115 of the 1,948 complaints filed about the GMC Canyon are about the braking system — 6% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2005.
115
Complaints
6%
Share of all complaints
2
Crashes
1
Fires
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while his son was driving approximately 30 MPH, the passenger’s side rear brakes were making an abnormal crunching sound. No warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 100.
NHTSA complaint #11755837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
Vehicle alerted driver that ECS and. Rake assist was needed and disabled abs and forward collision while lighting up multiple warning lights on dashboard. Lights eventually turned off leaving a check engine light on. Multiple codes pulled from system using obd2 reader. Communication bus B offline and U0074, U0151, U0447,U0452 all at same time.
NHTSA complaint #11755424 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
Trailer brakes continuously fault due to known problem GM technical bulletin 23-NA-149 This should be a recall. Nothing but the runaround getting it fixed by GM.
NHTSA complaint #11747753 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
I first noticed the brakes squealing in August 2025 at 15,000 miles. The dealership said I needed to resurface the front rotors. I mistook this a coating and brake debris, but it was actually the rotors warping. By 21,000 the vehicle is pulsing heavily when stopping. I went back to the dealer and this time they told me all 4 rotors are warped. GM denied coverage of the pads and rotors. Normal driving, no collisions or towing.
NHTSA complaint #11727764 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
SERVICE BRAKES
On 2 occasions the battery was drained and a tow truck had to jump the battery. On one occasion after the battery was jump started it took several hours before the brakes were able to be used and the car driven safely. Had to drive very slowly (under 50 mph) per note that appeared on dashboard. After nearly an hour of waiting Engine light stayed on and dealership ran diagnostic and found nothing wrong with the battery nor anything else. Have to start and run engine everyday to keep battery from dying. If not started in 24 to 36 hours, battery will die.
NHTSA complaint #11718011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
Upon starting the vehicle, I got multiple warning lights. The most important was brake failure. I had no brake function. I took it to the dealer and they replaced the brake module after 3 days.
NHTSA complaint #11713383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact called on behalf of her son who owned a 2022 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, and the brakes failed to engage. Additionally, the infotainment screen was inoperable. The front camera module warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the front camera module needed to be replaced. The dealer made the contact aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V133000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE); however, the VIN was not included in the recal. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11703949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH in a parking lot, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the brake pedal was very firm while being depressed. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the vacuum pump and brake booster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11702307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
On Sunday, November 16, 2025, my vehicle, which had only 2,004 miles on the odometer, experienced a catastrophic failure of its braking system. The warning lights illuminated, and I received a diagnostic alert text message from OnStar stating that the driver’s side rear tire needed air. Subsequently, the dashboard displayed a brake failure warning, advising me to proceed with caution as the braking system was inoperative. I drove the vehicle home and then took it to a nearby Buick GMC dealership for repairs. I dropped the keys into the overnight box and returned to the dealership the next morning. I was informed that a technician would contact me. On Wednesday, November 18, 2025, at 3:00 PM, I received a call informing me that the braking system was indeed malfunctioning. The technician mentioned that it would take approximately 48 hours to obtain the necessary parts; however, there was a supply chain issue that could delay repairs for potentially 30 days or longer. The vehicle was purchased on April 18, 2025, and had only 2,004 miles on it at the time of the incident.
NHTSA complaint #11701507 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
While driving at 70–75 mph on an interstate, my vehicle suddenly displayed a “Brake Failure” warning and limited speed to 62 mph. Power steering failed completely, and braking became ineffective despite hard pedal pressure. Multiple warnings followed: ABS, engine, and others. I was in heavy traffic with vehicles at full speed. Loss of braking and steering control forced me to coast across lanes to the shoulder, narrowly avoiding collision. My safety and that of others was at extreme risk. After stopping, I turned the vehicle off for ~30 seconds. Upon restart, all systems returned to normal—no warnings or issues. This indicates a transient software malfunction, not mechanical failure. No prior warnings or symptoms occurred. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer/service center. I have not scanned or inspected the vehicle. It has not been examined by the manufacturer, police, or insurance. The vehicle is in my possession and available for inspection upon request.
NHTSA complaint #11698288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
While driving at 70–75 mph on an interstate, my vehicle suddenly displayed a “Brake Failure” warning and limited speed to 62 mph. Power steering failed completely, and braking became ineffective despite hard pedal pressure. Multiple warnings followed: ABS, engine, and others. I was in heavy traffic with vehicles at full speed. Loss of braking and steering control forced me to coast across lanes to the shoulder, narrowly avoiding collision. My safety and that of others was at extreme risk. After stopping, I turned the vehicle off for ~30 seconds. Upon restart, all systems returned to normal—no warnings or issues. This indicates a transient software malfunction, not mechanical failure. No prior warnings or symptoms occurred. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer/service center. I have not scanned or inspected the vehicle. It has not been examined by the manufacturer, police, or insurance. The vehicle is in my possession and available for inspection upon request.
NHTSA complaint #11698289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while her son was attempting to park the vehicle in a parking garage, there was a loud screeching sound coming from the vehicle while depressing the brake pedal. The contact's son used excessive force to depress the brake pedal, and an unknown warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed with a vacuum pump failure, which caused the end of the cam shaft to fracture. The contact called several dealers and was informed that the cam shaft was on backorder. The contact stated that one of the dealers stated that the failure was a common issue resulting in the part being on backorder. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The contact was informed that only the NHTSA could place a recall on the vehicle. The cam shaft and vacuum pump had been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11693914 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
16,000 miles driven and my replace brake sensor light came on the dashboard. I took it in to get looked at and was told the Front Drivers Side has 1 brake pad showing a life of 5 while my other pads all showed a life of 9/10. I was told that most likely something stuck inside the brake pad itself causing it to wear unevenly but I don't drive anything but highway and paved roads. I looked around other forums and multiple others are complaining of the same issue. I contacted GM and they told me brakes are a wear item. The dealer told me they aren't sure how it happened, but this isn't right to be replacing brakes on a brand new vehicle I've only driven for 10 months. Multiple others are saying the same thing in GM/Colorado forums.
NHTSA complaint #11690532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
Break monitors for front breaks have dislodged and caused damage to rotors and pads. Dealer claims this is normal wear! Breaks shimmy when breaking in all directions and squeak when backing. I travel to my work requiring mountain passes during inclement weather. The most important safety method while traveling on snow and ice is smooth steering, acceleration and breaking. With my font breaks shimmying, I am concerned for my safe control of the vehicle. Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter.
NHTSA complaint #11690400 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
EPS becomes difficult to steer occasionally, Brakes seem to lose stopping ability Leaking oil @ either oil pan or transmission
NHTSA complaint #11683769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
*COMPONENT SYSTEM FAILURE- MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER *SAFETY PUT AT RISK - AS BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE MEANS THE BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING AS THEY SHOULD. *PROBLEM HAS BEEN CONFIRMED BY GMC AND THE DEALERSHIP AS A KNOWN ISSUE IN NEW VEHICLES. *THERE WAS NO WARNING OR ALERTS PRIOR TO THE DAY 8/23/25. ON THAT DAY WAS THE FIRST WARNING LIGHTS I SEEN. *PART ON BACKORDER FOR THE FORSEEABLE FUTURE. GIVEN THE MILEAGE AND BEING BRAND NEW AND NOT HAVING THE PART POSSIBLY FOR MORE THAN 30 DAYS I FEEL AS IF I SHOULD BE GIVEN ANOTHER VEHICLE AS I THINK IT WOULD FALL UNDER THE LEMON LAW? 2025 GMC CANYON AT4 MILES-2,417
NHTSA complaint #11683406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
ALREADY SUBMITTED COMPLAINT BUT NEEDED TO EDIT MILEAGE. *ORIGINAL COMPLAINT NUMBER-11683406. COMPONENT SYSTEM FAILURE-MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER. *SAFETY-PUT AT RISK AS AFTER GOING TO THE DEALERSHIP ON 8/23/25 SERVICE ADVISOR LET ME LEAVE WITH VEHICLE AND SAID IT WAS PROBALY SAFE TO DRIVE AND PROBABLY AN ELECTRICAL GLITCH. THERE WAS NO WARNING/ALERTS PRIOR TO 8/23/25. TAKING THE SERVICE ADVISORS ADVICE I DROVE IT THAT WEEKEND NOT REALIZING MY BRAKES COULD FAIL ANYTIME. TOOK BACK TO DEALERSHIP ON MONDAY 8/25/25. GMC CERTIFIED MECHANIC CONFIRMED IT WAS THE BRAKE SYSTEM CYLINDER. PART IS ON BACKORDER FOR THE FORSEEABLE FUTURE. GIVEN THE MILEAGE AND BEING BRAND NEWAND NOT HAVING THE PART POSSIBLY FOR MORE THAN 30 DAYS, I FEEL AS IF I SHOULD BE GIVEN ANOTHER VEHICLE AS I HAD PAID OFF THE ONE I AM SPEAKING OF 2 WEEKS AGO. ALSO, I THINK THIS WOULD FALL UNDER THE LEMON LAW IF THE PART GOES BEYOND 30 DAYS FROM BEING DELIVERED TO DEALERSHIP AND TRUCK BEING FIXED. MILES ON TRUCK WHEN FIRST OCCURED WAS 2371, WHEN LEFT AT DEALERSHIP ON 8/25/25, MILEAGE WAS AT 2417. HAVE PICTURES CONFIRMING MILEAGE AND ALERTS. CALLED DEALERSHIP ON 8/27/25 ASKING FOR A WORKORDER AS I WAS NOT GIVEN ONE. STATING EVERYTHING THAT HAS BEEN TALKED ABOUT WITH MY VEHICLE WITH THE SERVICE ADVISOR AND MECHANIC. I WAS TOLD FROM SOMEONE WHO CALLED ME THIS MORNING AFTER FIRST SUBMITTING MY FIRST SUBMISSION THAT I NEED THAT WORKORDER IF THINGS PROGRESS FURTHER.
NHTSA complaint #11683427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
Vehicle brakes stopped working while driving. Dash board lit up and stated system brake failure. Also stated “do not exceed 43mph”
NHTSA complaint #11682905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2024 GMC Canyon. While the contact’s son was driving approximately 35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to slow for a traffic signal and the brake pedal was stiff. The contact stated that his son needed to use force to depress the brake pedal. There were several unknown warning lights on the instrument cluster. The contact stated that the phone app showed a failure with the ABS. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer. The dealer was not able to duplicate the failure and cleared the codes from the warning lights but provided no information on the fault codes. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.
NHTSA complaint #11675992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.