2008 GMC Canyon Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 11%of 38 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 72,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2008 GMC Canyon, 11% of the 38 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 72,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“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 miles“The initial problem is that the vehicle ignition engages on its own while parked without the key being in the ignition. I would notice the radio playing on occasion. When I opened the door the bells sound like the key is in the ignition but it is not. On other occasions the battery would just be drained dead. I took it in to several different Gmc dealer several times and each time I was told since they could not duplicate the problem there was nothing they could do. Soon after, and this has occurred on several occasions, the cruise control would disengage while driving down the highway. …”
NHTSA complaint #10668071, filed 2014-12, 15,000 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“At the time of original discovery of a problem the vehicles cruise control would work intermittently. Months after the original discovery, a friend stated I had no brake lights. I checked the fuses and bulbs both were satisfactory. I conducted a check of the brake light switch with a volt meter and the switch is bad. There is no indication to the operator that the brake lights are not functioning. Further research indicates there is a known problem in this make of vehicle. I have conducted a VIN search of my vehicle and it is not covered in current or past recalls of this known issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #10632543, filed 2014-09Related recalls
- 09V310000Jul 29, 2009Gm 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…Covers: GMC Canyon 2004–2009, Chevrolet Colorado 2004–2009, Isuzu I-290 2007–2008 +3 more
Related service bulletins
- 10249011Jan 12, 2024This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10232136Feb 15, 2023This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10200151Jun 21, 2021This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 159 | 77% |
| 2023 | 5 | 8% |
| 2022 | 1 | 4% |
| 2021 | 1 | 8% |
| 2020 | 1 | 7% |
| 2018 | 3 | 6% |
| 2016 | 1 | 0% |
| 2015 | 3 | 1% |
| 2012 | 1 | 4% |
| 2011 | 2 | 17% |
| 2009 | 2 | 7% |
| 2008 | 4 | 11% |
| 2007 | 5 | 12% |
| 2006 | 5 | 10% |
| 2005 | 11 | 10% |
| 2004 | 8 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2008 GMC Canyon
15 complaintsEngine
14 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 GMC Canyon
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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