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EnginePart report

2008 GMC Canyon Engine Problems

Complaints
14about this part
Share
37%of 38 total for the year
Median mileage
68,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the engine of the 2008 GMC Canyon, 37% of the 38 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 68,000 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“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 miles

“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 miles

“Cruise control went out and I cannot find out where the problem is. The fuses are excellent. While I was driving I had the cruise control on, then all of a sudden for no reason the green illumination on the dash that let's me know it's on, was off. I tried to engage the cruise control again but that did not work. The green illumination on the dash does not come on anymore even as I attempt to engage the cruise control. I was on the highway at the time this happened.”

NHTSA complaint #11044981, filed 2017-11, 75,000 miles

“When first starting the vehicle(especially cold starts) the engine is making a loud knocking noise and then stops after it warms up for a while. I brought it to my mechanic and he informed me I need new lifters and have a internal engine problem. He told me that GM is well aware of this problem because it is happening in many different models. He even showed me the technical bulletin GM has out on it to tell mechanics how to repair it. I did not have him repair it because of the cost and because I only have 30,000 miles on it. …”

NHTSA complaint #10683547, filed 2015-02, 26,000 miles

“1. Theft deterrent illuminates and truck will not start. Have to wait 10 minutes with key in the acc position and then it starts. Happens often at least 2 times a week. Also, while I am driving the theft deterrent illuminates at least 4 times a week while highway driving but luckily the truck does not stall or stop.”

NHTSA complaint #11044973, filed 2017-11, 72,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2025113%
2024147%
20231016%
202227%
2020321%
2019318%
2018611%
20171421%
2016228%
2015134%
201214%
2011325%
2009311%
20081437%
2007512%
2006613%
200554%

Other parts of the 2008 GMC Canyon

Electrical system
15 complaints
Brakes
8 complaints
Other or unknown
5 complaints
Vehicle speed control
5 complaints
Exterior lighting
4 complaints
Body and structure
4 complaints
Fuel system
3 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
3 complaints
Air bags
1 complaints
Electronic stability control
1 complaints
Seat belts
1 complaints
Seats
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2008 GMC Canyon

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology