Check a VIN

GMC Canyon grinding brakes problems

20 of the 1,446 owner complaints about the GMC Canyon describe grinding or squealing brakes, most of them for the 2005 model year.

owner complaints
20
worst model year
2005
typical mileage
20,000
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2024
    2
  • 2018
    1
  • 2017
    2
  • 2016
    1
  • 2015
    4
  • 2012
    1
  • 2007
    2
  • 2006
    1
  • 2005
    6

What owners say

Filed Mar 29, 2026 · Brakes · VA

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.

Filed Sep 29, 2025 · Brakes · WA

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.

Filed Aug 23, 2024 · Steering · 175,000 miles · AL

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering made an abnormal squealing sound. The contact stated that the squealing sound was heard while making a turn. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic. The contact stated that three weeks prior to the failure the vehicle was serviced at the dealer under an unknown power steering recall. In addition, the contact stated that several days following the recall repair, the squealing sound started. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000.

Filed Jun 6, 2024 · Body, Fuel system · NV

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.

Filed Feb 20, 2022 · Brakes · AK

BRAKES: I purchased vehicle September 25, 2012. This problem has occurred since I purchased the vehicle. It does not happen all the time. The problem is the brakes lockup and the steering wheel shudders and the vehicle pulls to the right. The vehicle makes a griding noise. It will NOT stop immediately when you put on the brakes. The brake pedal jumps up and down and makes a grinding noise. The vehicle pulls to the right and jumps up and down. In answer to the next question: This problem has happened since I purchased the vehicle.

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 Aug 13, 2018 · Suspension · 20,000 miles · NY

The rear suspension leaf packs emit a loud squeaking noise when moving over uneven terrain. This happens at all speeds. The suspension sounds like it is in a bind and then slips. The sound can be described as a squeaking rattle or a loud chirp. The dealer service bulletins say to grease the components and not to replace them. The issue is unresolved and could lead to a safety issue if any parts fail.

Filed Aug 1, 2018 · Transmission · 16,000 miles · DC

Transmission began shifting hard. Before long whole truck rattled when shifting. Almost a grinding sound. Chevy diagnosed torque converter has gone bad. Back ordered for 2 weeks.

Filed Feb 14, 2017 · Airbags, Brakes · 72,000 miles · ID · crash

Hit 3 deer in high speed collision. My air bags didn't function. Then research online showed I have tikata airbags. Then I noticed my brakes if wet or have ice on rotors, when braking, I get terrible squeaking noise and front end will shimmy or vibrate. Rear brakes too. And my power steering started making noise, like a rubbing sound a few months after I bought truck, though no fluid loss or stiffness in steering. I know these air bags are dangerous, metal parts have killed a few people. Why wasn't I notified by automaker about what airbags were installed in my truck!? I need fixed. I do a lot of mountain driving. I would like them to work properly. And these strange noises really bug me. I can't be breaking down deep into mountain roads when I work or travel. Much highway traveling too. The cruise control has never worked, since two weeks after buying truck. If coming up to hills when set, then as you drive up & down more hills, it will self excellerate! Not slow down on declines. Very scary a couple of times. Very dangerous! Engine would jump into passing gear. I have the 5 cylinder 3.5 motor. Automatic, sle extended cab 4x4. Should I go back to dealer to get fixed?

Filed May 7, 2016 · Brakes · 12,000 miles · TN

Rear brake squeak and long stopping distance. Anti-locking function does not engage and the braking system does not skid/lock up the tires in an emergency stop. Rear pads do not match size of the rear discs. Rusty dust build up. Gm has attempted to fix 3x and indicates that there is no fix for the issue. Squeaking on every stop will not allow driver to discern if the pads are worn or not.

Related recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliperReported May 12, 2015 · 24,380 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Colorado, and GMC Canyon trucks manufactured January 6, 2014, to December 24, 2014. The affected vehicles may experience the front brake calipers leaking brake fluid. This is due to air pockets, an imperfection in the metal caliper body.
Risk
If the vehicle experiences a brake fluid leak it can increase the stopping distance, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the front-brake calipers if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 9, 2015. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 (Chevrolet), or 1‑800‑462‑8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14888.

Recall number 15V278000 · Recall details

Questions about the GMC Canyon grinding brakes

Which GMC Canyon years have grinding or squealing brakes problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2005 (6 complaints), 2015 (4 complaints) and 2007 (2 complaints).

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used GMC Canyon?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history