2018 GMC Canyon

52 complaints on file, page 1 of 3.

1. Filed Jul 30, 2026Failure Aug 10, 2001Redlands, CAPower train, Steering

   On many occasions, over several years of ownership, ''NEW in 2018, the trans has had violent shift Problems. I could only find 1, ONE instance where a person was "injured'' by ANY of the GM 8L transmissions. My neck is hurting Now. I'm compelled to do this for Others who been Scammed by GM as they still sell a 8 speed rewrapped. I can't believe this has been protected against being called a SAFETY ISSUE By any Gov. agency. I got my truck in Retirement and Know I can't and won't Tow a Trailer or Boat Like I planned to. If I cause a wreck, Knowing the Defect, I will be held Responsible, Not GM LLC. It just did something new on 7/23/26. it stuck I a mid range gear and wouldn't shift, I Bumped it into Neutral to slow down and Recover proper control. I've said enough, be safe if you Have an 8 Speed from GM, or a 10 speed too.Read UP.

   NHTSA complaint 11753768
2. Filed Jun 26, 2026Failure Jun 19, 2020new albany, MSUnknown or other

   The truck have a bad shudder that can shake you off the road. They know about the issue because its been an issue with there vehicles. I have a 2020 colorado also with this dangerous issue.

   NHTSA complaint 11746700
3. Filed May 13, 2026Failure May 5, 2026Alabaster, ALAir bagsCrash1 injured

   Crash on 5/5 rear ended car - airbags did not deploy . Received concussion and neck injury.

   NHTSA complaint 11737690
4. Filed Mar 25, 2026Failure Mar 25, 2026Bodfish, CAFuel/propulsion system, Unknown or other, Vehicle speed control

   The warning light is saying engine power reduced having to do with the DEF system

   NHTSA complaint 11726916
5. Filed Feb 21, 2026Failure Feb 16, 2026Gainesville, GAPower train

   This is a known problem with GMC and Chevy trucks, known as the Rumble. At approximately 45mph and up, the truck feels like it’s going over rumble strip and the back end is slipping. This causes the steering wheel and truck to shake. It could result in the loss of control if it gets too bad. I took it in for diagnostic testing, which confirmed that it was the transmission. They recommended a triple flush and replacement of the transmission fluid, as well as a computer upgrade. I had them complete the recommended service. As of right now it seems to have helped. But if it returns the next steps is to replace the torque converter. There were no warning lights, nor messages indicating an issue.

   NHTSA complaint 11719602
6. Filed Feb 2, 2026Failure Dec 1, 202340,000 milesDenver, COPower train

   The contact owns a 2018 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving in the snow, the 4WD function became inoperable, and the vehicle lost traction and started skidding. The "Service 4WD" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was determined that a chip inside of the casing of the 4WD feature was inoperable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11715011
7. Filed Nov 12, 2025Failure Nov 12, 202534,929 milesSalem, NHPower train

   The contact owns a 2018 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 34,929.

   NHTSA complaint 11698993
8. Filed Jan 20, 2025Failure Jan 1, 2025Garland, TXPower train

   The transmission is sluggish and jerky resulting in unpredictable and inconsistent speed control. The vehicle is available for inspection, if requested. The inconsistent speed control is a potential hazard during acceleration and deceleration. The issue is known to the manufacturer. No warning lamps or messages have been observed. The symptoms began to appear soon after the vehicle was purchased on 12/28/2024.

   NHTSA complaint 11637160
9. Filed Dec 14, 2024Failure Oct 22, 2024Bryan, TXEngine

   My 2018 GMC Canyon just underwent repairs due to a crack in the head gasket. A serious issue which resulted in having to take said GMC Canyon to a mechanic before further damage to the engine could be suffered. My truck only had a measly 76,000 miles. Definitely, something GMC should take a look into. I however was fortunate enough to notice abnormal loss in the coolant reservoir before suffering excessive overheating or potentially an engine fire. At such a low mileage as well as the nature this issue GMC should take pride in ensuring reliability and care for the customers that experienced this manufacturing defect.

   NHTSA complaint 11630755
10. Filed Nov 25, 2024Failure Aug 24, 201838,000 milesBoiling Springs, PAElectrical system

    The contact owns a 2018 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while parking the vehicle, the ignition key was difficult to remove from the ignition cylinder. The contact stated that the failure was constant and was unable to remove the key from the ignition cylinder, causing the 12-Volt battery to be drained. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the contact needed to jiggle the key until being able to remove the key from the ignition cylinder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11627186
11. Filed Oct 29, 2024Failure Oct 29, 202432,500 milesJohnstown, PAElectrical system

    The contact owns a 2018 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to remove the key fob from the ignition, and the key fob was stuck. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the gear shifter was in park(P) but the contact was unable to remove the key fob. The contact restarted the vehicle and shifted into other gears several times to remove the key fob. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the gear shifter assembly had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 32,500.

    NHTSA complaint 11622490
12. Filed Jun 6, 2024Failure May 23, 2024Reno, NVFuel/propulsion system, Power train, Body

    Major potential for deadly fire or explosion. Fuel tank strapped failed after forward strap bolt fell out of threaded cross member where fastened in frame. The failure led to the fuel tank hanging inches off the ground on the freeway stressing fuel pump lines to forward upper tank. Metal grinding noises heard to prompt roadside inspection confirming hanging, unsecured tank full of 26gal of diesel. The tank wedged the fuel tank strap between plastic tank and drive shaft (propeller shaft) with heat and potentially spark as the the metal strap ground into the drive shaft marring and striating the durable metal. Heat and plastic melts, heat and spark with diesel combusts..in addition to risking of dragging tank at highway speed rupturing tank. Upon service at the dealer, mechanic observed the rear bolt to fuel strap was also loose and needed to be secured. GMC Protection Plan denied compensation for coverage as they do not cover "bolts, fuel straps, or manufacturer defects" under advertised "Bumper to Bumper" GMC Protection Plan marketed by GMC dealerships as protection for all non-wearable parts. No warning indicators appeared. My dog was in the truck bed in a camper shell directly above the potentially massive fire or explosion, this could have been catastrophic if it had been ignored. Additionally I was in northern California and southern Oregon when issue presented- potentially causing a major forest fire incident. While my outcome was fortunate in terms of safety, this could claim lives and even massive incidental loss of property. Vehicle has been inspected by local dealer and GM notified, hoping to receive coverage for damaged parts. Interestingly, there was previously a GM recall involving forward fuel strap dislodging and wearing into drive shaft on previous years of GM vehicles. No notable corrosion observed, bolts in question are high on frame secured to protected cross members, occurred at approximately 75K miles. I have photos on another device, if needed.

    NHTSA complaint 11592919
13. Filed Mar 10, 2024Failure Mar 4, 2024Coeur D Alene, IDPower trainCrash

    Vehicle switched out of four wheel drive while travelling up hill in snow. Resulted in a loss of traction and sliding downhill until it collided with a tree, resulting in$9,000 worth of damage. I have heard of the AWD/4WD actuator failing in other GMC trucks. The vehicle is currently in for repairs.

    NHTSA complaint 11576454
14. Filed Jan 24, 2024Failure Jan 18, 2024Rancho cordova, CAElectrical system, Engine

    2 weeks ago I was driving on the highway doing 65 mile per hour and suddenly my truck started shaking and. Suddenly completely shut down lost power brakes stiffed and steering wheel as well. I safely pulled over to try to restart the vehicle and on my dash board light came on engine, TCM light and a light with a little car with hash marks called dealer the technician said it was a ecm. Problem and that am looking at a price of 7,000 dollars which is not in my budget reaching out to see if is maybe a manufacturing issue

    NHTSA complaint 11567597
15. Filed Jan 6, 2024Failure Oct 14, 2023Lancaster, VAPower train

    Transmission developed shutter/shimmy when shifting gears especially at lower speeds. Took truck to dealer and they diagnosed that the torque converter had failed. There are numerous reports and complaints online regarding this issue with GMC Canyons.

    NHTSA complaint 11563948
16. Filed Dec 11, 2023Failure Dec 1, 2023Dewitt, MIExterior lighting

    Backup lights are not working; bulbs are good. No apparent chafing/wear on wiring harness. Removed ground strap, cleaned and reattached. Still not working. 48,000 miles on 2018 GMC Canyon SLT, diesel engine.

    NHTSA complaint 11559488
17. Filed Oct 30, 2023Failure Oct 29, 2023Swansea, MAElectrical system

    When placing the vehicle in reverse, the infotainment screen goes to full brightness on the reverse camera, making it difficult to see at night by lighting up the cabin causing interior reflections when trying to see out the windows at mirrors or behind the vehicle. There is no way to adjust the brightness setting. This is a pointless feature as the camera becomes the required visual point and is sometimes obscured by dirt or water so the driver is forced to fight the bright useless screen to see out the windows.

    NHTSA complaint 11552550
18. Filed Oct 6, 2023Failure Apr 16, 2023Santaquin, UTElectrical system, Engine

    I was traveling on a two lane highway, a semi in front of me and a truck behind me. A warning message popped up on my dash “Service Emissions System- 65 mi before 65mph max speed”. And within 5 seconds of that message popping up, the engine detuned itself. I pulled over as quick as I could, but I only made it partially out of the road before the engine shut down completely. I couldn’t start the vehicle again to get it the rest of the way out of the road. I was 40 miles from the nearest town on a Sunday. I had to turn on my flashers and sit outside the vehicle for 4 hours until a tow truck was able to come get me. Thankfully at the time of incident I was on a rural highway and I wasn’t hurt, but I could have been seriously injured haha this happened on the freeway or a road in the city. It then sat at the dealership for 3 months following this to get a diagnostic and repair.

    NHTSA complaint 11548755
19. Filed Jul 11, 2023Failure Jun 24, 202374,000 milesRiverside, CAExhaust system, Fuel system, Diesel

    The contact owns a 2018 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while driving 60-65 MPH, the message “Bad Exhaust Fluid Warning” was displayed. The contact stated that he added exhaust fluid to the vehicle per owner manual’s instructions; however, the message remained displayed. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where the failure could not be duplicated. The dealer advised the contact that the vehicle would return to normal operation if he continued driving the vehicle. The contact stated that as he continued driving, the vehicle failed to exceed 55 MPH. A message indicating that the speed would decrease to 45 MPH for 40 miles, and then to 5 MPH, was displayed. The contact pulled into a gas station. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then driven to the dealer, where the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000. The VIN was unavailable.

    NHTSA complaint 11531580
20. Filed Jun 20, 2023Failure Jun 19, 2023Hopland, CAUnknown or other

    Truck started vibrating we took it it for diagnostic services & the results were a failing torque converter way premature in age for this to be a problem!

    NHTSA complaint 11527952