2018 GMC Canyon Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 27about this part
- Share
- 51%of 53 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 25,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 27 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2018 GMC Canyon, 51% of the 53 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 25,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 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“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 miles“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. The truck also has a hard time shifting when it is first started until it gets warmed up. …”
NHTSA complaint #11270343, filed 2019-10, 6,000 miles“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 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.
- 11014622Mar 2, 2025This Preliminary information communicates Diagnostic aids for a no start or DTC'S following a transmission replacement
- 11014621Mar 2, 2025This Preliminary information communicates Diagnostic aids for a no start or DTC'S following a transmission replacement
- 11014353Feb 12, 2025This service bulletin provides information on Transmission Adaptive Functions and Correcting Low Mileage Harsh Shifts, Slips, or Flares.
- 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.
- 11011436Oct 10, 2024This Preliminary information communicates for Technicians installing a Service Replacement Transmission Assembly to contact Technical Assistance to make sure unit is not suspect…
- 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…
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 2018 GMC Canyon
10 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 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