2018 GMC Canyon transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. 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
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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
5. 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
6. Filed Jun 6, 2024NVBody & StructureFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   Major potential for deadly fire or explosion. Fuel tank strapped failed after forward strap bolt fell out of threaded cross member where fastened in frame. The failure led to the fuel tank hanging inches off the ground on the freeway stressing fuel pump lines to forward upper tank. Metal grinding noises heard to prompt roadside inspection confirming hanging, unsecured tank full of 26gal of diesel. The tank wedged the fuel tank strap between plastic tank and drive shaft…

   NHTSA complaint #11592919 · source
7. Filed Mar 10, 2024IDCrashTowedTransmission & Drivetrain

   Vehicle switched out of four wheel drive while travelling up hill in snow. Resulted in a loss of traction and sliding downhill until it collided with a tree, resulting in$9,000 worth of damage. I have heard of the AWD/4WD actuator failing in other GMC trucks. The vehicle is currently in for repairs.

   NHTSA complaint #11576454 · source
8. Filed Jan 6, 2024VATransmission & Drivetrain

   Transmission developed shutter/shimmy when shifting gears especially at lower speeds. Took truck to dealer and they diagnosed that the torque converter had failed. There are numerous reports and complaints online regarding this issue with GMC Canyons.

   NHTSA complaint #11563948 · source
9. Filed Jun 17, 2023CABrakesSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

   Transmission shifting really hard, has problem shifting from low gear shaking when brakes are applied makes loud noises when you go reverse to park and park to any gear Driving home lost power Steering and had to pull of freeway This truck has already been in the dealer for 7 other warranty issues This will be the 4th issue with the transmission!!!! It has already been fixed once before on the transmission now again 2 Top Ends already now more transmission issues again We…

   NHTSA complaint #11527505 · source
10. Filed Jun 8, 2023NMEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

    “Engine power reduced” service message “Stabilitrack” service message “4x4” service message Vehicle is available for inspection Vehicle jerks and loses power while driving at highway speeds causing 18-wheelers and other drivers to swerve around me, vehicle accelerates very slowly while in city traffic. Intersections and traffic lights are difficult to navigate due to reduced engine power endangering myself and family, also other drivers. Vehicle erases all stored messages…

    NHTSA complaint #11526123 · source
11. Filed Jan 27, 2023FLTransmission & Drivetrain

    The contact owns a 2018 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that on various occasions while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle was shaking. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics; however, the mechanics were unable to duplicate the failure. The tires were and balanced. The contact stated that the failure was reoccurred. The contact stated that after taking the vehicle back to another independent mechanic, it was…

    NHTSA complaint #11504023 · source
12. Filed Jun 13, 2022MITransmission & Drivetrain

    When coming to a stop the truck lunges forward like you have been bumped from behind and you can hear and feel it! When going forward the truck shift fine.

    NHTSA complaint #11468964 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. 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