The GMC Acadia is a completely new story than what it was last year. It is now smaller, better-looking, and more versatile than before. The new Acadia also sees strong sales with the estimates nearing the 100,000 mark for this year. The midsize SUV goes against the Buick Enclave, the Ford Explorer, and the Dodge Durango. Though the sales are good and the reception has been very appreciative, there have been myriads of complaints as well. Many people have raised concerns over the “Shift to Park” error and the headlight output. People have also complained a lot about the fuel pump and the lane departure system as well. The manufacturer has recalled the SUV three times already for varying reasons. Do these complaints affect the overall reliability of the SUV? Let’s find out!
2017 GMC Acadia Problems
Electrical issues:
- “Shift to Park” error warning: The Acadia “Shift to Park” issue has been the most-reported issue for the SUV. What happens is that the instrument cluster flashes this error because there is a discrepancy in the electricals. The SUV doesn’t identify the shifter in the Park position and hence, all the electrical accessories stay on. In some cases, the doors don’t open and trap the occupants inside. Many people have tried shifting the shifter repeatedly, only for it to work after multiple attempts. A lot of customers have raised concerns over this issue and many complaints are registered with the NHTSA and the manufacturer.
- Rapid battery drain: Some owners report that the battery drains and causes the vehicle to not start. The drain happens due to varying reasons and causes a lot of inconvenience to the people. In some cases, the battery drained out while the SUV was moving and disabled all the safety assists.
- Headlight throw issues: In the units not equipped with LED headlights, people have reported that the throw is insufficient for low-lit areas. Many people have also reported a malfunction with the headlight units and claimed the lights go off intermittently. Even the IIHS has marked the Acadia’s headlights to be very unreliable at the night.
Mechanical issues:
- Fuel pump issues: Some people have reported the Acadia fuel pump malfunctioning and causing sputtering while driving. People report that the sputtering feels as if there is a misfire in the engine. Complainants also report the SUV stalling at slower speeds or at traffic lights and not starting again. The stalling also caused the erroneous fuel gauge readings that overestimate the range of the SUV, only for it to stall with 20 miles left.
- Power steering issues: The Acadia power steering fails and loses power assistance, making it very difficult to maneuver the SUV. Many people face the issue randomly and the dealerships could not find an error in many cases. The instrument cluster displays a warning of the same before the assistance is cut. In some cases, the steering locked while turning and created a very dangerous situation.
- Brake failure: Many owners have complained that the brake pressure reduces while driving and affects the braking performance. The master cylinder malfunctions and leaks brake fluid into the brake booster. This also gives a “squishy” noise while pressing the brake pedal. The brake failure has caused many collisions and caused injuries to the occupants.
Equipment issues:
- Substandard stock tire quality: Some people have reported the Michelin Premier LTX M/S 235/55R20 to dry rot and cause the sidewalls to crack. The tires start losing pressure and suffer from sidewall issues at just 15,000 miles. The people have reported the issue to the dealerships who indulge in a blame game with the tire manufacturer. The owners had to get the tires replaced and pay out of pocket.
Safety issues:
- Malfunctioning side detection sensors: Many people have reported the side detection sensors swelling up and malfunctioning. Such malfunction disables blind-spot monitoring and causes the alarm system to blare constantly. Such issues increase distraction and the chances of a crash.
2017 GMC Acadia Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
November 4, 2016 |
16V802000 |
Service Brakes, Hydraulics |
A torn/misaligned caliper piston seal in the front brake calipers may allow leakage of the brake fluid, reducing braking performance and increasing the risk of a crash. |
GM initiated the recall on December 12, 2016. The dealers will inspect the front brake calipers and replace the brake caliper assembly if required. |
|
2. |
August 22, 2017 |
17V516000 |
Powertrain |
Fracture/separation of the right-side front intermediate driveshaft may cause loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. |
GM initiated the recall on August 25, 2017. The dealers will replace the right-side front intermediate driveshaft without extra cost. |
|
3. |
May 31, 2018 |
18V358000 |
Fuel System, Gasoline |
Detachment of the high-pressure fuel pump from its mounting flange may lead to the pump damaging the high-pressure fuel line and leak fuel. This increases the risk of a fire. |
GM initiated the recall on July 2, 2018. The dealers will replace both the high-pressure fuel pump and the high-pressure fuel pipe free of cost. |
Should you buy the 2017 GMC Acadia?
The GMC Acadia has hit the nail right in the coffin for its rivals with the SUV it is. The midsize SUV obliterates the competition in terms of driving dynamics and versatility but the mounting issues do raise concerns in our minds. The “Shift to Park” issue is rampant with the SUV and causes a lot of inconveniences, if not a safety risk. The braking issue is addressed in recall #16V802000 but still is evident in the newer units. If you want to go ahead with one, be ready to face the aforementioned issues along with several other niggles like the side detection sensors and the poor tire quality.
