Owners have filed 13 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the transmission and electrical. The 6 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2020Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/6 checked
2020 GMC Canyon: inspection sheet
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/1
Engine off, key in hand0/3
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/2
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
These years share the 2020's design and most of its parts, so their problems are the ones to look for on this car too.
Worth adding to your 2020 checks
Worth adding to your 2020 checks
Worth adding to your 2020 checks
EPA figures for each version of the 2020 GMC Canyon. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cylGas | 4WD, RWD | 21–22 mpg |
| 3.6L 6-cylGas | 4WD, RWD | 19–20 mpg |
| 2.8L 4-cylDiesel | 4WD, RWD | 22–23 mpg |
NHTSA complaints for the 2020 GMC Canyon, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Shuddering 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.
The 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.
Excerpts from complaints Canyon owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
The wiring in most vehicles 2020 and newer are soy/ nut based product… which squirrels, rodents and other animals can’t resist and the wiring throughout the vehicle is being chewed this all makes all models all manufacturers… there is also problems with the 8 speed transmission that shutters and hard gear changing and the quick fix is to flush out and refill it with transmission fluid
Filed with NHTSA, December 2023
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.
Filed with NHTSA, October 2022
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2020 ranks sixth for owner complaints among 8 Canyon years, well under the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2020 is the sixth model year of the Canyon's second generation (2015–2022).
It is also the first year of a mid-cycle update.
What changed for 2020
Cars shoppers compare with the GMC Canyon, with their own 2020 checklists.
2020 owner complaints, side by side
