Is the 2018 GMC Canyon reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 GMC Canyon is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2018 GMC Canyon?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 51% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2018 GMC Canyon have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

2018 GMC Canyon

● Typical for this model

2018 GMC Canyon
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:48:10.001Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 53
Recalls: 1
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Power train

Complaints per year

2018: 53 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2004	80
2005	113
2006	48
2007	42
2008	38
2009	27
2010	8
2011	12
2012	23
2015	302
2016	271
2017	66
2018	53
2019	17
2020	14
2021	11
2022	28
2023	61
2024	207
2025	8
2026	8

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Power train

51% · 27 reports

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

Vehicle switched out of four wheel drive while travelling up hill in snow. Resulted in a loss of traction and sliding downhill until it collided with a tree, resulting in$9,000 worth of damage.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-03-10

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-30

Also filed under Steering

The automatic transmission shifts aggressively the first gears from a cold started engine after engaging from park to drive. Sluggish shifting and acceleration.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-09-07

Electrical system

19% · 10 reports

Show complaint excerpts

I was traveling on a two lane highway, a semi in front of me and a truck behind me. A warning message popped up on my dash âService Emissions System- 65 mi before 65mph max speedâ.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-06

Engine

11% · 6 reports

Steering

8% · 4 reports

Fuel/propulsion system

8% · 4 reports

Safety timeline

1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2018-07-02Fuel system, gasoline18V358000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2018 GMC Canyon — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Power train: 27 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 10 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 6 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 18V358000 · Fuel system, gasoline

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2018 GMC Canyon reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 GMC Canyon is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2018 GMC Canyon?: The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 51% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 GMC Canyon have?: 1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.