Steering complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 25% | 1,000 miles |
| 2024 | 5 | 2% | — |
| 2023 | 3 | 5% | 3,000 miles |
| 2022 | 6 | 22% | 14,000 miles |
| 2021 | 2 | 17% | — |
| 2020 | 1 | 7% | 63,000 miles |
| 2019 | 1 | 6% | 65,000 miles |
| 2018 | 4 | 8% | 6,000 miles |
| 2017 | 8 | 12% | 47,000 miles |
| 2016 | 181 | 67% | 62,000 miles |
| 2015 | 226 | 75% | 68,000 miles |
| 2012 | 2 | 9% | 122,000 miles |
| 2008 | 1 | 3% | 3,000 miles |
| 2007 | 4 | 10% | 105,000 miles |
| 2005 | 1 | 1% | 72,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Heat shield over drive train not installed properly. While driving since purchased I'd hear a metal reverberation / clunking sound that seemed to be under the truck. I even had it in for oil change service w/ dealer and no mention of finding anything. On Sat 3/15/2025 I took it back to dealer with the heat shield that was torn from the undercarriage over the drive train, the service person said it did not to appear to have been fastened at the factory before delivery to dealer/me. They were going to re-install it, however it was damaged; and I told them that was not acceptable to put a broken part back on the truck. I still don't know what other damage has occurred to the vehicle due to the rubbing/clanking around while driving the 12,000 miles I have on it. They told me it was safe to drive and just come back when they get the part in. …
Headlight flickering causing vehicles infront of my truck to slow down or break. Been to dealership multiple times for headlight problem. Recent headlight assembly replacement. Headlight flickering still present in truck after headlight assembly replacement. Blind spot indicators intermittently work, on highway, had couple times I relied on indicators that did not illuminate. Dealer could not find issue but same day I picked up truck from service, blind spots weren't picking up some vehicles either passing or getting passed. Steering wheel noise when turning. Dealer took part steering column, but could not find a problem. Was told it was just sound from motor in steering column. Test drive exact model truck and year, no noise from that truck while turning steering wheel
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. …
While driving at 70-75 mph on an interstate, my vehicle suddenly displayed a "Brake Failure" warning and limited speed to 62 mph. Power steering failed completely, and braking became ineffective despite hard pedal pressure. Multiple warnings followed: ABS, engine, and others. I was in heavy traffic with vehicles at full speed. Loss of braking and steering control forced me to coast across lanes to the shoulder, narrowly avoiding collision. My safety and that of others was at extreme risk. After stopping, I turned the vehicle off for ~30 seconds. Upon restart, all systems returned to normal-no warnings or issues. This indicates a transient software malfunction, not mechanical failure. No prior warnings or symptoms occurred. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer/service center. I have not scanned or inspected the vehicle. …
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH and making a right turn, the steering wheel became inoperable. The service power steering message was displayed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was water intrusion into the electrical connector. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 14,424.
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle started to shake and vibrate from the front tires. Additionally, the steering wheel and steering column were also vibrating. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.
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.
Related recalls (2)
Steering › Electric power assist system
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles. The power steering assist may be lost due to a poor electrical connection within the steering gear assembly.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace steering gear torque sensor cover assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 6, 2021.
Steering › Electric power assist system
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Colorado vehicles manufactured January 6, 2015, to March 17, 2015, and 2015 GMC Canyon vehicles manufactured January 6, 2015, to March 19, 2015. A poor electrical connection within the steering gear connector may cause a loss of power steering assist.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear torque sensor cover assembly, free of charge. The recall began March 1, 2016.
NHTSA investigations
Loss of Power Steering Assist
In May 2019 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Recall Query (RQ19-001) to assess the scope of General Motors (GM) recall 16V-054. ODI had received 50 complaints with allegations of loss of electric power steering assist while the vehicle was in motion.
Frequently asked questions
Which GMC Canyon years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2015 (226), 2016 (181), 2017 (8), 2022 (6) and 2024 (5) model years. Steering complaints make up 75% of all complaints for the 2015.
Is there a recall for GMC Canyon steering problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 21V-213 (electric power assist system, Mar 25, 2021); 16V-054 (electric power assist system, Feb 1, 2016). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do GMC Canyon steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles; 33% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the rack and pinion (1 mentions), followed by the column (1).
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.