Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2018 GMC Canyon owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 34,929.
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving in the snow, the 4WD function became inoperable, and the vehicle lost traction and started skidding. The "Service 4WD" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was determined that a chip inside of the casing of the 4WD feature was inoperable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Vehicle switched out of four wheel drive while travelling up hill in snow. Resulted in a loss of traction and sliding downhill until it collided with a tree, resulting in$9,000 worth of damage. I have heard of the AWD/4WD actuator failing in other GMC trucks. The vehicle is currently in for repairs.
"Engine power reduced" service message "Stabilitrack" service message "4x4" service message Vehicle is available for inspection Vehicle jerks and loses power while driving at highway speeds causing 18-wheelers and other drivers to swerve around me, vehicle accelerates very slowly while in city traffic. Intersections and traffic lights are difficult to navigate due to reduced engine power endangering myself and family, also other drivers. Vehicle erases all stored messages after a certain period of non-use. Dealer service center hasn't reproduced symptoms. Service center technicians say nothing is wrong and releases the vehicle back to me. I have invoices of the vehicle taken in 3 times. Vehicle is currently in the service center as of 10 June 2023, for the same problems indicated above. Problem is unpredictable and occurs at random. …
The transmission has a rough shift from 1st to 2nd, whether it is upshifting or downshifting, and isn't always predictable. This rough shift often feels like a lurching forwards when it shifts from 1st to 2nd and from 2nd to 1st it feels like something hits me in the back and shoves me forward. The 1st to 2nd often makes me feel out of control of the vehicle and while it hasn't endangered anyone as of yet, I am concerned that it will push my into the car in front of me one day. The 2nd to 1st shift also causes me concern for how it may cause me a neck injury if I'm not always focused when I'm close to that shift point. The problem has not be reproduced by a dealer or independent service center, though I do plan to take it when I have the time in the near future. The problem has not been inspected by anyone. …
On many occasions, over several years of ownership, ''NEW in 2018, the trans has had violent shift Problems. I could only find 1, ONE instance where a person was "injured'' by ANY of the GM 8L transmissions. My neck is hurting Now. I'm compelled to do this for Others who been Scammed by GM as they still sell a 8 speed rewrapped. I can't believe this has been protected against being called a SAFETY ISSUE By any Gov. agency. I got my truck in Retirement and Know I can't and won't Tow a Trailer or Boat Like I planned to. If I cause a wreck, Knowing the Defect, I will be held Responsible, Not GM LLC. It just did something new on 7/23/26. it stuck I a mid range gear and wouldn't shift, I Bumped it into Neutral to slow down and Recover proper control. I've said enough, be safe if you Have an 8 Speed from GM, or a 10 speed too.Read UP.
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.
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.
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.
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that on various occasions while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle was shaking. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics; however, the mechanics were unable to duplicate the failure. The tires were and balanced. The contact stated that the failure was reoccurred. The contact stated that after taking the vehicle back to another independent mechanic, it was determined that the transmission and torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Transmission complaints in other Canyon years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2018 GMC Canyon?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2018 GMC Canyon, 51% of the model year's 53 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2018 GMC Canyon transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2018 GMC Canyon, though it has 1 recall 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 2018 GMC Canyon transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 25,000 miles, and 45% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires 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.