YearToAvoid

2017 GMC Acadia Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 235 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2017 GMC Acadia, 33% of all 703 complaints filed for the year, with a median failure mileage of 36,000. A related recall (17V516000) covers a right front intermediate driveshaft that can fracture and separate while driving.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints
235
33% of 703
Crashes reported
4
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
1
Median mileage
36,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

  • Owners report the vehicle can inadvertently roll away in park with the engine running, in one case striking and injuring an occupant.
  • Some describe a shift-to-park error message appearing while the vehicle is already in park, followed by the transmission locking up.
  • Several report harsh or delayed shifting between 2nd and 3rd gear, including a hesitation that feels like passing through neutral.
  • Owners describe excessive cabin vibration and a booming noise between 1400 and 1700 rpm when the engine switches to V4 mode, sometimes lasting up to a quarter mile.
  • One owner reported the vehicle locking up with a loud grinding noise while accelerating onto a highway, leaving it undriveable.
  • A driveshaft-related recall complaint describes the vehicle locking up after a shift-to-park warning appeared with the engine off.

When 2017 GMC Acadia transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 21, 2016, latest Aug 27, 2026.

2017 GMC Acadia transmission & powertrain complaints: complaints filed per quarter252016 Q42018 Q22019 Q32020 Q42022 Q12023 Q22024 Q42026 Q1
235 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2016 Q4 to 2026 Q3; peak 2019 Q3 (25).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2017 GMC Acadia

  1. NHTSA 17V516000Aug 22, 2017Transmission & Powertrain2,905 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.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Acadia model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201043 (13%)
  2. 201133 (12%)
  3. 201243 (15%)
  4. 201327 (20%)
  5. 201434 (7%)
  6. 201518 (7%)
  7. 201621 (9%)
  8. 2017235 (33%)
  9. 2018163 (41%)
  10. 2019154 (40%)
  11. 202022 (21%)
  12. 202117 (11%)
  13. 20224 (8%)
  14. 202312 (28%)
  15. 20247 (12%)
  16. 20254 (6%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission complaints does NHTSA have for the 2017 GMC Acadia?
NHTSA lists 235 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2017 Acadia, which is 33% of the 703 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a transmission or powertrain recall on the 2017 GMC Acadia?
Yes. Recall 17V516000 covers 2017-2018 GMC Acadia vehicles where the right front intermediate driveshaft may fracture and separate while driving. GM's remedy is to replace the driveshaft assembly free of charge.
At what mileage do transmission problems typically show up on the 2017 Acadia?
NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 36,000 miles at the time of failure for transmission & powertrain complaints on the 2017 Acadia.
Have there been any crashes linked to transmission complaints on the 2017 Acadia?
NHTSA records 4 crashes and 1 injury tied to transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2017 GMC Acadia, with no fires reported.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.