What 639 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 GMC Acadia Denali

PERSISTENT GROANING AND CREAKING FROM FRONT END SUSPENSION. DEALER REPAIR SHOP COULD NOT DIAGNOSIS ISSUE HOWEVER THERE IS A REPAIR BULLETIN PUBLISHED ON THIS ISSUE AT GMREPAIRINSIGHTS.COM WHICH LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT WITH THE SUSPENSION OF THIS CAR AND OTHER SIMILAR MODELS. THE DEFECT AS DESCRIBED IN THE REPAIR BULLETIN MAY LEAD TO MECHANICAL FAILURE OF IMPORTANT PART OF SUSPENSION WHICH COULD LEAD TO INJURIES OR HARM TO OTHER DRIVERS. I SCHEDULED A SERVICE APPOINTMENT ON 12.28.2022 AND THE DEALER COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI 11516889

Shift to park error light comes on when you are parking your car--cannot lock the car and all lights stay on--takes 5 or six tries --happens every time you move the car

NHTSA ODI 11516270

Sudden loss of power steering due to steering pump failure. Wife was turning onto a busy road and the power steering went out causing her to almost hit oncoming traffic on the other side of the lane. Very serious and upsetting experience. In doing so research it appears this has been an ongoing issue with this vehicle and the previous model. Life safety issues such as this should be recalled at once before someone else’s wife and children are killed. Vehicle is currently at shop for replacement.

NHTSA ODI 11515735

I get a "service side detection" on my DIC. It used to work occasionally, now it no longer works. The sensors lights do come on when the "service side detection" shows up. Sometimes this alerts comes and goes and sometimes it stays until I push a button, in which it just reappears later. Through research I found this document sent out from GM: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10160088-9999.pdf GLOBAL SAFETY FIELD INVESTIGATIONS DCS5011 URGENT - DISTRIBUTE IMMEDIATELY Subject: N172097060 - Special Coverage Side Blind Zone Alert Module Water Intrusion General Motors is releasing Special Coverage N172097060 today. The total number of U.S. vehicles involved is approximately 131,652. Please see the attached bulletin for details. Condition: Some 2013-2016 model year Chevrolet Cruze, 2014-2015 Chevrolet Impala and 2013-2017 GMC Acadia vehicles, may have a condition where the Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) modules may fail or malfunction due to water intrusion. The driver may experience a side blind zone alert message displayed on the driver instrument cluster (DIC). If this message is ignored, the condition could result in the corruption of LS GMLAN that may result in the loss of some driver interface functions such as cluster, infotainment / displays, chime, and passenger presence detection (passenger airbag could be suppressed, w/airbag TT, DIC message). MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN!! Special Coverage Adjustment: This special coverage covers the condition described above for a period of 6 years or 80,000 miles (130,000 km) whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership. CORRECTION: Dealers are to repair the vehicle by ordering and installing the appropriate service kit. The service kit will contain all of the components required to complete the repair. The repairs will be made at no charge to the customer. PROBLEM: MY CAR HAS A BRANDED TITLE SO THEY WILL NOT FIX IT. IF IT IS A RECALL, THEY HAVE TO.

NHTSA ODI 11515410

Service side detection system warning is on and upon investigation and diagnostics it has been widely reported as a common issue that GMC only chose to address for a select number of vehicles. I have 93k miles and there is a service agreement to 80k. Others have indicated that it not fixed it can send bad signals to circuit board causing battery failure, information system failure, dash light failure and headlight failure making this a safety issue is something like this occurs in the dark. As a result I am concerned for my safety and am frustrated that GMC is not required to fix this issue.

NHTSA ODI 11514973

Vehicle transmission does not recognize what gear it is in, a potential danger. Warning light appears randomly "shift to park" and vehicle will not shut down. Vehicle does not recognize that it is in park. Requires multiple attempts to manually shift gears. Multiple complaints for this issue found online. Contacted GM Customer Assistance and they are unresponsive to this problem. GM would not reimburse me for the repair and would not recognize this as a manufacturing problem (supposed to send $100 coupon to dealer, good for 1 year?) see 2 attachements

NHTSA ODI 11514161

The "shift into park" when car is in park. U have to click the gear shifter several times for ut to turn off. Sometimes even having to put the car back into gear putting it back into park and the error will come up again. By clicking the gear shifter will shut it off. Sometimes this could take 2 minutes playing around with it sometimes 10 minutes sometimes it doesn't do it at all. I finally replaced the entire gear shifter mechanism by taking the center council apart. Labor price was unreal. Part price wasn't bad.

NHTSA ODI 11513196

Shift to park message appears and unable to lock doors.

NHTSA ODI 11511348

While driving and accelerating multiple light pop up on the dash and car decelerates. The check engine light, parking brake, car stability comes on. The engine shifts down and doesn’t drive correctly. This happened 3 times while driving on the interstate doing the speed limit 55-70mph

NHTSA ODI 11510474

Steering assist reduced, drive with caution message displayed. Steering wheel sticks when turning. Apparently caused by a faulty thermostat and/or temperature sensor. Had both replaced several months ago. however, both the message and symptoms have returned.

NHTSA ODI 11510391

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving, the A/C unit became inoperable. The next day, while driving at a slow speed and approaching a stop sign, the START/STOP system engaged, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.

NHTSA ODI 11509525

I put the car in park and the push button start would not let me turn off my car. I sat in the parking lot almost 30 min, putting my car in park, then drive, then park for my car to recognize its actually in park to turn off. I started getting this error on the start and stop at lights... it never turned off during the start and stop but fearing my life or my families life.... I took it to my local GMC dealership and the manager from the Service department said this is a common issue with this model, he has repaired HUNDREDS of them. His words. This is a safety issue.... I am shocked this has not been recalled. The lack of urgency to get this fixed is very concerning. It costs my $708.92 to fix this issue. I 100% think i am owed this money due to something that should 100% be recalled. I found an open class action lawsuit that was confirmed by the dealership to be the exact same issue I had. https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/consumer-products/auto-news/gmc-class-action-alleges-acadia-shift-to-park-defect/

NHTSA ODI 11509369

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that on various occasions, the "Service Side Detection System" warning message was displayed, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the Blind Side Zone module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred, and the vehicle lost motive power again and failed to restart. The vehicle was then towed to Brennan Buick GMC (383 State Rte. 3, Plattsburgh, NY 12901) where it was diagnosed that the Blind Side Zone module needed to be replaced again. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred, and the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Service Side Detection System" warning message was displayed. The vehicle was not yet taken to an independent mechanic or local dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.

NHTSA ODI 11507518

Thermostat of the 3.6L LGX engine of General Motors fails. This causes systems to run radiator fan full speed and GMC Certified Service Center said can cause the engine to over-heat and damage. GMC Service center said that entire Thermostat unit (box) needs replacement and due to its location in the engine, it will take 6 hours of labor. They also recommended to flush the coolant and refill. If I google for this issue, its reported numerous times on Acadia forums and seems like a very common issue. Forum : https://www.acadiaforum.net/threads/steering-assist-is-reduced-drive-with-care.35790/#post-350364 https://www.acadiaforum.net/threads/2017-acadia-steering-assist-reduced-drive-with-care-message.32084/#post-321301 https://www.acadiaforum.net/threads/electric-power-steering-assist-warning.35258/#post-341562 Considering its happening on all years of GM models using 3.6 LGX engine and it can potentially cause engine to overheat and blow , I am requesting NHTSA to investigate this problem and work with GM to get a recall issued for this. Please have GM also cover costs of folks who have already fixed this issue with their own money, since the cost of fix is very very high. Thanks

NHTSA ODI 11507111

4-11-22 Wife and I drove from our house to the corner intersection. She put the breaks on and the pedal went to the floor and the car drifted into the intersection, across the street to a parkin lot and then we costed back to our house and had it towed to the local GMC Dealership. Asked for meeting with District Service Manager as I had paid to have vehicle fixed for my use. 5-3 and 4-22 Customer Service in MI agreed that it was a safety issue but out of warranty for brakes. Ok for brakes to go due to wear. 5-16-22 Gave District Service manager (PIE 0458 dated 3-22-18) which reads: "Brake pedal goes to floor with no external sign of a leak" GM KNEW. District Manager helped financially. If we had been in a car crash and died it would have been labeled we ran a stop sigh not that GM willingly put a possible death trap into the publics hands. Sending this because others may have been misdiagnosed concerning a crash. A PIE was issued but no Bulletin was issued

NHTSA ODI 11506104

No incident yet. Although at 68,567 miles, it should not need J0780 Timing Cover Gasket replacement costing approximately $1847. Powertrain warranty was 5 year 65,000 miles. I purchased in April 2017, so April 2022 was 5 years. Unbelievable.

NHTSA ODI 11505849

I started hearing noise coming from the front of my vehicle while driving. The noise would increase in volume with speed and decrease as I got slower. I had a mechanic look at it and he said my Front Right Drive shaft is going. I looked up recalls and this is an existing recall for my same vehicle but does not apply to the AWD versions. Please force the expansion of the recall, as a drive shaft should last the life of the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11503311

1. COULD NOT PUT CAR INTO PARK OR TURN OFF. CAUSED BATTERY TO BE DEAD AS IT WOULD NOT TURN OFF WHEN PUT INTO PARK. 2. STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND JERKED REPEATEDLY. COULD NOT TURN INTO PARKING SPOT. THE STEERING WHEEL HAD A MIND OF ITS OWN AND COULD NOT STOP THE JERK. IT IS DANGEROUS AND SCARY ! 3. AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS DO NOT LIGHT THE ROAD. IT IS AS THOUGH THERE ARE NO LIGHTS AT ALL. IT IS DANGEROUS TO NOT SEE THE ROAD AT NIGHT BECAUSE HEADLIGHTS DO NOT GIVE APPROPRIATE LIGHTING.

NHTSA ODI 11502724

GM put out notice in April 2019 stating side blind zone alert message due to water intrusion May cause issue with driver interface functions. Do not take your vehicle to dealership unless you believe there is a problem. Reimbursement by 4/30/2020 6 years 80,000 miles. Vehicle stopped working while parked in driveway. No start, no cranking, warning lights for security lock out, side crash detection, tire monitoring service and airbags displayed. Dome light for front door did not work while second row lights did work. Lift gate would not open. When stating issues to dealer prior to service were told they had not heard of anything that would stop a cars engine from functioning. Dealership repair stated this was due to rear blind side detection module and that the module shorted out cause all other circuits to go to ground, yet no fuses were blown. Starter fuse and relays were good. I asked dealer if this could have caused my car to stop while driving and they answered yes. Have corroded module and wire loom referee to as kit. Was told no way to circumvent system other than replacement.

NHTSA ODI 11501399

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the shift to park warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the shifter assembly was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

NHTSA ODI 11501105

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%20NHTSA%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.

NHTSA ODI 11500683

At roughly 50,000 there is a transmission line leak in the vehicle. GM has already recalled 2018-2020 model-year GMC Acadia SUVs and other models for this problem due to risk of fire. Whether it is the same cause or not, such a problem leads to the same risk.

NHTSA ODI 11500429

P0128 Apparently what happens when the temp sensor on the T-Stat housing goes bad it sends a signal to the ECM that the engine is overheating, causes the temp gauge to peg to "C", shuts down A/C Compressor Clutch engagement to not exacerbate the Overheat condition and super speeds the cooling fans. Of course it's a false flag warning and the engine isn't actually running hot. At the same time a signal to the ECM also tells the Power Steering Rack that it's Super Cold out and the lube in the steering system may freeze up causing loss of steering assist. NHTSA 17-NA-158 - MAY 2017 Needed to have Thermostat and Temperature sensor replaced. Was quoted by two dealers $1400-$1700. Very deceiving for GM to have SEVERAL "tech bulletins" advising their techs how to properly diagnose this common "error"... but it's not a recall so they won't foot the bill for what is clearly a defect. Car has only 59,400 / 2017 GMC Acadia All Terrain

NHTSA ODI 11498802

My vehicle has serious issues that from my research seem to be a common problem/manufacturer defect experienced by other owners of this model. I believe the defect/issue is an electrical problem. While driving, the vehicle will often have problems using it's automatic transmission. It ranges from "rough" shifting (where the car jerks while shifting gears) to situation where the vehicle fails to shift gears completely leading to the RPMs shooting up. The cars power steering and traction control system also simultaneously fail. This leads to a dangerous situation when on highways etc This issue simultaneously causes all of the warning lights on the dashboard to light up while displaying the following messages on screen "Service stabilitrak" & "steering assist reduced -drive with care" & "service brake assist" & "service parking brake". The gauges also stop responding/reflecting accurate info when this happens. I have a video of what this all looks like. This has been on ongoing intermittent problem pretty much for the entire life of the vehicle. GMC informed me that they had never heard of this when I inquired about it a dealership but searching online makes it incredibly clear that this is an extremely widespread issue that they are aware of. I have also attached a file that has a list of all error codes detected by me for this vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11497608

Vehicle went on fire in or near the engine compartment - the entire front end was burned and car is a total loss. I was in the vehicle driving home with my children (a 5 min drive from their school) and we smelled what we assumed was a a fire pit or fireplace burning nearby; we got out of the vehicle, within 90 seconds there were flames coming out of the hood. Car was well maintained and received nearly all service at the RVC GMC dealership it was purchased from. Vehicle was also still under the warranty we purchased.

NHTSA ODI 11496939