Electronic Stability Control, Forward Collision Avoidance and electrical issues among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners
Sometimes, a full-size truck isn’t needed to get a job done. With the 2020 GMC Canyon, the automaker claims it’s possible to “work smart.” Yet, many Canyon owners are struggling to get anything done because their time is spent dealing with a faulty electronic stability control system, a malfunctioning forward collision avoidance system and defective electrical system.
The electronic stability control system utilizes advanced technology to insure the vehicle remains stable by reducing the chances of traction loss. However, the Canyon seems to struggle to get this system right.
Here is one NHTSA complaint worth reading. “2020 GMC Canyon with 774 miles suffered an electrical failure resulting in the vehicle losing all power while traveling at about 25 mph. The battery cable connection caused melting of adjacent components. As it was happening, the dashboard showed a ‘Battery Saver Active’ message followed by a ‘Service Battery Charging System.’ The vehicle had to be towed to a nearby dealer. The problem was similar to recall N192273510 for the GMC Sierra.”
Along with this stability control, steering is essential but seems to be defective. Even the automaker acknowledges trouble with Service Bulletin #16NA109. In this communication, GMC states that there might be an excessive amount of grease or sealant on the steering gear. How does this happen? Is it that the technicians aren’t paying attention or are they simply trying to “work smart” by neglecting basic fundamental procedures? It might be time to find some new employees that actually want to work.
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Power Train | |
| Engine | |
| Electrical System | |
| Air Bags | |
| Electronic Stability Control | |
| Exterior Lighting:fog Lights | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | |
| Steering | |
| Vehicle Speed Control |
Among the top driver-assist technologies on modern vehicles, the forward collision avoidance system helps to avoid an accident. However, this is another system that is completely failing.
Read this NHTSA complaint. “The contact owns a 2020 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that the forward collision avoidance system failed to activate. The contact stated that the feature failed to provide any warning that another vehicle was stopped in front of the vehicle or slowing down. The vehicle was taken to [dealer] where a road test was performed. The technician duplicated the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.”
With more drivers relying on the driver-assist technology, there’s less focus on the braking system itself, but it’s still vital. Sadly, GMC is aware of further braking troubles with the Canyon. Service Bulletin #PIT5479C states that some trucks have fluid leaking from the brake caliper piston. It turns out that this fluid is actually excessive assembly grease coming out of the caliber boot and piston installation from the factory. To fix the issue, the excessive grease needs to be cleaned off. There seems to be a common thread occurring at this point with the GMC pickups. During assembly, too much grease and sealant is applied to numerous locations. What is happening at the factory? It’s like a grease party is occurring, with liberal amounts being applied everywhere.
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Behind it all, the electrical system is running every system. When the electrical system begins to fail, nothing seems to go right – from the simple radio controls to the reliable battery charging.
One Edmunds review discusses a few of the troubles with the electrical system. “This truck is…disappointing. Mainly due to the glitchy electrical system. Radio issues, cruise control issues, power seat issues, shifting gear issues, and brake issues. And it is only 2 months old!!!”
Sadly, of all the manufacturer communications, electrical system problems are the most discussed between the automaker and the technicians. One such example, Service Bulletin #070604025M, talks about something more serious than simply the radio system malfunctioning. In fact, it states that the truck can produce a clicking or ticking noise when the truck is started cold. However, GMC considers this a “normal characteristic.” What’s normal about engine noises under certain situations? It seems as if GMC is trying to pull the wool over the eyes of customers. As a premium-priced truck, this model doesn’t seem to provide any more reliability than its cheaper counterpart, the Colorado. Maybe it’s time to “work smart” and save money by choosing a cheaper truck instead.
Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes GMC pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.
Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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