2017 GMC Acadia: shudder or vibration when accelerating

Filed Jun 18, 2026 · Electrical, Fuel system · KS

Vehicle has experienced multiple electrical and mechanical failures at unusually low mileage. Purchased at 32,000 miles. At approximately 50,000 miles, the factory radio/infotainment system failed completely. Electrical systems were observed remaining active after the vehicle was powered off, suggesting an underlying electrical fault. At approximately 60,000 miles, the power steering rack and fuel pump both required full replacement and were confirmed and replaced by an authorized dealership. No warning lights appeared prior to these failures — components failed without any prior indication. At approximately 100,000 miles, the transmission began failing and exhibits the known torque converter shudder issue widely reported on this vehicle platform. The shudder was present prior to full transmission failure symptoms appearing. The pattern of premature failures across multiple unrelated systems — electrical, steering, fuel delivery, and transmission — suggests a broader manufacturing defect.

Filed Jun 15, 2026 · Transmission · 138,000 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the transmission and torque converter were previously replaced twice; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

Filed Jul 28, 2025 · Transmission · IL

The transmission failed at 90k miles, causing shuddering and stalling on acceleration. This has occurred several times on major highways and is very dangerous.

Filed Dec 23, 2024 · Transmission · OH

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.

Filed Dec 17, 2024 · Transmission · IN

Sudden onset of extensive shuddering/shaking when shifting gears.

Filed Sep 10, 2024 · Transmission · CA

Violent shifting in the transaxle when vehicle is shifting between lowers gears. Transaxle causing a shuddering vibration on inclines. It feels like the engine is misfiring, but it is the torque converter/transmission/transaxle failing.

Filed Jul 1, 2024 · Transmission · CT

This model is know for transmission shudder and you put out a memo. I brought the car back under warranty and said it was fine. Now it needs what the memo said and torque converter. Car is out of warranty and they want to charge full price. There should be a recall on this model

Filed May 22, 2024 · Transmission · MO

Incident: the drivetrain shudders and experiences hesitation while attempting to accelerate, and car surges forward when breaking due to what seems to be an issue with the tranmission. This present concerns with potential stalling while driving or the car surging into other vehicles. No indicator lights or error codes are displayed. The presence of this problem in multiple GM vehicles is confirmed by service bulletin 18-NA-358. The safety concern related to this defect should warrant a manufacturer recall to fix the know n defective parts. The vehicle has not yet been repaired. Will request to retain defective parts for inspection upon repair.

Filed Mar 6, 2024 · Transmission · OK

There's a shuddering, clanking sound coming from the torque converter when the engine shifts gears at 25-35 mph. I also noticed that it happens when it transitions from 4 cylinders to 6 cylinders. There's a sweet spot somewhere in there. It has also happened on the highway from 65-75 mph. This also happens when it's switching from 4 cylinders to 6 cylinders.

Filed Mar 5, 2024 · Transmission · CT

There is a big time shudder and the dealer will not believe me because it doesn’t do it for them. They did admit there is a problem but won’t fix it. I did the transmission fluid exchange like they said and still the problem. I see service bulletins for it but no recall. It’s is now out of warranty and I will have to pay for it. This is not right

Filed Feb 1, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · 75,000 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH and accelerating to 25 MPH, the vehicle jerked and downshifted, and decelerated to 17-18 MPH. The contact stated that the failure occurred several times while driving. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 5 MPH and attempting to come to a complete stop, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle shuddered and failed to respond. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact depressed the brake pedal harder, and the vehicle responded. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving, causing him to shift to neutral(N) while depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the diagnostic test codes: P0010, P0016, P0018, and P0507 were retrieved. The mechanic determined that the engine and an unknown part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Two unknown dealers were notified of the failure and informed the contact the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

Filed May 17, 2022 · Steering · AR

Loss of power steering: bought NEW late 2017: In 1st month a whining noise was present while turning the steering wheel in any direction (driving or in park) even when slightly turning the wheel. At the time, didn't seem to effect anything. Difficulty started around 80k miles & continued to get worse as time went on. Each time varies on type of turn, speed of turn, how long the car has been in use. On average: it starts (& continues to get worse) after the first 10/15 minutes of driving. Loss of steering comes & goes (not only happening while turning) for at least 4 -15sec. In the last year (mid 2021 - 2022) went to mechanic -couldn't find an issue. Husband checks fluid levels monthly (no changes/no leaks are visible ). As of May 2022 (130k miles) turning into parking lots/spots/driveways/etc I have NO power steering, my husband is barley able to turn the wheel during these events. Its unsafe to drive. Doesn't seem to be as bad if speed is 20mph or faster. Shudder issue (maybe @60kmiles): *We had this issue w/our 2012 Acadia too. Multiple GMC Certified mechanics have been used to correct this. Only one mechanic was able to witness the shuddering. All things tried have failed to correct it. First started happening between 35 - 55mph (now its at any speed: 10 - 80mph), speeding up used to make it shudder less, turning traction control off USE to make it shudder less. Plenty of forums abt this issue including all things tried & failed. No resolution. Shudder causes car to not accelerate at times. RPM jumps high & bounces around. AC would stop working (started @20k miles) it makes an air releasing noise when AC is in use. *2012 Acadia did this too. Adding Freon helps for limited time. No leaks. Mechanics "CND", its still not fixed. "Tighten fuel cap" warning comes on randomly. When checked, its tight. Automatic start fails randomly, since day 1. "Ck Engine" light comes on & off randomly. Main issue was the shuddering *Reporting date used for loss of power steering.