Equipment Problems of GMC Canyon - part 1

On [xxx], at approximately 4:10 pm, I was at the mcdonald’s drive-through located at [xxx] and [xxx] in springfield, missouri. I was stopped at the final service window. As I pulled away from the window, I approached a 90-degree left turn heading south. I removed my foot from the accelerator pedal to allow the truck to coast slowly around the corner, as the area is heavily pedestrian and requires caution. While coasting with my foot completely off the gas pedal, the truck suddenly and rapidly began to accelerate on its own. I immediately applied the brakes, and the unintended acceleration stopped right away. At that point, I called thompson GMC in springfield, missouri, at 4:17 pm to report the incident. This was the second time this has occurred. The first incident happened several months ago on [xxx] north of strafford, missouri. While navigating a curve, I lifted my foot off the accelerator to coast, and the truck again experienced sudden, hard acceleration. I quickly applied the brakes, and the acceleration stopped immediately. I called thompson GMC at that time as well. They advised me that I could bring the vehicle in for inspection, but without a check engine light or warning light illuminated, and without the issue occurring while a technician was driving, it might be difficult to diagnose. I did not bring the vehicle in after the first incident. Yesterday, a thompson GMC employee scheduled an appointment for me to have the truck inspected. No warning lights or check engine lights were illuminated on the dashboard during either incident. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2025 GMC Canyon 🔎.

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

See all problems of the 2018 GMC Canyon 🔎.

Radiator hose began to leak coolant. Faulty radiator hose. This could have caused engine failure and potentially caused an accident or may have put others at risk for hazards. No warning other strange sound. Inspected by authorized dealers service center.

See all problems of the 2024 GMC Canyon 🔎.

Upper radiator hose is leaking.

See all problems of the 2023 GMC Canyon 🔎.

I am reporting a driver distraction safety issue involving the infotainment system in my 2024 GMC Canyon. The vehicle displays a mandatory “focus your attention on driving” warning every time the vehicle is started, requiring user acknowledgment. When using the built-in google maps navigation without subscribing to gm’s paid connected services plan (while tethering to a personal cellphone hotspot instead), the system displays a modal warning stating that a connected services subscription is required. This warning appears whenever cellular connectivity is briefly interrupted, even for a few seconds (such as when driving through a known cellular dead spot). The warning overlays the navigation screen and requires the driver to manually press a “dismiss” button to continue, even while the vehicle is in motion, requiring the driver to take their eyes off the road to focus on pressing the dismiss button. This behavior creates a safety contradiction: the system warns drivers to focus on driving, then forces manual interaction with the touchscreen during active driving. The interruption is triggered by transient network conditions, not driver action. The behavior does not occur if the driver pays for gm’s subscription service, indicating it is a business-rule enforcement rather than a technical or safety requirement. The repeated appearance of this warning during normal driving conditions constitutes an unnecessary and avoidable distraction. It diverts attention from the road and navigation, increasing risk rather than reducing it. I believe this design violates established human-factors safety principles by introducing nonessential driver interaction during vehicle operation and should be reviewed as a potential safety defect related to driver distraction. We just got home from a trip to west texas and had to press the dismiss button no less than 100 times while driving through areas with marginal/intermittent cell service. It's a huge driver distraction.

I have been dealing with a sweet/christmas-like smell in my car occasionally for the last several months. This is a health & safety concern for me involving ethylene glycol fumes in the cabin. These fumes could be linked to why I have experienced increased sinus headaches over the past several month. I took it into carmax (where I purchased the vehicle) and they were able to diagnose the issue and state that my heater core needed to be replaced. However, since my vehicle was under 36,000 miles, it needed to go to the dealer. The dealer that has been working on the vehicle is hendrick hoover Chevrolet. I have taken the vehicle to the dealer twice already and they have not been able to diagnose it the same as carmax nor recreate the smell. Both times I have picked up the vehicle, I smelled the same thing within 1 day of having the vehicle back. Today (1/22/26) I took the vehicle back to carmax to have them take it to the dealer for the third because I have not only smelled the same smell, I have 2 new issues that need to be addressed. They are not the reason for this complaint, however. But for documentation purposes, it involves servicing the safety restraint system and error codes p0018 and p0021. I do not have any records of the first time I took the vehicle to carmax/dealer in November of 2025, but I have attached the records from the latest visit where I dropped the vehicle off on 12/10/25 and picked it up on 1/14/26.

See all problems of the 2022 GMC Canyon 🔎.

Top radiator hose is leaking coolant. Radiator hose o ring appears to be faulty.

Transmission has been shuddering since 15,000 miles till now. Dealerships says it's normal on these transmissions, 6 fluid and filter changes and now at 72,000 miles the transmission is failing just outside of warranty. They scammed me and kept my transmission barely alive until warranty ran out and now they want 8k-10k for a replacement. They knew. Dash goes crazy from the touch screen to the digital information screen in the speedometer. They say it's normal and happens on all the units. But it's distracting and has been messing up since bought the truck new. Again they just kept saying it was nothing they can do. Now they say it needs to be replaced after my warranty has run out. Def system is failing conveniently after the warranty has run out. It's dangerous because they programmed the truck to go into limp mode when anything emissions related fails stranding me anywhere at anytime. Emission failures like sensors should not restrict travel. This is a major issue with the diesels in these trucks and they need to be forced to remove anything that's not dangerous to the health of the engine or drive train from the software or hardware from being able to restrict travel. In every situation I've been restricted to limp mode by dirty particulate sensors, but the code that pops and puts my truck in limp mode says that the nox sensor is bad. This is false and is just a way for gm to get service at their dealers. Then they charge customers a fortune to replace parts that don't need to be replaced when you can just remove and clean the four particulate sensors and the restrictions will clear themselves shortly after. Emissions related issues should not restrict travel by any means! it is dangerous to be stranded on a trip because your emission sensors may be malfunctioning.

See all problems of the 2016 GMC Canyon 🔎.

The driver information center located directly in front of the driver that contains the speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure. . . Etc. , has a very distracting background. The background is a geometric patterns of triangles giving a sense of depth. This is very distracting especially at night. Quick looks to see speed, engine temperature or other critical vehicle information is complicated by this unnecessary aesthetic background. I reported this problem and it can be located here: [xxx] I've been advised to mail via usps my concern to the office of defect investigation team which I will do today. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The vehicle does not have a manual switch for the headlight control. The only way to control the headlights is through the digital control interface on the infotainment console panel. The headlight controller button is so small that a person has to take their eyes off the road for a long time making it a very unsafe condition. If a deer was in your lane you could not turn your lights on and off quick enough to maybe un shine the deer so in would move while honking your horn. It is just totally unsafe as a hole when you’re not looking down the road while driving. If you had the switch you can always feel around for it much safer than taking your eys off the road while driving.

The ignition key intermittently will not extract. I'm seeing a number of complaints on-line regarding this. I have to often restart the truck back up or forward, turn the steering wheel hard left and right, then put in park to extract the key. I believe this is a danger as you would have to leave the key in the ignition of you cannot extract it. This happens multiple times a week.

Trailer braking and stability control randomly disables. This leaves an unsafe condition when towing any trailers that require a trailer brake controller. Has happened on multiple occasions.

Heat shield over drive train not installed properly. While driving since purchased I’d hear a metal reverberation / clunking sound that seemed to be under the truck. I even had it in for oil change service w/ dealer and no mention of finding anything. On sat 3/15/2025 I took it back to dealer with the heat shield that was torn from the undercarriage over the drive train, the service person said it did not to appear to have been fastened at the factory before delivery to dealer/me. They were going to re-install it, however it was damaged; and I told them that was not acceptable to put a broken part back on the truck. I still don’t know what other damage has occurred to the vehicle due to the rubbing/clanking around while driving the 12,000 miles I have on it. They told me it was safe to drive and just come back when they get the part in. I have photos and videos; the dealer took the damaged heat shield from me and I don’t know what they did with it. Risk level to other drivers is the heat shield could have flown off truck while driving; to me inside the vehicle could have obstructed drive train and caused damage/accident, and other damage I’m still not aware of. Yes, dealer advised: harnish GMC puyallup, wa 253-840-6300 no fix yet. No warnings in vehicle or on any electronic displays. I noticed the sound right away on purchase but couldn’t identify it until it “got so bad” I went under the truck to look, and found it separated and dragging on the drive train.

While driving on the highway, the sunroof of the truck shattered. There were no other vehicles nearby at this time. No one was hurt and nothing hit the vehicle to cause the sunroof to shatter. The vehicle was brought to the dealer for inspection/repair. This incident occurred on 3/4/2025. There was no rain or snow occurring at the time and temp outdoors was around 40 degrees. In addition to this incident, a piece of trim came loose on the vehicle that was repaired. No injuries resulted in this as it was noticed before it came off and hit anything going down the road at a higher speed.

Vehicle whole system was non existent. No interior lighting, no door chime when opened, no response. Mechanic took a look and found alternator not good. It’s not charging the battery and advised me to tow it to warranty repair shop. Advised me if I were driving and vehicle died I would not have power or control of vehicle and cause serious injury or death. Lucky I was parked at home and attempted to start vehicle to leave home. No repairs done yet, vehicle is still at home waiting for an appointment.

There is a phantom chime that happens intermittently at all driving conditions when close to or below 20 degrees f. (stop and go, highway, back roads, dry weather, wet weather, clear weather, etc. ). This chime does not produce any warning on the driver displays. This is dangerous because it causes the driver to look away from the road to figure out what the warning is. But no warning being shown causes one to look around for the issue. Again, taking eyes off of the road even longer. Chimes can happen a dozen times on a drive, or none at all. Completely random but only happens in the temperature range listed above. This is reported on numerous forums for the current generation Canyons and colorados. This has been consistent with winter of 2025 and now winter of 2026.

Check engine light came on, had it looked into, the radiator active shutter grille was stuck and wouldn't close. It had to be replaced. No causation or incident to have caused this. Bottomline, it had to be replaced to avoid further damage and from becoming a safety issue.

See all problems of the 2017 GMC Canyon 🔎.

The chrome trim that is on the dashboard has a glare that reflects into the rear-view outside mirrors making hard to see obstructions the problem is all weather conditions sunny or cloudy.

The stabilitrac system fails causing the traction system to turn off.

Headlights flicker constantly. While being extremely distracting and unsafe while driving, it also causes other driver to think I’m flashing them. This leads them to flashing their high beams at me when oncoming and pulling over to let me pass when in front of me. Also, after I complete a right turn, my left signal flashes 3-4 times. I brought it to the dealership and they said they suspect a “software glitch” but that gm hasn’t determined a cause or solution yet. It appears to affect models built in may/June 2024 and on. I was also told that the display screen in the truck can be/may become affected, which is the only way to control the lights in the vehicle. They could not provide me with a loaner or replacement and said to keep driving the vehicle as-is until gm can come up with a fix, despite repeatedly agreeing with how unsafe it is. I have filed a report with gm as well. I was told to “make noise and maybe they’d get it fixed sooner. ”.

On [xxx] at approximately 5:30p, I was driving normal highway speed when I saw what I thought was exhaust trailing behind. There were no dash warning lights, engine temperature showing normal range, car was performing normally. I pulled over to shoulder, turned off car, released the hood latch. My husband tried to open hood but it was too hot. We then realized it was smoke coming from under hood, not exhaust. Smoke began to come inside car through vents. I quickly exited the car, and within a minute the entire front end engine area was engulfed in flames. 911 was called, fire, police, highway patrol responded. Fortunately there was no injury to myself or husband. There was also concern of starting a brushfire risk here in socal, but it was all extinguished thoroughly. Truck was towed to al’s towing, 475 w vermont Ave, escondido CA 92025, ph 760-745-5933. A report has been filed with our insurance usaa, inspection by adjuster is pending. I also notified temecula GMC, where I purchased vehicle from, of the incident. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Constant smell of coolant while stopped at traffic lights or idling even worse when the air vents are on, dealership insists it's because the reservoir cap is vented but coolant reservoir is literally a foot away from drivers window even still shouldn't be smelling coolant it's been like this since a month after purchase. Having issues now with auto braking system activating for no reason did this multiple times almost got rear ended on NY state thruway because it activated with no cars near me once it activates it causes the truck to go into a limp mode (won't go over 30 mph) and starts vibrating like it needs a tune up. The radio and digital display often dissappear for no reason can tell speed. I almost got a ticket from state trooper for unsafe stopping I explained everything and was told I could get a safety violation for defective equipment and to take it garage and drive it till its fuxed , the windows have rolled down a couple of times while it's parked and won't go back up. Headlights often flicker when driving auto low beam/high beam rarely works. Every time it goes to dealership they say they can't duplicate the problem. It's really scary when you're doing 70mph and the auto brake engages. I'm literally afraid to drive it. I have a 14 year old truck with 230,000 miles I don't smell coolant or have these kinds of issues seems to be a lot of electrical problems going on service advisor said he saw notices for bcm, front facing camera total of 6 issues. Nothing seems to resolve issues but dealerships aren't doing anything just saying can't duplicate problem also paint is chipping every where the issues started around 5300 miles and continuing.

I have had this car for 4 years and have had to replace 7 door locks. All quit working. The doors will not lock when the buttons are pushed which is a major security issue.

See all problems of the 2015 GMC Canyon 🔎.

Unknown the GMC dealership refuses to repair recalls as they say, theres no recalls on the vehicle. There are 2 recalls and were not told of these recalls when purchasing.

See all problems of the 2021 GMC Canyon 🔎.

On all chevy / Canyon models 05 thru 12 there is an issue called "passlock" which prevents the vehicle from starting, it will leave you stranded. The failure is the ignition housing with the passlock sensor, not the actual key / tumbler, the part has to be replaced. The problem / failure is so common that you can "google" 2005 thru 2012 chevy colorado GMC Canyon passlock issue" and find the root and a how to fix / repair guides. I spent almost $600 at the GMC dealer, they found no error or trouble codes in either on board computer, I showed the service advisor the issue, online diagnosis and suggested the repair. This is so dam common it should be a defective part recall and all repairs and costs covered by gm / GMC.

See all problems of the 2012 GMC Canyon 🔎.

The ac does not work properly. I constantly have to dial the temperature to be comfortable. I sometimes take my eye off the road to do this temperature adjustment. The gm dealer has tried various fixes but the temperature control is still a problem.

Stability track cameondoing 50mph transmission geared down motor shut down on and off yes it's available problem not found by dealer took to 2 different ones stability track comes on side lights stay on and off press brakes it shut down turn left it shut down motor running in park put in reverse shut down will drive and run sometimes but gets worse.

Frame rail rust holes, brackets wielded to frame supports for leaf springs wields rusted completely through frame making vehicle unsafe due to the potential leaf springs supports to frame of vehicle breaking away from frame dropping rear of vehicle onto rear axles and tires. Frame of vehicle has a lot of rusting and holes due to the excessive rusting.

See all problems of the 2005 GMC Canyon 🔎.

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!.

Unknown: power steering fail while driving. Making it a serious safety and dangerous hazard. Making steering almost impossible to turn the wheel and I have to pull off to the side of the road, park, turn the engine off, wait a few minutes and turn the key (engine) back on. Most times it will reset and I have power again and sometimes it doesn’t. This has happened many times and I have called GMC to see if there’s a recall but they said none. I have taken it to my local mechanic and he stated that it can be an electrical related issue and told me to take it to GMC dealer repair shop in the area.

The rear camera and wire harness for the rear backup camera became corroded and stopped working months ago. This is vital technology that our children have grown up with to ensure the safety of backing up in case something is behind the vehicle including young children, toys, equipment or someone simply walking by your driveway while you're backing up. The service manager at billion GMC in sioux falls, sd (dan dunnagan) said they are replacing tons of the rear cameras due to corrosion, which might be caused by water getting into the system or faulty parts and faulty wiring from the product manufacturer. This is certainly a safety issue. I had it repaired at a cost of $591. 84 for the rear camera and wire harness plus labor. This issue on GMC Canyon and sierra 1500 pickups should be investigated as the rear camera is a vital piece of safety equipment and if a large number of these are faulty, subject to corrosion or poor manufacturing, it should be brought forward to protect consumers.

The transmission shudders terribly. It is available for inspection. It is unsafe because while in traffic situations, it doesn't get up to speed correctly. It is as if it can't find the gear, it feels like it is about to stall. It is not dependable to stay at a speed, or increase speed. The dealership said that changing the transmission fluid would help, and it did for a while. The problem came back, we had the fluid changed again. The problem came right back again.

I was driving down the road when all of a sudden I received a warning “power steering” drive with care and something called “stabilitrack” my power steering had shut off. I was driving down a highway going about 65 around walker lake no with turns. Coming around one of the turns the power steering kicked back on and I almost jerked off the road. The trucks power steering continues to go in and out making is extremely scary to drive. I have parked it since.

I can not remove my key from ignition . Sometimes it takes up to 30 minutes to get it to release. Have taken to multiple places they all have different answer and no one knows how to fix it . Getting worse everyday. Today was told to contact you that they could not help me.

Purchased this vehicle brand new and paid extra for nav and a backup camera as I am a disabled veteran! currently have 32000 miles or so as I don't drive that much. No other lights or warnings came up before the following happened. Recently the radio stopped playing and the infotainment system went blank. It occasionally pops up a screen that says waiting on update, other than that it stays blank most of the time. The backup camera comes on intermittently but not always when backing up, maybe 1 out of every 5 times. Also the bluetooth went dead since this all started. As a disabled vet I depend on the backup camera and built in navigation so this is an issue! called the dealer and 3 other radio and entertainment car stores and they stated this is a know issue and would cost around $1000 to $1200 to replace the hmi 2. 5 module behind the dash which is the known issue. Looking online this is a well known and common issue and GMC has bulletins to diagnose but no free or discounted replacement or repair, even though it's all over the internet that GMC and chevy infotainment centers have issues. There is a class action lawsuit going on due to this issue as well. I'm sure there are others that just haven't complained and should be fixed by the dealer.