GMC Canyon hesitation problems

Filed Jul 1, 2026 · Transmission · IN

I was pushing the accelerator, and the transmission hesitated at about 45 mph. For about 2-3 seconds, the vehicle would not upshift. The RPMs revved, and finally the vehicle slam-shifted into gear. The vehicle drove normally for the rest of the drive cycle.

Filed Jul 23, 2025 · Transmission · MI

Formal Complaint to the federal safety agency: 2019 GMC Canyon Transmission Issue To Whom It May Concern at the federal safety agency: I am writing to formally report a recurring and dangerous transmission issue in my 2019 GMC Canyon, and to request that the federal safety agency open an investigation into why General Motors has not issued a safety recall — despite widespread complaints and technical service bulletins. My vehicle exhibits jerking, hesitation, slipping, and hard shifting — especially during acceleration or when moving from a complete stop. These symptoms are consistent with hundreds of other consumer reports across forums, the federal safety agency complaints, and class-action lawsuits tied to GM’s 8L45 8-speed automatic transmission. I was quoted approximately $5,700 for a transmission repair and $8,800 for replacement. This problem is not simply an inconvenience or comfort issue. Hesitation and sudden surges in acceleration pose a legitimate safety hazard, especially when merging onto highways, pulling into traffic, or driving on slippery roads. At times, I’ve experienced delayed throttle response and unexpected lurching — which could easily result in a rear-end collision or intersection mishap. Despite the well-documented nature of this defect, GM has not recalled these transmissions — and owners are left to bear the financial burden of expensive repairs on a known design flaw. That is unacceptable. the federal safety agency’s mandate is to protect consumers from safety-related defects. In my view, and in the experience of many other drivers, this transmission issue meets the criteria for a recall: - It affects safe operation and control of the vehicle - It has been confirmed by internal GM service documentation - It recurs even after manufacturer-prescribed remedies - It places drivers, passengers, and others at risk Please consider this a formal request to investigate this matter and hold General Motors accountable for a recall or reimbursement program for affected consumers. Joanne Holstein

Filed Apr 21, 2023 · Steering · 63,432 miles · WY

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle hesitated, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact parked on the side of the roadway. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to her residence and then to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the power steering module to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,432.

Filed Jun 28, 2021 · Transmission · MI

The vehicle hesitates and shifts harshly as if it will stall at low speed acceleration leaving my driveway and when going forward from a full stop at red light to green. Very jerky ride, uneven acceleration, fear of stalling.

Filed Oct 7, 2019 · Steering · 141,000 miles · VA

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 gmc canyon. While driving 40 MPH, the vehicle began to pull towards the left or right while attempting to drive straight. When the contact attempted to turn the vehicle at low speeds, the vehicle hesitated to turn and attempted to steer straight ahead. Robert woodall chevrolet buick gmc cadillac (located at 1063 riverside dr, danville, va 24540, 434‑797‑1411) was contacted, but could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was currently occurring while driving various speeds. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 141,000.

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).'

Filed Aug 11, 2018 · Transmission · 1,500 miles · CO

Sag and hesitation while shifting,seems to get stuck or not sure what gear to be in.while making a turn truck hesitates no acceleration at 20mph.serious safety concern about getting rear ended

Filed Dec 6, 2017 · Transmission · 5,000 miles · FL

Slow and go driving 20-40mph after coasting and trying to accelerate again the transmission bucks hesitates trying to find a lower gear. It can't decide which gear to go into and just sputters and chugs until I push the accelerator 1/2 way down or more the finds its gear and rockets off. This type of driving not safe at all. This happens all the time since practically new. Gm claims its normal. Bulletins to not fix anything except update the software. That doesn't accomplish anything. This is a known gm issue with colorados and canyons and gm changed transmissions following years and no support for 2015-16

Filed Aug 17, 2017 · Transmission · 15,500 miles · AR

The transmission causes dangerous driving conditions. I have the same complaint as several others have reported.the transmission fails to downshift at lower speeds causing the hesitation when acceleration is needed. Pressing down further on the accelerator will lunge forward possible into crowed road way.

Filed Jun 16, 2017 · Transmission · 9,200 miles · CO

Transmission seems to be confused. It will hesitate during acceleration and shift up and down while coasting. Most sluggish shifting occurs during lower speeds. It also has a habit of downshift to low gear while coasting downhill. Always seems to be fighting with itself!