- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
- The fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.
Vehicle safety record
2018 GMC Canyon Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 53 complaints about the 2018 GMC Canyon with NHTSA, most often about the transmission & drivetrain (27) and the electrical system (10). Those complaints describe 2 crashes and 1 injury. It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in May 2018 for the fuel pump. For comparison, the 2017 has 66 and the 2019 has 17.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical Canyon year, for its age
#109 most complained-about 2018 vehicle
- Complaints
- 53
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 2
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2018 GMC Canyon problems
Share of all 53 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2018 GMC Canyon recalls 1
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
What owners say
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53 complaints about the 2018 GMC Canyon
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 3.
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.
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...
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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 truck have a bad shudder that can shake you off the road. They know about the issue because its been an issue with there vehicles. I have a 2020 colorado also with this dangerous issue.
Crash on 5/5 rear ended car - airbags did not deploy . Received concussion and neck injury.
The warning light is saying engine power reduced having to do with the DEF system
This is a known problem with GMC and Chevy trucks, known as the Rumble. At approximately 45mph and up, the truck feels like it's going over rumble strip and the back end is slipping. This causes the steering wheel and truck to shake. It could result in the loss of control if it gets too bad. I took it in for diagnostic testing, which confirmed that it was the transmission. They recommended a triple flush and replacement of the transmission fluid, as well as a computer upgrade. I had them complete the recommended...
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service. As of right now it seems to have helped. But if it returns the next steps is to replace the torque converter. There were no warning lights, nor messages indicating an issue.
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving in the snow, the 4WD function became inoperable, and the vehicle lost traction and started skidding. The "Service 4WD" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was determined that a chip inside of the casing of the 4WD feature was inoperable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
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 manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 34,929.
The transmission is sluggish and jerky resulting in unpredictable and inconsistent speed control. The vehicle is available for inspection, if requested. The inconsistent speed control is a potential hazard during acceleration and deceleration. The issue is known to the manufacturer. No warning lamps or messages have been observed. The symptoms began to appear soon after the vehicle was purchased on 12/28/2024.
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.
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.
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to remove the key fob from the ignition, and the key fob was stuck. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the gear shifter was in park(P) but the contact was unable to remove the key fob. The contact restarted the vehicle and shifted into other gears several times to remove the key fob. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the gear shifter assembly had...
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failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 32,500.
Major potential for deadly fire or explosion. Fuel tank strapped failed after forward strap bolt fell out of threaded cross member where fastened in frame. The failure led to the fuel tank hanging inches off the ground on the freeway stressing fuel pump lines to forward upper tank. Metal grinding noises heard to prompt roadside inspection confirming hanging, unsecured tank full of 26gal of diesel. The tank wedged the fuel tank strap between plastic tank and drive shaft (propeller shaft) with heat and potentially...
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spark as the the metal strap ground into the drive shaft marring and striating the durable metal. Heat and plastic melts, heat and spark with diesel combusts..in addition to risking of dragging tank at highway speed rupturing tank. Upon service at the dealer, mechanic observed the rear bolt to fuel strap was also loose and needed to be secured. GMC Protection Plan denied compensation for coverage as they do not cover "bolts, fuel straps, or manufacturer defects" under advertised "Bumper to Bumper" GMC Protection Plan marketed by GMC dealerships as protection for all non-wearable parts. No warning indicators appeared. My dog was in the truck bed in a camper shell directly above the potentially massive fire or explosion, this could have been catastrophic if it had been ignored. Additionally I was in northern California and southern Oregon when issue presented- potentially causing a major forest fire incident. While my outcome was fortunate in terms of safety, this could claim lives and even massive incidental loss of property. Vehicle has been inspected by local dealer and GM notified, hoping to receive coverage for damaged parts. Interestingly, there was previously a GM recall involving forward fuel strap dislodging and wearing into drive shaft on previous years of GM vehicles. No notable corrosion observed, bolts in question are high on frame secured to protected cross members, occurred at approximately 75K miles. I have photos on another device, if needed.
Vehicle switched out of four wheel drive while travelling up hill in snow. Resulted in a loss of traction and sliding downhill until it collided with a tree, resulting in$9,000 worth of damage. I have heard of the AWD/4WD actuator failing in other GMC trucks. The vehicle is currently in for repairs.
2 weeks ago I was driving on the highway doing 65 mile per hour and suddenly my truck started shaking and. Suddenly completely shut down lost power brakes stiffed and steering wheel as well. I safely pulled over to try to restart the vehicle and on my dash board light came on engine, TCM light and a light with a little car with hash marks called dealer the technician said it was a ecm. Problem and that am looking at a price of 7,000 dollars which is not in my budget reaching out to see if is maybe a manufacturing issue
Transmission developed shutter/shimmy when shifting gears especially at lower speeds. Took truck to dealer and they diagnosed that the torque converter had failed. There are numerous reports and complaints online regarding this issue with GMC Canyons.
Backup lights are not working; bulbs are good. No apparent chafing/wear on wiring harness. Removed ground strap, cleaned and reattached. Still not working. 48,000 miles on 2018 GMC Canyon SLT, diesel engine.
When placing the vehicle in reverse, the infotainment screen goes to full brightness on the reverse camera, making it difficult to see at night by lighting up the cabin causing interior reflections when trying to see out the windows at mirrors or behind the vehicle. There is no way to adjust the brightness setting. This is a pointless feature as the camera becomes the required visual point and is sometimes obscured by dirt or water so the driver is forced to fight the bright useless screen to see out the windows.
I was traveling on a two lane highway, a semi in front of me and a truck behind me. A warning message popped up on my dash "Service Emissions System- 65 mi before 65mph max speed". And within 5 seconds of that message popping up, the engine detuned itself. I pulled over as quick as I could, but I only made it partially out of the road before the engine shut down completely. I couldn't start the vehicle again to get it the rest of the way out of the road. I was 40 miles from the nearest town on a Sunday. I had to...
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turn on my flashers and sit outside the vehicle for 4 hours until a tow truck was able to come get me. Thankfully at the time of incident I was on a rural highway and I wasn't hurt, but I could have been seriously injured haha this happened on the freeway or a road in the city. It then sat at the dealership for 3 months following this to get a diagnostic and repair.
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while driving 60-65 MPH, the message "Bad Exhaust Fluid Warning" was displayed. The contact stated that he added exhaust fluid to the vehicle per owner manual's instructions; however, the message remained displayed. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where the failure could not be duplicated. The dealer advised the contact that the vehicle would return to normal operation if he continued driving the vehicle. The contact stated that as he continued...
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driving, the vehicle failed to exceed 55 MPH. A message indicating that the speed would decrease to 45 MPH for 40 miles, and then to 5 MPH, was displayed. The contact pulled into a gas station. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then driven to the dealer, where the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Truck started vibrating we took it it for diagnostic services & the results were a failing torque converter way premature in age for this to be a problem!
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...
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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.
"Engine power reduced" service message "Stabilitrack" service message "4x4" service message Vehicle is available for inspection Vehicle jerks and loses power while driving at highway speeds causing 18-wheelers and other drivers to swerve around me, vehicle accelerates very slowly while in city traffic. Intersections and traffic lights are difficult to navigate due to reduced engine power endangering myself and family, also other drivers. Vehicle erases all stored messages after a certain period of non-use....
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Dealer service center hasn't reproduced symptoms. Service center technicians say nothing is wrong and releases the vehicle back to me. I have invoices of the vehicle taken in 3 times. Vehicle is currently in the service center as of 10 June 2023, for the same problems indicated above. Problem is unpredictable and occurs at random. Vehicle hasn't been inspected by manufacturer, police or insurance representatives. Warning lamps, messages and symptoms started prior to September 23, 2022 can't remember actual date. I have the first invoice vehicle was taken in to be serviced.
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that on various occasions while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle was shaking. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics; however, the mechanics were unable to duplicate the failure. The tires were and balanced. The contact stated that the failure was reoccurred. The contact stated that after taking the vehicle back to another independent mechanic, it was determined that the transmission and torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Key sticks in ignition on accessory and cannot be removed. Service Bulletin generated by GMC. Available for inspection. Safety: with key stuck in accessory position battery goes dead in 4-6 hours, potentially stranding occupants and depending on location possibly creating a traffic hazard. Three attempts by GMC Fremont CA to repair so far. They have confirmed the problem. No warning or message.
GMC Canyon: every year compared
All Canyon years2018 GMC Canyon vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 GMC Canyon | 53 | 1 | C | |
| 2018 Chevrolet Colorado | 183 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 2018 Nissan Frontier | 25 | 2 | B | Compare |
| 2018 Honda Ridgeline | 0 | 8 | C | Compare |
| 2018 Toyota Tacoma | 0 | 3 | A | Compare |
| 2018 GMC Acadia | 399 | 2 | D | Compare |
| 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 | 306 | 7 | F | Compare |
| 2018 GMC Savana Cargo G2500 | 3 | 0 | - | Compare |
| 2018 GMC Savana Cargo G3500 | 3 | 0 | - | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2018 GMC Canyon
Does the 2018 GMC Canyon have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2018 GMC Canyon: fuel pump (May 2018). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 GMC Canyon?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the transmission & drivetrain (27), electrical system (10), engine & cooling (7).
How many complaints has the 2018 GMC Canyon had?
53 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on August 28, 2018 and the latest on October 19, 2026. Of these, 2 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 1 injury and 0 deaths.
Is the 2018 GMC Canyon a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 52 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical GMC Canyon year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which GMC Canyon years have the most complaints?
2015 (322), 2016 (273), 2024 (208). See every GMC Canyon year compared.
What should I do if my 2018 GMC Canyon has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data