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.
GMC Canyon slipping problems
10 of the 1,446 owner complaints about the GMC Canyon describe transmission slipping, most of them for the 2018 model year.
- owner complaints
- 10
- worst model year
- 2018
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below
By model year
- 20222
- 20192
- 20184
- 20171
- 20161
Often reported together
What owners say
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
At first start the first gear slips this has been going on for 2 years. Is been serviced 3 times and no one seems to know what the problem is. The services tech did discover the issue but couldn't figure out what the problem is. I only have 19,000 mile and its on warranty I'm hoping this matter can be resolved. Thanks, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
8 Speed auto transmission slipping on first gear. Truck was serviced on 2 attempts with know resolution and still currant.
When cold the transmission slips badly causing a loss of power that has caused me to narrowly avoid being struck from behind by another vehicle. The slippage can be severe. The transmission appears starved for fluid. After completely warmed up the problem goes away. It is clearly a factory defect that GM is aware of and refuses to fix.
Transmission slipped almost from start. Took three appointments and two years - If my shop foreman knew the third time, why did he not call and tell me we now know your problem. I finally got fed up and brought it in one more time. Starter from day ONE maybe 50% of time made loud bang when Bendix retracted. Shop refused to take it off!!! I checked ball joint boots. One feels like no grease in it. They 'LOOKED' at it. No answer and nothing was done. Has had 'lifter noise' since new when small acceleration. Noise rate accelerates till shift and then repeats. I'm told they don't hear anything. I am 76 and hard of hearing. Pleeeeeze - don't tell me there isn't any. Not my best day today and felt it's time to say crap is crap.
With 69025 miles transmission momentarily slips into free wheel then re- engages causing a surge. Transmission specialist states computer analysis shows internal issue requiring replacement of transmission. Shutter found after 3rd year.
Transmission slips on inclines. Have taken it to dealer several times . They changed fluid and it still slips on inclines. Doesn't slip all of the time, but does still slip! This started approx. 2 months after purchase. Bought new.
Tl* the contact owns a 2017 gmc canyon. The contact stated that while driving downhill, there was a loud revving sound coming from the transmission. The contact stated that the transmission was slipping. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 155,994.
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 gmc canyon. Ever since the vehicle was purchased, the vehicle has pulled to the right. Additionally, on several occasions, the vehicle independently accelerated. The contact also stated that the transmission was slipping while the vehicle was being driven. The vehicle was taken to al serra gmc (located at 6201 saginaw rd, grand blanc, mi 48439, (810) 202-0226) where it was diagnosed that the entire steering column was misaligned and needed to be replaced. Additionally, the brake rotors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 9,735.
Related recalls
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)
- What is wrong
- General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 chevrolet colorado and gmc canyon passenger vehicles equipped with a 2.9 or 3.7 liter engine and a four-speed automatic transmission for failing to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no 102, "transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect," and federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 114, "theft protection." these vehicles may have been built with an automatic transmission adjustment clip that may not retain the shift cable in the correct position. If the shift cable is not in the correct position, the prndl shift lever may not accurately reflect the position of the transmission gear. The driver could move the shifter to "park" and remove the ignition key, but the transmission gear may not be in "park."
- Risk
- The driver may not be able to restart the vehicle, and the vehicle could roll away as the driver or other occupants exit the vehicle or have exited, resulting in the possibility of the vehicle striking them or someone around the vehicle, or could result in a crash without prior warning.
- Remedy
- Gm dealers will install a new automatic transmission adjustment clip free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about july 19, 2011. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438 and gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463.
Recall number 11V337000 · Recall details
Questions about the GMC Canyon slipping
Which GMC Canyon years have transmission slipping problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2018 (4 complaints), 2019 (2 complaints) and 2022 (2 complaints).
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