Power Train Problems of GMC Canyon - part 1

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 contact owns a 2017 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the engine oil was changed several times, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the serial gateway module, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to a transmission specialist, who determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced; however, the transmission was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.

See all problems of the 2017 GMC Canyon 🔎.

There seems to be electrical issue. The fan won't stop running even when shut off. The thermostat stop working with pretty low milage along with the tire sensors. Fixed the previous issues. Furthermore, while driving the vehicle stop working and had to use the momentum to park on the side of the road causing a unexpected break down. The vehicle won't start. This again seems electrical and the dealership want to charge for this. The vehicle is damaged since the manufacture and huge safety issue. Please urge to get a recall for all this items since it seems immersive expensive and unsafe to have to repair all this issues.

Formal complaint to NHTSA: 2019 GMC Canyon transmission issue to whom it may concern at the national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA): I am writing to formally report a recurring and dangerous transmission issue in my 2019 GMC Canyon, and to request that NHTSA open an investigation into why general motors has not issued a safety recall — despite widespread complaints and technical service bulletins. My vehicle exhibits jerking, hesitation, slipping, and hard shifting — especially during acceleration or when moving from a complete stop. These symptoms are consistent with hundreds of other consumer reports across forums, NHTSA complaints, and class-action lawsuits tied to gm’s 8l45 8-speed automatic transmission. I was quoted approximately $5,700 for a transmission repair and $8,800 for replacement. This problem is not simply an inconvenience or comfort issue. Hesitation and sudden surges in acceleration pose a legitimate safety hazard, especially when merging onto highways, pulling into traffic, or driving on slippery roads. At times, I’ve experienced delayed throttle response and unexpected lurching — which could easily result in a rear-end collision or intersection mishap. Despite the well-documented nature of this defect, gm has not recalled these transmissions — and owners are left to bear the financial burden of expensive repairs on a known design flaw. That is unacceptable. Nhtsa’s mandate is to protect consumers from safety-related defects. In my view, and in the experience of many other drivers, this transmission issue meets the criteria for a recall: - it affects safe operation and control of the vehicle - it has been confirmed by internal gm service documentation - it recurs even after manufacturer-prescribed remedies - it places drivers, passengers, and others at risk please consider this a formal request to investigate this matter and hold general motors accountable for a recall or reimbursement program for affected consumers. Joanne holstein.

See all problems of the 2019 GMC Canyon 🔎.

Vehicle lurches forward extremely strong when almost stopped, shifting from 2nd to 1st. Common issue with all of these trucks with the 8l80 transmission. Also - this transmission slams into 2nd from 1st when first starting out under light acelleration or drifting down hill.

See all problems of the 2023 GMC Canyon 🔎.

We were traveling not once, but twice at a high rate of speed (75/80mph the legal limit) the vehicle gave one message: service power steering next message: reduced acceleration. The check engine light turned on, the truck itself jerked and we almost lost control of the vehicle (both times) on the highway. We were thankfully able to pull over and pull to a complete stop. The vehicle was still on, it still ran but I saw an autozone close by both times and received a code for the check engine light. The dashboard both times lit up like a christmas tree on both occasions before spazzing out. We have taken the truck twice to a nearby dealership and they were able to service and “fix” the problem however they said that the first time, and here we are a second time. The dealerships we took the truck to are aware of all the codes (2 pages worth the first time) but we never received paperwork on what was fixed. The second time we are now going to pick up and hopefully receive paperwork on what was completed. My spouse was driving and myself and my daughter were in the vehicle when the jerking happened with the steering wheel. The vehicle is not safe how can I we be driving at the legal limit and lose control of our vehicle. We were right next to an 18 wheeler with a trailer and multiple vehicles on the road each time. The GMC dealerships are aware they have been working to fix the problem however again this is the second time it happened. The messages occurred both times. Service power steering and reduced acceleration check engine light and also no traction control. The first time it happened was [xxx] going to killeen texas and the second was [xxx] going to albuquerque. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2024 GMC Canyon 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2018 GMC Canyon 🔎.

Our 2023 Canyon at4 we bought on June 28 2023 had the same problem as this current VIN number of the 2023 Canyon ( covert GMC in bee caves TX bought back the first 2023 Canyon due to this same exact transmission problem. The vehicle I’m complaining about that was replaced by covert GMC in bee caves texas on December 20 2023 still has a unsafe issue with the transmission. I’m 68 years old and I am handicapped. Almost every time I pull into a handicapped designated parking spot, from right or left approach, this vehicle lunges as I get close to the sign post. It occurs at red lights occasionally. This current replacement vehicle has been in for warranty several time . . Only to the same excuse that they can’t duplicate. Common denials don not fix the safety issue with this truck. It’s dangerous.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 mph, the vehicle vibrated and shuddered abnormally. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent at first but became a recurring failure. The contact stated that the check engine warning light had recently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics who informed the contact of a known transmission failure and a national recall. The contact searched online and related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 24v797000 (power train); however, the local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included, and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.

See all problems of the 2021 GMC Canyon 🔎.

The valve body on gm's 8 speed transmission is a known fail point for many gm truck owners. I believe the NHTSA should investigate this for the extreme risk of an accident. My truck has been inoperable for a month awaiting a back ordered part. When driven, the truck displays erratic behavior and will downshift and decelerate rapidly and without warning. The risk of being rear-ended is very high.

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.

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.

Complete loss of power steering and traction control while driving. Very difficult to make turns. Would have to pull off the road and restart vehicle to fix problem. I have not taken it to a service center. It has not been inspected. Warning lights for loss of stabilitrak do come on.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while driving 6 mph and going over a speed bump, the contact heard an abnormal knocking sound emanating from the driver’s side suspension. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the upper control arm was striking the suspension spring. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 47,000.

The wiring in most vehicles 2020 and newer are soy/ nut based product… which squirrels, rodents and other animals can’t resist and the wiring throughout the vehicle is being chewed this all makes all models all manufacturers… there is also problems with the 8 speed transmission that shutters and hard gear changing and the quick fix is to flush out and refill it with transmission fluid.

See all problems of the 2020 GMC Canyon 🔎.

I have not been in an incident yet, but when I slow down coming off the highway and try to come back up to traffic speed the the transmission bucks or shutters. Also when starting from a red light or stop sign the truck bucks or shutters very notable in 3-4-5th gear. I watched the tachometer and it shutters most of my drive. In all fairness, I have not brought it to the dealership yet. I see other people are having this problem with the Canyons and colorado also. Please advise!.

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.

While slowly driving, like when parking or trying to park vehicle in garage, it will randomly surge when almost at complete stop forcing vehicle to lunge forward requiring operator to apply quick additional firm braking. It almost feels like vehicle is creeping in 2nd gear and decides to downshift into 1st gear just before coming to a stop and engine applies slightly more throttle. I have almost hit garage wall and other vehicles in parking lots due to this issue. Again, it is intermittent but is alarming when happens. I have not had vehicle in for repairs yet but concerns dealer will not be able to duplicate. No warning lights on dash for this issue.

Transmission shifting really hard, has problem shifting from low gear shaking when brakes are applied makes loud noises when you go reverse to park and park to any gear driving home lost power steering and had to pull of freeway this truck has already been in the dealer for 7 other warranty issues this will be the 4th issue with the transmission!!!! it has already been fixed once before on the transmission now again 2 top ends already now more transmission issues again we have been waiting for a new transmission for my 2018 sierra for over 3 months I have lost complete faith that GMC really cares about the safety of people I have 2 lemons in my driveway just sitting.

Vehicle doors are uneven. Crooked. Headlights/taillights get foggy to the point where you cannot see the lights. Doors wont shut properly. Powertrain issues. Vibration after certain speeds. Transmission delays gear switching. Transmission kicking and banging. Exhaust has a hole in it. I can provide more videos details via the email if possible.

See all problems of the 2022 GMC Canyon 🔎.

Noticed oil on snow in driveway. Upon inspection, noted that engine oil cooler pipe is corroded-through and oil, under pressure, is leaking when engine is running and blowing back onto hot engine components. Also noted smoke from under hood/engine compartment.

Ignition locking solenoid fails to release when put into park, resulting in the key stuck in the ignition. I'm then unable to leave the vehicle unattended without threat of theft or battery failure. Dealer has not been able to fix the issue. No warnings or failure indications are observed, other than the key being stuck.

See all problems of the 2015 GMC Canyon 🔎.

“engine power reduced” service message “stabilitrack” service message “4x4” service message vehicle is available for inspection vehicle jerks and loses power while driving at highway speeds causing 18-wheelers and other drivers to swerve around me, vehicle accelerates very slowly while in city traffic. Intersections and traffic lights are difficult to navigate due to reduced engine power endangering myself and family, also other drivers. Vehicle erases all stored messages after a certain period of non-use. Dealer service center hasn’t reproduced symptoms. Service center technicians say nothing is wrong and releases the vehicle back to me. I have invoices of the vehicle taken in 3 times. Vehicle is currently in the service center as of 10 June 2023, for the same problems indicated above. Problem is unpredictable and occurs at random. Vehicle hasn’t been inspected by manufacturer, police or insurance representatives. Warning lamps, messages and symptoms started prior to September 23, 2022 can’t remember actual date. I have the first invoice vehicle was taken in to be serviced.

8 speed auto transmission slipping on first gear. Truck was serviced on 2 attempts with know resolution and still currant.

At first start the first gear slips this has been going on for 2 years. Is been serviced 3 times and no one seems to know what the problem is. The services tech did discover the issue but couldn't figure out what the problem is. I only have 19,000 mile and its on warranty I'm hoping this matter can be resolved. Thanks, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

After 5 years and 2 months of ownership of this vehicle, at ~52,000 miles it began to develop a shudder in the driveline, that I originally ascribed to an imbalanced rear wheel. After checking the rear wheels for balance, that cause was ruled out. I took the vehicle back to the GMC dealer where I had purchased it new. They claimed that the cause of the problem was a defective transmission fluid that somehow became contaminated with water. They offered to flush the entire transmission and install new 100% synthetic transmission fluid for a cost of $770. When I complained about a vehicle with 52,000 miles developing transmission problems the dealer consulted with GMC, and then agreed to flush and replace the allegedly defective fluid without cost. Upon further investigation, it appears as though the origin of the issue is not due to the nature of the fluid, but rather the use of an undersized torque convertor in this 8-speed transmission, which began in the 2017 model year. The smaller size and inadequacy of this torque convertor design is the root cause of this shudder, which not only has presented itself in the 2017 GMC, but also in corresponding GMC/Chevrolet models using the same transmission. The danger of a transmission failure can have catastrophic safety consequences for the driver, passengers as well as the motoring public, not to mention a very large transmission replacement charge for the owner. There is currently a class action lawsuit in the state of California for this notorious "chevy shake. ".

Driving and the stabilitrak warning comes on as well as the power steering warning. Later after the vehicle is turned off it will not restart (no crank, no start) and there is no communication with the ecm until it has had the battery disconnected for an extended period. This is very dangerous losing power steering and stabilitrak while driving is going to cause an accident. I would like to see a recall on the 2016 like there is on the 2015 with this same issue. I have not had the issue repaired yet. Waiting to get it into a shop who tells me they will likely need to replace the rack and pinion on this truck to correct the issue.

When coming to a stop the truck lunges forward like you have been bumped from behind and you can hear and feel it! when going forward the truck shift fine.

When cold the transmission slips badly causing a loss of power that has caused me to narrowly avoid being struck from behind by another vehicle. The slippage can be severe. The transmission appears starved for fluid. After completely warmed up the problem goes away. It is clearly a factory defect that gm is aware of and refuses to fix.

January 25, 2021 - transfer case module internal electrical failure. February 16, 2022 - 4-wheel drive transfer case encoder motor sticking/failure. Computer codes c0396 and c0387.

The system failure is the power steering control module rack and components the safety risk is loss of power steering assist, no traction control, stabilitrak message on dash, abs and traction control lights is on, don't feel safe to drive. The problem is confirmed by a dealer. The component has not been inspected. Yes, there are warning messages on the dash, and they appear in February 2022. A loss or reduction in power steering assist may increase the risk of a crash. In my opinion, this issue has to be solved and fixed by the dealer at no cost to the customer.

While driving the vehicle, the power steering suddenly went out. My teenage son was driving and luckily he's had training on this in driver's ed or it could have caused a major accident. It has since happened to me while on the freeway and while going up our driveway. I took it into the dealership where I purchased it and they could find nothing wrong, but clearly something is wrong with the wire harness or power steering. I suspect the parts used were part of an earlier recall on GMC Canyon's as the recall ended with vehicles only a month older than mine.

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, the vehicle failed to respond when the accelerator pedal was depressed; instead the vehicle would jerk forward. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had driven the vehicle to a local dealer, who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had been informed by the dealer of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.

The transmission has a rough shift from 1st to 2nd, whether it is upshifting or downshifting, and isn't always predictable. This rough shift often feels like a lurching forwards when it shifts from 1st to 2nd and from 2nd to 1st it feels like something hits me in the back and shoves me forward. The 1st to 2nd often makes me feel out of control of the vehicle and while it hasn't endangered anyone as of yet, I am concerned that it will push my into the car in front of me one day. The 2nd to 1st shift also causes me concern for how it may cause me a neck injury if I'm not always focused when I'm close to that shift point. The problem has not be reproduced by a dealer or independent service center, though I do plan to take it when I have the time in the near future. The problem has not been inspected by anyone. There are no warning lights, messages, or other symptom to indicate the problem will occur.

When rolling to stop signs or red lights, the vehicle occasionally fails to downshift properly and will attempt to continue pushing the vehicle when trying to stop. On multiple occasions, the vehicle acts as if it cannot be stopped due to the transmission failing to downshift. One must aggressively apply the brakes to get the vehicle to come to a stop. Unable to have the vehicle checked out at a local dealer, due to being backed up for weeks when trying to have it looked at. No visual indication/warning is given when this happens. There is a current class action lawsuit for models up to 2019, but this needs to be extended to 2020 models as well, as multiple online forums discuss this issue being prevalent in newer models of the 8-speed transmission.