NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 53 owner complaints for the 2018 GMC Canyon. Most complaints involve power train (27) and electrical system (10). The EPA rates it 15–25 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Canyon model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 80 |
| 2005 | 113 |
| 2006 | 48 |
| 2007 | 45 |
| 2008 | 42 |
| 2009 | 29 |
| 2010 | 13 |
| 2011 | 23 |
| 2012 | 29 |
| 2015 | 321 |
| 2016 | 271 |
| 2017 | 66 |
| 2018 | 53 |
| 2019 | 17 |
| 2020 | 14 |
| 2021 | 12 |
| 2022 | 28 |
| 2023 | 62 |
| 2024 | 207 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 8 |
“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 won't Tow a Trailer or Boat Like I planned to. If I cause a wreck, Knowing the Defect, I will be held Responsible, Not GM LLC. It just did something new on 7/23/26. it stuck I a mid range gear and wouldn't shift, I Bumped it into Neutral to slow down and Recover proper control. I've said enough, be safe if you Have an 8 Speed from GM, or a 10 speed too.Read UP.”
“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 the ignition cylinder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.”
“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 well as the nature this issue GMC should take pride in ensuring reliability and care for the customers that experienced this manufacturing defect.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canyon 2WD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 | 30 | 25 | $3,750 | 413 |
| Canyon 4WD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | $4,100 | 450 |
| Canyon 2WD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | $2,850 | 406 |
| Canyon 2WD Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | $2,850 | 403 |
| Canyon 4WD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 19 | 24 | 21 | $2,950 | 429 |
| Canyon 2WD Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 20 | $3,100 | 440 |
| Canyon 4WD Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,300 | 463 |
| Canyon Cab Chassis 2WD Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 15 | 15 | $4,150 | 589 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
1 safety recall as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 53 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (27), electrical system (10), engine (6). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2018 GMC Canyon at 15–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (8 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2018 GMC Canyon 4 out of 5 stars overall.