2023 GMC Canyon Problems
Compared with other GMC Canyon years
More complaints than typical for this model
99/100 3.1× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 3.1× 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.
- 46 of its 62 complaints were filed by the end of 2025.
- Most reported problem: Instrument screen and display blanking out (18 complaints, median 6,050 mi).
- 3 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with a typical complaint level and no open NHTSA investigation: 2022
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
- 62filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 3,000miles, 12 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- Too newThis model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 20 mpgcombined, 2.7L 4-cyl RWD · 18 city / 23 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2023 GMC Canyon (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Most of what owners report on this model year centers on the driver-assistance electronics: unexpected automatic emergency braking and blind-spot warnings that trigger when nothing is there. Complaints also describe a coolant leak at the upper radiator hose, rough or lurching shifts at low speed, and a range of screen, gauge and lighting faults. The truck is new, so many complaints arrive well under 15,000 miles, and several describe symptoms returning after dealer software updates.
- Forward collision avoidance
Automatic emergency braking engages with nothing ahead
- 17 complaints (27%)
- median 6,050 mi at 1.1 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2023–2026
Owners describe the forward collision alert lighting up and the truck braking hard on its own on clear roads, sometimes slowing rapidly from highway speed. Several say the system reacted to oncoming traffic in the opposite lane or to parked cars while turning. Complaints describe dealers reprogramming the module or checking the system without finding a fault, and in several cases the symptom returned afterward. Some owners switched the automatic braking off to avoid repeat events. Reported from a few hundred miles to about 25,000 miles, occurring at speeds from residential-street to highway pace.
Recall 24V1330001 related service bulletin
What to check: Ask whether recall 24V133000 was completed and whether any later camera or software updates were applied. During a test drive, note whether the alert chimes or brakes without a vehicle actually ahead.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“On 12/2/2024 my vehicle abruptly alerted and auto braked while drive <25mph on residential street while attempting to drive in between two parked cars. Plenty of room but system thought there was going to be a crash. Another vehicle was traveling behind me and also had to stop fast in order not to hit me because of the emergency braking. Truck almost came to a full stop but brakes released and was able to continue driving. …”
NHTSA complaint #11630039, filed 2024-12“Automatic Breaking System. Driving along at 25-30 mph on a snow covered road when all of a sudden alert system sounded and vehicle brakes abruptly applied putting vehicle into an uncontrollable slide. Fortunately there was no one behind and nom on coming traffic. Notified GM Customer Service, as I have a case open for other issues they claim tyhey do not have a fix for. GM's response to the sudden brake application was OH I'm Sorry”
NHTSA complaint #11578370, filed 2024-03 - Engine
Coolant leak at upper radiator hose connection
- 8 complaints (13%)
- typically at 3.2 yrs old
- filed 2025–2026
Owners describe coolant loss and residue at the quick-connect where the upper radiator hose meets the radiator, sometimes with a coolant smell while idling or with the vents on. Complaints say the seal at the fitting is the source and that the hose assembly has to be replaced rather than just the seal. Some owners report parts on backorder and were told to keep watching the coolant level in the meantime. Often reported between roughly 28,000 and 37,000 miles, with some complaints noting the smell within the first months of ownership.
What to check: Look for crusty residue or dampness at the radiator inlet fitting and check the coolant level; ask whether the radiator hose special coverage has been applied.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Coolant leak observed at the upper radiator hose quick-connect fitting. The leak appears to originate from the internal seal at the radiator inlet connection. This issue developed without warning and is consistent with a known defect in the radiator hose seal design used in 2023 GMC Canyon vehicles. Vehicle experienced coolant loss and visible residue at the connection point. No visible external damage to the radiator or hose assembly was observed. …”
NHTSA complaint #11733035, filed 2026-04“The upper radiator hose on a significant number of these trucks is failing prematurely. In my case, the failure occurred at just over 35,000 miles. Numerous reports on owner forums (such as the Colorado Chevy / GMC Canyon forum), YouTube, and other platforms document the same issue, indicating this is not an isolated incident but a widespread defect. Because this hose is part of the cooling system, its failure can quickly lead to engine overheating and potentially catastrophic engine damage. …”
NHTSA complaint #11703623, filed 2025-12 - Electrical system
Instrument screen and display blanking out
- 18 complaints (29%)
- median 6,050 mi at 2.4 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- filed 2023–2026
Owners report the radio and center display freezing, doubling the image, or going completely black, sometimes taking the backup camera, gauges, or speed readout with it. Some complaints describe multiple warning lights and messages appearing together, and occasionally reduced braking or steering assist along with them. Dealers performed software updates or diagnostics, and owners say the screen still blanked afterward. Reported from the first months of ownership onward, often without a specific mileage given in the complaints.
What to check: Check that the infotainment and gauge software is current, and try the backup camera and radio during the test drive; ask for any programming or module replacement history.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I am experiencing two safety issues with my Canyon 1) Forward collision alert system is triggered unnecessarily (e.g., when there isn't a car in front of me, when the car in front is far away and not posing a risk). I took it to GMC a few months back since there was a previous recall for this system and they said they stated it was fixed. It is not fixed. I turned off the automatic braking tied to the forward collision alert because it has previously braked automatically in a dangerous manner. …”
NHTSA complaint #11633110, filed 2024-12“The screen in the Truck doubles in picture, freezes and/or shuts down completely. This leaves you with out control of your GPS, radio, blue tooth, head light control and backup camera. Research on the internet has proven this seems to be an accruing problem in this truck, with some even losing their speed information. So far it has resolved itself after a while on its own, thankfully, but each time it happens the black out is lasting longer. …”
NHTSA complaint #11556709, filed 2023-11 - Lane departure
Blind-spot alerts flashing with nothing there
- 5 complaints (8%)
- typically at 1.4 yrs old
- filed 2024–2026
Owners say the blind-spot warning lights come on when no vehicle is beside them, mostly on the passenger side and more often after dark, and at other times fail to light when a car is in the blind spot. Complaints describe distraction from repeatedly checking the mirror and losing trust in the feature. Dealers replaced switches or performed a bulletin procedure, and owners report the problem came back or was described as having no fix. Reported across the first two years of ownership, with owners noting the false alerts are more frequent at night or in low light.
What to check: Drive at dusk or at night and watch the mirror indicators on an empty road; ask the dealer whether any switch or software work was done for blind-spot alerts.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The blind spot monitoring system comes on and off (false positives) while driving at night with no cars behind or next to me. It is a serious distraction requiring the driver to take there eyes of the road. I took the truck to a GMC dealer and they said they could not replicate the issue. I no longer drive the vehicle at night.”
NHTSA complaint #11575257, filed 2024-03“Blind spot warning system continues to illuminate when traveling on two lane roads with no objects in the blind spot(false positives). Especially the passenger side. I continue to be distracted while driving to check the mirror to see what is there, nothing. Then while traveling on multi-lane highways, both sides will sometimes not illuminate when there is a vehicle present in the blind spot. Both of these examples also happen more often after dusk or during dark/cloudy days. I have not taken into dealer yet for repairs but will soon. …”
NHTSA complaint #11564445, filed 2024-01 - Transmission and drivetrain
Hard low-speed downshift and lurching
Mentioned in 5 of 59 sampled complaints
Owners report the truck surging or lunging forward as it nears a stop, as if it drops from second to first gear with extra throttle, which has happened while parking or pulling into a space. Others describe a firm slam into second gear when pulling away gently or rolling downhill. Complaints mention dealer valve body or solenoid replacement and, in some cases, a wiring harness connection being the cause. Reported from near-new mileage up to about 42,000 miles, typically at low speeds such as parking-lot or stop-and-go driving.
What to check: In a test drive, creep to a stop in a parking lot and note whether the truck surges; ask whether any transmission valve body or software work has been recorded.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Vehicle lurches forward extremely strong when almost stopped, shifting from 2nd to 1st. Common issue with all of these trucks with the 8L80 transmission. Also - this transmission slams into 2nd from 1st when first starting out under light acelleration or drifting down hill.”
NHTSA complaint #11646417, filed 2025-03“While slowly driving, like when parking or trying to park vehicle in garage, it will randomly surge when almost at complete stop forcing vehicle to lunge forward requiring operator to apply quick additional firm braking. It almost feels like vehicle is creeping in 2nd gear and decides to downshift into 1st gear just before coming to a stop and engine applies slightly more throttle. I have almost hit garage wall and other vehicles in parking lots due to this issue. Again, it is intermittent but is alarming when happens. …”
NHTSA complaint #11564448, filed 2024-01
Buying note. Check that open recalls and available software updates have been completed, and drive the truck at dusk and at low speed to see whether the driver-assist alerts behave. Have a shop look at the upper radiator hose connection and coolant level before purchase.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 59 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 62 consumer complaints for the 2023 GMC Canyon. 12 of the complaints include a mileage, and 100% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 3,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 630 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 99 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than 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 system20 32%
- Brakes10 16%
- Engine10 16%
- Lane departure7 11%
- Other or unknown6 9.7%
- Exterior lighting5 8.1%
- Body and structure4 6.5%
- Steering3 4.8%
Also reported: Vehicle speed control (3), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (3), Air bags (2), Fuel system (1), Suspension (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “During normal operations the truck will come to a complete stop. I turned off the ABS and it still happens. It caused a major incident today while I was driving 50mph and it brought me to an abrupt stop on the highway. It’s happened many times but today the driver behind me avoided my truck by an inch. I was then followed y that driver for half a mile when I immediately exited the highway.”
NHTSA complaint #11556531, filed 2023-11Forward collision avoidance: “The theft alarm has gone off five times since I purchased the vehicle in September, dealership has been noted and has been in there for it and still goes off. Display screen froze up and did not reset until I was done driving and the vehicle was turned off for a while. The crash detection light came on and vehicle stopped itself with nobody in front of me or anybody coming towards me. The dealership has had the car for two weeks now, and they say there’s still no fix for it.”
NHTSA complaint #11575942, filed 2024-03Brakes: “While driving at 70–75 mph on an interstate, my vehicle suddenly displayed a “Brake Failure” warning and limited speed to 62 mph. Power steering failed completely, and braking became ineffective despite hard pedal pressure. Multiple warnings followed: ABS, engine, and others. I was in heavy traffic with vehicles at full speed. Loss of braking and steering control forced me to coast across lanes to the shoulder, narrowly avoiding collision. My safety and that of others was at extreme risk. After stopping, I turned the vehicle off for ~30 seconds. …”
NHTSA complaint #11698288, filed 2025-11Engine: “The upper radiator hose on some huge percentage of these trucks fail (mine has failed at just over 37K miles). You can check the Colorado Chevy and GMC Canyon forums, youtube, Facebook, etc., et al, and find plenty of instances where this has failed. As this is the cooling system, it can cause the engine to overheat and potentially ruin the engine. The flaw seems to be an engineering issue with the rubber seal they use (instead of a high quality o-ring) to seal the upper hose to the radiator. Additionally, since this can cause engine failure it should be addressed immediately. …”
NHTSA complaint #11720437, filed 2026-02Mileage when problems were reported
100% of the 12 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 2,500 and 13,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
This model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2023 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 · crew cab 4WD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Canyon · crew cab RWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2023 model year: forward collision warning standard on some versions, lane departure warning standard, automatic emergency braking standard on some versions.
Neighbouring years: 2022: same overall rating; 2024: 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 2023 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 | 2.7L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Canyon 4WD | 2.7L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 17 | 21 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Canyon AT4X 4WD | 2.7L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 16 | 16 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Canyon Mud Terrain Tires 4WD | 2.7L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 17 | 20 | 18 | $3,700 |
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
- 24V703000Sep 19, 2024Seat belts › Critical fastenersCovers: GMC Canyon 2023, Chevrolet Colorado 2023–2024
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Chevrolet Colorado and 2023 GMC Canyon vehicles. The left or right front seat may have a seat belt buckle attachment bolt that was not tightened properly.
- 24V237000Mar 28, 2024Wheels › Lugs/nuts/bolts/studsCovers: GMC Canyon 2023, Chevrolet Colorado 2023
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles. The front wheel hub bolts may have been over-tightened and damaged during installation.
- 24V133000Feb 22, 2024Electrical system › Adas › Driver monitoring › Camera/sensorCovers: GMC Canyon 2023, Chevrolet Colorado 2023
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles. The front camera module (FCM) system may falsely detect an obstacle, causing the automatic emergency braking (AEB) to engage unexpectedly.
Recall details for the 2023 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. 630 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038460Oct 7, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates an issue with the SES MIL and DTC P062B and engineering is currently investigating.
- 11038463Oct 5, 2026Other or unknown. This document assists GM dealer technicians with diagnosing torque converter concerns to ensure torque converter replacement is necessary. The torque converter part number will be placed on order…
- 11038162Oct 2, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information is to inform technicians and customers to not replace any parts at this time. This PI will be updated to a bulletin when a repair is available.
- 11038136Sep 28, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information is for technicians that may see DTCs that are history and should not perform any part replacements. They should follow the notes mentioned prior to anything being…
- 11038132Sep 28, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates to dealers a procedure to reset the radio.
- 11037555Sep 26, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- 11037460Sep 23, 2026Fuel system. General Motors has decided to conduct a Voluntary Emission Recall. Certain vehicles may have a condition which can cause the fuel pump power control module to fail. If this were to occur, fuel flow…
- 11037321Sep 16, 2026Fuel system. General Motors has decided to conduct a Voluntary Emission Recall. Certain vehicles may have a condition which can cause the fuel pump power control module to fail. If this were to occur, fuel flow…
- 11037312Sep 11, 2026Fuel system. Emission Recall. General Motors has decided to conduct a Voluntary Emission Recall involving certain 2023-2024 model year Chevrolet Colorado / Silverado 1500 and GMC Canyon / Sierra 1500 vehicles…
- 11037320Sep 10, 2026Other or unknown. This PI is to instruct dealer on diagnostic procedures that need to be completed prior to replacing a radio or IPC display
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 2023 GMC Canyon?
Most of what owners report on this model year centers on the driver-assistance electronics: unexpected automatic emergency braking and blind-spot warnings that trigger when nothing is there. The issues reported most often: Automatic emergency braking engages with nothing ahead; Coolant leak at upper radiator hose connection; Instrument screen and display blanking out.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2023 GMC Canyon have?
NHTSA recorded 62 consumer complaints for the 2023 GMC Canyon as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2023 GMC Canyon is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 20 complaints (32% of the total), followed by forward collision avoidance with 19.
Has the 2023 GMC Canyon been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2023 GMC Canyon do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2023 GMC Canyon 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 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 2023 GMC Canyon get?
The EPA rates the 2023 GMC Canyon (Canyon 2WD, 2.7L 4-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 18 city and 23 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,350 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2023 GMC Canyon reported?
Among the 12 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 3,000 miles and the middle half falls between 2,500 and 13,000 miles; 100% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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.