The Lemon Index
201820202nd generation
One of the most reliable · most complaints: transmission & drivetrain
Fewest complaints of its generation (2nd generation).
5 owner complaints, first 3 years 15–23 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2019 Toyota Tacoma 592019 Chevrolet Colorado 632019 Ford Ranger 106
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
No complaints for this year listed a mileage, so we can't say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Any slipping, hard or late shifts, or a transmission warning light? Ask for transmission fluid service records.
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
- GMC sent dealers 985 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “This Preliminary information communicates the noise iso later for the shift boot may be out of…”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and GMC's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 5 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
In owners' words
The vehicle hesitates and shifts harshly as if it will stall at low speed acceleration leaving my driveway and when going forward from a full stop at red light to green. Very jerky ride, uneven acceleration, fear of stalling.
2019 GMC Canyon owner · NHTSA complaint 11422600
More owner reports
On cold startup there is a loud clunk coming from front of vehicle and the vibration can be felt from inside the truck as if something hit the floor underneath.
NHTSA complaint 11254462
Problems GMC told dealers about
GMC sent dealers 985 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This Preliminary information communicates the noise iso later for the shift boot may be out of…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 0
No safety recalls on record.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GMC Canyon PU/CC RWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| GMC Canyon PU/CC 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| GMC Canyon PU/EC 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| GMC Canyon PU/EC RWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,750–$4,200 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.8L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
Every GMC Canyon year. 2019 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average, too new (2023+: a partial score, marked “partial”) or too few complaints to score.
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Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2019 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/gmc-canyon/?y=2019" title="GMC Canyon reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="491" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/gmc-canyon/2019/">Lemon Index</a> (2019 GMC Canyon reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2019 GMC Canyon reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew about a fifth as many complaints as the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 15; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2019 GMC Canyon problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are transmission & drivetrain (60%), electrical (40%) and engine (20%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2019 GMC Canyon have?
None: NHTSA has no safety recalls on record for it.
What gas mileage does the 2019 GMC Canyon get?
15 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2019 GMC Canyon safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2019 GMC Canyon have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 60% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2019 GMC Canyon cost in fuel a year?
About $2,750 to $4,200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2019 GMC Canyon have?
2.5L 4-cyl, 2.8L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
Is there a better GMC Canyon year than the 2019?
Not nearby: the 2019 drew the fewest complaints per car sold of the GMC Canyon years within 3 model years of it.
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works