2019 GMC Canyon Problems

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Complaints Reported

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Complaints by Component

POWER TRAIN

6 complaints

Transmission shifting issues. The transmission will shift very slowly (engine revs high and vehicle lurches) when driving the truck each morning. I reported the issue to the dealership within 0ne month of purchasing the truck in 2019 and again in 2024. The dealership stated there is nothing wrong with the transmission. The transmission is now starting to slip at low/moderate speeds when accelerating. The vehicle has less than 50,000 miles.

Aug 28, 2025

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

Jul 23, 2025

Truck jerks and makes loud noises when going up incline when transmission is shifting and constantly shifting even at low speed.

Apr 11, 2023

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.

Dec 30, 2022

The vehicle hesitates and shifts harshly as if it will stall at low speed acceleration leaving my driveway and when going forward from a full stop at red light to green. Very jerky ride, uneven acceleration, fear of stalling.

Jun 28, 2021

+ 1 more complaint for this component

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 complaints

The high pressure fuel pump broke twice within a 6 month period. The first time, I was traveling at 70 mph in the middle of 100 degree weather in Texas. When I took it to the shop, the mechanic mentioned that the bolt broke inside of the engine and caused the high pressure fuel pump to break and dump gasoline everywhere. It was repaired by adding a new pump and fuel line. After driving it for 5 months, the same issue happened again while driving 30 mph. My safety was put at risk since it was large amounts of gasoline that it was throwing which could have easily caused a explosion/fire. The warning message was a check engine light and the truck going into limp mode. From my research, this exact issue was a recall for the 2018 version of the truck.

Nov 03, 2023

High pressure fuel pump broke off while driving on highway causing truck to stall. Stabilitrack warning was activated and Engine Power Reduced message came on dash. Speed was rapidly reduced to 15 mph on the highway and started knocking hard. Mechanic found the pump physically broke and a bolt was sheered off inside of head.

Feb 10, 2023

STEERING

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds and making a right turn, the steering wheel seized. The contact continued to drive, and the steering wheel seized again. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 65,200.

Sep 30, 2024

ENGINE

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. There was an abnormal scratching noise detected. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that an unknown part had fractured inside the engine. The mechanic informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000. The VIN was not available.

Jul 15, 2024

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that the key failed to release from the ignition. Additionally, the key failed to turn in the ignition switch. The vehicle failed to turn on or off. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that a diagnostic test needed to be performed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and informed the contact that there was no Warranty coverage for the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

Jun 07, 2024

TIRES

1 complaint

All 5 tires including the spare are dry rotted, and have become extremely unsafe in wet weather conditions. Truck came with these tires and only has 27k miles with a lot of tread left.

Aug 17, 2023

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

On Wednesday September 22nd at approximately 9:45 pm. My 2019 GMC Canyon was parked on my street and caught fire and was destroyed for no known reason. The fire department came ruled the cause as un known. The cabin and the bed were totally destroyed. Appears to be no issue to the engine compartment.

Sep 26, 2021

Fire: 1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

1 complaint

ON COLD STARTUP THERE IS A LOUD CLUNK COMING FROM FRONT OF VEHICLE AND THE VIBRATION CAN BE FELT FROM INSIDE THE TRUCK AS IF SOMETHING HIT THE FLOOR UNDERNEATH.

Sep 10, 2019

4.7/5.0

106 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2019 GMC Canyon have?

The 2019 GMC Canyon currently has 14 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 2019 GMC Canyon?

The most common problems reported for the 2019 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 2019 GMC Canyon problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2019 GMC Canyon comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.