the cylinders. This can be due to a faulty fuel injection system or faulty ignition coils.

First Generation GMC Acadia Problematic Years

A few model years of the Acadia have been more problematic than the others. If you are a buyer in the market for a used Acadia, then these are a few model year cars that you need to avoid. The 2012 model of the car has been particularly problematic and has been given a “Poor” rating by consumer reports.

The majority of 2012 GMC Acadia problems have to do with the engine, transmission, and other systems which affect driving ability. There have also been concerns about the fuel economy of the car. Many 2012 model year cars have been recalled by the company due to electrical systems failure, airbag issues, etc.

The Worst Year For The GMC Acadia (First Generation)

The 2013 model year of the GMC Acadia has also been honed by problems. 2013 GMC Acadia problems are mostly related to oil and coolant leaks. There have been several complaints about the lack of power in the car for its engine and size.

Another source of concern is the engine, which can fail due to a variety of factors. A large oil leak could occur if the timing cover gasket fails. The cost of repairing this alone, which was originally done to replace a faulty timing chain, can run into thousands of dollars. It can lead to complete engine failure if not addressed. Another common point of failure is the power steering pump. It might quit working, putting its owners in danger. The cost of a replacement is usually around $1,000.

The first-generation model was on sale for 10 years and has had more than 100 thousand callbacks which makes it one of the less reliable cars.

Introduction To The 2017 GMC Acadia

We now have the second-generation GMC Acadia, which is still on the market. This time, the Acadia went on a diet, and the new Acadia was completely re-engineered. It’s smaller than the old Acadia, and thanks to new materials and smaller dimensions, it’s lost 700 pounds in total. It shares parts with a few other GM vehicles, including the Cadillac XT5 and XT6.

The second-generation Acadia is now positioned as a smaller mid-size SUV with a reduced starting price. This redesigned Acadia is also available in a 5-, 6-, or 7-seater format. This redesigned Acadia offered a variety of engine options. You can choose between a 3.6-liter LGX V6 and a new 2.5-litre LCV inline-4 engine.

From 2017 through the 2021 model year, the latter was available as an option. Alternatively, you might choose the 2.0-liter LSY turbocharged inline-4, which will be available starting in 2020. You can choose between front-wheel and all-wheel drive once more. There are two transmissions to choose from, depending on the engine and powertrain you choose.

The 2017 GMC Acadia problems (Second Generation)

Reviewers and critics have been eager to point out the various all-new 2017 GMC Acadia problems. However, when compared to first-generation Acadias, the majority of these issues are minor. Also due to the small sample size, we cannot accurately judge their reliability. It could be because they are newer, and they haven’t been driven long enough to develop flaws.

The 2017 GMC Acadia was not without flaws after a complete overhaul. GMC Acadia got several documented complaints about technical difficulties connected to the interior, transmission, electrical system, and engine, according to major forums and platforms such as carcomplaints.com, edmunds.com, and others.

Transmission Problems On the Second Generation Acadia

The transmission has been a concern with a lot of GMC Acadia cars. There have been multiple complaints from customers about the car not recognizing when it has been put into park. When the transmission is put in park, the vehicle’s onboard computer fails to recognize it.

As a result, the dashboard, radio, and other interior electronics remain operational. There is a consistent problem with shifting to the park that prevents the car’s electronics from turning off. To rectify, you must restart multiple times and wiggle the stick forward and backward.

There was no clear pattern as to when and at what mileage transmission problems could emerge. The problem was noticed in some vehicles at 35,000 miles, whereas it was recorded in others at only 1000 miles.

In most cases, the issue was resolved by either replacing the shifter park switch control or replacing the shifter. Customers spent an average of $450 to fix the shift to park problem.

Following an increase in the number of complaints about the transmission problem, General Motors decided to issue a technical service bulletin describing the issue. “Condition: Vehicle displays Shift to Park message on DIC when in the park,” they said in the document. “When the vehicle is put in park, it may not shut off or start.”

Electrical System Failure On The GMC Acadia

Another area where 2017 GMC Acadia problems are commonly found is in the electrical system of the car. There are dozens of computers and miles of wiring. When automobiles aren’t engineered to perfection, electrical gremlins are sure to occur due to their complexity.

The 2017 GMC Acadia has various electrical faults, according to a large number of complaints. Some customers, for example, reported that their vehicle would suddenly cease running without any prior warning indications.

2017 GMC Acadia Problems Related To The Cruise Control

Other consumers reported that the vehicle’s adaptive cruise control turned off on its own without warning. Other customers stated that the vehicle’s battery would expire prematurely and that their 2017 GMC Acadia would lose power in general.

Surprisingly, the majority of electrical issues happened in automobiles that were only a few years old. Some of the vehicles had only traveled 1000 miles. A few of the clients estimated her charges to be around $200 on average, based on the reported repairs and remedies for the electrical faults. Most customers fixed this problem with a new battery.

Air Conditioning And The Lighting Problems On The GMC Acadia

The air conditioner is another one of the major 2017 GMC Acadia problems. There are no vents that allow free flow of air into the cabin, this makes the drive very hot and claustrophobic. A lot of buyers of the GMC Acadia have complained about the exterior lighting issues.

Users have said that the headlights of the car are not bright enough. This can be classified as a safety issue. There have even been reports of the headlights of the Acadia not working at all. A vehicle’s functional headlights are a vital element to have. However, many owners report that the 2017 Acadia’s lighting is either too dim or doesn’t function at all.

“Headlights are dull to the point of being dangerous,” states an owner from Baldwinsville, NY, on the NHTSA website. The dealer verifies that this is the case with all 2017 Acadias. This isn’t the first time someone has complained about this problem. “It’s a disaster waiting to happen.”

“Driving at night the headlights are not brilliant, so you need the fog lights to aid, and you have to switch them on all the time,” another says on Edmunds. I’m trying to get out of this lease as soon as possible. “I’ll never buy another GM product.”

Conclusion Of The 2017 GMC Acadia Problems (Second Generation)

This mostly concludes the list of the 2017 GMC Acadia problems. Though 2017 GMC Acadia problems are not as many with the newer generation models, they are still very common. This has led to a bad reputation for the car and buyers are wary of buying a GMC Acadia.

Starting the first quarter of 2020, the sales of the GMC Acadia have been significantly worse than the previous year. GMC managed to sell only 17,686 vehicles in this quarter as compared to 31,000 units during the same period in the previous year. This is a loss of over 43% which is significantly lesser.

While the new generation model does not have terrible reviews from car reviewers and bloggers, there is nothing special either. There is nothing remarkable about the SUV which makes it stand out from the competition. The base engine does not have enough grunt and the upgrade to the V6 is a hefty sum. The Chevrolet Traverse comes with the same engine at a much lower price.

2017 GMC Acadia Reliability Issues Facts

1. The GMC Acadia is a popular midsize SUV with room for up to seven passengers and available all-wheel drive.
2. The first-generation models of the Acadia are plagued with reliability issues such as transmission problems, timing chain failures, and oil leaks.
3. The redesigned, second-generation Acadia in 2017 was expected to have improved reliability, but it is already dogged by mechanical and electrical issues.
4. The National Traffic Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) website indicates that the main problem areas of the 2017 Acadia are the transmission, electrical system, and exterior lighting.
5. The transmission of the 2017 Acadia has a “Shift to Park” problem, where the onboard computer fails to recognize when the transmission has been put in park, and as a result, it keeps all of the interior electronics running.
6. GM has released a technical service bulletin (TSB) regarding the “Shift to Park” problem, but it lists the cause of the problem as “unknown at this time.”
7. The electrical system of the 2017 Acadia is already on the fritz, with the electronic parking brake being one of the most problematic devices, and the horn requiring excessive force to activate.
8. There is a supposed fix for the horn issue, where dealers have been instructed to replace the steering wheel wiring harness with an updated unit to correct the concern.
9. The 2017 Acadia’s lamps are either not bright enough or do not work at all, according to several complaints.
10. So far, there has been no TSB or recall from GM addressing the headlight concern.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we can say that though there are several issues with older GMC Acadia models, it’s important to note that many vehicles are subject to recalls over the course of their lives, with some being far more serious than others.

Due to the early troubles of the GMC Acadia, it’s advised to stay away from certain versions because the risk and the cost of both personal safety and potential repairs aren’t worth it. There are fewer problems and is significantly more reliable in the long run in the new generation Acadia.

If you know what you’re getting into and appreciate the design and overall performance of a GMC Acadia. An individual should be able to overlook the issues with previous models. Keep in mind that, despite what we’ve mentioned, this is still a popular model, so finding parts and service for it won’t be nearly as tough as it would be for anything a little more unusual, should the need arise. Newer models are usually covered by a warranty.

This will help cover any of the previous issues resurfacing. Older vehicles, dating back to the first year of the Acadia, will be well out of warranty, and the cost of addressing major transmission and engine issues will render them unworthy of purchase in the first place.