Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2015 GMC Canyon owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
the system failure is the power steering control module rack and components The safety risk is loss of power steering assist, no traction control, StabiliTrak message on dash, abs and traction control lights is on, don't feel safe to drive. The problem is confirmed by a dealer. The component has not been inspected. Yes, there are warning messages on the dash, and they appear in February 2022. A loss or reduction in power steering assist may increase the risk of a crash. In my opinion, this issue has to be solved and fixed by the dealer at no cost to the customer.
While driving the vehicle, the power steering suddenly went out. My teenage son was driving and luckily he's had training on this in Driver's Ed or it could have caused a major accident. It has since happened to me while on the freeway and while going up our driveway. I took it into the dealership where I purchased it and they could find nothing wrong, but clearly something is wrong with the wire harness or power steering. I suspect the parts used were part of an earlier recall on GMC Canyon's as the recall ended with vehicles only a month older than mine.
Ignition locking solenoid fails to release when put into park, resulting in the key stuck in the ignition. I'm then unable to leave the vehicle unattended without threat of theft or battery failure. Dealer has not been able to fix the issue. No warnings or failure indications are observed, other than the key being stuck.
I purchased this truck 3 months ago and it had around 9000 miles on it at the time of the incident. I was driving at around 25 MPH when I noticed smoke coming from under my hood. I pulled over, shut the engine off, and popped the hood. I opened the hood and noticed the engine was on fire. Opening the hood just enraged it more. I slammed the hood shut, and got to a safe distance and called 911. Within minutes the truck was engulfed in flames. After the fire was put out, the firemen said it appeared to have started in the vicinity of the alternator. The bracket was melted off and all that was left of the alternator was a basket of copper. Everything minus the bed was on fire.
Hi. This is my second formal complaint regarding intermittent loss of power steering, traction control, and stability control on my 2015 GMC Canyon. There have been recurring temporary losses of the aforementioned vehicle capabilities while the vehicle is in motion, leading to severely degraded vehicle performance, handling, and traction. In every case, warnings lights have displayed immediately before the loss of control. These lights have also 'turned-off' or reset when the vehicle was restarted. I have repeatedly brought my truck into authorized GMC service appointments soon after the warning lights and performance failures, or in one instance as the warning light was actively illuminated. Each time, the service department was not able to recreate the issue or pull any relevant service codes related to the problem. …
Vehicle upshifts too early at low speeds requiring additional accelerator input then downshifts 2 gears to compensate. This happens regularly when going around 15-20 miles an hour uphill or while making right turns while vehicle is in motion. When the vehicle is searching for the correct gear the accelerator pedal is numb for at least 2 seconds requiring at least 90 percent throttle then it finally picks a low gear and violently throws the driver and passengers back and roars to life. The 2 or more seconds of hesitation could be very dangerous in an emergency situation when quick acceleration is needed. …
Vehicle upshifts too early at low speeds requiring additional accelerator input then downshifts 2 gears to compensate. This happens regularly when going around 15-20 miles an hour uphill or while making right turns while vehicle is in motion. When the vehicle is searching for the correct gear the accelerator pedal is numb for at least 2 seconds requiring at least 90 percent throttle then it finally picks a low gear and violently throws the driver and passengers back and roars to life. The 2 or more seconds of hesitation could be very dangerous in an emergency situation when quick acceleration is needed. My concerns were voiced to bowser Buick GMC on 02/02/2015 during my first oil change. They informed me that GMC is working on programming for the sierra right now and when it's satisfactory, they will implement it on the canyons. No repair attempts were made to address this concern. …
Vehicle shifting lags and hesitates then engages abruptly causing unsafe acceleration. Specifically entering an on-ramp. When trying to merge into traffic from a slower ramp speed to join highway speeds the vehicle struggles to find the proper gear. In order to offset this problem the driver needs to depress the accelerator further to help the transmission downshift to a lower gear. However, doing so while the transmission is searching for the proper gear causes the vehicle to suddenly lurch forward with more force and acceleration then is required or safe. I have brought my truck into the dealership twice for this issue and was told that GM states that this is the normal operating conditions of the truck. …
While driving at a steady speed, when attempting to lightly or moderately accelerate, a lack of power is noticed due to torque converter lockup. Engine comes close to stalling out. In May 2016, I was informed GM engineering was aware of the problem were working on a solution. During a followup visit in September 2016, I was informed that GM no longer considered it a problem and were no longer working on a solution. GM tac # 8-2110571583. There has not been a specific accident related to a lack of acceleration when expecting to accelerate, there remains the potential especially when merging into freeway traffic during peak travel times. The GM district service mgr drove the truck and informed me that there was no issue as he drove the same vehicle type and had the same performance. Per recent GM marketing, the 2017 GMC Canyon features a completely re-designed transmission. …
While driving at low speeds the transmission seems to float between gears as if trying to find the proper gear. Normally it takes so long that I have to push down on the gas to force the truck to shift. It does to a lower gear which makes it jump from the excess power. At high speeds, pressing on the gas pedal is non responsive as the transmission continues to look for the right gear. A manual fix for safety purposes (especially in traffic and need an answer from my transmission) is to change it to manual shifting where I control the gears. This is a band aid fix at the moment and is quite interesting that I am able to shift my vehicle better than a computer. Please look into this issue. I am going to take it to the dealership but as I read in the numerous reports from other 2015 Canyon owners....GMC is not admitting or does not have a fix. …
Transmission complaints in other Canyon years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2015 GMC Canyon?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2015 GMC Canyon, 13% of the model year's 303 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2015 GMC Canyon transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2015 GMC Canyon, though it has 8 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2015 GMC Canyon transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 14,000 miles, and 75% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.