Most common 2020 GMC Canyon problems
Share of the 14 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 →
What 2020 GMC Canyon owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
When rolling to stop signs or red lights, the vehicle occasionally fails to downshift properly and will attempt to continue pushing the vehicle when trying to stop. On multiple occasions, the vehicle acts as if it cannot be stopped due to the transmission failing to downshift. One must aggressively apply the brakes to get the vehicle to come to a stop. Unable to have the vehicle checked out at a local dealer, due to being backed up for weeks when trying to have it looked at. No visual indication/warning is given when this happens. There is a current class action lawsuit for models up to 2019, but this needs to be extended to 2020 models as well, as multiple online forums discuss this issue being prevalent in newer models of the 8-speed transmission.
The wiring in most vehicles 2020 and newer are soy/ nut based product... which squirrels, rodents and other animals can't resist and the wiring throughout the vehicle is being chewed this all makes all models all manufacturers... there is also problems with the 8 speed transmission that shutters and hard gear changing and the quick fix is to flush out and refill it with transmission fluid
Engine & cooling
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while her son was attempting to park the vehicle in a parking garage, there was a loud screeching sound coming from the vehicle while depressing the brake pedal. The contact's son used excessive force to depress the brake pedal, and an unknown warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed with a vacuum pump failure, which caused the end of the cam shaft to fracture. The contact called several dealers and was informed that the cam shaft was on backorder. The contact stated that one of the dealers stated that the failure was a common issue resulting in the part being on backorder. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. …
When rolling to stop signs or red lights, the vehicle occasionally fails to downshift properly and will attempt to continue pushing the vehicle when trying to stop. On multiple occasions, the vehicle acts as if it cannot be stopped due to the transmission failing to downshift. One must aggressively apply the brakes to get the vehicle to come to a stop. Unable to have the vehicle checked out at a local dealer, due to being backed up for weeks when trying to have it looked at. No visual indication/warning is given when this happens. There is a current class action lawsuit for models up to 2019, but this needs to be extended to 2020 models as well, as multiple online forums discuss this issue being prevalent in newer models of the 8-speed transmission.
Electrical system
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Canyon. The contact stated upon depressing the brake pedal and turning the key in the ignition switch to turn off the vehicle, the key failed to turn to the OFF position and remained stuck. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that upon turning the key back to the ON position and moving the gear shifter several times, the contact was able to turn off the vehicle successfully. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring, and on several occasions, the key could not be released and was left in the ignition switch. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.
The wiring in most vehicles 2020 and newer are soy/ nut based product... which squirrels, rodents and other animals can't resist and the wiring throughout the vehicle is being chewed this all makes all models all manufacturers... there is also problems with the 8 speed transmission that shutters and hard gear changing and the quick fix is to flush out and refill it with transmission fluid
2020 GMC Canyon engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8L 4-cyl turbo diesel | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 20 / 30 / 23 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 20 / 26 / 22 |
| 2.8L 4-cyl turbo diesel | 6-speed automatic | 4WD | 19 / 28 / 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 2020 GMC Canyon a good car?
Based on 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2020 Canyon rates average: 30% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Canyon at the same age. 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 2020 GMC Canyon?
The transmission & drivetrain — 6 complaints, 43% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the engine & cooling (4) and electrical system (3).
How many recalls does the 2020 GMC Canyon have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2020 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 2020 GMC Canyon problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 23,000 miles; 63% 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.