GMC Canyon misfire problems

Filed Dec 17, 2025 · Fuel system · FL

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.

Filed Jun 2, 2023 · Airbags · IN

July 30, 2021 airbag warning - dealer replaced left front impact sensor mileage 33905 March 9, 2022 rough idling and stalling - dealer replaced evap purge solenoid valve mileage 39067 April 20, 2023 airbag warning - dealer replaced right front impact sensor and air bag module mileage 44496

Filed Feb 13, 2021 · Acceleration, Electrical · 101,800 miles · CA

My wife and I were traveling at approximately 55 miles an hour when all dash lights nav system gauges etc. Turned off. It was as if I turn the ignition off. Then it turned itself back on and seem to function normally. The vehicle had a similar problem previous to this and there was a recall performed on it recently. Also this vehicle is supposed to get close to 30 mpg and now the best I can get is 21 mpg. It has had a rough idle and shut down on me several timesduring the last few years. I feel like this vehicle is unsafe and gmc should be held accountable. I bought this vehicle because I wanted good fuel economy from a diesel and that is not the case. This vehicle has had a number of major issues and numerous recalls but none have addressed the vehicle shutdown. I have read multiple accounts of owners nearly getting killed when their vehicle randomly shuts off while driving. The vehicle seems unsafe and I feel they misrepresented the fuel economy of the diesel engine.

Filed Oct 13, 2016 · Transmission · CA

Vehicle bogs and misfires at rpms below 2000 causing a significant safety problem. Vehicle refuses to accelerate at low RPM unless it downshifts. Research on the internet finds multiple complaints for the same issue. I test drove a 2017 gmc canyon and it exhibited the same issues.

Filed Oct 1, 2016 · Fuel system, Transmission · 50 miles · KY

I bought a brand new 2016 canyon, test drive went well, although I admit it probably wasn't long enough. Purchased on sunday, and during the next week driving I began noticing the transmission was not shifting at the proper times. Like most people on here, the transmission appears to be very confused , especially when decelerating into the 20-35 mpg range and attempting to re-accelerate back up. It will misfire or be very unresponsive, and then clunk and jerk you forward once it decides to change gears. It also does something that I think is even more dangerous when you are going around 30-40 mpg and then simply let off the accelerator. In this instance, I feel like it down shifts instantly and it feels like the truck is being pulled back (instead of simply coasting like I would want), and then at some point it "releases" from this and the truck actually stops decelerating and speeds up a bit, even though the gas had been released many seconds ago. This is particularly dangerous in stop and go city traffic. I think the overarching problem here is the shift points that the ECM has determined (or been programmed with). You can tell this when accelerating from a stop, my truck gets to third gear by 15 miles per hour and never goes above 2k RPM's??? I admit I am a bit light-footed on driving, which compounds the problem because I eventually am giving a small amount of acceleration to a truck in 4th gear only going 20 MPH, which suck. I have also read this was a common problem on 15 canyon (obviously read after purchase), and gmc eventually came out with a few fixes, including ECM patch updates or lower valve replacement. I imagine that many of the 2016's were already off the line by the time these '15 fixes came out (in april 15 I believe), but the dealerships have not received any of these for the 2016.

Filed Jul 7, 2016 · Transmission · NJ

The truck does not shift properly, I experience rough shifts. It doesn't downshift, feels like truck is misfiring, and I experience slow throttle response. Overall I don't feel safe in this truck and sincerely regret my purchase. I've given the transmission a chance to break in and learn, but it's a real problem.

Filed Jun 1, 2016 · Transmission · IL

Transmission does not shift properly will not down shift hesitating and feels like truck is misfiring ruff shifts clunking sound problems start at about 20 MPH when trying to speed up in traffic truck will not down shift or will downshift to violently causing truck to lundge forward and nearly rear-end car in front this is dangerous and could cause an accident gm seems to be ignoring this problem even though there seems to be quite a few people with the same complaint

Filed Jun 15, 2015 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 39,650 miles · WV

1/29/2015 no crank..displayed message "service stab sys traction fault" had it towed to dealer and they replaced ecu repair cost was going to be more than$500.00 until I contacted gm customer service it was then reduced to $100.00. Mileage was 33478. This was three months ago. And the no crank problem continued however turned key back to off for a few seconds then vehicle would.. Today had this problem but when it started engine misfire and engine light came on along with the message "service stab sys traction fault reduced power". Was able to limp home at 25 MPH once there shut engine of then restarted seemed to be running ok then but the check engine light is now on. I have to take it to the dealer in the morning if it will start. I also contacted gm customer service again. Mileage now is 39650

Filed Feb 5, 2013 · Acceleration, Engine · 147,000 miles · SC

Check engine light comes on intermittently indicating misfire when idling; car is shaking and rattling there's a special coverage letter #07123a but gmc does not cover intake leakage issue once vehicle is passed 7 yrs or 100k miles, even though they are aware of the problem since 2007. If you are not the original owner, there is no way to be notified or contacted. My dealer never made me aware of the issue after purchasing the truck. Now I'm passed the extended warranty and am supposed to cover the full costs. This is customer fraud since its a manufacturing problem related to the engine - all 2004-06 gmc canyons are affected by this. This needs a recall - not extended warranty!

Filed Nov 4, 2012 · Brakes, Engine · 65,000 miles · OH

Abs light comes on with no apparent reason, also traction fault also comes on from time to time affecting gas mileage. There is also a misfire problem.