61 of the
1,948 complaints filed about the GMC Canyon
are about the fuel system —
3% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2016.
Power steering and StabiliTrack warning pops-up randomly and cuts off power steering assistance while I'm driving on the highway or on country roads. The power steering is very hard to maneuver. However, when it's safe to do so, I have to pull over on a safe place and have to restart my truck twice, in order to regain power steering. I have taken it to an independent mechanic and to a Chevy dealership on Merced. The dealership service tech informed me that in order to service the vehicle and find the code that is making this issue, that I would have to continue driving the truck and bring it in to the dealership with the power steering and StabiliTrack warning. According to the technician, they can't do much due to that they don't know what is causing the power steering to malfunction. I haven't been able to take it to the dealership because the warnings have occurred while I'm far away from a dealership or diagnosis area. Also, I will not risk my safety maneuvering a vehicle that has lost electric power steering around a city where lots of left or right turns are necessary to drive to a locality. This is the only vehicle I have to go to work or travel and fear for my safety when this happens. PLEASE HELP.
NHTSA complaint #11745386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11744895 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I own a 2015 GMC Canyon that developed repeated and serious fuel-system and engine problems beginning around 56,000 miles. The vehicle experienced fuel contamination (water in the fuel system), multiple fuel injectors failing and sticking open, repeated misfires across several cylinders, and engine stalling/shutdown while driving. The truck was towed multiple times and repaired repeatedly by an authorized GMC dealership. Repairs included injector replacements, fuel pipe replacement, fuel-system cleaning, and related work. Technician notes show that broader repairs were recommended but not fully authorized, and the same problems continued to return. Despite the dealership later stating the vehicle was repaired, there is no written safety certification, no documented fuel-system integrity testing, and no GM engineering clearance confirming the vehicle is safe to operate. Because of the repeated failures and risk of fire or loss of power, I do not feel the vehicle is safe to drive. I personally paid over $6,000 out of pocket for fuel contamination repairs and spark plug replacement (not including towing), after warranty coverage denied some repairs as “water damage.” The vehicle has been unsafe or inoperable for extended periods. I am reporting this because repeated fuel-system failures and engine shutdown present a serious safety risk and may affect other vehicles of the same model.
NHTSA complaint #11705723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I've noticed an issue since I picked up my vehicle from its last service where the RPMs stay around 1,000 when I let off the gas and should be coasting. The vehicle will continue to accelerate at 11 to 13 mph, and I really have to mash the brake pedal to stop. There is an update notice that popped up starting yesterday, but it will not install. Looks like the update is for the issue I am having. The update was supposed to be installed already per the service bulletin. Update number is N242452130
NHTSA complaint #11698266 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stabiltrak system stops working randomly all the time. It is seemingly random. It can do it as soon as I crank the truck, but more commonly it happens when I am driving. The ABS also will cause the truck to pull harder in one direction either left or right randomly. I have to put pressure on the steering will in the opposite direction to keep the vehicle in the middle of the lane. Stabiltrak sensor 1st went off around October 2023. It typically doesn't come back on immediately if I power cycle the truck. No accident to report yet but when the power steering does no work while I'm driving, it is extremely hard to turn.
NHTSA complaint #11661672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rack and Pinion assembly failure. Steering became “sticky”. Had to pull on the wheel to break it loose multiple times to make a full turn. This occurred while driving on the highway. No warning or lights. Confirmed by dealership. Truck has 2200 miles, under warranty. When I took the truck in they also informed me there was a recall on the fuel injection computer. I found that strange considering I was never alerted of this recall nor can I find it anywhere online with my vin number.
NHTSA complaint #11659641 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The Passlock System intermittently fails and prevents the fuel pump from pumping fuel to the engine. Even after paying GMC to repair the truck, the problem persists.
NHTSA complaint #11650301 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The ECU electric control model has now burned up 3 times and the dealership just keeps replacing it the only thing they keep saying not to fill up the gas tank all the way? The gas gauge just goes dead
NHTSA complaint #11632317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Subject: Urgent Safety Concern Regarding 2023 GMC Canyon Fuel Pump Module Failure I am writing to express my concerns regarding a significant safety issue I experienced with my 2023 GMC Canyon, which has only 3,000 miles on the odometer. On November 12, 2024, while traveling southbound on Interstate 75 in Florida, my vehicle unexpectedly lost all power. All electronics, including the dashboard and display screens, shut off, and the engine stalled. I was forced to coast to a stop on the shoulder, directly on the bridge section of I-75 over U.S. 301. With less than 12 inches of clearance between my driver’s side and passing traffic, this situation posed a severe risk to my safety. To make matters worse, the tow truck driver was unable to safely and properly secure my vehicle due to the danger presented by the high-speed traffic. My vehicle has now been at the GMC dealership for seven days, and I have been informed that the issue was caused by a faulty fuel pump module. I believe this represents a critical safety defect that warrants immediate attention and possibly a recall. Upon further research, I have found similar reports of fuel pump module failures in online forums, indicating that this may be a widespread issue affecting other owners across the country. In addition, when the tow truck dropped my vehicle off at the GMC dealership, after reading the engine codes the dealership found 18 active engine codes. I feel as if this is a possible known issue and I should have been informed when purchasing the vehicle. I kindly request your assistance in addressing this matter. I urge GMC to investigate the extent of this defect and take appropriate action to ensure the safety of all affected vehicles and their drivers. Thank you for your prompt attention to this urgent matter. Please let me know how GMC plans to proceed. I am available to provide additional information or documentation if needed.
NHTSA complaint #11626089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The fuel gauge on the vehicle does not appear to read accurately. The distance to empty reading varies on every refuel regardless if the same amount of fuel is filled in the vehicle. I believe this is a safety issue because a driver can run out of gas causing an accident due to inaccurate fuel gauge readings. I’ve taken to the dealership and have been told they cannot reproduce the complaint and it remains defective. I’m hoping if others experience the same complaint then a recall may be activated.
NHTSA complaint #11622385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #11592919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The high pressure fuel pump broke twice within a 6 month period. The first time, I was traveling at 70 mph in the middle of 100 degree weather in Texas. When I took it to the shop, the mechanic mentioned that the bolt broke inside of the engine and caused the high pressure fuel pump to break and dump gasoline everywhere. It was repaired by adding a new pump and fuel line. After driving it for 5 months, the same issue happened again while driving 30 mph. My safety was put at risk since it was large amounts of gasoline that it was throwing which could have easily caused a explosion/fire. The warning message was a check engine light and the truck going into limp mode. From my research, this exact issue was a recall for the 2018 version of the truck.
NHTSA complaint #11553455 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #11531580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
High pressure fuel pump broke off while driving on highway causing truck to stall. Stabilitrack warning was activated and Engine Power Reduced message came on dash. Speed was rapidly reduced to 15 mph on the highway and started knocking hard. Mechanic found the pump physically broke and a bolt was sheered off inside of head.
NHTSA complaint #11506557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
It keeps putting my vehicle into limp mode with the def system and tell me that I have poor exhaust quality. I can’t keep taking my vehicle into the shop not sure if it’s a sensor or the soot again or what but something has got to give
NHTSA complaint #11469903 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
We are always getting a code P1478 on our truck when we add def fuel in it when it is time to do so. We have tried to clear it out on our own but never goes away and have to end up taking it to the dealership to get it done. They said it's because the soot it built up. We have always used Blue Def in our vehicles. There was a recall on this system where they have to reset the system or a sensor. I don't understand whey this is always happening, The drivers seat was recalled once for it not being manufactured corrected. It fabic held up a few years when we got the few years when we got the vehicle and it is has done it again. We have asked the dealership about about another recall on the seat and they said they haven't seen one. We have tried to get it fixed on our own but no one have the fabic to do it. It isn't but together very well at all.
NHTSA complaint #11464256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fuel/Emissions: I have a 2017 GMC Canyon; I am not able to fuel the truck without the use of a funnel. As soon as I start fueling, it shuts off and "spits gas" on my clothes. When I do use the funnel, it takes me almost 20 minutes to fuel the truck. I have read in forums that it is a common occurrence with the 2017 Colorado and Canyons. I have tried to explain to the dealer that it may have a clogged evap canister. The dealership was dismissive and said it was a purge valve. The dealership changed the valve but failed to fix the issue. I returned to let them know and was told it would be days before anyone would look at the vehicle even though I did call and was told to bring it. Two things, evap canister is part of the emissions system and is to cut down on the emissions, and secondly, the gas gets everywhere when it "spits" it out because the vapers have no where to go. This is the only vehicle my wife and I have and is a good truck. There are plenty of forums such as coloradofans.com on line where others have the same issue. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11461293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.