Acadia (2nd)
Verdict The 2.5L four has fewer complaints on file than the 3.6L V6, but per vehicle built the two show no clear difference. The 2020-2023 cars pair the 2.0L turbo with the most recall exposure; on any year, check the transmission closely.
Data covers 3 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
LGX - DI: Direct Injection, VVT: Variable Valve Timing, ALUM, GEN 2
3.6L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
LCV - SIDI: Spark Ignited Direct Injection, VVT: Variable Valve Timing, DCVCP, E85 MAX, E0-E100, ALUM
2.5L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
LLT
3.6L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
LSY - SIDI, VVT, ALUM, VAR 3
2.0L 4-cyl TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
GMC Acadia Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
L29
7.4L 8-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Reliability Overview
The 2017-2023 Acadia is the smaller, lighter, more carlike second generation. The data shows 1,834 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 1,389 of the 1,834 complaints; a separate LLT 3.6L code on 2017 cars adds 108 more. The LCV 2.5L naturally-aspirated four-cylinder ran 2017-2021 and carried fewer complaints (245 total). The LSY 2.0L turbo replaced the 2.5L for 2020 onward and shows the highest severity rate of the three despite a small 51-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 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 four separate recalls for high-pressure pump detachment, jet nozzle blockage, improperly seated supply lines, and a rollover valve that may not seal. The driver airbag inflator recall (23V334) reaches into the 2014-2017 hardware. The 2023 sun gear issue (23V172) is the one that should send buyers running a VIN check.
For 2024 GM redesigned the Acadia, 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.
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the GMC Acadia, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
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 (surround vision rear camera connector, fuel supply seating, transmission half-shaft separation). The LCV 2.5L naturally-aspirated four-cylinder, which ran through 2021, has the fewest complaints on file of the engines sold in volume. A 2018-2019 Acadia with the 2.5L four is the configuration with the fewest complaints on file, though per vehicle built the 2.5L and the V6 show no clear difference.
An inspection should center on the transmission. Run a VIN check on 23V043 and 23V172 (half-shaft separation, 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 driver airbag inflator 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.
What to check on a used 2017-2023 GMC Acadia
On a used 2017-2023 GMC Acadia, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the transmission and drivetrain (607), the electrical system (514) and the engine (243). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 607 owner complaints on the 2017-2023 GMC Acadia about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 514 owner complaints on the 2017-2023 GMC Acadia about the electrical system.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 243 owner complaints on the 2017-2023 GMC Acadia about the engine, all engines combined.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 199 owner complaints on the 2017-2023 GMC Acadia about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Turn the wheel from lock to lock while parked, then drive straight on a level road with a light grip.Safety. NHTSA has 133 owner complaints on the 2017-2023 GMC Acadia about the steering.
Recalls (18)
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 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 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 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.
Show 13 older recalls
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2017-2023 GMC Acadia complaints?
Owners have filed 1,834 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017-2023 GMC Acadia. The systems they name most often are the transmission, the electrical system and the engine.
Is the 2017-2023 GMC Acadia a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 1,834 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017-2023 GMC Acadia. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2017-2023 GMC Acadia have?
NHTSA has 1,834 owner complaints on file for the 2017-2023 GMC Acadia as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2017-2023 GMC Acadia?
NHTSA lists 18 recalls covering some 2017-2023 GMC Acadia vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used GMC Acadia?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the transmission, the electrical system and the engine, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and 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. 1,834 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.