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GMC · Known Issues

2017 GMC Acadia Problems: 7 Known Issues

2017 model year · 560+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 560+ owner reports, the 2017 GMC Acadia has 7 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are 3.6L V6 Internal Water Pump Failure and Coolant Leak and Front Brake Caliper Piston Seal Leak Reducing Braking Performance (Recall 16V802 / GM 16096). The most commonly reported issue is 9T65 9-Speed Transmission Harsh Shifts and Hesitation with 560 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $120 to $3,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Acadia Engine1
  • Acadia Brakes1
  • Acadia Electrical2
  • Acadia Transmission1
  • Acadia Suspension1
  • Acadia HVAC1
  • Recalls9
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Engine1
  • Brakes1
  • Electrical2
  • Transmission1
  • Suspension1
  • HVAC1
  • Recalls9
  • FAQ

All 7 Known Issues

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ALL YEARS2025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007

On the 2007-2023 GMC Acadia, gM customer-satisfaction bulletin 13079 covers certain 2009-2013 GMC Acadia vehicles with 3.6L High Feature V6 engines (RPO LY7 or LLT) that may experience leakage from the water-pump shaft seal, often after operation with low coolant.

This issue also affects: Cadillac XT5, Cadillac XT6, Chevrolet Camaro

Common Symptoms

  • Coolant leak from the water-pump shaft seal

How to Fix

Check the VIN and current eligibility with GMC. Bulletin 13079 directs dealers to verify and correct coolant level with the proper DEX-COOL mixture; it does not establish the frozen claim that the pump is internal or must be combined with timing-chain work.

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High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2017 GMC Acadia, a very small group of 2017 GMC Acadia SUVs built over a four-day window in April 2016 (April 19 through April 22, 2016) left the plant with front brake calipers whose piston seals were torn or misaligned. A damaged or out-of-position piston seal can let brake fluid leak past the caliper piston. NHTSA recall 16V802000 covers 1,844 vehicles campaign-wide across every model included in the recall, not the Acadia alone. GM's consequence statement is direct: if brake fluid leaks, braking performance may be reduced, which increases the risk of a crash. Because the build window is so narrow, only a VIN check will tell an Acadia owner whether their truck is in the population.

Common Symptoms

  • Brake fluid leaking from the front brake caliper area
  • Reduced braking performance

How to Fix

The fix is free at any GMC dealer. Under GM recall number 16096, the dealer inspects the front brake calipers and replaces the brake caliper assemblies as necessary at no cost to you. Owner notification began December 12, 2016, so if you bought the vehicle used you may never have received the letter — enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether the repair is still open on your Acadia. GMC customer service can be reached at 1-800-462-8782. If you notice any brake fluid loss or a change in braking, treat it as urgent rather than waiting for a scheduled appointment.

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High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2017-2019 GMC Acadia, gM bulletin 10251901 covers specified 2017-2019 GMC Acadia vehicles that can intermittently display a Shift-to-Park message even though the transmission selector is in Park.

Common Symptoms

  • Intermittent Shift-to-Park message while the selector is in Park

How to Fix

Have a GMC retailer reproduce the message and check for DTC B000A. GM bulletin 19-NA-206 directs removal and reinstallation of the transmission control, installation of a shifter harness, and an inline harness jumper; it does not support the frozen door-lock and battery-drain claims.

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On the 2017-2021 GMC Acadia, gM bulletin 22-NA-033 covers 2019 GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with IOS, IOU or IOT radios that can reset or reboot and display the GMC splash animation. Bluetooth-call or touch-input symptoms can occur immediately before the reboot.

This issue also affects: Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Sierra 1500, Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Common Symptoms

  • Radio resets or reboots
  • GMC splash animation may appear

How to Fix

Have a GMC retailer confirm the radio software version. The bulletin directs a USB radio-software update to version V809 when the installed version is V808 or earlier.

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Community reported
560 owners

On the 2017-2025 GMC Acadia, the second-generation Acadia (2017+) uses the GM 9T65 9-speed automatic transmission which shares known issues with the Chevrolet Traverse and Blazer. Common complaints include harsh 1-2 upshifts, hesitation between 5-15 mph, lurching on light throttle in stop-and-go traffic, and the transmission hunting between gears on hills. GM has released multiple TCM calibration updates. The transmission is extremely sensitive to fluid condition — extended intervals with aging Dexron HP fluid contribute significantly to shift quality degradation.

This issue also affects: Cadillac XT5, Cadillac XT6, Chevrolet Camaro

Common Symptoms

  • Harsh or jerky 1-2 upshift between 5-15 mph
  • Hesitation when pulling away from a stop
  • Transmission hunting between gears on slight grades
  • Vibration or shudder during light acceleration
  • Delayed engagement from Park to Drive
  • Slip or flare on 2-3 shift under load

How to Fix

TCM recalibration with latest software (multiple revisions released). Full transmission fluid exchange with Dexron HP (ACDelco/GM 19354121) every 45,000 miles. Valve body and solenoid pack replacement (OEM 24043134) if software updates fail. Allow 500+ miles for relearn after any TCM reset.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $3,500

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Based on 560 owner reports

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High Confidence560 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

On the 2007-2018 GMC Acadia, the Lambda-platform hub bearing assemblies wear early — owners report failures well under 60,000 miles and, on the rear, repeat failures on the same vehicle. Two distinct symptoms come from one part: mechanical noise (a speed-dependent hum or growl that changes when the vehicle is loaded in a turn) and an ABS fault, because the encoder/tone ring on GM Lambda hubs is magnetically printed onto the bearing's inner race surface. When that magnetic layer degrades or sloughs off, the ABS module gets an implausible wheel speed signal and posts a wheel speed sensor code even though the sensor itself is fine — which is why replacing the sensor does not fix it.

This issue also affects: Chevrolet Avalanche, GMC Sierra 1500, GMC Yukon XL

Common Symptoms

  • Humming or growling that rises with vehicle speed
  • Noise changes when swerving left/right
  • ABS and traction control warning lights
  • Speedometer drop-out or erratic reading
  • Play at the wheel when rocked at 12 and 6 o'clock

How to Fix

Diagnose by wheel with a chassis ear or stethoscope at each hub with the vehicle raised and unloaded, and confirm with a scan-tool comparison of the four wheel-speed signals at low speed — a hub with a damaged tone ring drops out or reads erratically while the others track. Replace the complete hub/bearing assembly (the bearing is not serviceable separately). Expect the axle shaft splines to be seized in the hub: plan on pressing them apart. Note that some aftermarket hubs ship without the ABS sensor, so buy the correct part number for your ABS configuration and torque the axle nut to spec.

Typical repair cost:$250 - $800

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Low ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2007-2021 GMC Acadia, the dual-zone HVAC case uses several small plastic-geared blend/mode door actuators. The gear teeth strip or the door binds, so the actuator hunts for its calibration position and produces a repetitive clicking or ticking from behind the dash or glovebox. The classic complaint is full heat on the driver's side and ice-cold air on the passenger's side (or the reverse), often with the click audible whenever the temperature setting is changed or the ignition is cycled. It is one of the most common non-powertrain complaints on the Acadia across both generations because every part of the actuator drivetrain is plastic.

This issue also affects: Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Malibu, GMC Sierra 1500

Common Symptoms

  • Repetitive clicking or ticking behind dash or glovebox
  • Heat on one side, cold air on the other
  • Temperature does not change when adjusted
  • Air comes from wrong vents
  • Clicking stops when HVAC is off

How to Fix

Identify the failed actuator by moving the temperature setpoint and feeling/listening at each actuator — the failed one clicks while the good one is smooth. The passenger blend actuator is reachable from behind the glovebox and is held by three T20 Torx screws; some mode actuators require dropping more of the lower dash. Replace the actuator, then start the vehicle and let the HVAC control module run its self-calibration for roughly 40 seconds without touching the controls. Inspect the blend door shaft for binding or a broken door before installing a new actuator, or the new one will strip too.

Typical repair cost:$120 - $450

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Low ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026
NHTSA Recalls9 recalls

AIR BAGS

General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2022 GMC Acadia vehicles. The sensing diagnostic module (SDM) may have been left in "manufacturing mode" and not activated at the assembly plant prior to shipment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Campaign #21V70200010/09/2021

SUSPENSION:REAR

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The left-rear suspension toe link may have been tightened improperly, which could result in a loose or separated toe link.

Campaign #22V42700016/06/2022

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles. The fuel tank rollover valve may not provide a proper seal in the event of a rollover crash.

Campaign #22V44600023/06/2022
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Other GMC Models

GMC Sierra 150035GMC Terrain26GMC Yukon XL24GMC Sierra 3500HD24GMC Yukon21GMC Canyon18

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common GMC Acadia problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 560+ owner reports, the 2017 GMC Acadia has 7 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 3.6L V6 Internal Water Pump Failure and Coolant Leak, Front Brake Caliper Piston Seal Leak Reducing Braking Performance (Recall 16V802 / GM 16096), 9T65 9-Speed Transmission Harsh Shifts and Hesitation. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the GMC Acadia reliable?

The 2017 GMC Acadia has 7 known issues documented across 560+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: 3.6L V6 Internal Water Pump Failure and Coolant Leak and Front Brake Caliper Piston Seal Leak Reducing Braking Performance (Recall 16V802 / GM 16096). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common GMC Acadia problems?

Repair costs for known GMC Acadia issues range from $0 to $3,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2007-2023 GMC Acadia 3.6L V6 Internal Water Pump Failure and Coolant Leak?

GM customer-satisfaction bulletin 13079 covers certain 2009-2013 GMC Acadia vehicles with 3.6L High Feature V6 engines (RPO LY7 or LLT) that may experience leakage from the water-pump shaft seal, often after operation with low coolant. Severity: high.

What is the 2017 GMC Acadia Front Brake Caliper Piston Seal Leak Reducing Braking Performance (Recall 16V802 / GM 16096)?

A very small group of 2017 GMC Acadia SUVs built over a four-day window in April 2016 (April 19 through April 22, 2016) left the plant with front brake calipers whose piston seals were torn or misaligned. A damaged or out-of-position piston seal can let brake fluid leak past the… Severity: high.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data sourced from 560+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The fuel supply lines may be improperly attached and seated.

Campaign #21V42200003/06/2021

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with the optional Surround Vision feature. The rearview camera coaxial cable connectors may have been crimped improperly, causing the rearview camera to fail or function intermittently.

Campaign #22V70900022/09/2022

+ 4 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

What is the 2017-2025 GMC Acadia 9T65 9-Speed Transmission Harsh Shifts and Hesitation?

The second-generation Acadia (2017+) uses the GM 9T65 9-speed automatic transmission which shares known issues with the Chevrolet Traverse and Blazer. Common complaints include harsh 1-2 upshifts, hesitation between 5-15 mph, lurching on light throttle in stop-and-go traffic, and… Repairs typically run $0-$3,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2017-2019 GMC Acadia "Shift to Park" Message With No-Shutdown / Door-Lock Lockout and Battery Drain?

GM bulletin 10251901 covers specified 2017-2019 GMC Acadia vehicles that can intermittently display a Shift-to-Park message even though the transmission selector is in Park. Severity: medium.

What is the 2017-2021 GMC Acadia Infotainment System Lockup, Black Screen and Random Reboots (2nd-Gen IO/IOR Head Unit)?

GM bulletin 22-NA-033 covers 2019 GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with IOS, IOU or IOT radios that can reset or reboot and display the GMC splash animation. Bluetooth-call or touch-input symptoms can occur immediately before the reboot. Severity: medium.

What is the 2007-2018 GMC Acadia Front and Rear Wheel Hub Bearing Assembly Failure With Integrated ABS Tone Ring Degradation?

The Lambda-platform hub bearing assemblies wear early — owners report failures well under 60,000 miles and, on the rear, repeat failures on the same vehicle. Two distinct symptoms come from one part: mechanical noise (a speed-dependent hum or growl that changes when the vehicle i… Repairs typically run $250-$800. Severity: medium.

What is the 2007-2021 GMC Acadia HVAC Blend Door Actuator Gear Stripping — Clicking Dash and Cold Air on One Side Only?

The dual-zone HVAC case uses several small plastic-geared blend/mode door actuators. The gear teeth strip or the door binds, so the actuator hunts for its calibration position and produces a repetitive clicking or ticking from behind the dash or glovebox. The classic complaint is… Repairs typically run $120-$450. Severity: low.