Brake complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 13% | 0 miles |
| 2025 | 3 | 38% | — |
| 2024 | 14 | 7% | 11,000 miles |
| 2023 | 10 | 16% | 14,000 miles |
| 2022 | 1 | 4% | — |
| 2021 | 1 | 8% | 78,000 miles |
| 2020 | 1 | 7% | 80,000 miles |
| 2018 | 3 | 6% | 19,000 miles |
| 2017 | 5 | 8% | 57,000 miles |
| 2016 | 9 | 3% | 130,000 miles |
| 2015 | 10 | 3% | 44,000 miles |
| 2012 | 3 | 13% | 26,000 miles |
| 2011 | 2 | 17% | 0 miles |
| 2009 | 4 | 15% | 0 miles |
| 2008 | 8 | 21% | 68,000 miles |
| 2007 | 7 | 17% | 47,000 miles |
| 2006 | 11 | 23% | 36,000 miles |
| 2005 | 21 | 19% | 52,000 miles |
| 2004 | 6 | 8% | 87,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
On Sunday, November 16, 2025, my vehicle, which had only 2,004 miles on the odometer, experienced a catastrophic failure of its braking system. The warning lights illuminated, and I received a diagnostic alert text message from OnStar stating that the driver's side rear tire needed air. Subsequently, the dashboard displayed a brake failure warning, advising me to proceed with caution as the braking system was inoperative. I drove the vehicle home and then took it to a nearby Buick GMC dealership for repairs. I dropped the keys into the overnight box and returned to the dealership the next morning. I was informed that a technician would contact me. On Wednesday, November 18, 2025, at 3:00 PM, I received a call informing me that the braking system was indeed malfunctioning. …
Already submitted complaint but needed to edit mileage. *original complaint number-11683406. Component system failure-master brake cylinder. *safety-put at risk as after going to the dealership on 8/23/25 service advisor let me leave with vehicle and said it was probaly safe to drive and probably an electrical glitch. There was no warning/alerts prior to 8/23/25. Taking the service advisors advice I drove it that weekend not realizing my brakes could fail anytime. Took back to dealership on Monday 8/25/25. GMC certified mechanic confirmed it was the brake system cylinder. Part is on backorder for the forseeable future. Given the mileage and being brand newand not having the part possibly for more than 30 days, I feel as if I should be given another vehicle as I had paid off the one I am speaking of 2 weeks ago. …
The contact owns a 2024 GMC Canyon. While the contact's son was driving approximately 35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to slow for a traffic signal and the brake pedal was stiff. The contact stated that his son needed to use force to depress the brake pedal. There were several unknown warning lights on the instrument cluster. The contact stated that the phone app showed a failure with the ABS. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer. The dealer was not able to duplicate the failure and cleared the codes from the warning lights but provided no information on the fault codes. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.
The contact owns a 2024 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to slow the vehicle while in traffic, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to slow as quickly as needed. The contact stated that the brake pedal required increased effort to slow the vehicle. The ABS and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed failures with the brake master cylinder and ABS control module. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 250.
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the anti-lock braking system, brake warning light, low oil, low fuel, seat belt warning light, parking brake, temperature gauge, forward collision warning, and various other warning lights and messages illuminated. The contact depressed the brake pedal to the floor; however, the vehicle only decelerated to 15 MPH and failed to come to a complete stop. The instrument panel screen blacked out twice before the vehicle eventually rolled to a stop. The Forward Collision Unavailable warning message and Check Engine light then illuminated. The contact activated the hazard lights and drove at 5 MPH to a nearby parking lot. The contact stated the brakes continued to malfunction, requiring the driver to allow the vehicle to roll to a stop. …
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced several electrical failures and would fail to start due to a faulty battery. The contact stated that after the manufacturer remotely completed an unknown electrical update on the vehicle, the vehicle started experiencing several failures including a rearview camera, door locks, brakes, and power steering failures. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 5 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the message "Power Brake Assist" and "Power Steering" were displayed. Additionally, the brake pedal went down to the floorboard, and the vehicle failed to respond immediately. The contact also stated that the vehicle lost power steering functionality. …
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.
Driving down road and heard load screeching noise then when preparing to stop the brake felt like pushing on a brick wall and almost got hit after pulling into highway. The vacuum booster pump was found to have been sheared off engine.
Related recalls (1)
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Colorado, and GMC Canyon trucks manufactured January 6, 2014, to December 24, 2014. The affected vehicles may experience the front brake calipers leaking brake fluid. This is due to air pockets, an imperfection in the metal caliper body.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the front-brake calipers if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 9, 2015.
NHTSA investigations
Electronic Brake Module Component Failure
On April 11, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE24011 after receiving complaints concerning a loss of brake assist in 2023 MY Cadillac Lyriq vehicles. These complaints allege a hard brake pedal, followed by a "Brake System Failure" message at start up or while driving.
Frequently asked questions
Which GMC Canyon years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2005 (21), 2024 (14), 2006 (11), 2015 (10) and 2023 (10) model years. Brake complaints make up 19% of all complaints for the 2005.
Is there a recall for GMC Canyon brake problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 15V-278 (caliper, May 12, 2015). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do GMC Canyon brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 52,000 miles; 54% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the foundation components › drum › shoes/linings (2 mentions), followed by the foundation components › disc › rotor (2).
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.