The third generation GMC Canyon entered the market for the 2023 model year with a lot of changes. The midsize Missouri-built truck is powered by a turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission at all trim levels. It’s known for its upscale readiness and valuable capability. There are some known issues with this generation of the Canyon, however.Â
The information we present here comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), General Motors and GMC press releases, owner forums, technicians, and social media.
GMC Canyon Engine and Transmission Problems
There are no recalls or technical service bulletins for the 2023-2026 Canyon that directly affect the powertrain. The Canyon uses a 2.7-liter inline-four turbocharged engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission in rear-wheel or four-wheel drive.
Major Recalls for the Canyon
The following are major recalls for the Canyon in the 2023-2026 model years. These recalls include the NHTSA recall number for reference and are ordered by newest to oldest.
Missing Owner’s Manuals (26V-114 & 26V-085): Some 2025 Canyon models were missing the electronic owner’s manual in the vehicle’s radio (infotainment), failing to comply with federal requirements for information access.
Front Passenger Airbag Deployment (25V-856): Specific 2024–2026 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV models may have incorrect Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM) software could cause a second-stage airbag to deploy when only the first stage is intended, increasing the risk of injury.
Loose Seat Belt Bolts (24V-703): Select 2023–2024 GMC Canyon trucks’ front seat belt buckle attachment bolts may not have been tightened to proper torque, which can fail to restrain occupants in a crash.
Flickering Headlights (24V-673): An internal software error in the headlamp may cause it to flicker, reducing driver visibility on some 2024-2025 Canyons.
Fuel Pump Lock Ring (24V-491): Some 2024 Canyon vehicles may have an improperly secured fuel pump lock ring, which could result in a fuel leak in the event of a crash.
Over-tightened Wheel Hub Bolts (24V-237): 2023 GMC Canyons could have front wheel hub bolts that have been over-tightened and damaged during assembly, increasing the risk of bolt breakage and loss of control.
Unexpected Emergency Braking (24V-133): The front camera module (FCM) on some 2023 Canyon trucks may falsely detect obstacles, causing the automatic emergency braking (AEB) to engage unexpectedly.
Canyon Technical Service Bulletins
A technical service bulletin (TSB) is a set of directives or procedures issued by the manufacturer to dealerships and technicians. Most TSBs relate to recalls, common warranty claims, and known issues with the vehicle. The following TSBs are for the GMC Canyon in the 2023-2026 model years.
Coolant Leak at Radiator Hose (TSB PIT6494A): Highly common occurrence, affects 2023–2026 models. Coolant can leak at the upper radiator hose quick-connect fitting because of a degraded seal on the hose itself, not the radiator.
Front Brake Noise (TSB 23-NA-185 or related): Addresses abnormal squeal or ticking noises coming from the front end while driving, frequently related to brake pads or caliper interactions.
Front Shock Rods (Bulletin 25-NA-046): Impacts some 2024 models where excessive torque to the front shock rod damaged the component over time.
Transfer Case Vibrations (TSB 23-NA-185): Addresses “Service 4WD” messages, specific noises, or engagement issues within the transfer case.
Fuel Injector Flow Rate (Service Update N232411311 / N242452790): Fixes fuel injector calibration concerns by reprogramming the ECM (Engine Control Module).
Infotainment & Electrical (Bulletin 22-NA-238): Addresses cellphone charging issues, Bluetooth/Apple CarPlay disconnects, and inoperative USB ports.
GMC Canyon Known Problems
The following are commonly-reported known problems with the GMC Canyon, as reported by owners and technicians. These problems are not addressed by either a recall or a TSB.
Transmission Behavior: Many owners have reported rough, clunky shifting from the 8-speed automatic; especially when the vehicle is cold. Some owners experience hard, slamming downshifts.
Slow OTA Updates: Some owners find the tech-heavy infotainment system and over-the-air (OTA) updates buggy or tiresome.
Coolant/Engine Leaks: Several consumer reports highlight unexpected coolant leaks, which pose risks to engine longevity if left unnoticed. These are over and above those addressed by the TSB above.
Loud Engine Ticking: The 2.7L engine in the Canyon can be very loud, with a harsh ticking noise associated. Especially under high load such as when towing or in 4Lo.
How To Check For Recalls On Your GMC Truck
The easiest way to check for current recalls that may affect your Canyon is to visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Recalls page and enter your license plate or 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) to run a search. You can also do this at the GM Recall & Warranty Center.
