2018 GMC Canyon Problems

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Complaints Reported

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Complaints by Component

POWER TRAIN

19 complaints

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.

Nov 12, 2025

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.

Jan 20, 2025

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.

Mar 10, 2024

Crash: 1

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.

Jan 06, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that on various occasions while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle was shaking. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics; however, the mechanics were unable to duplicate the failure. The tires were and balanced. The contact stated that the failure was reoccurred. The contact stated that after taking the vehicle back to another independent mechanic, it was determined that the transmission and torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Jan 27, 2023

+ 14 more complaints for this component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 complaints

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.

Nov 25, 2024

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.

Oct 29, 2024

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.

Oct 30, 2023

Key sticks in ignition on accessory and cannot be removed. Service Bulletin generated by GMC. Available for inspection. Safety: with key stuck in accessory position battery goes dead in 4-6 hours, potentially stranding occupants and depending on location possibly creating a traffic hazard. Three attempts by GMC Fremont CA to repair so far. They have confirmed the problem. No warning or message.

Nov 06, 2022

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 GMC CANYON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF, THE VEHICLE REMAINED RUNNING. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO UNABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO COYLE CHEVROLET BUICK GMC 1801 BROADWAY ST, CLARKSVILLE, IN 47129 WHERE THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 18,000.

Feb 19, 2020

ENGINE

2 complaints

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.

Dec 14, 2024

At age 4 years and mileage 40,000 the engine oil coolant lines failed, causing a loss of oil. Because of the location of these lines in front of and above the front axle, the potential for oil contamination of the tire running surfaces and the brake rotor existed. Fortunately, we did not drive it any distance and were extremely cautious. In looking at the parts, which we have replaced, they show much more corrosive damage than I would have expected for the trucks age. A cursory search online revealed that this is not an uncommon problem for the gm Canyon/Colorado lines.

Sep 12, 2022

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

2 complaints

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

Jan 24, 2024

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.

Oct 06, 2023

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

2 complaints

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.

Dec 11, 2023

AT NIGHT, THE BACK-UP CAMERA DISPLAY ON THE DASH IS SO BRIGHT, IT LIGHTS UP THE WHOLE CAB AND THIS CAUSES THE DRIVER NOT TO BE ABLE TO SEE ANYTHING OUTSIDE THE CAB OR AROUND THE VEHICLE WHEN REVERSING. I ALMOST BACKED OVER MY WIFE BECAUSE I COULD NOT SEE HER BECAUSE OF THE BRIGHTNESS. THERE IS NO WAY TO ADJUST THE BRIGHTNESS WHEN IT IS IN REVERSE AND IN THE DARK YOU CAN NOT SEE MUCH IN THE SCREEN BECAUSE OF THE BRIGHTNESS. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND HE SAID THEY HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM ON THE FULL SIZED TRUCKS BUT NOT THE MID-SIZED AND HE SAID IT WAS IN WORKING CONDITION. I FEEL THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS IF YOU CAN'T SEE WHEN YOU ARE REVERSING.

Dec 05, 2020

STEERING

2 complaints

IT STARTED ABOUT 6 MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING WILL INTERMITTENTLY FAIL IF THE TRUCK IDLES FOR A 10-20 MINUTE PERIOD OF TIME. AND WHILE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THAN START WORKING AGAIN. DURING ANY PROLONGED HIGHWAY TRIP THE TRACTION CONTROL, ABS, AND BRAKE LIGHTS WILL ILLLUMINATE. IT HAS GOTTEN SO BAD NOW THAT I CAN COUNT ON IT BEING A DAILY OCCURRENCE. SOMETIMES THE LIGHT WILL COME ON BUT THE STEERING DOESN'T ACTUALLY FAIL. WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR I WROTE A BAD REVIEW ABOUT THE SERVICE I RECEIVED ON MY FACEBOOK. I GOT A CALL FROM THE SALESMAN NAMED NICK FEOLA SAYING THAT HE SAW THE POST AND DISCUSSED IT WITH HIS MANAGER AND TOLD ME THAT I WAS NO LONGER WELCOME AT THE DEALERSHIP. SO WHEN I CALLED TO HAVE THE ISSUES I DESCRIBED RESOLVED. I WAS HUNG UP ON WHEN MY NAME WAS GIVEN.(DAVID DUKES AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE. I HAVE SINCE CHANGE DAY MY NAME TO SINGER) I DIDN'T KNOW WHO TO FILE A COMPLAINT TO UNTIL I READ AN ARTICLE ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND SAW A LINK TO YOUR WEBSITE.

May 13, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 GMC CANYON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING KNUCKLE WAS CRACKED WHERE IT CONNECTED TO THE BALL JOINT. THE DEALER (DARLING'S AUTO MALL, 16 KINGSLAND CROSSING, ELLSWORTH, ME 04605, 1-(877) 548-1819) INDICATED THAT THEY ORDERED THE PART FOR THE STEERING KNUCKLE REPLACEMENT, BUT THEY DID NOT SPECIFY WHEN IT WOULD ARRIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000.

Sep 20, 2018

POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

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.

Jun 06, 2024

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

1 complaint

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.

Jul 11, 2023

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

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!

Jun 20, 2023

STEERING,POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

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 The contact stated GM has not resolved the issue and there are no brakes which is a huge safety issue.

Jun 17, 2023

POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

1 complaint

“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.

Jun 08, 2023

SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

The seat belts are very difficult to latch. It takes multiple attempts to get the seat belt locked in. I had a mechanic check and clean the buckle but it didn’t make an improvement and replacement was recommended. I have never had a seat belt buckle fail to easily latch. I am not the first owner and this issue has been ongoing.

Apr 10, 2022

SEAT BELTS,AIR BAGS

1 complaint

I was on dirt forest road that was not a trail, I went through a ditch at about 3MPH and my side airbags blew. As a result the seatbelt pre tension device was also activated and the seat heaters no longer work.

Apr 06, 2022

SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

1 complaint

Transmission slipped almost from start. Took three appointments and two years - If my shop foreman knew the third time, why did he not call and tell me we now know your problem. I finally got fed up and brought it in one more time. Starter from day ONE maybe 50% of time made loud bang when Bendix retracted. Shop refused to take it off!!! I checked ball joint boots. One feels like no grease in it. They 'LOOKED' at it. No answer and nothing was done. Has had 'lifter noise' since new when small acceleration. Noise rate accelerates till shift and then repeats. I'm told they don't hear anything. I am 76 and hard of hearing. Pleeeeeze - don't tell me there isn't any. Not my best day today and felt it's time to say crap is crap.

Jan 01, 2022

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

I have been receiving the “Service Trailer Brake System” error intermittently. The only information I have been have to find around this is a defective wiring harnesses between two modules. This defect is not due to wear/tear and has been reported as a defective part on multiple GMC models. When this service error pops up it is distracting and very unsafe for driving as well as dangerous when towing as the driver has no idea of the trailer brake system is functioning properly..

Dec 09, 2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

Vehicle has less than 25,000 miles. Over the last 3 days, after vehicle is put in park and turned off, the key will not always rotate back to the 'off' position, and can not be removed from the ignition. This has happened at least 6 times over the last 3 days. Managed to remove key by turning vehicle back on and driving back and forth a few inches, then trying again. Took multiple tries on some occasions. With less than 25,000 miles, nothing should be worn out... Safety concerns:The possibility that the key will completely fail to be removable, meaning that if the vehicle must be left unattended, it must be left unlocked and in a condition that it could be started and stolen or driven by a curious child. The possibility that see-sawing back and forth in a parking spot could lead to an accident. The possibility that the vehicle will have to be towed. The possibility of being stranded outside- all my keys are on one ring, if I can't get them out of the ignition, how would I open the door to the house? The problem has not yet been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service station. I will be calling to schedule an appointment. The vehicle or component has not been inspected as of yet. No warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms happened prior to the first incident. When I returned home and had an opportunity, I did an internet search and discovered that the problem is a known issue, and has been reported by others.

Oct 18, 2021

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

No accident to report. I wasn’t aware of the problem with the High Pressure Fuel Pump intel a week later when the noise got louder, at first I figure it was the belt drive that needed check do to it sitting in the lot do to not being moved a lot. I then took it back to where the Vehicle originally came from they where able to identified the problem quickly to do them knowing already that the truck had that problem but never went to fix the problem or to take time to figure the problem out.

Jun 10, 2021

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

6 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS SAME ISSUE. NO SOUND WHEN TRYING TO START. 10 MINUTES LATER VEHICLE STARTS AND CEL IS LIT. NEVER AUTO SHIFTS AFTER ~30MPH. REPLACED TORQUE CONVERTER AND TRANSMISSION BODY VALVE ON 1ST OCCURRENCE. EACH TIME SERVICED (WARRANTY), AND AT SOME POINT THE PROBLEM WILL OCCUR AGAIN. TOTAL OF 6 TIMES SINCE PURCHASED NEW.

Apr 21, 2021

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

THE VEHICLE KEEPS SHUTTERING WHEN ACCELERATING. *TR

Jun 18, 2020

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

NO BRAKE FLUID HAD REPAIRED BY DEAL IN ONE WEEK SAME ISSUES NO BRAKE FLUID ONSTAR DIAGNOSTIC REPORT AND ALERTS SAY BRAKE SYSTEM ERROR NONENO ERROR CODE FOUNDNONE ABS - BRAKING AND STABILITY SYSTEMC0273AN ISSUE HAS BEEN DETECTED IN THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM.SERVICE WITHIN 7 DAYS GOT THIS TODAY PULLED OVER NO FLUID DRIVING 30 MPH ON CITY STREET I HAVE ALL ONSTAR AND MECHANICS REPORT'S

Apr 14, 2020

4.8/5.0

59 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2018 GMC Canyon have?

The 2018 GMC Canyon currently has 46 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2018 GMC Canyon?

The most common problems reported for the 2018 GMC Canyon are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2018 GMC Canyon problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2018 GMC Canyon comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.