Problems · NHTSA complaints

2018 GMC Canyon problems

Owners filed 53 complaints about the 2018 GMC Canyon with NHTSA between Aug 2018 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is power train (27).

Complaints
53
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Power train27
  2. Electrical system10
  3. Engine6
  4. Steering4
  5. Fuel/propulsion system4
  6. Service brakes3
  7. Exterior lighting3
  8. Air bags2
  9. Vehicle speed control2
  10. Seat belts2
  11. Structure1
  12. Engine and engine cooling1
  13. Fuel system, diesel1
  14. Suspension1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20185
20192
20208
20216
20228
20238
20247
20252
20267

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Power train

27 reports1 crash
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 30, 2026Steering, Power trainODI 11753768

Electrical system

10 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 25, 2024Electrical systemODI 11627186

Engine

6 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 14, 2024EngineODI 11630755

Steering

4 reports
“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 have been waiting for a new transmission for my 2018 sierra for over 3 months I have lost Complete faith that GMC really cares about the safety of people I have 2 LEMONS in my driveway just sitting The contact stated GM has not resolved the issue and there are no brakes which is a huge safety issue.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 17, 2023Steering, Power train, Service brakesODI 11527505

Fuel/propulsion system

4 reports
“The warning light is saying engine power reduced having to do with the DEF system”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 25, 2026Vehicle speed control, Unknown or other, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11726916

Service brakes

3 reports
“Driving down road and heard load screeching noise then when preparing to stop the brake felt like pushing on a brick wall and almost got hit after pulling into highway. The vacuum booster pump was found to have been sheared off engine.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 19, 2026Service brakesODI 11772255
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.