Most common 2017 GMC Canyon problems
Share of the 66 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
GMC Canyon complaints by model year
Best Canyon years: 2011, 2012, 2019. Years to avoid: 2024, 2015, 2016, 2023, 2017. Compare all years →
2017 GMC Canyon recalls (1)
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018.
What 2017 GMC Canyon owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the engine oil was changed several times, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the serial gateway module, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to a transmission specialist, who determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced; however, the transmission was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle failed to respond when the accelerator pedal was depressed; instead the vehicle would jerk forward. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had driven the vehicle to a local dealer, who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired at the owner's expense. The manufacturer had been informed by the dealer of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.
Engine & cooling
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Canon. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated along with the following displayed message "ISSUE WITH EXHAUST SYSTEM REDUCE ENGINE POWER TAKE TO THE DEALER IMMEDIATELY", as the vehicle slowed down drastically not allowing the driver to accelerate over 20 MPH. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to the dealer where the failure was diagnosed as the diesel particulate filter would not complete a burn. A manual regeneration was completed. The contact stated that the failure recurred after 2,500 miles in November 2022 and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, Kelley Buick GMC (255 W Van Fleet Dr, Bartow, FL 33830) where another manual regeneration was completed. The contact stated that the dealer informed him that if the failure reoccurred, he would need to purchase a filter for $2,000. …
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the temperature gauge would not operate and the vehicle would not properly accelerate while pressing the accelerator pedal. Also while operating the vehicle the contact had become ill with headaches and dizziness which required medical attention. Upon inspection, it was discovered that a hair-like fiber was present coming from the exhaust pipes. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed that the temperature gauge and exhaust system was faulty and needed to be replaced. The hair-like fibers were not identified. The contact was concerned that the hair-like fibers had clogged the exhaust system causing carbon monoxide to enter the cabin of the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 52,000.
Electrical system
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated, and the message " Check Trailer Brakes" was displayed. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the braking system randomly activated, causing the vehicle to abruptly decelerate. On several occasions while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to immediately stop, causing the braking distance to be extended by approximately 8 feet. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the ABS module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 85,000.
The central control screen goes through a rapid, seemingly random series of "ghost touch" control changes. It cannot be stopped or shut down. It often changes the language of all screens in the vehicle (I cannot read French), shifts the instrument panel screen from speedometer to any of a large number of random screens, changes rear camera settings or deactivates it, changes bluetooth and telephone settings, and any of dozens of other actions many of which have a direct and immediate impact on vehicle safety. It serves as a terrible driver distraction because the driver has to do whatever they can to keep the screen from making unsafe changes to the vehicle settings. The driver's attention is divided between whatever the screen is doing and what is happening on the road.
2017 GMC Canyon engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8L 4-cyl turbo diesel | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 22 / 30 / 25 |
| 2.8L 4-cyl turbo diesel | 6-speed automatic | 4WD | 20 / 28 / 23 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 19 / 26 / 22 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 20 / 26 / 22 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD | 19 / 24 / 21 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | RWD | 18 / 25 / 20 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 4WD | 17 / 24 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Small pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2017 GMC Canyon a good car?
Based on 66 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2017 Canyon rates avoid: 2.2× as many complaints as a typical year of the Canyon at the same age. It is one of the Canyon years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2017 GMC Canyon?
The transmission & drivetrain — 18 complaints, 27% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the engine & cooling (16) and electrical system (12).
How many recalls does the 2017 GMC Canyon have?
There is 1 recall for the 2017 GMC Canyon, the most recent from May 31, 2018 (fuel pump). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the GMC Canyon?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2011, 2012 and 2019. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2024, 2015, 2016, 2023 and 2017. See the full GMC Canyon years comparison.
At what mileage do 2017 GMC Canyon problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 28,000 miles; 68% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.