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2018 GMC Canyon problems

The most common problem on the 2018 GMC Canyon is transmission and drivetrain, typically around 25,000 miles. It has 1.3 times the complaints of a typical Canyon model year.

Typical year1.3x the typical complaints
Year score
67/100
Owner complaints
53
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
1,2471 warranty
Worst area
Transmission
Fuel economy
15-25mpg

The worst 2018 GMC Canyon problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Transmission
    27
  • Electrical
    10
  • Engine
    7
  • Fuel system
    5
  • Steering
    4
  • Brakes
    3
  • Lights
    3
  • Acceleration
    2
  • Airbags
    2
  • Seat belts
    2
  • Body
    1
  • Driver assistance
    1
  • Suspension
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2018 GMC Canyon

Shudder 6

Recalls 1

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pumpReported May 31, 2018 · 895 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1‑800‑521‑7300, Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, or GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.

Recall number 18V358000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2018 GMC Canyon

Technical service bulletins for the 2018 GMC Canyon 1,247

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 1,247 bulletins for the 2018 GMC Canyon

2018 GMC Canyon fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.8L 4‑cyl DieselRWD223025
2.8L 4‑cyl Diesel4WD202823
2.5L 4‑cylRWD202622
2.5L 4‑cyl4WD192421
3.6L 6‑cylRWD15-1815-2515-20
3.6L 6‑cyl4WD172419

What 2018 GMC Canyon owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 19, 2026 · Brakes · LA

Driving down road and heard load screeching noise then when preparing to stop the brake felt like pushing on a brick wall and almost got hit after pulling into highway. The vacuum booster pump was found to have been sheared off engine.

Filed Jul 30, 2026 · Steering, Transmission · CA

On many occasions, over several years of ownership, ''NEW in 2018, the trans has had violent shift Problems. I could only find 1, ONE instance where a person was "injured'' by ANY of the GM 8L transmissions. My neck is hurting Now. I'm compelled to do this for Others who been Scammed by GM as they still sell a 8 speed rewrapped. I can't believe this has been protected against being called a SAFETY ISSUE By any Gov. agency. I got my truck in Retirement and Know I can't and won't Tow a Trailer or Boat Like I planned to. If I cause a wreck, Knowing the Defect, I will be held Responsible, Not GM LLC. It just did something new on 7/23/26. it stuck I a mid range gear and wouldn't shift, I Bumped it into Neutral to slow down and Recover proper control. I've said enough, be safe if you Have an 8 Speed from GM, or a 10 speed too.Read UP.

Filed Jun 26, 2026 · MS

The truck have a bad shudder that can shake you off the road. They know about the issue because its been an issue with there vehicles. I have a 2020 colorado also with this dangerous issue.

Filed May 13, 2026 · Airbags · AL · crash · 1 injury

Crash on 5/5 rear ended car - airbags did not deploy . Received concussion and neck injury.

Filed Mar 25, 2026 · Acceleration, Fuel system · CA

The warning light is saying engine power reduced having to do with the DEF system

Filed Feb 21, 2026 · Transmission · GA

This is a known problem with GMC and Chevy trucks, known as the Rumble. At approximately 45mph and up, the truck feels like it’s going over rumble strip and the back end is slipping. This causes the steering wheel and truck to shake. It could result in the loss of control if it gets too bad. I took it in for diagnostic testing, which confirmed that it was the transmission. They recommended a triple flush and replacement of the transmission fluid, as well as a computer upgrade. I had them complete the recommended service. As of right now it seems to have helped. But if it returns the next steps is to replace the torque converter. There were no warning lights, nor messages indicating an issue.

Filed Feb 2, 2026 · Transmission · 40,000 miles · CO

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving in the snow, the 4WD function became inoperable, and the vehicle lost traction and started skidding. The "Service 4WD" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was determined that a chip inside of the casing of the 4WD feature was inoperable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

Filed Nov 12, 2025 · Transmission · 34,929 miles · NH

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 34,929.

Filed Jan 20, 2025 · Transmission · TX

The transmission is sluggish and jerky resulting in unpredictable and inconsistent speed control. The vehicle is available for inspection, if requested. The inconsistent speed control is a potential hazard during acceleration and deceleration. The issue is known to the manufacturer. No warning lamps or messages have been observed. The symptoms began to appear soon after the vehicle was purchased on 12/28/2024.

Filed Dec 14, 2024 · Engine · TX

My 2018 GMC Canyon just underwent repairs due to a crack in the head gasket. A serious issue which resulted in having to take said GMC Canyon to a mechanic before further damage to the engine could be suffered. My truck only had a measly 76,000 miles. Definitely, something GMC should take a look into. I however was fortunate enough to notice abnormal loss in the coolant reservoir before suffering excessive overheating or potentially an engine fire. At such a low mileage as well as the nature this issue GMC should take pride in ensuring reliability and care for the customers that experienced this manufacturing defect.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2018 GMC Canyon before you buy

Compare the 2018 GMC Canyon

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2018 GMC Canyon

Is the 2018 GMC Canyon reliable?

Owners have filed 53 complaints about the 2018 GMC Canyon, 1.3 times a typical Canyon model year.

What is the 2018 GMC Canyon year score?

The 2018 GMC Canyon scores 67 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the GMC Canyon: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2018 GMC Canyon?

Transmission and drivetrain, with 27 complaints, typically around 25,000 miles. Next is electrical (10).

How many recalls does the 2018 GMC Canyon have?

1 recall, covering fuel system, gasoline.

What year does the GMC Canyon have bad transmission?

The GMC Canyon model years with the most transmission complaints are 2016 (39 complaints), 2015 (38 complaints) and 2018 (27 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2018 GMC Canyon get?

Official estimates for the 2018 GMC Canyon range from 15 to 25 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.8L 4-cyl diesel, RWD) gets 22 city and 30 highway.

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