Last updated: 2026-10-10

2020 GMC Canyon Reliability Report
The 2020 GMC Canyon rates good for reliability with no recalls. The main complaint is a shuddering, jerky 8-speed automatic transmission.
Recalls
0
Complaints
13
Complaint Rate
N/A
Est. Repair Cost
$548
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,700–$3,700
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Good reliability with no recalls, though owners report a shuddering 8-speed automatic, and it sits above the 2021 in standing.
Top Issues to Watch
- POWER TRAIN (5)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)
- ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) (1)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2020 received a facelift update for the Second generation (RG; 2011).
- Changes: New front fascia design; Updated technology features.
- Year 6 in this generation (2015–2022).
- 2nd generation Canyon (US).
What this means for buyers
Refresh years bring updates but can also introduce new issues. Check early recall data before buying.
2015: Second generation (RG; 2011) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2020: This Model Year (Refresh)
2020 received a facelift update for the Second generation (RG; 2011).
Should You Buy the 2020 GMC Canyon?
Good reliability puts this Canyon above average among 2020 trucks and among the stronger of the nine Canyon years we score. Federal recall records show no recalls. Owners filed 13 complaints, about the same as the 2019, which also rates good. The 2021 rates worse and has 2 recalls.
The transmission is the main trouble. People who drive the 8-speed automatic describe shuddering under acceleration and hard, jerky shifts. Several say it fails to downshift when coasting to a stop, so the truck keeps pushing forward and needs heavy braking. Others report a lag when pulling away, then a slam into first gear. No warning light comes on, and dealers often cannot reproduce it. Reports start around 20,000 miles. Fluid changes stop the shudder for a while, but it can return. Two electrical complaints cover a sticking ignition key and an infotainment unit that reboots when a phone is plugged in.
Test drive for shifting problems, especially pulling away and slowing to a stop. Ask for service records showing any transmission fluid work. The 2019 is a close alternative.
Compared to the 2021 GMC Canyon, which scored 8 points lower. See also the 2019 GMC Canyon for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low major repair risk (12%)
- +No recalls issued
Cons
- −POWER TRAIN: Shuddering under acceleration and jerky, hard shifts are the main complaints... (5 complaints)
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (2 complaints)
Compare 2020 GMC Canyon With

2020 Chevrolet Colorado
Reliability: 81/100

2020 Toyota Tacoma
Reliability: 65/100

2020 Ford Ranger
Reliability: 71/100

2020 Nissan Frontier
Reliability: 78/100

2020 Jeep Gladiator
Reliability: 49/100
Common Problem Categories
Other
HIGH RISK- POWER TRAIN (5)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)
Recall Overview
0
recalls on record
No recalls are on record for the 2020 GMC Canyon — uncommon, and a strong signal of manufacturing quality.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
13
complaintsSafety Incidents
1
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 4/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
Buying a used 2020 GMC Canyon? Check its history first
Power train problems lead owner complaints about the 2020 GMC Canyon, and 0 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2020 GMC Canyon NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 21.4%
Safety Technologies
GMC CanyonRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3Maintenance rating: 3 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$548
vs $548 avg for midsize trucks
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.2
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
12%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
GMC Canyon Resale Value
The GMC Canyon is estimated to retain about 96.3% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.
This benchmark covers the GMC Canyon model overall and is not specific to the 2020 model year.
- Value Retained
- 96.3%
- Depreciation
- 3.7%
- Listings Analyzed
- 62
after 5 years
over the same period
U.S. used-car listings
Listings observed in . This is a historical market benchmark, not a current price quote.
Explore GMC Canyon depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.comMPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
19–23 MPG
Running cost: $3,250–$4,250/yr
Fuel + repair
17–20 city / 24–30 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2020 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canyon 2WD 2.5L 4-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 20 | 26 | 22 | $2,700 |
| Canyon 4WD 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 19 | 24 | 21 | $2,850 |
| Canyon 2WD 3.6L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 8-spd | 18 | 25 | 20 | $3,000 |
| Canyon 4WD 3.6L 6-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 8-spd | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,150 |
| Canyon 2WD 2.8L 4-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 20 | 30 | 23 | $3,500 |
| Canyon 4WD 2.8L 4-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 19 | 28 | 22 | $3,700 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2020 GMC Canyon.
Coast to several full stops and feel whether the truck keeps pushing forward instead of downshifting.
Accelerate gently from a stop and watch for a lag followed by a hard clunk into first gear.
Drive up an incline and note any shudder or jerking during downshifts.
Ask for transmission fluid service records and any dealer visits for shudder or harsh shifting.
Switch the engine off with the key several times and confirm the key turns to OFF and comes out.
Plug a phone into the infotainment system and check that it doesn't reboot and that the volume control works.
2020 GMC Canyon Common Problems by Component
13 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
5 complaintsShuddering under acceleration and jerky, hard shifts are the main complaints about the 8-speed automatic. Several reports describe the transmission failing to downshift when coasting to a stop, so the truck keeps pushing forward and needs heavy braking. Others describe a lag when pulling away, then a sudden slam into first gear. No warning light comes on, and dealers often cannot reproduce the problem or find a code. Fluid changes or flushes stop the shudder for a while, but it can return. Reports start at around 20,000 miles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaintsThe ignition key can stick and refuse to turn to OFF, leaving the truck unable to shut down and the key trapped in the switch. No warning light comes on, and the problem keeps coming back. Moving the shifter back and forth sometimes frees it. A separate complaint involves the infotainment unit rebooting when a phone is plugged in. The radio then plays very loudly and the volume control stops working, which distracts the driver in traffic. Only 2 complaints are on file for this category.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint2020 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
SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2020 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while her son was attempting to park the vehicle in a parking garage, there was a loud screeching sound coming from the vehicle while depressing the brake pedal. The contact's son used excessive force to depress the brake pedal, and an unknown warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed with a vacuum pump failure, which caused the end of the cam shaft to fracture. The contact called several dealers and was informed that the cam shaft was on backorder. The contact stated that one of the dealers stated that the failure was a common issue resulting in the part being on backorder. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The contact was informed that only the NHTSA could place a recall on the vehicle. The cam shaft and vacuum pump had been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. The VIN was not available.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaintSee attached document for complaint
AIR BAGS (1 complaints)
AIR BAGS
1 complaintSafety-relatedThe contact owned a 2020 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, he crashed into the vehicle in front. The contact stated that the vehicle was switching lanes abruptly, and did not have enough time to slow down or stop. No warning lights were illuminated on the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to a yard by the police department. A police report was filed. The contact sustained back, arm, neck, fractured ribs, lung, and head injuries that required medical attention. The vehicle was deemed destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 58,000.
STEERING (1 complaints)
STEERING
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2020 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle hesitated, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact parked on the side of the roadway. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to her residence and then to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the power steering module to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,432.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaintTL* 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.
Best & Worst GMC Canyon Years
Best GMC Canyon Years to Buy
Based on reliability index score2024
2020
(Current Model)
2019
GMC Canyon Years to Avoid
GMC Canyon Reliability Score Trend
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 76/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 76/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 66/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 79/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2026 | 76/100 | Good |
GMC Canyon Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2020 GMC Canyon reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2020 GMC Canyon?
Does the 2020 GMC Canyon have transmission problems?
Has the 2020 GMC Canyon been recalled?
Is the 2020 GMC Canyon better than the 2021?
Don’t buy a 2020 GMC Canyon without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2020 GMC Canyon
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2020 GMC Canyon does best on recall impact (100/100) and worst on repair costs (60/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the GMC Canyon.
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