2017 Gmc Acadia Safety Report
2017 GMC Acadia: Excellent Crash Ratings Mask Significant Electrical and Powertrain Complaint Patterns, Plus Four Safety Recalls.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Gmc Acadia
Reliability Score
The 2017 Gmc Acadia receives a reliability score of 60 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2017 Gmc Acadia
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Gmc Acadia:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shift To Park Warning Vehicle displays 'Shift to Park' message even when in park, preventing the car from turning off completely, draining the battery, and leaving electrical systems active. Often requires wiggling the shifter to resolve. |
Medium | Common | variable miles |
| Steering Assist Reduced / Thermostat Issues Intermittent 'Steering Assist Reduced' warning, often accompanied by the temperature gauge stuck on cold, A/C inoperable, and cooling fan running constantly. Frequently linked to a faulty thermostat. |
Medium | Occasional | 70000-90000 miles |
| Airbag Inflator Explosion Recall for driver's airbag inflator that may explode during deployment, potentially causing sharp metal fragments to strike occupants, leading to serious injury or death. |
High | Rare | N/A miles |
| Fuel Pump/Line Leak Recall for a damaged fuel line that can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire. |
High | Rare | N/A miles |
| Driveshaft Fracture Recall for the right front intermediate driveshaft that may fracture and separate, leading to a loss of propulsion and increased crash risk. |
High | Rare | N/A miles |
| Brake Caliper Leak Recall for potential brake fluid leak from the caliper, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash. |
High | Rare | N/A miles |
| Transmission Hard Shifting/Loss Of Power Vehicle may briefly lose motive power before slamming into gear, or vibrate abnormally while changing gears. Some reports of complete transmission failure without warning. |
Medium | Occasional | variable miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Gmc Acadia:
Predominantly related to the 'Shift to Park' issue, but also includes reports of hard shifting, loss of power, and transmission failures.
A significant portion of complaints fall into this category, indicating various unspecified issues or those not fitting neatly into other categories.
Includes issues like the 'Shift to Park' problem leading to battery drain, as well as problems with the A/C system, engine fan, and various warning lights.
Primarily related to the recall concerning the driver's airbag inflator module.
Reports of check engine lights, engine spewing oil, and thermostat-related issues leading to 'Steering Assist Reduced' warnings.
Complaints about reduced steering assist, often linked to thermostat problems.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Gmc Acadia
Is the 2017 GMC Acadia safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 GMC Acadia received excellent crash test ratings (5-star overall, frontal, and side, 4-star rollover). However, it has 680 owner complaints, 9 crashes, 2 fires, and 15 injuries reported, along with four significant safety recalls for issues like airbag inflator defects, fuel leaks, driveshaft failure, and brake caliper leaks. While crash protection is strong, the numerous complaints and recalls indicate potential reliability and safety concerns that buyers should be aware of.
What are common problems with the 2017 GMC Acadia?
The most reported issues for the 2017 GMC Acadia include 'Shift to Park' warnings (a major electrical/powertrain issue preventing vehicle shutdown), 'Steering Assist Reduced' messages often linked to thermostat failures, and general powertrain issues like hard shifting or loss of power. These account for a significant portion of the 680 total complaints.
Are there any recalls for the 2017 GMC Acadia?
Yes, the 2017 GMC Acadia has four recalls. These include recalls for the driver's airbag inflator (risk of explosion), a potential fuel pump/line leak (fire risk), a right front intermediate driveshaft that could fracture (loss of propulsion), and a brake caliper issue that could reduce braking performance.
How does the 2017 GMC Acadia perform in crash tests?
The 2017 GMC Acadia performed very well in NHTSA crash tests, earning a 5-star overall safety rating. It received 5 stars for both frontal and side crash tests, and 4 stars for rollover resistance.
What should I look out for when buying a used 2017 GMC Acadia?
When considering a used 2017 GMC Acadia, ensure all four safety recalls have been addressed. Pay close attention to any 'Shift to Park' warnings, check for proper vehicle shutdown, and listen for any unusual transmission behavior or 'Steering Assist Reduced' messages during a test drive. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is highly recommended.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the numerous owner complaints, particularly the persistent 'Shift to Park' issue and other powertrain/electrical concerns, and verify all four safety recalls have been completed.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Gmc Acadia
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Gmc Acadia. The data includes 680 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 9 reported crashes, 2 fire incidents, 15 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2017 Gmc Acadia an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.