2017 GMC Canyon: shudder or vibration when accelerating

Filed Sep 25, 2025 · Transmission · 96,000 miles · IL

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.

Filed Apr 6, 2023 · Engine · TX

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.

Filed Aug 17, 2022 · Transmission · ME

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."

Filed Jul 11, 2022 · Transmission · IL

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.

Filed Feb 16, 2021 · Suspension · 30,000 miles · AL

Transmission continually has issues with the first to second gear change, shudders at low speeds and when decelerating, and produces a loud 'clunk' noise when when reverse gear is engaged. In addition to the ' clunk', the body of the vehicle is subject to a rapid movement as the reverse gear is engaged. The vehicle has been returned to the dealership in order to resolve the issue however, I have been turned away for repairs as they claim it is a characteristic trait of the 8l90 ( 8 speed) transmission. The tsb of changing the transmission fluid to the mobil1 did temporarily mask the issue. The issue has returned and worsened and this has happened to many people. On to the suspension, my vehicle is equipped with the ' all-terrain' suspension package. My vehicle is subject to a very loud suspension ' squeak' along with a poor ride.

Filed Feb 4, 2020 · Transmission · 27,606 miles · TN

Transmission experiences torque convertor shudder. With very hard shifts at 5 and 18 MPH. Dealer complied with bulletin 18-na-355. Had improvement in shift for a while. Then hard shift return at 5 and 18 MPH. During decelerations there would be a shudder. When using cruise control when reducing speed transmission would shudder. Return to dealer, when oil pan was removed found aluminum chips and one metal chip. Dealer replace with remanufactured transmission. Drove vehicle home. Then went out and drove the vehicle upon exiting drive way experience torque convertor slippage at around 12 MPH with engine RPM going from 2000 to 4000. Continued to drive vehicle once torque convertor reengaged. Continued driving made couple of short trips in traffic continue to experience banging in drive train. I believe this vehicle puts my safety at risk

Filed Oct 28, 2019 · Transmission · 20,000 miles · NH

This is 2nd $40,000 canyon I've been taken for! 1st was 2016, and transmission would take off after flooring it, as it would just 'lay down' and scared the wife so much, and wouldn't drive it! Had to repurchase an 2017, with the 8 spd trans, and even worse! It shakes and shudders even after fluid flush, then new torque converter! Then was told, there's nothing more gm can do for you!?? Really? Now gm is not responding to multiple calls! $43,000 truck really? Never again, these vehicles should not be on the road! Was promised to have this resolved this afternoon,10-28-19, and once again no return calls! Will seek real council in am, as gm resolution is a joke! Don't waste your time, go strait to qualified firm.

Filed Sep 24, 2019 · Transmission · 28,000 miles · NH

Tl* the contact owns a 2017 gmc canyon. While driving various speeds, the vehicle shuddered and vibrated when the accelerator pedal was depressed. Afterwards, the vehicle accelerated rapidly without warning. The vehicle was taken to key chevrolet (32 key auto dr, white river jct, vt) where the transmission was flushed and the torque converter was replaced, but the failures continued. The contact stated that after two repaired when pulling ut into traffic still hesitate and shakes. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and provided case number: [xxx]. The failure mileage was 28,000.*pm *tp 'parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).'