Acadia (2nd)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Reliability Overview
The 2017-2023 Acadia is the smaller, lighter, more carlike second generation. The data shows 1,692 NHTSA complaints across seven model years and an 18-recall ledger, with no recorded deaths but transmission and electrical patterns that read as the dominant story for this generation.
Three engines do the work. The LGX 3.6L V6 ran across all seven years and collected 1,380 of the 1,692 complaints, rating 2.2 in the caution band. The LCV 2.5L naturally-aspirated four-cylinder ran 2017-2021 and carried a much lower complaint density (233 total, 2.8 rating). The LSY 2.0L turbo replaced the 2.5L for 2020 onward and shows the highest severity rate of the three despite a small 40-complaint sample, with critical-severity electrical and engine issues recorded against it.
Powertrain dominates the recall ledger. Right-front intermediate driveshaft fractures triggered 17V516 in 2017. Half-shaft separation came back twice more on 2022-2023 cars, with 23V043 (right-front, sun-gear connection) and 23V172 (driver-side, incorrect sun gear) both pointing at transmission assembly errors. Stop/start accumulator bolts went missing in 20V668. Fuel system pulled three separate recalls for high-pressure pump detachment, jet nozzle blockage, and improperly seated supply lines. The Takata-style driver airbag inflator recall (23V334) reaches into the 2014-2017 hardware. The 2022-2023 sun gear issue (23V172) is the one that should send buyers running a VIN check.
The recurring owner story on this generation is software-flagged transmission behavior, harsh shifts, and intermittent power loss complaints that do not always map to a recall remedy. The naturally-aspirated 2.5L sidesteps that hardware entirely, which is why it carries the lowest complaint density of the in-generation engines.
For 2024 GM moved the Acadia onto a different platform, and the third generation returned to a larger footprint and a single 2.5L turbo engine. Buyers shopping the 2017-2023 second gen on the used market are buying a transition-era Acadia: smaller than the 2007-2016 first gen and meaningfully smaller than the 2024+ third gen.
Engine Reliability Ratings
LCV - SIDI: Spark Ignited Direct Injection, VVT: Variable Valve Timing, DCVCP, E85 MAX, E0-E100, ALUM
2.5L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
LSY - SIDI, VVT, ALUM, VAR 3
2.0L 4-cyl TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
GMC Acadia Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
LGX - DI: Direct Injection, VVT: Variable Valve Timing, ALUM, GEN 2
3.6L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
L29
7.4L 8-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the GMC Acadia regardless of engine variant.
Buyer's Guide
Within this generation, the 2017-2019 model years pre-date the LSY 2.0L turbo and its higher severity profile, and they sidestep most of the post-2020 recall ledger (start/stop accumulator bolts, surround vision rear camera connector, fuel supply seating, transmission half-shaft separation). The LCV 2.5L naturally-aspirated four-cylinder, which ran through 2021, carries the lowest complaint density of the in-generation engines. A 2018-2019 Acadia with the 2.5L four is the lowest-complaint-density configuration the file supports.
Pre-purchase inspection should center on the transmission. Run a VIN check on 23V043 and 23V172 (half-shaft separation, 2022-2023 cars) and confirm any open campaign is closed. Drive the vehicle through several traffic-speed shifts and a full-throttle pull to listen for clunking, hesitation, or harsh engagement. The Takata-style airbag recall (23V334) reaches into 2017 hardware, so 2017 cars should also have that VIN-checked. Pull the engine cover and inspect the high-pressure fuel pump and supply lines for residue or leakage (18V358 covered 2017-2018 cars).
The 2020-2023 cars carry the most current-recall exposure and pair the LSY turbo with the unsettled transmission. A buyer drawn to the turbo should accept that the data is thin on that engine and the powertrain pairing is still surfacing issues in late-model recalls. Cross-shop the Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse, which share many of the same components, before committing.
Recalls (18)
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac XT6, GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Blazer, Traverse, and 2022-2023 Cadillac XT5 vehicles. The transmission may have been built with an incorrect sun gear, which can result in the driver-side half-shaft disengaging from the transmission.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 GMC Acadia and 2024 Cadilac XT5 and XT6 vehicles. The windshield may have been assembled without the proper urethane sealant required to bond the windshield to the vehicle body.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac XT5 and GMC Acadia vehicles. The right-front half-shaft assemblies may be improperly connected to the transmission, causing them to separate.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles. The fuel tank rollover valve may not provide a proper seal in the event of a rollover crash.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with the optional Surround Vision feature. The rearview camera coaxial cable connectors may have been crimped improperly, causing the rearview camera to fail or function intermittently.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The certification label located on the driver's side B-pillar contains tire size information that may be illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The left-rear suspension toe link may have been tightened improperly, which could result in a loose or separated toe link.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC Acadia, Sierra 1500, and certain Continental tires sold to the aftermarket for various model year 2018-2021 vehicles. The affected tires were cured for too long during production.
General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2022 GMC Acadia vehicles. The sensing diagnostic module (SDM) may have been left in "manufacturing mode" and not activated at the assembly plant prior to shipment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The fuel supply lines may be improperly attached and seated.
General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5 and XT6, Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500 and Traverse and GMC Acadia and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The diffuser component of the Roof-Rail Air Bag (RRAB) inflator may not have been properly crimped to the inflator and could separate from the inflator during air bag deployment.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5, Cadillac XT6, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The fuel pump's jet nozzle may have a plastic burr remaining from the manufacturing process, possibly causing a blocked nozzle and an insufficient fuel supply to the engine.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse vehicles and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. The vehicles may have been manufactured with Continental tires that were overcured.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles and 2017-2018 GMC Acadia vehicles. The right front intermediate driveshaft may fracture and separate while driving.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2017 Cadillac XT5 vehicles manufactured April 16, 2016, to May 9, 2016, and 2017 GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured April 19, 2016, to April 22, 2016. The front brake calipers may have a torn or misaligned caliper piston seal which may allow brake fluid to leak.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2017-2023 GMC Acadia problems?
The 2017-2023 GMC Acadia has accumulated 1,692 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Transmission, Electrical System, Engine. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which GMC Acadia engine is most reliable?
The 2017-2023 GMC Acadia was offered with 5 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.5L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2017-2023 GMC Acadia a good used car?
The 2017-2023 GMC Acadia can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 1,692 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2017-2023 GMC Acadia have?
The 2017-2023 GMC Acadia has 1,692 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2017-2023 GMC Acadia?
There are 18 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2017-2023 GMC Acadia vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used GMC Acadia?
Before buying a used GMC Acadia, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Transmission, Electrical System, Engine, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Acadia?
The 2023 GMC Acadia received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 5 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (15.1% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard & Optional. Lane Departure Warning: Standard & Optional. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 1,692 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.