2019 GMC CANYON — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

Transmission shifting issues. The transmission will shift very slowly (engine revs high and vehicle lurches) when driving the truck each morning. I reported the issue to the dealership within 0ne month of purchasing the truck in 2019 and again in 2024. The dealership stated there is nothing wrong with the transmission. The transmission is now starting to slip at low/moderate speeds when accelerating. The vehicle has less than 50,000 miles.

Formal Complaint to NHTSA: 2019 GMC Canyon Transmission Issue To Whom It May Concern at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): I am writing to formally report a recurring and dangerous transmission issue in my 2019 GMC Canyon, and to request that NHTSA open an investigation into why General Motors has not issued a safety recall — despite widespread complaints and technical service bulletins. My vehicle exhibits jerking, hesitation, slipping, and hard shifting — especially during acceleration or when moving from a complete stop. These symptoms are consistent with hundreds of other consumer reports across forums, NHTSA complaints, and class-action lawsuits tied to GM’s 8L45 8-speed automatic transmission. I was quoted approximately $5,700 for a transmission repair and $8,800 for replacement. This problem is not simply an inconvenience or comfort issue. Hesitation and sudden surges in acceleration pose a legitimate safety hazard, especially when merging onto highways, pulling into traffic, or driving on slippery roads. At times, I’ve experienced delayed throttle response and unexpected lurching — which could easily result in a rear-end collision or intersection mishap. Despite the well-documented nature of this defect, GM has not recalled these transmissions — and owners are left to bear the financial burden of expensive repairs on a known design flaw. That is unacceptable. NHTSA’s mandate is to protect consumers from safety-related defects. In my view, and in the experience of many other drivers, this transmission issue meets the criteria for a recall: - It affects safe operation and control of the vehicle - It has been confirmed by internal GM service documentation - It recurs even after manufacturer-prescribed remedies - It places drivers, passengers, and others at risk Please consider this a formal request to investigate this matter and hold General Motors accountable for a recall or reimbursement program for affected consumers. Joanne Holstein

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds and making a right turn, the steering wheel seized. The contact continued to drive, and the steering wheel seized again. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 65,200.

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. There was an abnormal scratching noise detected. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that an unknown part had fractured inside the engine. The mechanic informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000. The VIN was not available.

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that the key failed to release from the ignition. Additionally, the key failed to turn in the ignition switch. The vehicle failed to turn on or off. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that a diagnostic test needed to be performed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and informed the contact that there was no Warranty coverage for the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.