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2018 GMC Canyon Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20261 Critical Recalls
Ethan Miller
2018 GMC Canyon Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2018 GMC Canyon has 63 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve power train and electrical system.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

7.6/ 10

Based on 63 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

POWER TRAIN

24 38.1%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

10 15.9%

ENGINE

6 9.5%

STEERING

3 4.8%

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

3 4.8%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is POWER TRAIN, accounting for 38.1% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 17 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2018 GMC Canyon

The 2018 GMC Canyon has 63 owner complaints in this dataset. POWER TRAIN is the most common complaint category, representing about 38% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2018 GMC Canyon are POWER TRAIN (24), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (10), ENGINE (6).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 28 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2018 GMC Canyon?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2017 Canyon complaints2019 Canyon complaints2020 Canyon complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 17 of 17 systems

POWER TRAIN

24 Reports38% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TRANSMISSION JERKS FROM 4TH TO 5TH. SOMETIMES FEELS LIKE SOMEONE HIT YOU IN THE REAR ENDED.

8/28/2018

THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTS AGGRESSIVELY THE FIRST GEARS FROM A COLD STARTED ENGINE AFTER ENGAGING FROM PARK TO DRIVE. SLUGGISH SHIFTING AND ACCELERATION.

9/7/2018

22 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

10 Reports16% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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.

2/19/2020

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.

4/21/2021

8 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

6 Reports10% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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.

1/1/2022

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.

9/12/2022

4 more complaints are available in this category.

STEERING

3 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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.

9/20/2018

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.

5/13/2019

1 more complaint is available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

3 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE VEHICLE KEEPS SHUTTERING WHEN ACCELERATING. *TR

6/18/2020

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.

6/10/2021

1 more complaint is available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE VEHICLE KEEPS SHUTTERING WHEN ACCELERATING. *TR

6/18/2020

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.

10/18/2021

1 more complaint is available in this category.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

3 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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.

12/5/2020

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..

12/9/2021

1 more complaint is available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

2 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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

4/14/2020

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.

6/17/2023

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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

4/14/2020

SUSPENSION

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

1/1/2022

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

4/6/2022

SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

4/6/2022

SEAT BELTS

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

4/10/2022

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

“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.

6/8/2023

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

7/11/2023

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

7/11/2023

STRUCTURE:BODY

1 Report2% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

6/6/2024

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2018 GMC Canyon?

The most reported complaint category for the 2018 GMC Canyon is POWER TRAIN, with 24 owner reports. That is about 38% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE.

Are complaints about the 2018 GMC Canyon a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 28 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2018 GMC Canyon?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2018 GMC Canyon severe?

28 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

GMC Canyon: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
63
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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