Engine & cooling

GMC Canyon Engine problems by year

164 complaints filed with NHTSA about the GMC Canyon's engine & cooling. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.

Engine complaints by model year

'04 '05 '06 '07 '08 '09 '10 '11 '12 '15 22'16 '17 '18 '19 '20 '21 '22 '23 '24 '25 '26

Year	Engine complaints	Crashes	Injuries
2025	2	0	0
2024	15	0	0
2023	10	0	0
2022	3	0	0
2021	2	0	0
2020	5	0	0
2019	3	0	0
2018	7	0	0
2017	16	0	1
2016	22	2	0
2015	15	0	0
2012	3	0	0
2011	3	0	0
2009	3	0	0
2008	14	0	0
2007	8	0	1
2006	9	0	0
2005	16	0	0
2004	8	0	0

Latest Canyon engine complaints

2021 GMC Canyon Brakes Engine & cooling

While driving my 2021 GMC Canyon (current mileage: 78,465), the engine-driven brake booster vacuum pump drive gear housing catastrophically shattered without warning. This structural component explosion caused an immediate, sudden loss of power braking assist while the vehicle was in motion, creating a severe and dangerous safety hazard on the road. Upon a professional diagnostic tear-down, it was confirmed that the self-destruction of the vacuum pump violently introduced heavy metallic shrapnel throughout the...

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cylinder head and engine oiling system. The entire engine block is now heavily contaminated with metal debris, requiring a complete engine replacement estimated at $14,000. This is a severe, premature failure of a critical safety component driven directly by the engine's camshaft. General Motors is facing ongoing class-action litigation regarding these exact mechanical vacuum pump explosions, which pose a dual threat of total power brake failure and complete engine destruction. I am logging this complaint to urge the NHTSA to investigate this systemic material defect before it causes a fatal accident due to sudden brake loss.

2024 GMC Canyon Transmission & drivetrain Engine & cooling Driver assistance

I'm reporting several serious safety and reliability issues with my 2024 Canyon, including the collision avoidance system triggering sudden braking when reversing and moving forward, a roof damage incident from car wash blowers that required repairs, transmission shuddering and a sensation of locking during downshifts, repeated check engine lights with coolant issues, and limb mode events. These problems affect safe operation.

2022 GMC Canyon Electrical system Engine & cooling

October 22, 2026 General Motors Customer Assistance Subject: Request for Reimbursement for Thermostat Repair - DTC P0128 - 2022 Chevrolet V6 - Special Coverage Bulletin #N242484760 Dear General Motors Customer Assistance, I am writing to formally request reimbursement for the thermostat repair performed on my 2022 GMC Canyon V6, which experienced a thermostat-related failure associated with Diagnostic Trouble Code P0128. I understand that General Motors issued Special Coverage Program Bulletin #N242484760 to...

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address a known thermostat issue affecting certain vehicles. The program provides extended coverage for the engine coolant thermostat and its housing for up to 15 years or 150,000 miles from the vehicle's original in-service date, subject to the program's eligibility requirements. The issue I experienced is consistent with the condition addressed by this program. The P0128 diagnostic trouble code indicates that the engine coolant temperature is not reaching the expected operating temperature within the specified time, which can be caused by a malfunctioning thermostat. This is the type of failure that the special coverage program was established to address. Unfortunately, I incurred the expense of repairing this condition out of pocket. Had I been aware of the applicable special coverage at the time of the repair, I would have sought assistance through an authorized Chevrolet/GMC dealership before paying for the repair myself. I respectfully request that General Motors review my repair documentation and consider reimbursing me for the costs incurred. The existence of Special Coverage Program Bulletin #N242484760 demonstrates that GM has recognized this thermostat issue and established extended coverage for eligible vehicles experiencing the condition. I believe it is reasonable and fair for GM to review my claim in light of the nature of the defect, the diagnostic code involved, and the purpose of the special coverage program.

2020 GMC Canyon Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Canyon. While driving 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and DTC: P0024 was retrieved. The dealer determined that the camshaft solenoid bank #2 needed to be replaced. The contact associated the failure with Special Coverage: N232430470 (Camshaft Position Actuator Valve Solenoid - Bank 2 (Left Side) Exhaust); however, the vehicle was not covered under the program. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone and suggested that the contact report the issue to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 57,800.

2016 GMC Canyon Steering Electrical system Engine & cooling

Issue #1: While driving on the highway, the screens flickered once in a while. While stopping at a gas station, the vehicle did not turn on. Everything was black as if there was no power. After a several minutes of trying, it came back. Apparently it was an electrical issue. Took it to the dealership shop, but they couldn't find anything wrong with it. A couple of month after, my son was driving and when he turned right, the vehicle shut off. Same issue, the vehicle went black but after a few minutes, he was able...

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to turn it back on. Third time, my other son was driving. Arrived at his destination and when he was about to leave, the vehicle did not turn on. It was completely dead. The battery was good but all the electrical systems were dead. I had to tow the vehicle to the dealership. They changed the fuse box and that fixed the issue. It is dangerous because the vehicle can shut off anywhere at any time. Safety issue. Issue #2: Oil leak. The vehicle is a 2016 Canyon. It has about 76,000 miles on it. An oil leak was found in the engine. Had to take it to the dealership to fix it. Another high expense and repair. Issue #3: Power steering. While driving in the city, I got a warning saying that the power steering needed service. The wheel became extremely hard and it was difficult to steer the vehicle. I was able to bring the vehicle to a parking lot near to where the issue occurred but had to use a lot of strength to steer the vehicle to safety. I can not imagine what would've happened if I was driving on the highway or in a busy street. Apparently there is a recall for the 2015 vehicles but not for the 2016 even though it uses the same system and parts. Lots of complains online from 2016 vehicle owners reporting this same issue. Cost to repair the issue: $3,500 out of pocket. Issue #4: Media screen. The media screen keeps failing. This is the second screen installed by the dealership and it still have the same issues. At times it got black.

2021 GMC Canyon Brakes Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes became inoperable and the vehicle shut off. The contact repeatedly pumped the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that there was a large cloud of white smoke and immediately associated the failure with the vacuum pump. The contact over safely, the vehicle was towed. The contact became aware that there was no oil in the engine. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The manufacturer and the dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,378.

2008 GMC Canyon Acceleration & cruise control Engine & cooling Fuel system

When sitting at idle, the engine miss & spark knock at times. When start driving down the road the throttle seems hard to Press & takes a little time to reach up to road speed. The truck does not get good gas mileage at all. I had the spark plugs & wires changed still don't help.

2023 GMC Canyon Engine & cooling

Coolant leak observed at the upper radiator hose quick-connect fitting. The leak appears to originate from the internal seal at the radiator inlet connection. This issue developed without warning and is consistent with a known defect in the radiator hose seal design used in 2023 GMC Canyon vehicles. Vehicle experienced coolant loss and visible residue at the connection point. No visible external damage to the radiator or hose assembly was observed. GM has issued a Special Coverage program for similar radiator inlet hose seal failures in related vehicles using the same component design. Concern is that this defect may lead to coolant loss and potential engine overheating if not addressed.

2019 GMC Canyon Electrical system Engine & cooling

The engine coolant temperature sensor has failed on my 2019 GMC Canyon. The check engine light is illuminated, the temperature gauge does not register correctly, the air conditioning has been disabled by the vehicle's computer, and the engine cooling fan continues to run after the engine is turned off. These symptoms are consistent with the vehicle entering fail-safe mode due to loss of a valid coolant temperature signal. The problem was confirmed by an independent mechanic who diagnosed a failed coolant...

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temperature sensor. The mechanic attempted to source a replacement part through GMC but was informed the part was unavailable. The reason for the parts unavailability is unknown, though in his experience, it typically means that the manufacturer is stocking up and preparing for a recall This issue appears to be widespread across 2017-2020 GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado V6 trucks based on extensive owner forum documentation. The safety concern is significant: without reliable coolant temperature monitoring, there is no assurance the engine is operating within safe thermal limits, and the driver has no warning if overheating occurs. The disabled A/C also creates a safety risk during periods of extreme heat. The vehicle has approximately 60,000 miles. The problem has been present for approximately three months and is ongoing.

2024 GMC Canyon Engine & cooling

Coolant leak caused by known manufacture defect in upper hose assembly causes coolant to drain and engine to overheat. CEL only comes on when coolant is almost gone. GMC refuses to cover the known issue after 36k miles.

2024 GMC Canyon Engine & cooling

Coolant Leaking at 22K miles, smell of coolant, check engine light on and off 2X's. Coolant evidence on driveway and in engine cabin. Known condition for GM Model. No parts available for replacement. No recall for issue.

2024 GMC Canyon Engine & cooling

Upper radiator hose connection to radiator is faulty causing leak of coolant. Yes it is available for inspection upon request. Truck began to run cooling fan at full speed in the middle of winter with no warnings of high heat or low coolant. After two weeks, check engine light finally cut on to indicate low coolant flow. Coolant reservoir was subsequently checked and found to be completely empty. It is apparent this reservoir had been extremely low / empty for at least two weeks with no warnings. Without proper...

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warning and leaking coolant, truck could have overheated. Should this had happened in dead of summer, truck could have very well overheated with no warning. The problem was investigated and confirmed by dealer as leaking coolant at the connection of the upper radiator hose to the radiator. Was quoted $983 to replace the hose. No warning lights appeared until issue had been ongoing for over two weeks. A quick search of "GMC Canyon Upper Radiator Hose" will reveal many identical occurrences of this issue. This is a safety hazard / design flaw that GM is not acknowledging and is putting the burden on the vehicle owners for their own issue.

2023 GMC Canyon Engine & cooling

The upper radiator hose on some huge percentage of these trucks fail (mine has failed at just over 37K miles). You can check the Colorado Chevy and GMC Canyon forums, youtube, Facebook, etc., et al, and find plenty of instances where this has failed. As this is the cooling system, it can cause the engine to overheat and potentially ruin the engine. The flaw seems to be an engineering issue with the rubber seal they use (instead of a high quality o-ring) to seal the upper hose to the radiator. Additionally, since...

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this can cause engine failure it should be addressed immediately. Instead, my local Chevy dealer, since its not a recall item, said they could schedule a time next week for me to LEAVE the truck and that I am responsible for the repair. This is extremely unfair to the consumer who depends on these vehicles. This should absolutely be a recall item. You can find 1000's of examples online and if you can pull GM repair data, I'm sure you'll find 1000's more.

2023 GMC Canyon Engine & cooling

Top radiator hose is leaking coolant. Radiator hose O ring appears to be faulty.

2023 GMC Canyon Engine & cooling

Upper radiator hose gasket leaks at connection point to radiator and no gasket replacement part. GMC forces you to buy entire hose

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data