VehicleVerdict

2018 GMC Canyon problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2018 GMC Canyon sits mid-pack among Canyon years: 70 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 61, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 26 reports (37% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

70

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other Canyon years?

Canyon NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted400 complaints2004: 103 complaints2005: 146 complaints2006: 81 complaints2007: 61 complaints2008: 68 complaints2009: 35 complaints2010: 9 complaints2011: 20 complaints2012: 30 complaints2015: 400 complaints2016: 353 complaints2017: 91 complaints2018: 70 complaints2019: 22 complaints2020: 19 complaints2021: 13 complaints2022: 39 complaints2023: 95 complaints2024: 255 complaints2025: 13 complaints2026: 3 complaints
Canyon NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Canyon years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 GMC Canyon problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission2637%
Electrical System1116%
Engine710%
Other57%
Fuel System57%
Lighting34%
Steering34%
Seat Belts23%
Speed Control23%
Brakes23%
Airbags23%
Body & Structure11%
Suspension11%

Does the 2018 GMC Canyon have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

18V358000Fuel SystemMay 31, 2018 · 895 units

Defect

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. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.

Consequence

A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

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. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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. I have heard of the AWD/4WD actuator failing in other GMC trucks. The vehicle is currently in for repairs.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 4, 2024 · crash

“6 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS SAME ISSUE. NO SOUND WHEN TRYING TO START. 10 MINUTES LATER VEHICLE STARTS AND CEL IS LIT. NEVER AUTO SHIFTS AFTER ~30MPH. REPLACED TORQUE CONVERTER AND TRANSMISSION BODY VALVE ON 1ST OCCURRENCE. EACH TIME SERVICED (WARRANTY), AND AT SOME POINT THE PROBLEM WILL OCCUR AGAIN.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 1, 2021

“2 weeks ago I was driving on the highway doing 65 mile per hour and suddenly my truck started shaking and. Suddenly completely shut down lost power brakes stiffed and steering wheel as well. I safely pulled over to try to restart the vehicle and on my dash board light came on engine, TCM light and…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 18, 2024

“The truck have a bad shudder that can shake you off the road. They know about the issue because its been an issue with there vehicles. I have a 2020 colorado also with this dangerous issue.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 19, 2020

“No accident to report. I wasn’t aware of the problem with the High Pressure Fuel Pump intel a week later when the noise got louder, at first I figure it was the belt drive that needed check do to it sitting in the lot do to not being moved a lot. I then took it back to where the Vehicle…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · May 28, 2021

2018 GMC Canyon — common questions

Is the 2018 GMC Canyon reliable?

It is close to typical for the Canyon: 70 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2018 Canyon problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (26 complaints), electrical system (11 complaints), engine (7 complaints).

Does the 2018 GMC Canyon have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2018 GMC Canyon. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which GMC Canyon years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Canyon years to avoid are 2015, 2016, 2024, 2005, 2004, 2023. The cleanest record among Canyon years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2018 GMC Canyon?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 GMC Canyon earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.