2017–2023 GMC Acadia · common problems & known faults

'Shift to Park' warning even when in park.

Typically appears

Any

What to inspect

Confirm it shifts to park cleanly without a persistent warning.

9-speed automatic shudder / hard shifts.

Typically appears

Any

What to inspect

Feel for shudder on light acceleration.

AC condenser faults.

Typically appears

70,000+ miles

What to inspect

Confirm cold AC output.

Stabilitrak and infotainment glitches.

Typically appears

Age-related

What to inspect

Watch for warning messages and test the screen.

Cooling fans running constantly on high speed and temperature gauge reading cold (P0128 thermostat failure).

Typically appears

40,000-70,000 miles

What to inspect

Start the engine from cold and let it idle. Listen to see if the radiator fans immediately engage on maximum speed whilst the temperature gauge remains pinned at the bottom.

Juddering, binding, or a scrubbing sensation from the rear axle during tight turns on AWD models.

Typically appears

30,000-50,000 miles

What to inspect

Perform a tight figure-of-eight manoeuvre at low speed on the forecourt. Feel for driveline binding and listen for chatter or tyre scrubbing from the rear differential.

Clunking or popping noises from the front end when turning the steering wheel or traversing small bumps.

Typically appears

50,000-80,000 miles

What to inspect

Whilst stationary on the forecourt, rock the steering wheel vigorously lock-to-lock and listen for popping noises emanating from the front suspension turrets indicating worn strut top mounts.

Water ingress into the cabin causing damp front carpets or water stains on the A-pillar headlining.

Typically appears

3-5 years

What to inspect

Press firmly into the front footwell carpets with your hand to check for dampness, and visually inspect the A-pillar fabric for brown water tide marks indicating blocked sunroof drains.