GMC Canyon transmission failure problems

Filed Nov 6, 2026 · Transmission · NJ

Valve body was replaced after bucking upon start up, and harsh/aggressive buck on downshift to low gears. Issue was resolved initially but came back within 3-4 weeks of repair. Bucking on downshift while braking has almost caused near accidents, and led to unpredictable transmission bucking while driving. Others who I know personally have had similar issues, one of which had a full transmission replacement. This occurs on the highway, or during fast deceleration such as a sudden stop, and the bucking lunges the car forward even after stopped. No warning on dash.

Filed Aug 11, 2025 · Transmission · 69,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle vibrated and shuddered abnormally. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent at first but became a recurring failure. The contact stated that the check engine warning light had recently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics who informed the contact of a known transmission failure and a national recall. The contact searched online and related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train); however, the local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included, and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.

Filed Jun 17, 2023 · Brakes, Steering · CA

Transmission shifting really hard, has problem shifting from low gear shaking when brakes are applied makes loud noises when you go reverse to park and park to any gear Driving home lost power Steering and had to pull of freeway This truck has already been in the dealer for 7 other warranty issues This will be the 4th issue with the transmission!!!! It has already been fixed once before on the transmission now again 2 Top Ends already now more transmission issues again We have been waiting for a new transmission for my 2018 sierra for over 3 months I have lost Complete faith that GMC really cares about the safety of people I have 2 LEMONS in my driveway just sitting The contact stated GM has not resolved the issue and there are no brakes which is a huge safety issue.

Filed Aug 17, 2022 · Transmission · ME

After 5 years and 2 months of ownership of this vehicle, at ~52,000 miles it began to develop a shudder in the driveline, that I originally ascribed to an imbalanced rear wheel. After checking the rear wheels for balance, that cause was ruled out. I took the vehicle back to the GMC dealer where I had purchased it new. They claimed that the cause of the problem was a defective transmission fluid that somehow became contaminated with water. They offered to flush the entire transmission and install new 100% synthetic transmission fluid for a cost of $770. When I complained about a vehicle with 52,000 miles developing transmission problems the dealer consulted with GMC, and then agreed to flush and replace the allegedly defective fluid without cost. Upon further investigation, it appears as though the origin of the issue is not due to the nature of the fluid, but rather the use of an undersized torque convertor in this 8-speed transmission, which began in the 2017 model year. The smaller size and inadequacy of this torque convertor design is the root cause of this shudder, which not only has presented itself in the 2017 GMC, but also in corresponding GMC/Chevrolet models using the same transmission. The danger of a transmission failure can have catastrophic safety consequences for the driver, passengers as well as the motoring public, not to mention a very large transmission replacement charge for the owner. There is currently a Class Action lawsuit in the State of California for this notorious "Chevy Shake."

Filed May 10, 2021 · Acceleration, Transmission · 53,210 miles · TX

Vehicle does not respond to acceleration command while entering a highway or during highway driving, increasing the risk of collation with other vehicles due to transmission failure, suspect the torque converter not working properly. This is a major and well known issue, gm continues to ignore and I do not want to become the next statistic dead in us highways. The vehicle is moving, during a red triangle yield sign entering the highway, the vehicle will not respond to acceleration command causing a bottle neck of traffic behind me and high risk of being rear ended. This is a serious defect affecting the transmission, it needs to be investigated and resolved as soon as possible.

Filed Oct 23, 2019 · Transmission · 6,000 miles · TN

When moving on the highway the vehicles' transmission starts to shudder. This usually happens when I am going up a slight incline and my engine is around 1400 rpms. I have taken the truck to the dealership multiple times over this issue. They have replaced the transmission fluid twice and the next appointment is next week on october 31st. The dealership told me that more than likely they will have to flush the transmission fluid again because gm is not letting them do much more with this issue. The truck also has a hard time shifting when it is first started until it gets warmed up. Also there are times I feel like I have been rear ended when I am slowing down and it is down shifting. I have noticed that if I keep the truck at a fairly higher RPM that it does not shudder as bad and doesn't feel as dangerous to drive. My vehicle has 27,000 miles on it and has been in the shop countless times since I purchased it in 2018. I don't even like driving it because I feel that it is a safety concern and is endangering myself and others.

Filed Feb 19, 2017 · Transmission · 1,680 miles · FL

2/12/2017 7:30am stoped @ 4 way stop, started across transmission went into neutral, left me stuck in road, could not get transmission to engage in drive or reverse,had to push out of road, tried several min to engage transmission failed, called aaa to toe back to dealer. Dealer kept 2 1/2 days said could not find a problem.

Filed Jan 31, 2017 · Transmission · 5,900 miles · TN

When attempting to turn left onto a highway from a stop sign, the transmission failed to engage, with a 2-second delay before engaging and accelerating into the turn. As a result of the delay, I was nearly hit by oncoming traffic. This vehicle model, 2016 gmc canyon, has a history of not being in the proper gear when stopped or moving at speeds below 3-5 MPH. This issue has happened to me over 100 times in the first 6 months of ownership, but this was the first time I nearly had a dangerous collision. Gmc should correct this problem with the transmission not being in the proper gear for being stopped or for extremely low speeds.

Filed Jan 20, 2017 · Transmission · 250 miles · WV

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 gmc canyon. While driving approximately 10 to 40 MPH, the vehicle shook uncontrollably without warning. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle as having transmission failure. The manufacturer was notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer issued a letter related to the issue (pip 5342a, dated 12/21/2015). The approximate failure mileage was 250. ...updated03/06/17 *bf

Filed Jan 31, 2013 · Transmission · 83,000 miles · MI

Automatic transmission failure where overdrive and 3rd gear ceased to function. 2nd, 1st and reverse remained operational. Dealer diagnosed as a failed sprag clutch. Cost to repair was $1,925.56. Gm has known about this problem since it issued a technical service bulletin (tsb) #3931 on september 28, 2006, (the federal safety agency reference #10021018). There have been numerous complaints pertaining to this mechanical design defect ever since without notice or remedy offered to vehicle owners.