This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 GMC Canyon powertrain problems
moderate 24 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
24
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 24 powertrain complaints filed for the 2018 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 48% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 4 categories tracked.
Among the 12 model years of GMC Canyon in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This Preliminary information communicates Diagnostic aids for a no start or DTC'S following a transmission replacement
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary information communicates Diagnostic aids for a no start or DTC'S following a transmission replacement
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information on Transmission Adaptive Functions and Correcting Low Mileage Harsh Shifts, Slips, or Flares.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a delayed engagement into drive, shudder at a launch, or the transmission is slipping when shifting into 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th gears. This may be due to loose stator support to pump cover bolts causing a leak at the stator support to pump cover gasket. Technician will check for the bolts to be loose. If any of the bolts are loose or the gasket is misaligned or leaking, the transmission pump cover must be replaced and the 1234 clutch plates should be inspected for being distressed and repaired as needed.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Transmission shuddering and harsh shifting dominate the complaints. Owners describe violent shaking and jerking, particularly during 1st-to-2nd gear transitions, as feeling like being rear-ended or driving over rumble strips. The problem appears early—some at 8,500 miles, most by 25,000–35,000 miles—and happens both on city streets and highways, often without warning lights. Dealers know about it: GM Service Bulletin 18-NA-355 (August 2019) specifically addresses torque converter clutch shudder for 2017–2019 Canyons. Typical dealer fixes include multiple transmission fluid flushes, computer updates, and torque converter replacement, yet problems recur. One dealer admitted the 8-speed transmissions are "not fixable" at this time. Cold-start transmission slippage—where the transmission appears starved for fluid—causes loss of power until the engine warms up. A recurring no-start condition with check engine light has plagued at least one owner across six separate service visits. One owner also reported a stuck key-in-ignition problem. Additionally, the 4WD system has failed in snow, with one failure causing the truck to lose traction and collide with a tree ($9,000 damage). A fuel tank strap bolt failure created a fire hazard at 75,000 miles. Warranty denials have left owners paying out of pocket for diagnostics and repairs on what should be covered defects.
Same GMC Canyon powertrain reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission shudder and harsh shifting (1st-to-2nd and higher gears)
The transmission shudders, shakes, or shimmies when shifting, particularly between 1st and 2nd gear but also in higher gears. Owners describe it feeling like driving over rumble strips, being rear-ended, or the truck being jolted. Occurs both during upshifts and downshifts, often unpredictably.
When: Typically at 25,000–35,000 miles; some reports as early as 8,500 miles; one at 69,025 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Violent shaking and shuddering during gear transitions; Feels like being rear-ended or hit from behind; Passengers jarred in seats despite seat belts; Rumbling or vibration sensation; Occurs especially on acceleration from traffic lights or going uphill; Hard, jerky, or aggressive shifting; Cold-start sluggish or harsh shifting
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report dealer-recommended transmission fluid flushes (some multiple times), torque converter replacement, computer/software updates. One dealer acknowledged 8-speed transmissions 'are not fixable' at this time. Diagnostic testing costs mentioned but ownership not always confirmed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM Service Bulletin 18-NA-355 (August 2019) addresses torque converter clutch shudder for 2017–2019 GMC Canyons. Owners report GM and dealerships reluctant to cover diagnostics under warranty; some warranty denials claimed. Dealer service frequently fails to reproduce the issue.
Transmission fluid starvation and cold-start slippage
Transmission slips when cold, causing loss of power and erratic speed control. Owners report the transmission appears starved for fluid and the issue resolves after warmup.
When: Occurs immediately on cold start; resolves after vehicle warms up
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slips when cold; Loss of power during acceleration; Unpredictable and inconsistent speed control; Slow or sluggish acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs confirmed in narratives; owners describe it as a factory defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner states GM is 'aware of and refuses to fix' the issue.
Torque converter failure
Torque converter develops internal faults requiring replacement. Owners and mechanics identify this as the source of shuddering and transmission problems.
When: Reported at various mileages; at least one at 34,929 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Shuddering and vibration; Abnormal knocking sound from engine compartment; Hard or erratic shifting
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement required; diagnostic testing completed at dealer confirming failure; transmission fluid flushes attempted before replacement in some cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not explicitly stated in narratives.
Transmission no-start condition with check engine light
Engine will not start (no sound or attempt); after 5–10 minutes it starts with check engine light illuminated. Vehicle initially fails to auto-shift after approximately 30 mph. Problem recurs repeatedly despite repairs.
When: Reported on 6 separate occasions over vehicle ownership; one narrative reports first occurrence and five subsequent recurrences
Symptoms owners cite: No sound or starter engagement when turning key; Delayed start (5–10 minutes later vehicle starts); Check engine light illuminates after start; Transmission will not auto-shift above ~30 mph initially
Codes mentioned: CEL (Check Engine Light)
Repairs/costs cited: Torque converter and transmission body valve replaced on first occurrence; subsequent occurrences serviced under warranty with repairs apparently incomplete, as issue recurs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty coverage applied but problem recurs multiple times; root cause not resolved.
Park-to-Drive key release malfunction
Key will not come out of ignition when transmission is in Park. Requires repeated start-stop cycles before key releases.
When: At 26,800 miles on used vehicle (purchased at ~21,800 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Key stuck in ignition when in Park; Requires multiple start-stop cycles to release key
Repairs/costs cited: Owner reports reading many complaints online; GM reportedly charges customer for repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner states nothing is being done by GM and charges customer for repair.
4WD/AWD actuator failure
Four-wheel-drive function becomes inoperable or disengages unexpectedly while driving, especially in snow. One incident caused vehicle to lose traction and collide with a tree.
When: At approximately 40,000 miles (chip failure); one narrative mentions 4WD disengaging without mileage stated
Symptoms owners cite: 4WD function inoperable; Service 4WD message displayed; Loss of traction and skidding in snow; Vehicle disengages from 4WD while driving uphill in snow
Repairs/costs cited: Chip inside 4WD casing found to be inoperable; replacement required. One collision resulted in $9,000 damage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in at least one case; owner reports hearing of 'AWD/4WD actuator failing in other GMC trucks.'
Engine power loss and reduced-power limp mode
Vehicle experiences intermittent loss of engine power accompanied by service messages for 'Engine Power Reduced,' 'Stabilitrack,' and '4x4.' Symptoms are unpredictable and do not reproduce in dealer diagnostic testing. Messages are erased by the vehicle after a period of non-use, complicating diagnosis.
When: Started prior to September 23, 2022; symptoms unpredictable and occur at random
Symptoms owners cite: Engine power reduced suddenly while driving; Very slow acceleration in city traffic; Jerking and power loss at highway speeds; Service messages: 'Engine Power Reduced,' 'Stabilitrack,' '4x4'
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle taken to service center 3 times; no repairs completed because symptoms could not be reproduced. Technicians found no fault.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not formally notified of failure. Dealer service unable to diagnose or repair.
Fuel tank strap bolt failure and tank suspension hazard
Forward fuel tank strap bolt fell out of threaded cross member in frame, causing fuel tank to hang unsecured inches off the ground. Tank wedged strap between plastic tank and drive shaft, creating grinding metal contact, heat generation, and fire/explosion risk with diesel fuel. Rear bolt also found loose during service.
When: At approximately 75,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Metal grinding noises; Fuel tank hanging visibly off ground; Strap wedged between tank and drive shaft with heat and metal-to-metal contact
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership inspection confirmed condition; rear bolt also secured. Owner reports photos available.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM notified; owner notes previous GM recall for forward fuel strap dislodging and drive shaft wear on prior model years. GMC Protection Plan ('Bumper to Bumper') denied coverage, citing exclusion of 'bolts, fuel straps, or manufacturer defects.'
Synthesized from 24 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 8 most recent
Rumbling of transmission. Clucky start. Gm dealer acknowledges the problem and has tried to repair vehicle. Gm says at this time the truck 8 speed transmissions are not fixable.
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…
When moving on the highway the vehicles' transmission starts to shudder. This usually happens when I am going up a slight incline and my engine is around 1400 rpms. I have taken the truck to the dealership multiple times over this issue. They have replaced the transmission fluid twice and the next appointment is next week on october 31st. The dealership told me that more than likely they will…
With 69025 miles transmission momentarily slips into free wheel then re- engages causing a surge. Transmission specialist states computer analysis shows internal issue requiring replacement of transmission. Shutter found after 3rd year.
i purchased this truck used about 5000 miles ago and it now has 26,800 miles and when you put it in park the key will not come out.you have to keep starting and shutting off and eventually it will come out.i have read alot of complaints about this and nothing is being done at gm.they should be ashamed of themselves for a substantial issue and they want to charge the customer for there issue.
My GMC canyon has only 35,000 miles. It started shaking, shuddering frequently, and having hard shift when changing gears, specially when speeding down. It feels similar to drive over the street lines with a similar sound. There is a strong sound coming from the transmission when fast shifting happened from high to low or when stop at the stop light. It is like the engine wants to leave from the…
The automatic transmission shifts aggressively the first gears from a cold started engine after engaging from park to drive. Sluggish shifting and acceleration.
Transmission clunks feels like your hit in the rear end. I thought I was rear ended 3 times so far. My transmission surges forward from 4th to 5th gear. Very dangerous to wear I don't want to drive the truck.
Had powertrain trouble with your 2018 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 2018 GMC Canyon?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 24 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 6,000 and 35,000 miles, with the median around 25,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 6,000; a quarter make it past 35,000. 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/2018/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.