2008 GMC Canyon Problems
Compared with other GMC Canyon years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
0/100 0.3× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.3× that of a typical GMC Canyon year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 2 of its 38 complaints were filed by the end of 2010.
- Most reported part: Electrical system (15 complaints, median 70,000 mi).
- 2 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 38filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 68,000miles, 31 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 20 mpgcombined, 2.9L 4-cyl RWD · 18 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2008 GMC Canyon (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 38 consumer complaints for the 2008 GMC Canyon. The part named most often is electrical system, with 15 complaints (39% of the total), followed by engine (14) and brakes (8). 31 of the complaints include a mileage, and 35% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 68,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 1 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 953 technical service bulletins for this model year. Electrical system complaints overlap with 182 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Engine complaints overlap with 57 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Compared with the other 7 GMC Canyon model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 0 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system15 39%
- Engine14 37%
- Brakes8 21%
- Other or unknown5 13%
- Exterior lighting4 11%
- Body and structure4 11%
- Fuel system3 7.9%
- Air bags1 2.6%
Also reported: Electronic stability control (1), Seat belts (1), Seats (1), Steering (1), Suspension (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “Tire pressure monitor (tpm). The tpm is always illuminating on my dash. I check my tires plus the spare every month and nothing seems to be wrong with the inflation. I still have the factory rims, with the same tire size according to manufacturer but newer with no upgrades. No damage to rims or tires ever.”
NHTSA complaint #11044990, filed 2017-11, 48,000 milesEngine: “Rear brake lights lights were not working when I applied pressure to the brake pedal. I was going to work and a driver next to me informed me that both my brake lights are not working as I was at a red light. I was driving on a city street. The result was I replaced both rear brake bulbs after spending 2 hours of identifying the problem thinking it was more complicated. I always check all my lights each month making sure I am in compliance!”
NHTSA complaint #11044986, filed 2017-11, 68,000 milesBrakes: “Been having an issue with the brake light switch at the brake pedal sticking and our brake lights staying on. We notice it mostly after we have parked the truck and turn it off. The brake lights will stay illuminated, not always right away. The brake lights staying illuminated have caused our vehicle to have a dead battery many times. This issue with the brake light switch causing the lights to stay on has actually caused us to have to buy 2 brand new batteries in just over a 12 month period. …”
NHTSA complaint #11387619, filed 2021-01, 168,000 milesOther or unknown: “About three to four times a week my vehicle will not start and I have to remove the key wait ten to thirty minutes reinsert the key then the truck will start. Several times a week I must shake the key to get the dash board and radio to work therefore allowing the vehicle to operate, tho the vehicle switch has not been recalled, although several other Gmc vehicles have.”
NHTSA complaint #10717405, filed 2015-05, 90,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
35% of the 31 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 34,000 and 129,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2008 GMC Canyon. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canyon · extended cab RWD/AWD | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | 4 · 17.9% risk |
| Canyon · sedan RWD/AWD | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | 4 · 17.9% risk |
| Canyon · regular cab RWD/AWD | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | 4 · 17.9% risk |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2008 GMC Canyon version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canyon 2WD | 2.9L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Canyon 2WD | 2.9L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Canyon 2WD | 3.7L 5-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Canyon 4WD | 2.9L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 22 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Canyon 4WD | 2.9L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Canyon 4WD | 3.7L 5-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Canyon Crew Cab 2WD | 2.9L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Canyon Crew Cab 2WD | 2.9L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Canyon Crew Cab 2WD | 3.7L 5-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Canyon Crew Cab 4WD | 3.7L 5-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 10V575000Nov 18, 2010Child seatCovers: GMC Canyon 2004–2011, Chevrolet Colorado 2004–2011, Isuzu I-290/I-370 2007–2008 +1 more
Gm is recalling certain model year 2004-2011, chevrolet colorado, gmc canyon, model year 2006, isuzu I-280/I-350, and model year 2007-2008, I-290/I-370, regular cab vehicles and extended cab vehicles without a rear seat and equipped with a front 60/40 split…
- 09V310000Jul 29, 2009Exterior lighting › Brake lights › SwitchCovers: GMC Canyon 2004–2009, Chevrolet Colorado 2004–2009, Isuzu I-290 2007–2008 +3 more
Gm is recalling 185,903 model year 2004-2009 colorado, gmc model year 2009-2004 canyon, model year 2006 I-280, I-350, model year 2007-2008 I-290, and I-370, passenger vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of alabama, arizona…
Recall details for the 2008 GMC Canyon → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 953 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- 11021792Aug 7, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming…
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11019074May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019073May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019072May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11014455Feb 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get…
- 11011782Dec 7, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is…
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024Electrical system. This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester…
- 11009531Sep 27, 2024Engine. This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
Other model years of the GMC Canyon
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8 | 350 | 2 | 4 | 20 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 8 | 13,500 | 2 | 4 | 20 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 207 | 4,000 | 3 | 4 | 20 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 62 | 3,000 | 3 | 4 | 20 | 99 · More | Too new |
| 2022 | 28 | 22,212 | 1 | 4 | 22 | 40 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 12 | 46,500 | 2 | 4 | 22 | — | Not enough data |
| 2020 | 14 | 18,500 | 0 | 4 | 22 | — | Not enough data |
| 2019 | 17 | 36,082 | 0 | 4 | 22 | — | Rising |
| 2018 | 53 | 22,000 | 1 | 4 | 22 | 43 · Typical | Stable |
| 2017 | 66 | 27,803 | 1 | 4 | 22 | 56 · Typical | Falling |
| 2016 | 271 | 46,523 | 4 | 4 | 22 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2015 | 303 | 54,680 | 8 | 4 | 22 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2012 | 23 | 45,000 | 2 | — | 21 | — | Stable |
| 2011 | 12 | 51,073 | 5 | — | 21 | — | Not enough data |
| 2010 | 8 | 10,000 | 2 | — | 21 | — | Not enough data |
| 2009 | 27 | 49,928 | 3 | — | 20 | 30 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 38 | 68,000 | 2 | — | 20 | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2007 | 42 | 73,651 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 48 | 60,000 | 4 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 113 | 50,106 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 80 | 74,456 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All GMC Canyon model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2008 GMC Canyon have?
NHTSA recorded 38 consumer complaints for the 2008 GMC Canyon as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2008 GMC Canyon is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 15 complaints (39% of the total), followed by engine with 14.
Has the 2008 GMC Canyon been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2008 GMC Canyon get?
The EPA rates the 2008 GMC Canyon (Canyon 2WD, 2.9L 4-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 18 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,350 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2008 GMC Canyon reported?
Among the 31 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 68,000 miles and the middle half falls between 34,000 and 129,000 miles; 35% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.