2023 GMC Canyon Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2023 GMC Canyon, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Driver assistance2530.9%
- Electrical1822.2%
- Engine1012.3%
- Brakes89.9%
- Powertrain (other)44.9%
- Body & structure44.9%
- Visibility33.7%
- Exterior lighting33.7%
- Steering33.7%
- Airbags22.5%
- Fuel system11.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving I saw smoke and when I pulled over I seen fuel leaking from the gas tank area. Where it was leaking it ignited and the fire department had to put out the fire and the truck is totaled
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.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Coolant leak observed at the upper radiator hose quick-connect fitting. The leak appears to originate from the internal seal at the radiator inlet connection. This issue developed without warning and is consistent with a known defect in the radiator hose seal design used in 2023 GMC Canyon vehicles. Vehicle experienced coolant loss and visible residue at the connection point. No visible external damage to the radiator or hose assembly was observed. GM has issued a Special Coverage program for similar radiator inlet hose seal failures in related vehicles using the same component design. Concern is that this defect may lead to coolant loss and potential engine overheating if not addressed.
The upper radiator hose on some huge percentage of these trucks fail (mine has failed at just over 37K miles). You can check the Colorado Chevy and GMC Canyon forums, youtube, Facebook, etc., et al, and find plenty of instances where this has failed. As this is the cooling system, it can cause the engine to overheat and potentially ruin the engine. The flaw seems to be an engineering issue with the rubber seal they use (instead of a high quality o-ring) to seal the upper hose to the radiator. Additionally, since this can cause engine failure it should be addressed immediately. Instead, my local Chevy dealer, since its not a recall item, said they could schedule a time next week for me to LEAVE the truck and that I am responsible for the repair. This is extremely unfair to the consumer who depends on these vehicles. This should absolutely be a recall item. You can find 1000's of examples online and if you can pull GM repair data, I'm sure you'll find 1000's more.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Trailer brakes continuously fault due to known problem GM technical bulletin 23-NA-149 This should be a recall. Nothing but the runaround getting it fixed by GM.
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.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 - 20 MPH, the message to decelerate immediately was displayed on the instrument panel, and the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to 1st gear. The failure had occurred several times, at times while driving 75 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to replace the valve body and solenoid. The second time the vehicle was taken to the dealer, it was determined that there was a failure with the transmission caused by an inoperable wiring harness connection. The vehicle was repaired. The failure persisted, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer a third time but had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.
Vehicle lurches forward extremely strong when almost stopped, shifting from 2nd to 1st. Common issue with all of these trucks with the 8L80 transmission. Also - this transmission slams into 2nd from 1st when first starting out under light acelleration or drifting down hill.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving I saw smoke and when I pulled over I seen fuel leaking from the gas tank area. Where it was leaking it ignited and the fire department had to put out the fire and the truck is totaled
After each rain or hand car washing, the OEM sunroof has a gurgling sound when driving at speeds above 25 mph. This does not clear for miles, or over time (at least 1 day without water). Water appears to be passing through the seal into the drainage gutter, but not completely draining out through the drains. Its been in service twice to have the drain lines cleared, and the issue remains. This has been present on other car manufacturers as a "wind pressure issue" where the force of driving causes wind pressure to push what water hasn't drained back up into the sunroof. Fix was extending the drain lines at output. GMC unable to repair.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the defroster had failed to properly defrost the windshield. The contact also stated that because of the failure, the windshield wipers had failed to function properly after becoming frozen. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the defroster was operating as intended; however, the design was inadequate to defrost the entire front windshield. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 3,000.
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that upon activating the defroster during cold winter weather, he became aware that the defroster failed to properly defrost the front windshield and that the windshield wipers failed to adequately remove ice debris, potentially compromising windshield visibility. After a visual inspection of the windshield, the contact observed that ice had damaged the windshield wipers. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 3,000. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to the dealership on 12/14/23. They did a full check on the vehicle and could not fix the issue. The dealership also were unable to find any information about a potential fix from the manufacturer.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
I use the right turn signal to make a right turn at an intersection. I proceed with the turn and begin to accelerate out of the turn, as the steering wheel unturns the right turn signal is supposed to cancel as the steering wheel straightens out. Instead of cancelling the signal, straightening the wheel when accelerating out of a right turn cause the left turn signal to be triggered and in gives three signal indications for a left turn. These left turn indications are uncommanded by the driver. The issue is repeatable. It presents a serious safety concern because other drivers are being told by the truck that you intend to do something which you are not at all intending to do. Another driver could rely on these uncommand left turn indications and pull in front of the truck and cause an accident. This issue has been raised with two dealerships, one dealership replaced the turn signal triggering and cancelling mechanism in the steering column. Both dealers ultimately told me that the issue was "software" relating and that it could not be fixed. One of the dealership claimed to have "corrected the issue with a software update." That assertion was a lie, the issue remained unchanged. This issue is a serious safety issue. The truck has a defect that puts me, my family, and other drivers on the road at risk. So far, GMC has failed to remedy the "software" issue and merely returns to me a defective vehicle.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving I saw smoke and when I pulled over I seen fuel leaking from the gas tank area. Where it was leaking it ignited and the fire department had to put out the fire and the truck is totaled
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the “Service Safety Restraint System” message was displayed. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Subject: Urgent Safety Concern Regarding 2023 GMC Canyon Fuel Pump Module Failure I am writing to express my concerns regarding a significant safety issue I experienced with my 2023 GMC Canyon, which has only 3,000 miles on the odometer. On November 12, 2024, while traveling southbound on Interstate 75 in Florida, my vehicle unexpectedly lost all power. All electronics, including the dashboard and display screens, shut off, and the engine stalled. I was forced to coast to a stop on the shoulder, directly on the bridge section of I-75 over U.S. 301. With less than 12 inches of clearance between my driver’s side and passing traffic, this situation posed a severe risk to my safety. To make matters worse, the tow truck driver was unable to safely and properly secure my vehicle due to the danger presented by the high-speed traffic. My vehicle has now been at the GMC dealership for seven days, and I have been informed that the issue was caused by a faulty fuel pump module. I believe this represents a critical safety defect that warrants immediate attention and possibly a recall. Upon further research, I have found similar reports of fuel pump module failures in online forums, indicating that this may be a widespread issue affecting other owners across the country. In addition, when the tow truck dropped my vehicle off at the GMC dealership, after reading the engine codes the dealership found 18 active engine codes. I feel as if this is a possible known issue and I should have been informed when purchasing the vehicle. I kindly request your assistance in addressing this matter. I urge GMC to investigate the extent of this defect and take appropriate action to ensure the safety of all affected vehicles and their drivers. Thank you for your prompt attention to this urgent matter. Please let me know how GMC plans to proceed. I am available to provide additional information or documentation if needed.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .