2008 GMC Canyon: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 38 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (26% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Nov 2010
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 38 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“When sitting at idle, the engine miss & spark knock at times. When start driving down the road the throttle seems hard to Press & takes a little time to reach up to road speed. The truck does not get good gas mileage at all. I had the spark plugs & wires changed still don't help.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jan 2024
“I took my vehicle to a small business owner's garage for routine brake work. He showed me a crack in the frame almost all the way through excluding an inch. He found it when he tried lifting the vehicle to do the brakes. It is behind the cab, in front of the bed of the truck. Only one side was holding my truck together.”Owner report · Structure · Nov 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 gmc canyon. On several occasions, while driving 55 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning and was able to restart. Also, the decreasing power message was displayed. The contact called bishop gmc cadillac (400 mackinaw ave, cheboygan, mi 49721, (231) 627-5669) to notify them of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 56,000.”Owner report · Engine · May 2019
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“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 gmc canyon. While undergoing brake service at tradition chevrolet buick (847 rte 5, geneva, ny 14456, (315) 789-6811), the technician diagnosed that the rear of the frame was rotted out. The technician recommended that the frame be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.”Owner report · Structure · Mar 2018
“"cruise control" went out and I cannot find out where the problem is. The fuses are excellent. While I was driving I had the cruise control on, then all of a sudden for no reason the green illumination on the dash that let's me know it's on, was off. I tried to engage the cruise control again but that did not work. The green illumination on the dash does not come on anymore even as I attempt to engage the cruise control. I was on the highway at the time this happened.”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2017
“"engine light" illuminates while driving. During the first 20 minutes of driving this light appears and stays on. Then 15 minutes later as I continue to drive with no stopping or turning off the engine, the light goes off.”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2017
“"brake pads/shoes" I had to replace the brake pads and shoes due to the binding, sequeling noise they were making. As a result I had to replace the rotors due to the damage. When I first start the truck and slowly leave my driveway, I could feel the binding and hear the sequeling. After driving 20 minutes this all goes away. Repairs $500.00 which it drives 100 percent better!”Owner report · Service Brakes · Apr 2017
“"fan belt pulley" I started my truck and was leaving work driving about 10 mph when the fan belt broke. I had power but no acceleration to the truck. Luckily I was able to coast to a full stop in the parking lot. I looked under the hood where I noticed the fan belt was broke. I had the truck towed to my accredited mechanic which he said that the shaft that holds the pulley was completely broken off inside the engine. Cost to me $600.00”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2017
“1. "theft deterrent" illuminates and truck will not start. Have to wait 10 minutes with key in the "acc" position and then it starts. Happens often at least 2 times a week. Also, while I am driving the "theft deterrent" illuminates at least 4 times a week while highway driving but luckily the truck does not stall or stop.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jan 2017
“"rear brake lights" lights were not working when I applied pressure to the brake pedal. I was going to work and a driver next to me informed me that both my brake lights are not working as I was at a red light. I was driving on a city street. The result was I replaced both rear brake bulbs after spending 2 hours of identifying the problem thinking it was more complicated. I always check all my lights each month making sure I am in compliance!”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 2016
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2011, CHEVROLET COLORADO, GMC CANYON, MODEL YEAR 2006, ISUZU I-280/I-350, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2008, I-290/I-370, REGULAR CAB VEHICLES AND EXTENDED CAB VEHICLES WITHOUT A REAR SEAT AND EQUIPPED WITH A FRONT 60/40 SPLIT BENCH SEAT. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE TOP TETHER ANCHOR FOR THE FRONT CENTER SEAT IS NOT ACCESSIBLE AND THE OWNER MANUAL DOES NOT INCLUDE INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING HOW TO USE THE TOP TETHER.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL CUT A HOLE INTO THE BACK PANEL TRIM COVER TO ALLOW ACCESS TO THE TOP TETHER ANCHOR FOR THE FRONT CENTER SEAT POSITION AND WILL PROVIDE SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION AS TO USE IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727 OR VISIT GM'S WEBSITE AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
GM IS RECALLING 185,903 MODEL YEAR 2004-2009 COLORADO, GMC MODEL YEAR 2009-2004 CANYON, MODEL YEAR 2006 I-280, I-350, MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 I-290, AND I-370, PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALABAMA, ARIZONA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, HAWAII, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NEVADA, NEW MEXICO, PUERTO RICO, SOUTH CAROLINA, TEXAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS AND UTAH. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A BRAKE LAMP SWITCH THAT MAY NOT WORK AS DESIGNED DUE TO CONTAMINATION IN THE SWITCH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE NECESSARY COMPONENTS AS SPECIFIED IN THE RECALL BULLETIN FREE OF CHARGE. GM ANTICIPATES THAT PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE BY JUNE 2010. A SPECIAL COVERAGE FOR VEHICLES REGISTERED IN ALL OTHER STATES WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE SAME TIME FRAME. IN THE INTERIM, OWNERS WHO EXPERIENCE THE FAILURE CAN OBTAIN A FREE REPAIR, HOWEVER THEY WILL BE REQUIRED TO RETURN WHEN THE NEW DESIGN PART BECOMES AVAILABLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727 OR AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
How other years compare
Check your exact Canyon by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2008 GMC Canyon reliable?
NHTSA has 38 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2008 GMC Canyon. The most complained-about area is electrical system (26% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2008 GMC Canyon problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 70,000 miles or less.
Does the 2008 GMC Canyon have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning child seat. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.