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2017 GMC Canyon Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2017 GMC Canyon carries 1 open NHTSA recall — most recently covering fuel pump. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Transmission shudder and torque converter failure.” GMC trucks and SUVs use the GM Oil Life System (OLS) — the same algorithm as Chevrolet. Because GMC's lineup is exclusively trucks and SUVs, severe-service intervals apply to most owners (towing, hauling, off-roading). The schedule below surfaces the items most relevant to GMC's truck-focused buyer.

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1 Open Recall

Source: NHTSA

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign #18V358000 · May 31, 2018

Issue: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2017 GMC Canyon.

Reported to NHTSA

Transmission shudder and torque converter failure

POWER TRAIN

17 NHTSA complaints · 2017-02 → 2025-09

“At highway cruising speed I am experiencing a shake or a shutter coming from the transmission”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11430259
“2017 GMC CANYON. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TRANSMISSION ISSUES. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED TRANSMISSION SHUDDERING AND BUCKING. OCCASIONALLY, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT YET DISCOVERED A FIX”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11473315
“TRANSMISSION BEGAN SHIFTING HARD. BEFORE LONG WHOLE TRUCK RATTLED WHEN SHIFTING. ALMOST A GRINDING SOUND. CHEVY DIAGNOSED TORQUE CONVERTER HAS GONE BAD. BACK ORDERED FOR 2 WEEKS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11115139

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering assist loss while driving

STEERING

6 NHTSA complaints · 2018-01 → 2023-05

“The contact owns a 2017 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became firm and difficult to maneuver. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11524646
“LOSS OF STEERING WHILE DRIVING POWER LOSS STEERING DISPLAYED ON SCREEN CALLED DEALER SHIP SAID TO BRING IN AFTER READING ON THE WEB EXPLAINED ON 2015 AND 2016 CANON HAD BEEN RECALLED FOR SAME THING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11266122
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 GMC CANYON. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11408293

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Ignition key sticks or fails to turn

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

6 NHTSA complaints · 2019-12 → 2024-04

“I can not remove my key from ignition . Sometimes it takes up to 30 minutes to get it to release. Have taken to multiple places they all have different answer and no one knows how to fix it . Getting worse everyday. Today was told to contact you that they could not help me”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11586124
“I'M HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY 2017GMC CANYON. SOMETIMES I CAN'T GET THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. MAIN PROBLEM KEY IN CAN'T GET IT OUT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11403555
“I AM HAVING PROBLEM WITH MY 2 YEAR OLD TRUCK SOMETIMES I CAN`T GET THE KEY OUT SOMETIMES LIGHTS STAY ON IN THE SUNNY DAY BUT MY MAIN PROBLEM IS THE KEY STUCK IN AND CAN`T GET IT OUT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11288552

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine oil cooler line or hose leak

ENGINE

6 NHTSA complaints · 2018-09 → 2021-07

“OWNED THIS 2017 GMC CANYON FOR 1 YEAR AND 1 MONTH WITH 5000 MILES WHEN IT DEVELOPED AN OIL LEAK. BROUGHT TO DEALER WHO FOUND THE OIL LEAK COMING FROM A "PINHOLE" IN THE OIL COOLANT HOSE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11124380
“VEHICLE HAS 6600 MILES- WHILE NORMAL DRIVING AROUND TOWN, NOTICED A GASOLINE/OIL SMELL. AFTER BEING PARKED FOR 5 MINUTES RECIEVED A WARNING MESSAGE TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE DUE TO LOW OIL PRESSURE, THEN NOTICED A LARGE POOL OF OIL SPREADING UNDER THE ENGINE BAY OF THE TRUCK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11193332
“GM HAD A RECALL ON THE 3.6 LGZ EQUIPPED IN TRUCKS IN CANADA. COLD WEATHER CAUSED OIL PUMP TO OVER PRESSURIZING OF OIL AND DAMAGE TO OIL COOLER AND LINES. LEAKING OIL IN TO ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND ON ROADWAY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11281338

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unexpected StabiliTrak and brake system activation

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 NHTSA complaints · 2019-05 → 2026-02

“INTERMITTENT WHEN DRIVING THE "SERVICE STABILITRAK" MESSAGE APPEARS, AND TRACTION CONTROL/ STABILITY CONTROL IS DISABLED INTERMITTENTLY WHEN STARTING THE "SERVICE STABILITRAK" MESSAGE APPEARS, AND TRACTION CONTROL/ STABILITY CONTROL IS DISABLED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11331158
“Constantly getting a message and beeping to service my trailer brake system while in park and driving. I’ve never used this before for towing any trailers or anything”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11479157
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 GMC CANYON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE EXITING THE FREEWAY AT 30 MPH, THE COLLISION BRAKE SYSTEM ENGAGED WITH THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE RESUMED BACK TO NORMAL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11207199

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Diesel engine stall or shutdown while driving

ENGINE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2018-04 → 2021-08

“NOX SENSOR POSITION 2 FAILED, SECOND OCCURRENCE, DIESEL VEHICLE ENTERED LIMP MODE. LIMP MODE IS DANGEROUS AND INDICATED DEF FLUID ISSUE. THIS IS A FALSE POSITIVE (AS DESCRIBED IN MANY PLACES ON THE INTERNET AND BY THE DEALER) AS A RESULT OF THE SENSOR FAILURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11088484
“VEHICLE STALLED WHEN I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN ONTO ROUTE 23 FROM ROUTE 296 IN WINDHAM NY. CAR SHUTTERED AND STALLED. ALMOST GOT T-BONED BY A SEMI. EXTREMELY LUCKY THAT I WAS ABLE TO ROLL BACKWARDS ONTO THE BRIDGE BEHIND ME”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11416569
“This is the 2nd time this has happened. The 1st time making a left onto route 23 from route 296 in Windham NY. Almost got T-Boned. Stalled wouldn't start. Waited 5 minutes and it started again. Ran rough then died again thankfully in a more opportune spot”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11427418

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (per Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change oil when OLS reaches 0% or every 12 months. dexos1-approved synthetic required on Sierra 1500 5.3L/6.2L; dexos2 specified on Duramax diesel.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Sierra and Yukon owners running 4x4 should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Towing accelerates pad wear by 30-50%; check more often if towing regularly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

DOT 3 brake fluid: test annually, replace when moisture exceeds 3% or fluid is darker than copper.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

Long-life cellulose filter rated 45,000 miles. Trucks driven on unpaved roads or construction sites should inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Severe service (towing 5,000+ lbs regularly, heavy stop-and-go): every 45,000 miles. Normal: 97,500 miles. Use Dexron-VI for 6L80/6L90, Mobil 1 LV ATF HP for 10L80/10L1000.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 45,000 mi

On 4WD models, replace every 45,000 miles. Use GM Auto-Trak II for active 4WD; GM 9986115 for selectable 4WD.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Differential Fluid (front + rear)

Every 50,000 mi

Replace front and rear axle fluid every 50,000 miles, or 25,000 miles if towing. G80 limited-slip rear axles require GM friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs on the L83/L84 5.3L and L86/L87 6.2L V8 are rated 100,000 miles. AFM/DFM cylinder deactivation can cause uneven plug wear — check at 75,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Dex-Cool Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Dex-Cool (orange): first change at 150,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000. Duramax diesel uses ELC (red) — different chemistry, do not mix.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 22,500 miles. Sierra HD and Yukon XL owners in dusty work environments should replace at 15,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

2 crashes 1990–2024

How the 2 occupant deaths break down

2

driver deaths

0

passenger deaths

2

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2017 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

3

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2017 GMC Canyon reflects GMC's published service intervals and the Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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