Torque converter fails at 12000 miles for many. There is a GMC notice out since 2016. Mine failed at 16000 miles and the one they replaced will likely fail again in another 16k miles. This is bad. I noticed it when I pressed on the accelerator and as I increased speed up to 45 MPH. It rattled and rocked badly. The GMC repairman said, "yeap.....ever since 2016 all these [xxx] torque…
2017 GMC Canyon powertrain problems
moderate 16 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
16
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
When does it fail?
Of the 16 powertrain complaints filed for the 2017 GMC Canyon, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Powertrain accounts for 25% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 4 categories tracked.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 7 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
This is 2nd $40,000 canyon I've been taken for! 1st was 2016, and transmission would take off after flooring it, as it would just 'lay down' and scared the wife so much, and wouldn't drive it! Had to repurchase an 2017, with the 8 spd trans, and even worse! It shakes and shudders even after fluid flush, then new torque converter! Then was told, there's nothing more gm can do for you!?? Really?…
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the engine oil was changed several times, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the serial gateway module, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to a…
Tl* the contact owns a 2017 GMC canyon. While driving various speeds, the vehicle shuddered and vibrated when the accelerator pedal was depressed. Afterwards, the vehicle accelerated rapidly without warning. The vehicle was taken to key Chevrolet (32 key auto dr, white river jct, vt) where the transmission was flushed and the torque converter was replaced, but the failures continued. The contact…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2017 GMC Canyon?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2017 GMC Canyon?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 16 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 16,000 and 64,000 miles, with the median around 20,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 16,000; a quarter make it past 64,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/GMC/Canyon.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.