2023 GMC Canyon Driver assistance Problems

The automatic emergency braking system on our 2023 GMC Canyon engaged suddenly 3 separate times while we were driving at around 50 MPH on a clear, straight road with no obstructions. We brought the truck to the dealership the next day, and the service department said it was a software issue and reprogrammed the truck's computer. This did not fix the problem, and we experienced the same unexpected automatic braking while driving at 50 MPH on a clear road. We brought the truck to the dealer again, and it has remained there ever since. This poses a risk for sudden unexpected stops, loss of control of the vehicle and rear end collision. There were no warning lights to indicate a problem. In addition, the blind spot indicator light on the drivers side starts blinking when there is nothing in the blind spot. We first notice the problem July 23, 2026 and it recurred on August 6 2026.

NHTSA ID

11756612

Incident

Jul 23, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the automatic emergency braking (AEB) unexpectedly engaged. The message "Reduce Acceleration Proceed with Caution”, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and returned to normal functionality. The contact stated that the vehicle was nearly rear-ended. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V133000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 9,300.

NHTSA ID

11722280

Incident

Mar 4, 2026

Mileage

9,300 mi

While driving at 70–75 mph on an interstate, my vehicle suddenly displayed a “Brake Failure” warning and limited speed to 62 mph. Power steering failed completely, and braking became ineffective despite hard pedal pressure. Multiple warnings followed: ABS, engine, and others. I was in heavy traffic with vehicles at full speed. Loss of braking and steering control forced me to coast across lanes to the shoulder, narrowly avoiding collision. My safety and that of others was at extreme risk. After stopping, I turned the vehicle off for ~30 seconds. Upon restart, all systems returned to normal—no warnings or issues. This indicates a transient software malfunction, not mechanical failure. No prior warnings or symptoms occurred. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer/service center. I have not scanned or inspected the vehicle. It has not been examined by the manufacturer, police, or insurance. The vehicle is in my possession and available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA ID

11698289

Incident

Nov 7, 2025

While driving at 70–75 mph on an interstate, my vehicle suddenly displayed a “Brake Failure” warning and limited speed to 62 mph. Power steering failed completely, and braking became ineffective despite hard pedal pressure. Multiple warnings followed: ABS, engine, and others. I was in heavy traffic with vehicles at full speed. Loss of braking and steering control forced me to coast across lanes to the shoulder, narrowly avoiding collision. My safety and that of others was at extreme risk. After stopping, I turned the vehicle off for ~30 seconds. Upon restart, all systems returned to normal—no warnings or issues. This indicates a transient software malfunction, not mechanical failure. No prior warnings or symptoms occurred. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer/service center. I have not scanned or inspected the vehicle. It has not been examined by the manufacturer, police, or insurance. The vehicle is in my possession and available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA ID

11698288

Incident

Nov 7, 2025

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Forward Collision Avoidance, distance indicator, and the Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking failed to work as intended. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed; however, a software update was performed; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the system was updated. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V133000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11647011

Incident

Jul 22, 2024

The pre-collision warning and the lane keep assist are disabled while driving frequently. It does this on its own. I have had into the shop one other time for the same thing. It’s happening more frequently now. Current mileage is 25,153. Also the personal settings on the dashboard reset on its own every five or so key cycles. Obviously there’s some kind of software problem.

NHTSA ID

11644637

Incident

Feb 24, 2025

Since I purchased the vehicle it’s had the issue of it braking on its own. I brought this up to GMC many times. At the beginning they had me try to duplicate it with them, which I thought would be unsafe. They only acknowledged the problem and attempted repairs after I contacted GMC directly. The issue with the crash alerts while driving always stayed, even though there was nothing in front of me. Just recently it started braking on its own again in traffic. This has caused bodily and property damage, luckily nothing grave. I do not feel safe in the vehicle and gave gmc many attempts at fixing such a serious issue. I want them to tow replace the vehicle and provide a loaner. Please contact me if you need more details. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11636776

Incident

Jan 3, 2025

I am experiencing two safety issues with my Canyon 1) Forward collision alert system is triggered unnecessarily (e.g., when there isn't a car in front of me, when the car in front is far away and not posing a risk). I took it to GMC a few months back since there was a previous recall for this system and they said they stated it was fixed. It is not fixed. I turned off the automatic braking tied to the forward collision alert because it has previously braked automatically in a dangerous manner. 2) Digital gauge cluster / speedometer is black / blank upon startup about 5% of the time. Since there is no analog speedometer, this means I am driving without knowing my speed. This is very dangerous. I have tried disconnecting my battery and resetting the electronic system but this issue still persists sometimes.

NHTSA ID

11633110

Incident

Dec 24, 2024

On 12/2/2024 my vehicle abruptly alerted and auto braked while drive <25mph on residential street while attempting to drive in between two parked cars. Plenty of room but system thought there was going to be a crash. Another vehicle was traveling behind me and also had to stop fast in order not to hit me because of the emergency braking. Truck almost came to a full stop but brakes released and was able to continue driving. This is after I had a mandatory software update that was supposed to improve the over aggressive auto/emergency braking feature. I have since had to disable the braking portion of the system and leave it on audio alert only. Not functioning as designed and unsafe.

NHTSA ID

11630039

Incident

Dec 2, 2024

Blind spot monitor system continues to give false alerts when no vehicles, objects or other items within blind spot area. Warning light will sometimes stay on for many miles and will go off when I pass another vehicle then go back on when nothing in blind spot again (opposite of design). System will sometime not activate when vehicle is in blind spot. See video. Dealer and GM involved, had PIT6103 performed, replaced all switches April 19, 2024 except for driver door. Issue seemed to improve but has returned and even worse that originally. This has become a safety concern for me as I will apply turn signal, look in mirror, over shoulder but then as I start to switch lanes, the mirror light will start blinking and alerting me there is something in blind spot when there isn't anything there. Causes me to abruptly swerve back into my original lane causing potential dangerous situation. Truck at dealer 12/10/2024 for same issue, dealer and GM tech service states vehicle operating as intended. Was told to either turn system off or live with it. I have multiple videos but unable to upload them here. Please contact me for more info.

NHTSA ID

11630035

Incident

Oct 1, 2023

Continues to give false alerts even on single lane roads or will not detect vehicles at all. Intermittent issue but happens frequently. Both mirror but mostly passenger side. Becoming safety issue by not knowing if something is there or not. It flashes and alerts me aggressively when it thinks something is there and I turn on my turn signal. Been at dealer three times, TSB performed to replace driver window switch but issue still present. Dealer says they have no fix.

NHTSA ID

11623610

Incident

Oct 5, 2023

The forward collision light comes on and stays on for no reason while driving. The only way to reset is to cycle the key. Took it to the dealership with the light on and they said no problem found.

NHTSA ID

11599705

Incident

Jul 3, 2024

Constant smell of coolant while stopped at traffic lights or idling even worse when the air vents are on, dealership insists it's because the reservoir cap is vented but coolant reservoir is literally a foot away from drivers window even still shouldn't be smelling coolant it's been like this since a month after purchase. Having issues now with auto braking system activating for no reason did this multiple times almost got rear ended on NY State thruway because it activated with no cars near me once it activates it causes the truck to go into a limp mode (won't go over 30 mph) and starts vibrating like it needs a tune up. The radio and digital display often dissappear for no reason can tell speed. I almost got a ticket from state trooper for unsafe stopping i explained everything and was told i could get a safety violation for defective equipment and to take it garage and drive it till its fuxed , the windows have rolled down a couple of times while it's parked and won't go back up. Headlights often flicker when driving auto low beam/high beam rarely works. Every time it goes to dealership they say they can't duplicate the problem. It's really scary when you're doing 70mph and the auto brake engages. I'm literally afraid to drive it. I have a 14 year old truck with 230,000 miles I don't smell coolant or have these kinds of issues Seems to be a lot of electrical problems going on service advisor said he saw notices for bcm, front facing camera total of 6 issues. Nothing seems to resolve issues but dealerships aren't doing anything just saying can't duplicate problem also paint is chipping every where The issues started around 5300 miles and continuing

NHTSA ID

11598717

Incident

Jun 13, 2024

Automatic Breaking System. Driving along at 25-30 mph on a snow covered road when all of a sudden alert system sounded and vehicle brakes abruptly applied putting vehicle into an uncontrollable slide. Fortunately there was no one behind and nom on coming traffic. Notified GM Customer Service, as I have a case open for other issues they claim tyhey do not have a fix for. GM's response to the sudden brake application was "OH I'm Sorry"

NHTSA ID

11578370

Incident

Mar 7, 2024

The theft alarm has gone off five times since I purchased the vehicle in September, dealership has been noted and has been in there for it and still goes off. Display screen froze up and did not reset until I was done driving and the vehicle was turned off for a while. The crash detection light came on and vehicle stopped itself with nobody in front of me or anybody coming towards me. The dealership has had the car for two weeks now, and they say there’s still no fix for it.

NHTSA ID

11575942

Incident

Feb 27, 2024

The blind spot monitoring system comes on and off (false positives) while driving at night with no cars behind or next to me. It is a serious distraction requiring the driver to take there eyes of the road. I took the truck to a GMC dealer and they said they could not replicate the issue. I no longer drive the vehicle at night.

NHTSA ID

11575257

Incident

Feb 28, 2024

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Canyon. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V133000 (Electrical System, Forward Collision Avoidance). The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the collision sensor lights flashed, and the brakes were applied inadvertently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 2,800.

NHTSA ID

11574856

Incident

Feb 29, 2024

Mileage

2,800 mi

Blind zone detection system and door latch system failures. The blind zone detection system is inconsistent and at times remains on with bright lights impairing the drivers ability to see at night. With this inconsistency the driver cannot rely on it properly detecting vehicles within the blind spot. Another known issue is the inability to put down windows with the drivers side door. The alert for this is to service the door latch system which typically comes on while driving the vehicle. This limits the driver being able to safely respond to traffic stops from emergency personnel as well as the ability to evacuate the vehicle through the window if necessary. The dealers that have reviewed these issues say they cannot replicate or fix them.

NHTSA ID

11571811

Incident

Feb 8, 2024

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH and following a slight bend in the roadway to the left, the Forward Collision Avoidance system detected the oncoming traffic in the opposite lane and made an emergency stop. The contact stated that the failure had become a recurring failure. The contact turned off the Forward Collision Avoidance feature. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer who was unable to locate a malfunction or failure in the system. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000.

NHTSA ID

11569942

Incident

Jul 5, 2023

Mileage

13,000 mi

Blind spot warning system continues to illuminate when traveling on two lane roads with no objects in the blind spot(false positives). Especially the passenger side. I continue to be distracted while driving to check the mirror to see what is there, nothing. Then while traveling on multi-lane highways, both sides will sometimes not illuminate when there is a vehicle present in the blind spot. Both of these examples also happen more often after dusk or during dark/cloudy days. I have not taken into dealer yet for repairs but will soon. No system warning of malfunction on dash, just the false positive lights on side mirrors.

NHTSA ID

11564445

Incident

Nov 1, 2023

Overly sensitive automatic emergency braking/pedestrian warning. System would alert with lights and audible warning for no reason driving at ~55mph. While turning around in a Michigan left turn, system went off and brakes applied abruptly until I was at complete stop. No vehicles or persons were in front of me. There was a car following closely behind which almost hit me. Fast forward a few weeks later and now forward collision system inop light illuminated on dash and will not go off.

NHTSA ID

11564443

Incident

Oct 18, 2023

During normal operations the truck will come to a complete stop. I turned off the ABS and it still happens. It caused a major incident today while I was driving 50mph and it brought me to an abrupt stop on the highway. It’s happened many times but today the driver behind me avoided my truck by an inch. I was then followed y that driver for half a mile when I immediately exited the highway.

NHTSA ID

11556531

Incident

Nov 22, 2023

Emergency Collison fault problem on the 2023 GMC Canyon Failure Date: 10/22/2023 Driving approximately 45mph while car in front is approximately 50 yards ahead driving at a matched speed as my vehicle and without any prior warning the forward collision alert activated flashing red light on windshield and automatically applying full braking until the truck came to a complete abrupt stop in the center lane of rush hour traffic causing other drivers behind to swerve narrowly avoiding serious accident. I manually DE-activated the automatic braking but kept forward alert on until the truck could be brought to the dealership for diagnosis. Forward alert went off erroneously multiple times the following days without any rhyme or reason. Not until the final day before the scheduled service appointment did the system DE activate itself indicating an issue with the forward collision. Dealer now has vehicle in their possession and confirmed a fault issue. They are working with GM on a solution, but no luck yet.

NHTSA ID

11553347

Incident

Oct 22, 2023

Driving approximately 45mph while car in front is approximately 50 yards ahead driving at a matched speed as my vehicle and without any prior warning the forward collision alert activated flashing red light on windshield and automatically applying FULL braking until the truck came to a complete abrupt stop in the center lane of rush hour traffic causing other drivers behind to swerve narrowly avoiding serious accident. Had the cars been following closer or an 18 wheeler been behind me during this incident, the outcome could have been much worse. I Manually de-activated the automatic braking but kept forward alert on until the truck could be brought to the dealership for diagnosis. Forward alert went off erroneously multiple times the following days without any rhyme or reason. Not until the final day before the scheduled service appointment did the system de activate itself indicating an issue with the forward collision. Most issues occurred while it was either raining or damp outside. Dealer now has vehicle in their possession and confirmed a faulty component that is on backorder with no date. Truck has had multiple other electrical issues since purchase 3 months ago. ~200 miles dealer replaced faulty HVAC module. ~4500 miles Forward collision alert as described above. Since day one there have also been Issues with trailering harness intermittently not working causing trailer brakes to not function while towing. (Yet to be diagnosed by dealer) Lastly Left turn signal would stick causing turn signal to stay on until manual deactivation. Dealer confirmed faulty turn signal and is in the process of replacing while it is in for service.

NHTSA ID

11543382

Incident

Aug 22, 2023

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, while making a right turn, the left turn signal activated and blinked three times. The contact stated that the Adaptive Cruise Control intermittently activated the brakes independently, and the Forward Collision Avoidance system activated and forced the vehicle to stop abruptly, almost causing a crash. The Forward Collision Avoidance warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the parts to repair the vehicle were on backorder. The failure mileage was approximately 2,251.

NHTSA ID

11542709

Incident

Aug 28, 2023

Mileage

2,251 mi