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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.
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NHTSA Complaints for the 2020 GMC Canyon
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Power Train | |
| Engine | |
| Electrical System | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | |
| Electronic Stability Control |
Problems with the Electronic Stability Control
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.
Problems with the Forward Collision Avoidance
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.
Problems with the Electrical System
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.
Your Lemon Law Legal Rights
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.
Complaint Data
| Category | Electrical System |
| Date | Oct 12, 2022 |
| State | PA |
| Description | Infotainment center reboots if phone is plug in. Radio station becomes very loud and driver is unable to control volume. Driver is now distracted from driving and trying to repair problem. Bad situation when in traffic. |
| Category | Engine, Power Train |
| Date | Jan 05, 2022 |
| State | TX |
| Description | When rolling to stop signs or red lights, the vehicle occasionally fails to downshift properly and will attempt to continue pushing the vehicle when trying to stop. On multiple occasions, the vehicle acts as if it cannot be stopped due to the transmission failing to downshift. One must aggressively apply the brakes to get the vehicle to come to a stop. Unable to have the vehicle checked out at a local dealer, due to being backed up for weeks when trying to have it looked at. No visual indication/warning is given when this happens. There is a current class action lawsuit for models up to 2019, but this needs to be extended to 2020 models as well, as multiple online forums discuss this issue being prevalent in newer models of the 8-speed transmission. |
| Category | Power Train |
| Date | Jan 07, 2021 |
| State | CA |
| Description | I am the owner of a 2020 canyon sle that was purchased in june of 2020. The vehicle has about 20,000 mile on it currently. I have been experiencing a "lag" on acceleration after coming to a stop. This feels like the transmission isn't down shifting all the way. At time when accelerating from a stop the truck will act as it is in a high gear then suddenly slam into a first gear. I have take my truck to jessup gmc in palm springs and they say the tech can not reproduce the problem. This sounds like the same issue the 2015-1019 models have in reference to bulletin: 18-na-355 dated august 2019 |
| Category | Engine, Power Train, Vehicle Speed Control |
| Date | Oct 03, 2020 |
| State | VA |
| Description | I'm the owner of a newly bought (6/5/2020 purchased date) 2020 gmc canyon. I took my truck into the dealership and complained that I have experienced transmission issues when downshifting or accelerating. My most common issue is 'shuddering' when the truck accelerates and sudden 'jerking' when downshifting gears when driving up an incline or even coming to a complete stop. The dealership said they haven't had any problems with the 2020 canyons and unless it reads a 'code' there's nothing they can do. Gm said tell the customer to drive it and we will call if we get any further information. This is a serious problem. I was driving the vehicle and because of the sudden jerking and transmission & or engine issues with the vehicle the rpms reved up to over 4500 rpms and I was stuck out in the middle of a lane and could not go anywhere. I had cars avoiding me so that way they would not hit me head on or on the side of my truck. This is a serious and fatal accident waiting to happen and the issue is gm knows about it because it happened with their 2015- 2019 colorado and cannon series. Despite many complaints and numerous lawsuits about these serious issues, there are currently no ongoing investigations regarding transmission and engine defects for these vehicles within gm for the 2020 canon. I have paid almost ,000 for a vehicle that should have a lemon law put on it because gm knows they are producing bad transmission/engines and not doing anything about it. I asked gm corporate and the local dealership what am I supposed to do when I'm in another situation where the vehicle does not want to get in gear and is shaking and shuttering and jerking and revving up the rpms and the next time. I said I probably wouldn't be so lucky as to having people avoid me and then me and my daughter wind up in a head on collision and we don't make it out alive. |
| Category | Forward Collision Avoidance |
| Date | Aug 21, 2020 |
| State | CT |
| Description | Tl* 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 stop in front of the vehicle or slowing down. The vehicle was taken to gates gmc buick nissan (143 boston post rd, north windham, ct 06256, where a road testing 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. |
| Category | Electronic Stability Control |
| Date | May 26, 2020 |
| State | AZ |
| Description | 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 appears similar to recall n192273510 for the gmc sierra.*dt*jb *tr |
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About the Author:
Brian Jones spent more than 20 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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