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2018 gmc Canyon powertrain problems

moderate 24 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500

Complaints
24
Recalls
0
Crashes
1
Avg fix
$2,500

What owners are reporting 8 most recent

powertrain · filed 12/14/2018

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.

powertrain · filed 11/12/2025

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 manu…

powertrain · filed 10/23/2019

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 HAVE…

powertrain · filed 10/14/2020

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.

powertrain · filed 10/06/2021

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.

powertrain · filed 09/11/2020

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 B…

powertrain · filed 09/07/2018

THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTS AGGRESSIVELY THE FIRST GEARS FROM A COLD STARTED ENGINE AFTER ENGAGING FROM PARK TO DRIVE. SLUGGISH SHIFTING AND ACCELERATION.

powertrain · filed 09/07/2018

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.

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?

Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.

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.

Other problem areas on this vehicle

Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database. 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.
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