Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise, lane keeping, backup camera).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2017 GMC Acadia owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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 contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while driving at approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle experienced phantom braking. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 114,590.
Side Detection Malfunction Message on Dash. Blind spot and cross traffic alerts not working. Vehicle has a blind spot on the driver's side and without this alert, I have found that vehicles appear to not be there but actually which causes issues with merging traffic and lane changes leading to potential collisions. Dealer replaced the side detection modules under warranty and special policy because of water intrusion into the modules. This exact same symptoms and parts have occurred and replaced 5 times, and a 6th is currently needed. All work was performed exclusively at GMAC dealer and vehicle is accident free. GM issued a special policy that covered this specific repair, and the vehicle now needs to it done a 6th time and GM has refused to assist saying vehicle is out of special policy. I have requested that GM inspect the vehicle but no response. …
On [redacted] my 2017 Acadia Denali started driving poorly and a steering assist reduced message appeared. I had O'Reilly scan for error messages and they were: P0128 and P0826-00. The dealership confirmed that they would need to replace the thermostat. The Buick GMC Beaverton technician made a video of my vehicle: [redacted] My safety was put at risk due to the risk of my steering going out. My car intermittently was having trouble engaging in driving (it randomly acted like it was not firing, it was "jerking"), I heard my cooling fan come on immediately the next day when started my car to drive it to the GMC dealership. I feared that my car would just die going over a mountain pass without cell coverage. On [redacted] I had the same steering assist reduced message and then replaced my thermostat at 39,228 miles. I will need to replace this again, 37,638 miles later. …
While driving at highway speeds, a warning appeared on the Driver Information Center (DIC): "Steering Assist is Reduced - Drive with Care." Simultaneously, the temperature gauge was stuck on "C," the radiator cooling fan ran at high speed, and the air conditioning stopped blowing cold air. After researching the issue, I discovered that these symptoms are commonly linked to a failing thermostat-a known and widespread problem with GM's 3.6L LGX engine. Unfortunately, replacing the thermostat on this engine is not a simple repair, often requiring significant labor and cost. The most concerning aspect is the loss of steering assist, which poses a serious safety risk, especially at highway speeds. Given the frequency of this issue across many GM vehicles, it's clear that this is a defective part and not an isolated incident. …
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. …
Twice the side detection system failed due to corroded wiring under the bumper which then led into the electrical system failing on side air bag detection/blind zone detection/traction control system/display monitor and blinkers all failing to the point of vehicle not starting. The safety is these features failed which were both safety and stability. Risks occur in becoming stranded and the problem was first noted by dealer to be a poor battery. GM pushed out a "Special Coverage Adjustment' to have the wiring/module kit to be ordered and repaired by a dealer for no charge. Stipulations was within 6 yrs or 80,000 from 'placed in use'. Warning lamps occurred after the corrosion was too far along to be rectified and after the 6n yrs off the lot. …
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.
Vehicle will apply breaks abruptly on its own whenever it thinks a vehicle is too close. Was in traffic and it kept slamming on the breaks as I would try and move forward. Will slam on the breaks whenever I attempt to just slow down during the course of driving. Was on the highway and anytime I pressed the breaks to slow down, automatic breaks would slam down breaks on its own. Drove vehicle right to dealership as the was a major safety issue for me especially with my baby in the car.
While driving get notice lane departure not working and thermostat registered zero, when code scanned, states low thermostat temp and able to reset with code reader. Will reoccur in minters to days later. This is an electrical issue to to the ability to reset with a code scan tool, but also a safety issue since it also effects the electrical safety ability associated with the sensor.
Collision Avoidance complaints in other Acadia years
Frequently asked questions
How common are collision avoidance problems on the 2017 GMC Acadia?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the driver assistance of the 2017 GMC Acadia, 5% of the model year's 705 complaints. The component named most often is blind spot detection (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2017 GMC Acadia collision avoidance problems?
No. NHTSA lists no driver assistance recall for the 2017 GMC Acadia, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2017 GMC Acadia collision avoidance problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.