NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2017 GMC Acadia. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
very bad shuttering when driving, took it to transmission shop and they said it needs to be replaced
A couple of months ago, I tried to put my car in park and shut it off the same way I have for years. The car made a rapid alarm sound and displayed a SHIFT TO PARK message on my dashboard. In order to get the car to shut off correctly, I had to squeeze the button on the shifter and gently push forward and backwards until the car recognized that I was in park. This now happens approx. 1 in every 15 times I try to turn off my vehicle. When this happens, I do not know if my car is actually in park and this is just a sensor issue or if the car is in fact struggling to shift to park!? If that's the case, couldn't it roll into someone or some thing? I remember JEEP having this issue a few years back, where people were killed when their "parked" jeep rolled over them. I think a famous actor was one of those victims in his driveway. Has GMC ever released a statement as to why only some VIN #s are included in this recall, when MANY of us on here are experiencing the same issue??
The vehicle would not recognize the truck was shifted to park. The gear shift was replaced in 2024 and the same problem occurred 9 months later. The first GMC repair location did not connect the shifter cable correctly, causing the problem to persist. I had to pay twice to resolve an issue seen in many of the 2017 GMC Acadia models. This problem should be considered a recall, and charges for repair should be covered by GMC.
After shifting to park and attempting to turn off my vehicle, I receive an “Action Required Shift to Park” error message. I’m assuming the vehicle is in park but I’m not certain and worry about it moving or rolling. It is difficult to get it to turn off by jiggling the shifter and turning the vehicle on and off. At times, I am not able to get it off and then the vehicle will not lock and the battery goes dead. According to my VIN there is not an active recall but brief internet search states there has been numerous reports, recalls, and lemon law returns due to this.
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that after shifting to park, the vehicle could not immediately be turned off. The message "Shift to Park" was displayed. The contact stated that after several attempts, the vehicle was able to be turned off. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V516000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 59,000.
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Shift to park. Vehicle does not turn off when in park. This recall is in effect on other 2017 Acadias but for some reason ours is not under the recall. Had this issue in 2020 and it was repaired at our cost. It is now doing the same thing.
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while attempting to shift to park(P) to turn off the vehicle, the message that the vehicle was not in park(P) was displayed. The contact stated that the gear shift indicator showed that the vehicle was in park(P). The contact shifted to drive(D) and then back to park(P) several times before being able to turn off the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but had become a recurring failure. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 89,776.
Twice the shift to park function of the vehicle has failed, once in 2020 and again in 2025, it appear that there is a recall for the year make and model vehicle, but for some reason my particular VIN in not included in this recall. The recall needs to be expanded to address this safety issue.
Shift to park on the dash display.
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while attempting to turn off the vehicle, the vehicle failed to turn off. The contact shifted from park (P) to drive(D) and was eventually able to turn off the vehicle. The contact stated that the letter P(park) was outlined in yellow and was illuminated on the instrument panel. Additionally, the contact stated that while attempting to close and lock the driver's side door, the door failed to lock securely. The contact stated that the failures occurred simultaneously. The contact stated that the failures were intermittent. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
Oil is burning through. I have to get an oil change once a month or it goes completely empty. Spoke to multiple macanics now and all tell me that's a defect with the 2017 arcadia. I just bought this in August. I love it and don't want to get rid of it. Please fix this. I can't keep burning through oil like this. It's not safe for my kids and I
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that after making a left turn and stopping at a traffic sign, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was hesitating before gaining forward momentum while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle bucked or lunged forward while accelerating. The contact stated that there was no warning light during the failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the intermediate drive shaft was failing. The mechanic informed the contact of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V516000 (Power Train) and advised the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer to be repaired. The contact had called a local dealer and was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
The front drive car seat motor is damaged. It will not recline making it very uncomfortable to drive. GMC has inspected the car and indicated that i need a new motor and seat frame. The cost is over 2600. Child safety is ultimately at risk if the driver is not fully comfortable at the wheel.
Shift to park. Dash stating "Shift to Park" when vehicle has been put in park, this results in being unable to turn vehicle completely off. Have to continually move gear shift and hope that it recognizes that the car is in park, this lasted over 30 minutes of trying to get the car to recognize that it was in park. This needs to be recalled.
While highway driving, engine suddenly lost power and car could not exceed 5 mph. Was able to get off at next exit and get to a local garage. Mechanic inspected. Bolt connecting high pressure fuel pump to cylinder sheared off leaving bolt body in cylinder, bending fuel pump and caused oil to spray over entire engine compartment. Repair unlikely. Engine will likely need to be replaced. Car has always been maintained. No indication of failure prior to incident.
it is a shift to park issue. will not shift into park....sometimes it takes several attempts before the computer reads it is in park. then i can turn off the car the car has 130,000 miles and we are repairing the same issue for the third time
SHIFT TO PARK Warning comes on & you can't lock the vehicle nor will it shut off completely. I've had to start & reverse several times before it engages/recognizes that it is in park. OBVIOUSLY this is a KNOWN issue by reading all the other posts relating to this. Please issue a recall....
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while attempting to shift into park, the message "Shift to Park" was displayed. There was no warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the contact was unable to turn off the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced Technical Service Bulletin: PIT5616; as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.
The known ‘Shift to park’ GMC vehicle defect could cause vehicle to rollaway and possibly hit someone.
Shift to park error message when vehicle is in park and engine will not shut off. NOT RECOGNIZING MICROSWITCH IN THE CONSOLE. NEEDS A RECALL.
Sudden onset of extensive shuddering/shaking when shifting gears.
My transmission is burning on the inside with no warning or indication. Transmission fluid is black and burned. Experienced jerking and hesitation when gears are automatically shifting.
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while coming to a stop, the contact heard a loud screeching sound when the brake pedal was depressed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the brake pedal was very loose, and the brake pedal was going to the floorboard while depressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
When putting my car into park and turning the engine off. The car will not turn off and displays a shift to park error. The car has to be turned back on and shifted to a different position then put back in to park to try to turn engine off again. Often times this needs repeated several times before the engine will actually turn off.
Tire size is P235/65R18 I purchased these tires in December of 2024. I am concerned that these tires were built without the correct compound to be qualified as an all-season. I have never had tires this bad in snow, even though they are all season brand-new tires with full tread. I immediately bought a set of snow tires for the vehicle. I again tried these tires in snow in November of 2025 after they had roughly 10,000 miles on them, and again found them to be the worst tires in snow that I have ever driven. I am concerned these were a mis-build.
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while in reverse occasionally the vehicles rearview cameras do not function properly as they should. The steering assist is not fully functional warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 99,900. The contact referenced an unknown NHTSA campaign number as probable cause for the failure.
Steering assist reduced. No parts available and vehicle is not safe to operate.
When I turn off the car it says required "shift to park" the car stays on and I can not exit the car it will not lock doors and it stays on.
GM issued Special coverage N192210240 for repair/replacement of the evaporative emissions purge valve because it may not fully close. The special coverage states that the dealer is to replace the part at no cost to the customer as necessary until 150,000 miles or 11/12/2026 whichever occurs first. Since owning the vehicle in question I have had this particular part replaced three (3) times, approximately every 20,000 miles. Each time this particular part fails my check engine light is illuminated, my vehicle stalls immediately after refueling, my garage and home quickly fill with emission fumes upon starting the vehicle, and the vehicle idles rough when stopping. The GM dealership replaced the part the first 2 times it failed at no cost to me stating that it was covered under GM Special Coverage, but the third and most recent time refused to honor the special coverage. They, instead, stated that I had to pay $189.99 for a diagnostic in addition to the cost of the repair despite the fact that my vehicle was still within the special coverage parameters and the special coverage bulletin states "as necessary" . The dealership stated that the special coverage was only a one-time use, and I was to pay for repairs each additional occurrence. There is clearly an issue with this part, and GM has acknowledged that by offering the special coverage. This coverage should be valid for the entire time stated because this is clearly a faulty part.
Transmission shutters, shakes and jumps while accelerating. Forward collision warning will come on at any point even if there is no vehicles in front of me. I have contacted GMC but was told that it’s a normal transmission issue
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
My car on has 54,000 miles on it. For the last two weeks it has started showing that it is not in park when it actually is and continues the warning until I have shifted back and forth at least 4-5 times to clear the message and then able to exit the vehicle. It will roll forward or back to some degree even though it seems to be in park but it messages that it is not. When calling our dealership they do not show a recall and state it will be $180.00 just to look at it, not counting repair for this. there have been no other warning in the system and no accidents at this time. I do have children that ride in this car and could cause a serious situation if the car were to roll or be in gear.
My Gmc although not listed on the recall list has been effected by the "shift to park" issues that plague these vehicles. I was out of town and was unable to shift my vehicle safely into park without warnings that my vehicle wasn't secured. I had to disconnect my battery when I had to park in order to prevent roll back and endangerment to other. I took my vehicle for repairs and was told it was a common problem and nothing can be done but pay out of pocket. Why? It has the same issues as the others? Why can't I be recompensated for a recall issue? I have records to show it was the gear shift control and all other.
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the vehicle had to be turned on and off approximately 2 - 3 times to place the gear shifter in park(P), for the transmission to remain in park(P). The message “Shift to Park” would be displayed on the instrument panel. The failure was intermittent at first, but since started occurring more frequently. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,587.
Car will not shut off. Shift to park problem
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Shift to park warning stays on not allowing my car to turn off. Have to continually move gear shift in hopes it will recognize car is in park
The "shift to park" warning light comes up every time I put my car in park. I have to move it back and forth multiple times to get it to acknowledge that its in park or the vehicle will not shut off. This is a dangerous situation in that the car could easily roll when I am not in it. I know that this is an ongoing issue with the 2017-2018 GMC Acadia and don't understand why GMC won't issue a recall for this. If this were to cause injury or an accident then they are 100% liable. I started having these issues about a week ago. My husband took it to the dealership and they told him that its not a recall or under warranty. I cannot afford to fix this myself at this point.
While parking, cannot turn off the vehicle because of a warning to shift the transmission to park, even though the shifting mechanism is in the park position. Happens very frequently where sometimes up to 10 minutes trying over and over to safely park the car. Has been happening for all of 2024 but getting increasingly more difficult to park.
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the A/C system became inoperable. Additionally, the engine fan activated and remained activated even after the vehicle was turned off. The contact stated that the failure had recurred while driving. The contact related the failure to GM Special Coverage Number: N252508350 (Engine Coolant Thermostat). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Within a day of taking possession of the car, September 20, 2024, with odometer reading 76,352 , warning message in instrument cluster appears stating action required “steering assist is reduced, drive with care”. Following day, A/C stop working while driving. When park, I can hear radiator fan, running full speed (louder than normal). While driving at night, headlights are not bright, specially the high beam. On September 23, 2024, took it back to dealership I purchased the vehicle. They have the vehicle in the shop to fix the issues. Vehicle was ready for pick up September 27, 2024. September 29, 2024. Message in instrument cluster screen re-appear stating “Action required, steering assist reduced drive with care”; check engine light came on, remote start key not working, A/C stop working again, radiator fan running full speed and loud , Headlights are still not bright, Infotainment screen glitching, will not stay in home button and making clicking sound. Went back to dealership so that they can fix it. Diagnostic code : P0128. They were able to have A/C working when I left the shop. and no messages on the instrument cluster. Following day, I have all the same issues I have before. My appointment to come back in to the shop to fix the thermostat issue I was October 10, 2024, on October 9, additional problems occur on top of the issue I am having. While driving and accelerating multiple lights on the instrument cluster screen appears on top of other issues and car decelerates. The check engine light came on, steering assist reduced drive with care , parking brake, car stability comes on and message stating engine power is reduced. This happened while driving on a highway at night on my way to work. I had to have the vehicle towed to the dealership..
The car will not shift into park from drive. When trying to park I have to shift from drive to park several times before it will finally go into park. It is getting worse.
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted, with the shift to park message was displayed. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to shut off when the contact attempted to engage the parking brake. The contact forcefully engaged the parking brake to shut off the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000.
Car battery does not turn off. Once parked, the display reads “shift to park”. The car is parked; engine is off. The battery stays on for hours (4 hours and counting this time).
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the warning light then turned off independently. In addition, the contact stated that the air conditioning failed to function as intended and the interior of the vehicle became extremely hot. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to the dealer in 2024 for the failure, and the contact was informed that the power steering assist feature had failed, and the software needed to be updated. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for a diagnostic test, and a case number would then be provided. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that upon parking and turning off the vehicle, the message "Shift to Park" was displayed while the gear shifter was in park(P). The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle and shifting out of park and shifting back into park(P) several times, the vehicle responded as needed. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to bring the vehicle in for diagnostic testing, and the dealer charged a fee for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Vehicle developed a major shudder and vibration from transmission. There are reports of the symptom in other complaints and a service bulletin released by GM for replacing the transmission fluid only(filter is internal and can only be replaced by removing and disassembling the transmission). When this malfunction is coupled with an EVAP sensor failure, loss of acceleration and engine stall occurs. The EVAP failure code did not appear for several weeks. I would suspect any type of engine miss will cause the same failure. Replacing transmission fluid does not remedy the severe shuddering from the vehicle.
Many times after shifting the car into park, a message is displayed saying that the car needs to be put in park. It takes many time of turning the car on and off and moving the shift back and forth in order to get the message off and get the car to shut off. I notice that some 2017 and 2018 Acadia models have received recall notices addressing this problem. Our VIN number does not show up in the recall notices. Is there a reason why our car would not be covered as we have the same issue as cars that have received recall notices. Any help that you could provide would be very much appreciated. It is a very frustrating problem.
Shift to park had this repaired in 2019 issue has popped up again. After a while my vehicle will not turn off I will be unable to walk away from my vehicle until it recognizes I’m in park. Today (29 August 2024) I arrived to work and went to turn off the vehicle and it gave the shift to park warning. This vehicle has needed the drive shaft (what was replaced during the last event of this matter), electronic control module, transmission, and thermostat have all needed to be replaced all in the first 5 years of owning it. Bought new in February of 2017.