2016 GMC Canyon Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 39about this part
- Share
- 14%of 271 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 6,942miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 39 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2016 GMC Canyon, 14% of the 271 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 6,942 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving, the engine picks and chooses when to speed up. I press the gas peddle down and have to wait a few seconds before the vehicle responds. I have noticed the vehicle making sounds like it is sputtering almost to the point to seizing all together.”
NHTSA complaint #11112276, filed 2018-07, 20,000 miles“Vehicle does not respond to acceleration command while entering a highway or during highway driving, increasing the risk of collation with other vehicles due to transmission failure, suspect the torque converter not working properly. This is a major and well known issue, GM continues to ignore and I do not want to become the next statistic dead in us highways. The vehicle is moving, during a red triangle yield sign entering the highway, the vehicle will not respond to acceleration command causing a bottle neck of traffic behind me and high risk of being rear ended. …”
NHTSA complaint #11415989, filed 2021-05, 53,210 miles“When attempting to turn left onto a highway from a stop sign, the transmission failed to engage, with a 2-second delay before engaging and accelerating into the turn. As a result of the delay, I was nearly hit by oncoming traffic. This vehicle model, 2016 Gmc Canyon, has a history of not being in the proper gear when stopped or moving at speeds below 3-5 MPH. This issue has happened to me over 100 times in the first 6 months of ownership, but this was the first time I nearly had a dangerous collision. …”
NHTSA complaint #10948716, filed 2017-01, 5,900 miles“Noticed a few days after I bought the truck it seems the transmission never knows what gear to be in. You can take off fine but when you try to add a little speed, does nothing until a few more inches of pedal is applied then it accelerates way to fast, almost hit the car in front several times. Also, coming out of u-turn or freeway underpass, seems to be stuck in 6th gear, have to dang near floor it to get it to accelerate , all the while folks are trying not to hit me from behind since I am not moving very well. …”
NHTSA complaint #10946477, filed 2017-01, 3,200 miles“I bought a brand new 2016 Canyon, test drive went well, although I admit it probably wasn't long enough. Purchased on sunday, and during the next week driving I began noticing the transmission was not shifting at the proper times. Like most people on here, the transmission appears to be very confused , especially when decelerating into the 20-35 mpg range and attempting to re-accelerate back up. It will misfire or be very unresponsive, and then clunk and jerk you forward once it decides to change gears. …”
NHTSA complaint #10910936, filed 2016-10, 50 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11014044Feb 3, 2025This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a delayed engagement into drive, shudder at a launch, or the…
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011989Nov 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 11008966Sep 9, 2024This technical bulletin provides a procedure for the techs to replace the forward check ball and separator plate if found the cause of the customers concern of No Forward Gear…
- 11006473Jul 30, 2024This technical bulletin provides a procedure for the techs to replace the forward check ball and separator plate if found the cause of the customers concern of No Forward Gear…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 38% |
| 2024 | 4 | 2% |
| 2023 | 6 | 10% |
| 2022 | 5 | 18% |
| 2021 | 2 | 17% |
| 2020 | 6 | 43% |
| 2019 | 7 | 41% |
| 2018 | 27 | 51% |
| 2017 | 18 | 27% |
| 2016 | 39 | 14% |
| 2015 | 38 | 13% |
| 2012 | 1 | 4% |
| 2011 | 2 | 17% |
| 2010 | 1 | 13% |
| 2009 | 5 | 19% |
| 2008 | 3 | 8% |
| 2007 | 4 | 10% |
| 2006 | 1 | 2% |
| 2005 | 7 | 6% |
| 2004 | 4 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2016 GMC Canyon
181 complaintsElectrical system
38 complaintsEngine
22 complaintsOther or unknown
20 complaintsElectronic stability control
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsForward collision avoidance
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 GMC Canyon
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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