Transmission complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 38% | — |
| 2024 | 4 | 2% | — |
| 2023 | 6 | 10% | 42,000 miles |
| 2022 | 5 | 19% | — |
| 2021 | 2 | 17% | 69,000 miles |
| 2020 | 6 | 43% | 14,000 miles |
| 2019 | 7 | 41% | 20,000 miles |
| 2018 | 27 | 51% | 25,000 miles |
| 2017 | 18 | 27% | 20,000 miles |
| 2016 | 39 | 14% | 7,000 miles |
| 2015 | 38 | 13% | 14,000 miles |
| 2012 | 1 | 4% | 39,000 miles |
| 2011 | 2 | 17% | 30,000 miles |
| 2010 | 1 | 13% | 10,000 miles |
| 2009 | 5 | 19% | 15,000 miles |
| 2008 | 3 | 8% | 138,000 miles |
| 2007 | 4 | 10% | 60,000 miles |
| 2006 | 1 | 2% | 0 miles |
| 2005 | 7 | 6% | 9,000 miles |
| 2004 | 4 | 5% | 52,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
With 94 Miles my brand new GMC Canyon AT4 I leased had a catastrophic failure while i was driving it, the front axle essentially exploded. The findings were that their was no oil/lubricant installed in it from the factory which made this happen. I now have to wait many months for the dealership to repair my vehicle while i have a "loaner" with a bunch of restrictions on it. And i have to pay my lease the entire time it is being worked on because of a factory fault. If i had been going more than 25 mph this would have resulted in a crash/injury.
I was pushing the accelerator, and the transmission hesitated at about 45 mph. For about 2-3 seconds, the vehicle would not upshift. The RPMs revved, and finally the vehicle slam-shifted into gear. The vehicle drove normally for the rest of the drive cycle.
I purchased my truck with 5 miles on the speedometer in Anchorage AK 4/7/2024. In May 2024, the engine idled rough and transmission shifted hard, I was told me it was normal, and I would have to wait 2 yrs to make a transmission appointment. In June 2024 approaching a green light, approximately 35 mph, the brakes locked, I had no control over the steering and it left a 5 foot skid mark. I had a painful neck and headaches. The shop said they couldn't make it do it again. In August 2024 approaching a stoplight at 40 mph, the brakes locked, would not release, gas didn't work, I had no control over steering this left 6-7 ft skid mark, The vehicle also had electrical issues the interior dash lights would go black, very bright, interior lights would flash, the radio would stop working. …
Truck began idling very rough. Went straight to the dealership. They shut the truck off and it would not restart. No CEL or messages on the dash. Tear down reveled a failed exhaust valve in cylinder #4. Truck has 10,000 miles. A replacement engine has been ordered under warranty. Luckily, we happened to only be a few miles from a dealership when the failure happened. There was no warning, no prior symptoms what so ever.
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 - 20 MPH, the message to decelerate immediately was displayed on the instrument panel, and the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to 1st gear. The failure had occurred several times, at times while driving 75 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to replace the valve body and solenoid. The second time the vehicle was taken to the dealer, it was determined that there was a failure with the transmission caused by an inoperable wiring harness connection. The vehicle was repaired. The failure persisted, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer a third time but had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.
While slowly driving, like when parking or trying to park vehicle in garage, it will randomly surge when almost at complete stop forcing vehicle to lunge forward requiring operator to apply quick additional firm braking. It almost feels like vehicle is creeping in 2nd gear and decides to downshift into 1st gear just before coming to a stop and engine applies slightly more throttle. I have almost hit garage wall and other vehicles in parking lots due to this issue. Again, it is intermittent but is alarming when happens. I have not had vehicle in for repairs yet but concerns dealer will not be able to duplicate. No warning lights on dash for this issue.
The ignition key gets stuck in the ignition after shutting off the car. The key may not be removed from the ignition. The failure of the transmission shift control mechanism directly impacts the safe, mechanical operation of the vehicle's powertrain and transmission park-lock functions. The vehicle was taken to a local GM dealer and the problem was recreated. This is a known problem with the transmission shift control assembly for several model years (2020 - 2023). Also, there was a previous class action lawsuit (Jefferson & Riley class action settlement) which specifically covered a predefined list of early-generation model years (including the 2017-2019 GMC Acadia, 2019 Chevy Blazer, and 2016-2019 Malibu/Traverse/Volt). GM continued using similar microswitch shifters in newer vehicles like your my 2022 Canyon. …
At first start the first gear slips this has been going on for 2 years. Is been serviced 3 times and no one seems to know what the problem is. The services tech did discover the issue but couldn't figure out what the problem is. I only have 19,000 mile and its on warranty I'm hoping this matter can be resolved. Thanks, [redacted]
Related recalls (1)
Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (PRNDL)
General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 Chevrolet colorado and GMC canyon passenger vehicles equipped with a 2.9 or 3.7 liter engine and a four-speed automatic transmission for failing to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no 102, "transmission shift lever sequence, starter…
Remedy: GM dealers will install a new automatic transmission adjustment clip free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about July 19, 2011.
Frequently asked questions
Which GMC Canyon years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2016 (39), 2015 (38), 2018 (27), 2017 (18) and 2005 (7) model years. Transmission complaints make up 14% of all complaints for the 2016.
Is there a recall for GMC Canyon transmission problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 11V-337 (gear position indication (prndl), Jun 28, 2011). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do GMC Canyon transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 21,000 miles; 85% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (7 mentions), followed by the driveline › differential unit (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.