CarBrief

NHTSA has 53 owner complaints on file for the 2018 GMC Canyon[1]. The power train group is the largest, with 27 complaints[2].

53owner complaints[1]
1recalls[3]
15–25MPG combined (EPA)[4]
4★NHTSA overall rating[5]

Most reported problems

Here are the complaint groups on file, biggest first.

Recalls

Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2018 Canyon is necessarily included.

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Version City / highway / combined MPG Annual fuel cost
Canyon 2WD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive[14] 20 / 26 / 22 $3,050
Canyon 2WD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive[15] 20 / 26 / 22 $3,050
Canyon 2WD, 2.8L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 6-spd, Diesel, Rear-Wheel Drive[4] 22 / 30 / 25 $3,850
Canyon 2WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive[16] 18 / 25 / 20 $3,350
Canyon 4WD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive[17] 19 / 24 / 21 $3,200
Canyon 4WD, 2.8L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 6-spd, Diesel, 4-Wheel Drive[18] 20 / 28 / 23 $4,150
Canyon 4WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive[19] 17 / 24 / 19 $3,550
Canyon Cab Chassis 2WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive[20] 15 / 15 / 15 $4,450

Safety ratings

Version Overall Frontal Side Rollover Rollover risk
PU/EC 4WD[5] 4 4 5 3 22.0%
PU/CC 4WD[21] 4 4 5 3 21.2%
PU/CC RWD[22] 4 4 5 3 21.9%
PU/EC RWD[23] 4 4 5 3 21.4%

Engine and size

Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles.

Engine Horsepower
2018 GMC Canyon with 2.8L 4-cylinder[24] 181 hp
2018 GMC Canyon with 3.6L 6-cylinder[25] 308 hp

These are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US models can differ slightly.

Version Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
CANYON CREW CAB L/BOX 2WD[26] 225 in 74 in 70 in 141 in 4,259 lb
CANYON CREW CAB L/BOX 4X4[27] 225 in 74 in 70 in 141 in 4,480 lb
CANYON CREW CAB S/BOX 2WD[28] 213 in 74 in 70 in 128 in 4,041 lb
CANYON CREW CAB S/BOX 4X4[29] 213 in 74 in 70 in 128 in 4,411 lb
CANYON EXTENDED CAB L/BOX 2WD[30] 213 in 74 in 70 in 128 in 3,948 lb
CANYON EXTENDED CAB L/BOX 4X4[31] 213 in 74 in 70 in 128 in 4,169 lb

How 2018 compares with other years

2004: 80 complaints, 3 recalls20042005: 113 complaints, 3 recalls2006: 48 complaints, 4 recalls20062007: 42 complaints, 3 recalls2008: 38 complaints, 2 recalls20082009: 27 complaints, 3 recalls2010: 8 complaints, 2 recalls20102011: 12 complaints, 5 recalls2012: 23 complaints, 2 recalls20122015: 303 complaints, 8 recalls2016: 271 complaints, 4 recalls20162017: 66 complaints, 1 recalls2018: 53 complaints, 1 recalls5320182019: 17 complaints, 0 recalls2020: 14 complaints, 0 recalls20202021: 12 complaints, 2 recalls2022: 27 complaints, 1 recalls20222023: 62 complaints, 3 recalls2024: 207 complaints, 3 recalls20242025: 8 complaints, 2 recalls2026: 8 complaints, 2 recalls2026
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Canyon model year. The 2018 is highlighted[3].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
2004803
20051133
2006484
2007423
2008382
2009273
201082
2011125
2012232
20153038
20162714
2017661
2018531
2019170
2020140
2021122
2022271
2023623
20242073
202582
202682

NHTSA's counts for the Canyon show 53 complaints and 1 recalls for 2018[3]. Among the 21 model years listed, 13 have fewer complaints than 2018 and 7 have more[3]. The fewest complaints are for 2010 (8) and the most are for 2015 (303)[3]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.

Should you buy a used 2018 Canyon?

The complaint record for this truck is small, at 53 reports in total[1]. Owners point to the power train more than any other group[2]. The electrical system and engine groups come next[6][7]. These are unverified owner reports and the count is not adjusted for sales, so it says little by itself about how the truck holds up. Check the Recalls section and the other sections on this page before you decide.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2018 GMC Canyon?
The largest group in owner complaints is the power train, with 27 complaints[2]. Electrical System follows with 10[6] and Engine with 7[7].
Does the 2018 GMC Canyon have recalls?
Yes, recalls exist for this model year[3]. See the Recalls section on this page for the full list.
How many complaints are there for the 2018 GMC Canyon?
NHTSA has 53 owner complaints on file[1]. They are unverified reports from owners.
What is the gas mileage of the 2018 GMC Canyon?
See the fuel economy section on this page for the EPA figures.
Is the 2018 GMC Canyon reliable?
The complaint record is small at 53 reports[1], and the power train group is the largest[2]. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so read the year comparison section for context.

Keep exploring

Other model years of the GMC Canyon

Compare all model years of the GMC Canyon

Other GMC models from 2018

All GMC models

Similar cars from 2018: pickup trucks

All pickup trucks we cover

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 53 owner complaints on file for the 2018 GMC Canyon (2 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 1 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 27 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 25,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Owner complaints and recalls for every GMC Canyon model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  4. EPA rating for Canyon 2WD, 2.8L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 6-spd, Diesel, Rear-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 30 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  5. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/EC 4WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 22.0%. NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 10 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 7 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 5 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 4 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 4 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 3 complaints name the brakes component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 3 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. Recall 18V358, filed May 31, 2018: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump. NHTSA recall database
  14. EPA rating for Canyon 2WD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  15. EPA rating for Canyon 2WD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  16. EPA rating for Canyon 2WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 25 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for Canyon 4WD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 24 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Canyon 4WD, 2.8L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 6-spd, Diesel, 4-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 28 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Canyon 4WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 24 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Canyon Cab Chassis 2WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 15 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/CC 4WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 21.2%. NHTSA vehicle records
  22. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/CC RWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 21.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  23. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/EC RWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 21.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
  24. EPA Test Car List, 2018 GMC Canyon with 2.8L 4-cylinder: rated 181 hp. www.epa.gov
  25. EPA Test Car List, 2018 GMC Canyon with 3.6L 6-cylinder: rated 308 hp. www.epa.gov
  26. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CANYON CREW CAB L/BOX 2WD: length 225 in, width 74 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 141 in, curb weight 4,259 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  27. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CANYON CREW CAB L/BOX 4X4: length 225 in, width 74 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 141 in, curb weight 4,480 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  28. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CANYON CREW CAB S/BOX 2WD: length 213 in, width 74 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 128 in, curb weight 4,041 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  29. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CANYON CREW CAB S/BOX 4X4: length 213 in, width 74 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 128 in, curb weight 4,411 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  30. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CANYON EXTENDED CAB L/BOX 2WD: length 213 in, width 74 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 128 in, curb weight 3,948 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  31. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CANYON EXTENDED CAB L/BOX 4X4: length 213 in, width 74 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 128 in, curb weight 4,169 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.