2019 GMC Canyon Problems & Complaints

Average38% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Canyon at the same age

Owners have filed 17 complaints about the 2019 GMC Canyon with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is about average for the Canyon at the same age. The most reported problem area is the transmission & drivetrain (7 complaints, typically around 20,000 miles).

17complaints
0recalls
0crashes
1fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 2019 GMC Canyon problems

  • Transmission & drivetrain~20,000 miles
    741%
  • Electrical system~52,000 miles
    529%
  • Engine & cooling~64,000 miles
    318%
  • Other / not specified~0 miles
    318%
  • Fuel & propulsion system
    318%
  • Wheels & tires
    16%
  • Steering~65,000 miles
    16%

Share of the 17 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

GMC Canyon complaints by model year

’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25’268011348423827812233032716653171412276220788
Owner complaints per model year, GMC Canyon. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best Canyon years: 2011, 2012, 2019. Years to avoid: 2024, 2015, 2016, 2023, 2017. Compare all years →

What 2019 GMC Canyon owners say

Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was determined that both rear tires needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to a local Goodyear tire for a second opinion, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear carriage bearings were failing. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer, where the shim kit, bearings, spacer, seals, and lubricants were replaced; however, approximately 3 years later, the failure reoccurred. After further investigation, the contact associated the failure with TSB: 20-NA-034. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by telephone, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 20,164.

20,000 miles · Aug 2022

Transmission shifting issues. The transmission will shift very slowly (engine revs high and vehicle lurches) when driving the truck each morning. I reported the issue to the dealership within 0ne month of purchasing the truck in 2019 and again in 2024. The dealership stated there is nothing wrong with the transmission. The transmission is now starting to slip at low/moderate speeds when accelerating. The vehicle has less than 50,000 miles.

Dec 1969

Electrical system

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that the key failed to release from the ignition. Additionally, the key failed to turn in the ignition switch. The vehicle failed to turn on or off. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that a diagnostic test needed to be performed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and informed the contact that there was no Warranty coverage for the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

Ignition · 52,000 miles · May 2024

On Wednesday September 22nd at approximately 9:45 pm. My 2019 GMC Canyon was parked on my street and caught fire and was destroyed for no known reason. The fire department came ruled the cause as un known. The cabin and the bed were totally destroyed. Appears to be no issue to the engine compartment.

Sep 2021 · fire

Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. There was an abnormal scratching noise detected. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that an unknown part had fractured inside the engine. The mechanic informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000. The VIN was not available.

64,000 miles · Jun 2024

The engine coolant temperature sensor has failed on my 2019 GMC Canyon. The check engine light is illuminated, the temperature gauge does not register correctly, the air conditioning has been disabled by the vehicle's computer, and the engine cooling fan continues to run after the engine is turned off. These symptoms are consistent with the vehicle entering fail-safe mode due to loss of a valid coolant temperature signal. The problem was confirmed by an independent mechanic who diagnosed a failed coolant temperature sensor. The mechanic attempted to source a replacement part through GMC but was informed the part was unavailable. …

Jan 2026

2019 GMC Canyon engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
2.8L 4-cyl turbo diesel6-speed automaticRWD20 / 30 / 23
2.5L 4-cyl6-speed automaticRWD20 / 26 / 22
2.5L 4-cyl6-speed manualRWD20 / 26 / 22
2.8L 4-cyl turbo diesel6-speed automatic4WD19 / 28 / 22
2.5L 4-cyl6-speed automatic4WD19 / 24 / 21
3.6L 6-cyl8-speed automaticRWD18 / 25 / 20
3.6L 6-cyl8-speed automatic4WD17 / 24 / 19

EPA ratings. Class: Small pickup.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2019 GMC Canyon a good car?

Based on 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2019 Canyon rates average: 38% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Canyon at the same age. It is one of the best Canyon years by this measure. 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 2019 GMC Canyon?

The transmission & drivetrain — 7 complaints, 41% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (5) and engine & cooling (3).

How many recalls does the 2019 GMC Canyon have?

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2019 GMC Canyon. You can still confirm with your VIN using our 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 2019 GMC Canyon problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 52,000 miles; 50% 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.