10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
8,387 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2018 GMC Canyon drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2018 GMC Canyon:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2018 GMC Canyon Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #22

May 232024

Canyon

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Reno, NV, USA

problem #21

Mar 042024

Canyon

  • miles
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.

- Coeur D Alene, ID, USA

problem #20

Oct 142023

Canyon

  • miles
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.

- Lancaster, VA, USA

problem #19

Jun 082023

Canyon 6-cyl

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Palm Desert, CA, USA

problem #18

Sep 232022

Canyon

  • miles
-??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.

- San Fidel , NM, USA

Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...

problem #17

Jan 272021

Canyon

  • miles
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.

- Port Saint Lucie, FL, USA

problem #16

Jun 102022

Canyon

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Warren’S , MI, USA

problem #15

May 012022

Canyon

  • miles
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.

- Madera , CA, USA

problem #14

Jan 072022

Canyon

  • miles
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.

- College Station, TX, USA

problem #13

Jan 182018

Canyon

  • miles
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.

- Mcpherson, KS, USA

problem #12

Sep 032021

Canyon

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

i purchased this truck used about 5000 miles ago and it now has 26,800 miles and when you put it in park the key will not come out.you have to keep starting and shutting off and eventually it will come out.i have read alot of complaints about this and nothing is being done at gm.they should be ashamed of themselves for a substantial issue and they want to charge the customer for there issue.

- Nineveh, IN, USA

problem #11

Apr 012021

Canyon

  • 28,000 miles
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.

- Opelika, AL, USA

problem #10

Apr 152021

Canyon

  • 35,000 miles
For several months, we are now continuously experiencing a shaking and shuddering of the Canyon every time the truck shifts from 1st to 2nd gear. It is very disturbing driving down the street and the Canyon begins to shake so hard that everyone is jarred in their seats even with seat belts on. It is almost as if the Canyon is being rear ended by another vehicle as we're driving down the street. Our biggest concern is that it happens on major roads whenever we accelerate after a traffic light transitions from red to green. As we clear the intersection, the shaking occurs and as the Canyon reduces speed momentarily, we have almost been rear ended. Our Canyon is still under warranty as we have the extended powertrain warranty. Furthermore, we just learned of a GM service bulletin, 18-na-355 dated August, 2019, that has been circulating. We found a copy of the torque converter clutch sb and it applies to all GMC Canyons from 2017-2019. Needless to say, GM (corporate and dealership) want us to pay out of pocket for a very expensive diagnostics test (e.g., hundreds of dollars) to confirm there is a problem and then determine if warranty will cover the repair(s). This is a very serious vehicle safety issue that can cause accidents if the driver is not accustomed to being tossed about in their seat while driving the Canyon. GM needs to do a recall to fix this problem for all affected vehicles as people, especially those that are on fixed incomes, are not able to pay out of pocket for a test just to validate the toque converter clutch shudder does exist.

- Tampa, FL, USA

problem #9

Oct 132020

Canyon

  • 69,025 miles
With 69025 miles transmission momentarily slips into free wheel then re- engages causing a surge. Transmission specialist states computer analysis shows internal issue requiring replacement of transmission. Shutter found after 3rd year.

- Mishawaka, IN, USA

problem #8

Aug 262020

Canyon

  • miles
My GMC Canyon has only 35,000 miles. It started shaking, shuddering frequently, and having hard shift when changing gears, specially when speeding down. It feels similar to drive over the street lines with a similar sound. There is a strong sound coming from the transmission when fast shifting happened from high to low or when stop at the stop light. It is like the engine wants to leave from the body of the truck. This vibration is also felt when driving at low speed or low gear and the truck is demanding more power, but the transmission does not control that demand. It is like not communication between the transmission and the engine.

- Elmwood Park, NJ, USA

problem #7

Aug 282020

Canyon

  • 25,000 miles
My 2018 GMC Canyon slt shudders alot. It is not constant but it is often. It sort of feels like you're driving over rumble strips. I do not feel it at highway speeds, just driving around town. It's especially prevalent when going up hills. To me, it feels like a transmission issue. When I did a google search, I found out it's a known problem. I contacted my dealer and they were familiar with it asking if I had a transmission fluid change yet. I told them I had not and they scheduling me for that service in a couple weeks. I am not happy that my 2 year old $40K plus truck has a transmission problem at 25K miles.

- Millville, MA, USA

problem #6

Feb 152020

Canyon

  • 8,500 miles
I just purchased a 2018 GMC Canyon used with 8,000 miles on it. Drove it 500 miles and now I have a 8 speed transmission and now it shudders. Now I'm reading alot of people are having issues with it. Am I in the lawsuit with GM in there defective transmissions? it shudders at 55-60 mph drove me nuts on the highway.

- Flora, IL, USA

problem #5

May 012018

Canyon

  • 6,000 miles
When moving on the highway the vehicles' transmission starts to shudder. This usually happens when I am going up a slight incline and my engine is around 1400 rpms. I have taken the truck to the dealership multiple times over this issue. They have replaced the transmission fluid twice and the next appointment is next week on October 31st. The dealership told me that more than likely they will have to flush the transmission fluid again because GM is not letting them do much more with this issue. The truck also has a hard time shifting when it is first started until it gets warmed up. Also there are times I feel like I have been rear ended when I am slowing down and it is down shifting. I have noticed that if I keep the truck at a fairly higher RPM that it does not shudder as bad and doesn't feel as dangerous to drive. My vehicle has 27,000 miles on it and has been in the shop countless times since I purchased it in 2018. I don't even like driving it because I feel that it is a safety concern and is endangering myself and others.

- Livingston, TN, USA

problem #4

Nov 122018

Canyon

  • miles
Rumbling of transmission. Clucky start. GM dealer acknowledges the problem and has tried to repair vehicle. GM says at this time the truck 8 speed transmissions are not fixable.

- New Hill, NC, USA

problem #3

Aug 152018

Canyon

  • 1,000 miles
Transmission clunks feels like your hit in the rear end. I thought I was rear ended 3 times so far. My transmission surges forward from 4th to 5th gear. Very dangerous to wear I don't want to drive the truck.

- Louisville, KY, USA

Read the next 2 complaints »

Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...

Not what you are looking for?