2017 GMC Acadia: complete transmission failure

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 Oct 15, 2025 · Transmission · OH

Driving down the street and I heard a extremely loud drop. The transmission went out with no warning or even indication of trouble. The vehicle ran very smooth until that point.

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 Jul 23, 2025 · Transmission · 77,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was slipping while attempting to change gears. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

Filed Sep 11, 2024 · Transmission · 13,000 miles · IN

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.

Filed Jul 30, 2023 · Transmission · MA

My Wife and I purchased the 2017 GMC Acadia All Terrain in August 2017. It always had some low gear hard engagement issues. It also had issues of not locking into park when placing in Park. If we released and re-shifted it would engage. On two occasions we had the GMC dealership Durand GMC Leominster MA. check the transmission. Around 34,000 miles and again around 55,00 0 miles On both occasions they claimed they could not recreate the incident I complained about. I told them I believed that to be impossible as it was common, especially going up hill. The service manager was adamant that their was no issue. As I was close to my powertrain warranty expiring I asked again with the same response. In May we started having serious transmission slippage, It became dangerous so we took it to Durand and they found a hole in a fluid tube caused by wear from a support clip. Their repair cost was high, I took it to a respected mechanic. He repaired the tube, unfortunately, the slipppage got worst and we will replace the transmission. My internet research shows many incidents like mine. I want to make it known that my vehicle concerns were swept under the rug. GMC repair video link Please watch the video of YOUR vehicle at this website: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 14, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · 78,588 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission was slipping, and the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the camshaft and timing chain however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was later taken back to the dealer who later replaced the transmission. After replacing the transmission, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. A diagnostic test was performed, and it was determined that the camshaft and timing chain was faulty. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 78,588. The VIN was not available.

Filed Jan 8, 2023 · Driver assistance, Electrical · OR

Shift to park error code along with several other error codes including no remote detected that have continually and intermittentantly appeared since my car was at 16 K miles. My car has been in the shop over 10 times and these problems continue to return. my car won't shut off correctly, and this drains the battery. On 2 different occasions I was locked inside my car, unable to start it. Both of those times the outside temperature was over 100 degrees, and I almost had to break my window to exit and survive. I frantically pushed several buttons, trying to start the car, and luckily something tripped so I could open my car. The dealership replaced my battery twice before 31 K miles. They have replaced 2 different fobs when the car didn't recognize them. The dealership has replaced the transmission control assembly, the body control module, the fuel injector, the immobolizer control module, the brake control module, and my car has currently been in the shop for over 3 weeks as they may also need to replace the instrument control module and HVAC module due to those error codes. My car is at 46 K miles and has been in the shop 3 different times since 39 K (less than 10 K miles) all for similar problems. Thankfully I bought the extended warranty that will expire in 2 years. Something is draining the battery and GMC cannot or will not address the problem. There are similar documented cases: https://lemonlawexperts.com/gm-shift-to-park-recall-update/#:~:text=According%20to%20agency%2C%20GM%20has,several%20model%20year%20Acadia%20vehicles. and https://gmauthority.com/blog/2020/05/gmc-acadia-shift-to-park-class-action-lawsuit-filed-in-texas/ Please help to make GMC resolve this complicated problem! I now keep a tool in my car to break a window if I ever get locked in. I also keep my AAA membership active as I have had to get my car jumped several times. I do have videos of the problem, but cannot send a MP4 file.

Filed Dec 8, 2021 · Electrical, Transmission · KY

Previous complaint of Shift to Park on 06/13/19 VOQ 11219862 at mileage 36270. On 12/5/21, approx miles 62099 same problem with Shift to Park. Was scheduled for service on 12/06/21 at Adams Buick GMC in Richmond, KY and mentioned the problem and previous complaint. Was told that it had been over a year ago but that they could fix it and charge me $152 for part & $315 for labor. It was less that 26000 miles driven since the last issue. After last complaint, the dealer contacted GMC and the part was replaced at no cost under bulletin for concern # 5 145420 and they replaced the transmission control assembly. This is an ongoing problem with GMC and I don't think that every 26000 miles I should have to pay to replace the same part when GMC knows it is a problem by the numerous complaints. In fact while I was getting my vehicle serviced, I spoke to another lady there who had the same problem with her vehicle. Had I not caught the message, I probably would have had to replace my battery or my vehicle could have rolled into the house. There were no warning lamps or messages prior. GMC needs to step up to the plate and issue a recall because they have numerous vehicles with the same problem. My vehicle has undergone this malfunction twice and I find it unacceptable and know that I can't afford to pay $467 every 26000 miles for an issue that GMC is clearly aware of but won't address because no one has been killed by the issue as of this date to my knowledge, but it's going to happen sooner or later if the issue is not addressed properly.

Filed Nov 29, 2020 · Transmission · 95,957 miles · NY

At 95,800 miles the automatic transmission failed catastrophically. There was no warning of the failure. After stopping for a brief time on an interstate highway, upon resuming the trip the vehicle stared over-revving and searching for shifts. When a shift point was found there was a loud banging noise when the gear engaged. The vehicle remained driveable to deliver to a repair facility where it was diagnosed as a complete transmission failure. The vehicle has been maintained meticulously and all routine service was performed by authorized gm dealerships.