Owners have filed 91 complaints
about the 2017 GMC Canyon with NHTSA between 2017 and 2026.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 7 of 19 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 45
Against the median year of the GMC Canyon. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 34
6.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 95
56% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
12.0%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
918.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1122.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1122.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1326.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
48.0%
150,000+ miles
12.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 2017peak 5Feb 2026
Recalls on the 2017 GMC Canyon
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
18V358000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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.
Risk: A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Honolulu, HICrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I backed into a parked car in a parking lot.
NHTSA complaint #11652444 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,000 milesHazel Crest, IL1 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the temperature gauge would not operate and the vehicle would not properly accelerate while pressing the accelerator pedal. Also while operating the vehicle the contact had become ill with headaches and dizziness which required medical attention. Upon inspection, it was discovered that a hair-like fiber was present coming from the exhaust pipes. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed that the temperature gauge and exhaust system was faulty and needed to be replaced. The hair-like fibers were not identified. The contact was concerned that the hair-like fibers had clogged the exhaust system causing carbon monoxide to enter the cabin of the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 52,000.
NHTSA complaint #11484289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 6,400 milesMidland, NCCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
ON 10/07/2018 I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHICH TOTALED MY VEHICLE . IT WAS A LEFT TURN ACCIDENT I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT AND THE IMPACT WAS FRONT AND CENTER OF MY VEHICLE. DAMAGE WAS OVER $22,000.00 I SUSTAINED A MINOR INJURY BACK AND NECK PAIN AND RECENTLY HAD SURGERY FOR A HERNIA WHICH I HAD 10 YEARS PRIOR , AFTER THE ACCIDENT IT BECAME PAINFUL . I AM 55 YEARS OLD AND THAT TYPE OF VIOLENT IMPACT COULD HAVE BEEN REDUCED IF THE AIRBAG(S) DEPLOYED PROPERLY. I PURCHASED A NEW 2017 VEHICLE ALL SYSTEMS AND COMPONENTS SHOULD HAVE WORKED. ON THE DATE OF THE ACCIDENT MY VEHICLE HAD JUST OVER 6400 MILES ON IT. I SUBMITTED A CLAIM TO GM OR ESIS (LISA ROZELLE) 91800 888-0164 AND THEIR RESPONSE , I QUOTE " AT THIS TIME, BASED ON ALL DOCUMENTATION RECEIVED AND REVIEWED ESIS ON BEHALF OF GENERAL MOTORS LLC , WILL NOT BE IN A POSITION TO HONOR YOUR REQUEST FOR DAMAGES" . I SENT 26 PICTURES , THE TOTAL LOSS WORK SHEET AND THE POLICE REPORT. I ALSO INFORMED THEM OF MY INJURY. NO ONE FROM GM OR ESIS EVER CAME OUT TO LOOK AT MY VEHICLE OR EXAMINE THE BLACK BOX. THEY BASICALLY JUST BLEW ME OFF. I WILL ATTACH A FEW PHOTOS FOR NHTSA TOO REVIEW. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION TO THIS MATTER.
NHTSA complaint #11210603 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 27,000 milesDallas, GACrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 GMC CANYON. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 37 MPH, THE DRIVER REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER AND THE FRONT PASSENGER RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED, BUT DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT CALLED HARDY CHEVROLET BUICK GMC AT 770-445-9411 (LOCATED AT 2026 MACLAND RD, DALLAS, GA 30157) AND WAS INFORMED TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT SOMEONE WOULD BE SENT TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT CALLED BACK. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,000.
NHTSA complaint #11145316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 85,000 milesTrenton, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated, and the message " Check Trailer Brakes” was displayed. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the braking system randomly activated, causing the vehicle to abruptly decelerate. On several occasions while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to immediately stop, causing the braking distance to be extended by approximately 8 feet. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the ABS module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 85,000.
NHTSA complaint #11720445 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesTrenton, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated, and the message " Check Trailer Brakes” was displayed. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the braking system randomly activated, causing the vehicle to abruptly decelerate. On several occasions while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to immediately stop, causing the braking distance to be extended by approximately 8 feet. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the ABS module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 85,000.
NHTSA complaint #11720445 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesRock Island, IL
POWER TRAIN
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 transmission specialist, who determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced; however, the transmission was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
NHTSA complaint #11689681 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Annapolis, MD
POWER TRAIN
there seems to be electrical issue. the fan won't stop running even when shut off. the thermostat stop working with pretty low milage along with the tire sensors. Fixed the previous issues. Furthermore, while driving the vehicle stop working and had to use the momentum to park on the side of the road causing a unexpected break down. The vehicle won't start. This again seems electrical and the dealership want to charge for this. The vehicle is damaged since the manufacture and huge safety issue. Please urge to get a recall for all this items since it seems immersive expensive and unsafe to have to repair all this issues.
NHTSA complaint #11674524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Annapolis, MD
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
there seems to be electrical issue. the fan won't stop running even when shut off. the thermostat stop working with pretty low milage along with the tire sensors. Fixed the previous issues. Furthermore, while driving the vehicle stop working and had to use the momentum to park on the side of the road causing a unexpected break down. The vehicle won't start. This again seems electrical and the dealership want to charge for this. The vehicle is damaged since the manufacture and huge safety issue. Please urge to get a recall for all this items since it seems immersive expensive and unsafe to have to repair all this issues.
NHTSA complaint #11674524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Annapolis, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
there seems to be electrical issue. the fan won't stop running even when shut off. the thermostat stop working with pretty low milage along with the tire sensors. Fixed the previous issues. Furthermore, while driving the vehicle stop working and had to use the momentum to park on the side of the road causing a unexpected break down. The vehicle won't start. This again seems electrical and the dealership want to charge for this. The vehicle is damaged since the manufacture and huge safety issue. Please urge to get a recall for all this items since it seems immersive expensive and unsafe to have to repair all this issues.
NHTSA complaint #11674524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Honolulu, HICrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I backed into a parked car in a parking lot.
NHTSA complaint #11652444 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lincoln, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Check engine light came on, had it looked into, the radiator active shutter grille was stuck and wouldn't close. It had to be replaced. No causation or incident to have caused this. Bottomline, it had to be replaced to avoid further damage and from becoming a safety issue.
NHTSA complaint #11632861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lincoln, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Check engine light came on, had it looked into, the radiator active shutter grille was stuck and wouldn't close. It had to be replaced. No causation or incident to have caused this. Bottomline, it had to be replaced to avoid further damage and from becoming a safety issue.
NHTSA complaint #11632861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grapeland, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I can not remove my key from ignition . Sometimes it takes up to 30 minutes to get it to release. Have taken to multiple places they all have different answer and no one knows how to fix it . Getting worse everyday. Today was told to contact you that they could not help me
NHTSA complaint #11586124 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dahlonega, GA
ENGINE
Catastrophic engine failure. Piston #1 damage after a fuel injector issue. The truck just hit 100k miles. This left my husband stranded over an hour away. No check engine light or warning other than a loud pop and smoke. No warranty on the truck, I’ve been quoted $12k for a new engine. I have read MULTIPLE forums (one thread of 77 posts) of the same thing/similar thing happening.
NHTSA complaint #11552949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesBakersfield, CA
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the check engine warning illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the diagnosis was that that evaporative emission control system purge control had malfunctioned. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. On another occasion, the contact noticed that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the diagnosis was that the front driver side air bag had malfunctioned. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 25,000.
NHTSA complaint #11544237 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesBakersfield, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the check engine warning illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the diagnosis was that that evaporative emission control system purge control had malfunctioned. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. On another occasion, the contact noticed that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the diagnosis was that the front driver side air bag had malfunctioned. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 25,000.
NHTSA complaint #11544237 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,400 milesCanton, IL
STEERING
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became firm and difficult to maneuver. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,400.
NHTSA complaint #11524646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Freeport, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The transmission shudders terribly. It is available for inspection. It is unsafe because while in traffic situations, it doesn't get up to speed correctly. It is as if it can't find the gear, it feels like it is about to stall. It is not dependable to stay at a speed, or increase speed. The dealership said that changing the transmission fluid would help, and it did for a while. The problem came back, we had the fluid changed again. The problem came right back again.
NHTSA complaint #11515827 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Freeport, TX
ENGINE
The transmission shudders terribly. It is available for inspection. It is unsafe because while in traffic situations, it doesn't get up to speed correctly. It is as if it can't find the gear, it feels like it is about to stall. It is not dependable to stay at a speed, or increase speed. The dealership said that changing the transmission fluid would help, and it did for a while. The problem came back, we had the fluid changed again. The problem came right back again.
NHTSA complaint #11515827 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Walker Lake, NV
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving down the road when all of a sudden I received a warning “power steering” drive with care and something called “stabilitrack” my power steering had shut off. I was driving down a highway going about 65 around Walker lake no with turns. Coming around one of the turns the power steering kicked back on and I almost jerked off the road. The trucks power steering continues to go in and out making is extremely scary to drive. I have parked it since
NHTSA complaint #11512092 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mcminnville, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The central control screen goes through a rapid, seemingly random series of "ghost touch" control changes. It cannot be stopped or shut down. It often changes the language of all screens in the vehicle (I cannot read French), shifts the instrument panel screen from speedometer to any of a large number of random screens, changes rear camera settings or deactivates it, changes bluetooth and telephone settings, and any of dozens of other actions many of which have a direct and immediate impact on vehicle safety. It serves as a terrible driver distraction because the driver has to do whatever they can to keep the screen from making unsafe changes to the vehicle settings. The driver's attention is divided between whatever the screen is doing and what is happening on the road.
NHTSA complaint #11505424 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,000 milesLakeland, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Canon. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated along with the following displayed message "ISSUE WITH EXHAUST SYSTEM REDUCE ENGINE POWER TAKE TO THE DEALER IMMEDIATELY", as the vehicle slowed down drastically not allowing the driver to accelerate over 20 MPH. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to the dealer where the failure was diagnosed as the diesel particulate filter would not complete a burn. A manual regeneration was completed. The contact stated that the failure recurred after 2,500 miles in November 2022 and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, Kelley Buick GMC (255 W Van Fleet Dr, Bartow, FL 33830) where another manual regeneration was completed. The contact stated that the dealer informed him that if the failure reoccurred, he would need to purchase a filter for $2,000. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to inform when a burn was needed as other diesel vehicles were equipped with the burn alert system along with a switch to complete the burn. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated there were no recalls for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000.
NHTSA complaint #11497203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,000 milesHazel Crest, IL1 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the temperature gauge would not operate and the vehicle would not properly accelerate while pressing the accelerator pedal. Also while operating the vehicle the contact had become ill with headaches and dizziness which required medical attention. Upon inspection, it was discovered that a hair-like fiber was present coming from the exhaust pipes. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed that the temperature gauge and exhaust system was faulty and needed to be replaced. The hair-like fibers were not identified. The contact was concerned that the hair-like fibers had clogged the exhaust system causing carbon monoxide to enter the cabin of the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 52,000.
NHTSA complaint #11484289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sebago, ME
POWER TRAIN
After 5 years and 2 months of ownership of this vehicle, at ~52,000 miles it began to develop a shudder in the driveline, that I originally ascribed to an imbalanced rear wheel. After checking the rear wheels for balance, that cause was ruled out. I took the vehicle back to the GMC dealer where I had purchased it new. They claimed that the cause of the problem was a defective transmission fluid that somehow became contaminated with water. They offered to flush the entire transmission and install new 100% synthetic transmission fluid for a cost of $770. When I complained about a vehicle with 52,000 miles developing transmission problems the dealer consulted with GMC, and then agreed to flush and replace the allegedly defective fluid without cost. Upon further investigation, it appears as though the origin of the issue is not due to the nature of the fluid, but rather the use of an undersized torque convertor in this 8-speed transmission, which began in the 2017 model year. The smaller size and inadequacy of this torque convertor design is the root cause of this shudder, which not only has presented itself in the 2017 GMC, but also in corresponding GMC/Chevrolet models using the same transmission. The danger of a transmission failure can have catastrophic safety consequences for the driver, passengers as well as the motoring public, not to mention a very large transmission replacement charge for the owner. There is currently a Class Action lawsuit in the State of California for this notorious "Chevy Shake."
NHTSA complaint #11479800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Diego, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Constantly getting a message and beeping to service my trailer brake system while in park and driving. I’ve never used this before for towing any trailers or anything. This message and beeping cause a distraction and i find it to be dangerous. And the fact I’ve never used this is quite annoying.
NHTSA complaint #11479157 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Diego, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
Constantly getting a message and beeping to service my trailer brake system while in park and driving. I’ve never used this before for towing any trailers or anything. This message and beeping cause a distraction and i find it to be dangerous. And the fact I’ve never used this is quite annoying.
NHTSA complaint #11479157 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM Vehicle touchscreen begins to glitch and is unresponsive, this is referred as “Touchscreen Disease”
NHTSA complaint #11473588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Canton, IL
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
2017 GMC CANYON. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TRANSMISSION ISSUES. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED TRANSMISSION SHUDDERING AND BUCKING. OCCASIONALLY, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT YET DISCOVERED A FIX.
NHTSA complaint #11473315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.