2018 GMC Canyon problems, complaints & recalls
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
Owners have filed 45 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 GMC Canyon, most often about transmission & drivetrain. There is 1 recall for this model year.
- Complaints
- 45
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 2
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Median mileage
- 31,250 mi at time of problem
Key facts
- Transmission & Drivetrain is the most-reported problem area, named in 22 of 45 complaints (49%).
- Electrical System (10) and engine (7) follow.
- Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 31,250 mi.
- Owners reported 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury.
- The 2018 GMC Canyon has 1 recall on file.
- It ranks 6th of 19 GMC Canyon model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
- That is 7% more complaints than the 2017 model year (42).
2018 GMC Canyon problems by category
- Transmission & Drivetrain · 1 crash22 complaints
- Electrical System10 complaints
- Engine7 complaints
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion5 complaints
- Other / Unknown5 complaints
- Lighting3 complaints
- Steering2 complaints
- Airbags · 1 crash2 complaints
- Brakes2 complaints
- Seats & Seat Belts2 complaints
- Acceleration & Cruise Control2 complaints
- Body & Structure1 complaints
- Suspension1 complaints
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech1 complaints
A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.
Most-reported components
| Component (as filed with NHTSA) | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Power train | 22 |
| Electrical system | 10 |
| Engine | 6 |
| Unknown or other | 5 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 4 |
| Exterior lighting | 3 |
| Steering | 2 |
| Service brakes | 2 |
When problems happen (mileage)
2018 GMC Canyon recalls (1)
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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 pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
Risk: A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.
Recent 2018 GMC Canyon complaints
Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
- Filed Jul 30, 2026CASteeringTransmission & Drivetrain
On many occasions, over several years of ownership, ''NEW in 2018, the trans has had violent shift Problems. I could only find 1, ONE instance where a person was "injured'' by ANY of the GM 8L transmissions. My neck is hurting Now. I'm compelled to do this for Others who been Scammed by GM as they still sell a 8 speed rewrapped. I can't believe this has been protected against being called a SAFETY ISSUE By any Gov. agency. I got my truck in Retirement and Know I can't and…
NHTSA complaint #11753768 · source - Filed Jun 26, 2026MSOther / Unknown
The truck have a bad shudder that can shake you off the road. They know about the issue because its been an issue with there vehicles. I have a 2020 colorado also with this dangerous issue.
NHTSA complaint #11746700 · source - Filed Feb 21, 2026GATransmission & Drivetrain
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…
NHTSA complaint #11719602 · source - Filed Feb 2, 202640,000 miCOTransmission & Drivetrain
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving in the snow, the 4WD function became inoperable, and the vehicle lost traction and started skidding. The "Service 4WD" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was determined that a chip inside of the casing of the 4WD feature was inoperable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
NHTSA complaint #11715011 · source - Filed Nov 12, 202534,929 miNHTransmission & Drivetrain
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 34,929.
NHTSA complaint #11698993 · source - Filed Jan 20, 2025TXTransmission & Drivetrain
The transmission is sluggish and jerky resulting in unpredictable and inconsistent speed control. The vehicle is available for inspection, if requested. The inconsistent speed control is a potential hazard during acceleration and deceleration. The issue is known to the manufacturer. No warning lamps or messages have been observed. The symptoms began to appear soon after the vehicle was purchased on 12/28/2024.
NHTSA complaint #11637160 · source - Filed Dec 14, 2024TXEngine
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. At such a low mileage as…
NHTSA complaint #11630755 · source - Filed Nov 25, 202438,000 miPAElectrical System
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while parking the vehicle, the ignition key was difficult to remove from the ignition cylinder. The contact stated that the failure was constant and was unable to remove the key from the ignition cylinder, causing the 12-Volt battery to be drained. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the contact needed to jiggle the key until being able to remove the key from…
NHTSA complaint #11627186 · source
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Other 2018 GMC models
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology