2018 GMC Canyon Problems
Compared with other GMC Canyon years
Typical for this model
43/100 0.9× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.9× 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.
- 15 of its 53 complaints were filed by the end of 2020.
- Most reported problem: Shudder or rumble at steady speeds and on hills (15 complaints, median 16,750 mi).
- 1 recall campaign 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
- 53filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 22,000miles, 20 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall, 4 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 22 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl RWD · 20 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2018 GMC Canyon (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2018 GMC Canyon most often describe transmission problems: shudder or rumble at steady speeds and on hills, harsh or delayed shifts, and some slipping. Other frequent themes are an ignition key that is hard to remove and sudden engine power loss with warning messages. Where mileage is given, most of the transmission complaints are at or under about 35,000 miles.
- Transmission and drivetrain
Shudder or rumble at steady speeds and on hills
- 15 complaints (28%)
- median 16,750 mi at 2.8 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- filed 2018–2026
Owners describe shuddering, shaking, or a rumble that feels like driving over rumble strips, mostly at highway speeds, on inclines, or during light acceleration. Some describe a shimmy when the transmission changes gears. According to complaints, the dealer or independent shops replaced fluid, recommended flushes, or diagnosed a failing torque converter, and some owners say the shudder continued after that service. Where mileage is given, these complaints mostly fall between about 6,000 and 35,000 miles, and many describe it on hills or at highway speed.
What to check: Ask for records of transmission fluid service and any torque converter or transmission repairs, and whether the service bulletin on vibration conditions was checked. On a test drive, check for shudder on an incline and at a steady highway speed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When moving on the highway the vehicles' transmission starts to shudder. This usually happens when I am going up a slight incline and my engine is around 1400 rpms. I have taken the truck to the dealership multiple times over this issue. They have replaced the transmission fluid twice and the next appointment is next week on october 31st. The dealership told me that more than likely they will have to flush the transmission fluid again because GM is not letting them do much more with this issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11270343, filed 2019-10, 6,000 miles“For several months, we are now continuously experiencing a shaking and shuddering of the Canyon every time the truck shifts from 1st to 2nd gear. It is very disturbing driving down the street and the Canyon begins to shake so hard that everyone is jarred in their seats even with seat belts on. It is almost as if the Canyon is being rear ended by another vehicle as we're driving down the street. Our biggest concern is that it happens on major roads whenever we accelerate after a traffic light transitions from red to green. …”
NHTSA complaint #11408239, filed 2021-04, 35,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Harsh, delayed or jerky shifts
- 13 complaints (25%)
- median 6,500 mi at 0.9 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- filed 2018–2026
Owners describe clunks, lurching, or surging when the truck shifts, including when coming to a stop and between lower gears. Some say the shifts are sluggish or aggressive, especially after a cold start, and others say the transmission does not shift up automatically at speed. In some cases the dealer replaced the torque converter and valve body, and the problem reportedly returned later. Where mileage is given, these complaints range from about 1,000 to 69,000 miles, and some describe the problem as most noticeable after a cold start.
What to check: Ask whether the torque converter or valve body was replaced and whether the shifting problem returned afterward. On a test drive, check for clunks or lurching when moving off, stopping, and shifting between low gears, including after a cold start.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Transmission clunks feels like your hit in the rear end. I thought I was rear ended 3 times so far. My transmission surges forward from 4th to 5th gear. Very dangerous to wear I don't want to drive the truck.”
NHTSA complaint #11128166, filed 2018-09, 1,000 miles“The transmission has a rough shift from 1st to 2nd, whether it is upshifting or downshifting, and isn't always predictable. This rough shift often feels like a lurching forwards when it shifts from 1st to 2nd and from 2nd to 1st it feels like something hits me in the back and shoves me forward. The 1st to 2nd often makes me feel out of control of the vehicle and while it hasn't endangered anyone as of yet, I am concerned that it will push my into the car in front of me one day. …”
NHTSA complaint #11446712, filed 2022-01 - Electrical system
Key hard to remove from the ignition
- 6 complaints (11%)
- median 32,500 mi at 2.4 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- filed 2020–2024
Owners say the key sometimes will not turn back to off after parking, or cannot be pulled out, and in some cases the engine keeps running. Some describe the key staying stuck in the accessory position, which drained the battery. According to complaints, the dealer advised jiggling the key or diagnosed a failed gear shifter assembly, and some owners had to restart the engine and move the shifter to free the key. Where mileage is given, these complaints fall between about 18,000 and 38,000 miles, and they usually occur after the vehicle is parked.
What to check: Ask the seller whether the ignition lock or gear shifter assembly has been inspected or replaced, and whether service records mention a stuck key. On a test drive, park, switch off, and confirm the key turns back to off and comes out.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“i purchased this truck used about 5000 miles ago and it now has 26,800 miles and when you put it in park the key will not come out.you have to keep starting and shutting off and eventually it will come out.i have read alot of complaints about this and nothing is being done at gm.they should be ashamed of themselves for a substantial issue and they want to charge the customer for there issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11435672, filed 2021-10“Key sticks in ignition on accessory and cannot be removed. Service Bulletin generated by GMC. Available for inspection. Safety: with key stuck in accessory position battery goes dead in 4-6 hours, potentially stranding occupants and depending on location possibly creating a traffic hazard. Three attempts by GMC Fremont CA to repair so far. They have confirmed the problem. No warning or message.”
NHTSA complaint #11492501, filed 2022-11 - Engine
Sudden power loss or engine warning messages
- 7 complaints (13%)
- median 74,000 mi at 5.7 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- filed 2022–2026
Owners describe the engine losing or reducing power, jerking, or shutting off, mostly during highway driving, sometimes with an engine power reduced message or an emissions service message displayed. Another complaint describes a diesel exhaust fluid warning that stayed on after the fluid was topped up. The dealer reportedly could not duplicate some of these conditions, and a different technician pointed to the engine control module. Mileage is mostly not stated; where it is, the figure is about 74,000 miles, and many of the events were reported at highway speed.
What to check: Ask whether any engine power or emissions warning messages appear in the service history, and whether the exhaust fluid system was checked on diesel models. A scan for stored fault codes can show whether a past power reduction was recorded.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was traveling on a two lane highway, a semi in front of me and a truck behind me. A warning message popped up on my dash “Service Emissions System- 65 mi before 65mph max speed”. And within 5 seconds of that message popping up, the engine detuned itself. I pulled over as quick as I could, but I only made it partially out of the road before the engine shut down completely. I couldn’t start the vehicle again to get it the rest of the way out of the road. I was 40 miles from the nearest town on a Sunday. …”
NHTSA complaint #11548755, filed 2023-10“2 weeks ago I was driving on the highway doing 65 mile per hour and suddenly my truck started shaking and. Suddenly completely shut down lost power brakes stiffed and steering wheel as well. I safely pulled over to try to restart the vehicle and on my dash board light came on engine, TCM light and a light with a little car with hash marks called dealer the technician said it was a ecm. Problem and that am looking at a price of 7,000 dollars which is not in my budget reaching out to see if is maybe a manufacturing issue”
NHTSA complaint #11567597, filed 2024-01 - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission slipping or losing drive
- 5 complaints (9%)
- median 35,012 mi at 2.0 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- filed 2018–2026
Owners describe the transmission slipping, sometimes with a loss of power, and in some cases re-engaging with a surge. Some describe the back end slipping at around highway speed, with the steering wheel shaking. According to complaints, a shop found an internal transmission fault, and the recommended work included fluid service, a computer upgrade, or replacement. Mileage is mostly not stated, but where given it is about 69,000 miles, and some describe slipping when the engine is cold.
What to check: Ask whether the transmission has been scanned for stored codes and whether fluid level and condition were checked. On a test drive, watch for slipping or a sudden loss of drive, including when the engine is cold.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11445813, filed 2022-01“This is a known problem with GMC and Chevy trucks, known as the Rumble. At approximately 45mph and up, the truck feels like it’s going over rumble strip and the back end is slipping. This causes the steering wheel and truck to shake. It could result in the loss of control if it gets too bad. I took it in for diagnostic testing, which confirmed that it was the transmission. They recommended a triple flush and replacement of the transmission fluid, as well as a computer upgrade. I had them complete the recommended service. …”
NHTSA complaint #11719602, filed 2026-02
Buying note. For a used 2018 GMC Canyon, ask for service records covering transmission fluid work, torque converter or transmission repairs, and any ignition or shifter repairs. A test drive on a grade, at steady highway speed, and from a cold start can show whether shudder, harsh shifting, or slipping is present.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 49 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 53 consumer complaints for the 2018 GMC Canyon. 20 of the complaints include a mileage, and 90% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 22,000 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 1,247 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 7 GMC Canyon model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 43 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (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 system10 19%
- Engine6 11%
- Fuel system5 9.4%
- Other or unknown5 9.4%
- Steering4 7.5%
- Brakes3 5.7%
- Exterior lighting3 5.7%
- Air bags2 3.8%
- Seat belts2 3.8%
Also reported: Vehicle speed control (2), Electronic stability control (1), Engine cooling (1), Body and structure (1), Suspension (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “My 2018 Gmc Canyon slt shudders alot. It is not constant but it is often. It sort of feels like you're driving over rumble strips. I do not feel it at highway speeds, just driving around town. It's especially prevalent when going up hills. To me, it feels like a transmission issue. When I did a google search, I found out it's a known problem. I contacted my dealer and they were familiar with it asking if I had a transmission fluid change yet. I told them I had not and they scheduling me for that service in a couple weeks. …”
NHTSA complaint #11351941, filed 2020-08, 25,000 milesElectrical system: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #11413228, filed 2021-04, 28,000 milesEngine: “My 2018 GMC Canyon just underwent repairs due to a crack in the head gasket. A serious issue which resulted in having to take said GMC Canyon to a mechanic before further damage to the engine could be suffered. My truck only had a measly 76,000 miles. Definitely, something GMC should take a look into. I however was fortunate enough to notice abnormal loss in the coolant reservoir before suffering excessive overheating or potentially an engine fire. …”
NHTSA complaint #11630755, filed 2024-12Fuel system: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #11420373, filed 2021-06Mileage when problems were reported
90% of the 20 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 7,000 and 34,929 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 2018 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 4WD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 22.0% risk |
| Canyon · crew cab 4WD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 21.2% risk |
| Canyon · crew cab RWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 21.9% risk |
| Canyon · extended cab RWD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 21.4% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2018 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2017: same overall rating; 2019: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2018 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 | 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 20 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Canyon 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 20 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Canyon 2WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 18 | 25 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Canyon 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 19 | 24 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Canyon 4WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Canyon 2WD | 2.8L 4-cyl · diesel | 6-speed automatic | 22 | 30 | 25 | $3,850 |
| Canyon 4WD | 2.8L 4-cyl · diesel | 6-speed automatic | 20 | 28 | 23 | $4,150 |
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
- 18V358000May 31, 2018Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pumpCovers: GMC Canyon 2015–2018, Chevrolet Malibu 2016–2018, Colorado 2016–2018 +6 more
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel…
Recall details for the 2018 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. 1,247 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037555Sep 26, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- 11037550Sep 21, 2026Other or unknown. This PI communicates the proper part numbers for transmission connectors and internal harness to prevent confusion when ordering
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11035340Jul 21, 2026Other or unknown. PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- 11035308Jul 21, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.
- 11032777May 14, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11027689Jan 12, 2026Other or unknown. This PI communicates the proper part numbers for transmission connectors and internal harness to prevent confusion when ordering
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
What are the most common problems with the 2018 GMC Canyon?
Owners of the 2018 GMC Canyon most often describe transmission problems: shudder or rumble at steady speeds and on hills, harsh or delayed shifts, and some slipping. The issues reported most often: Shudder or rumble at steady speeds and on hills; Harsh, delayed or jerky shifts; Key hard to remove from the ignition.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2018 GMC Canyon have?
NHTSA recorded 53 consumer complaints for the 2018 GMC Canyon as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2018 GMC Canyon is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 27 complaints (51% of the total), followed by electrical system with 10.
Has the 2018 GMC Canyon been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2018 GMC Canyon do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2018 GMC Canyon 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 4 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2018 GMC Canyon get?
The EPA rates the 2018 GMC Canyon (Canyon 2WD, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 22 mpg combined, 20 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,050 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2018 GMC Canyon reported?
Among the 20 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 22,000 miles and the middle half falls between 7,000 and 34,929 miles; 90% 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.