2020 GMC Canyon Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 43%of 14 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 13,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2020 GMC Canyon, 43% of the 14 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 13,500 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.
“I am the owner of a 2020 Canyon sle that was purchased in june of 2020. The vehicle has about 20,000 mile on it currently. I have been experiencing a lag on acceleration after coming to a stop. This feels like the transmission isn't down shifting all the way. At time when accelerating from a stop the truck will act as it is in a high gear then suddenly slam into a first gear. I have take my truck to jessup Gmc in palm springs and they say the tech can not reproduce the problem. This sounds like the same issue the 2015-1019 models have in reference to bulletin: 18-na-355 dated august 2019”
NHTSA complaint #11387073, filed 2021-01, 14,000 miles“I'm the owner of a newly bought (6/5/2020 purchased date) 2020 Gmc Canyon. I took my truck into the dealership and complained that I have experienced transmission issues when downshifting or accelerating. My most common issue is 'shuddering' when the truck accelerates and sudden 'jerking' when downshifting gears when driving up an incline or even coming to a complete stop. The dealership said they haven't had any problems with the 2020 canyons and unless it reads a 'code' there's nothing they can do. Gm said tell the customer to drive it and we will call if we get any further information. …”
NHTSA complaint #11362569, filed 2020-10, 13,000 miles“The main issue is the transmission... It shudders. Now I have to change the oil every 10K miles on it, or it will start shuddering again. It first started when the truck had 50K or a little more miles in it. The issue was resolved, I thought... Then it did it again at 69K (Just out of the warranty). I called the dealership and they stated I had to pay if I wanted an oil change, and they could not do an oil flush even if I paid for it. So I said OK, I will take it to a mechanic, and I did and fixed the problem. I used the oil GM recommended and the shuddering stopped. …”
NHTSA complaint #11711123, filed 2026-01“The wiring in most vehicles 2020 and newer are soy/ nut based product… which squirrels, rodents and other animals can’t resist and the wiring throughout the vehicle is being chewed this all makes all models all manufacturers… there is also problems with the 8 speed transmission that shutters and hard gear changing and the quick fix is to flush out and refill it with transmission fluid”
NHTSA complaint #11559477, filed 2023-12“When rolling to stop signs or red lights, the vehicle occasionally fails to downshift properly and will attempt to continue pushing the vehicle when trying to stop. On multiple occasions, the vehicle acts as if it cannot be stopped due to the transmission failing to downshift. One must aggressively apply the brakes to get the vehicle to come to a stop. Unable to have the vehicle checked out at a local dealer, due to being backed up for weeks when trying to have it looked at. No visual indication/warning is given when this happens. …”
NHTSA complaint #11446376, filed 2022-01Related 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 2020 GMC Canyon
3 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsForward collision avoidance
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 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