2015 GMC Canyon Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2015 model year · 970+ owner reports · Updated May 2026

According to Au7o's analysis of 970+ owner reports, the 2015 GMC Canyon has 3 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are 8L45 8-Speed Transmission Torque Converter Shudder ($150-$4,000 repair) and Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Failure (V6) ($800-$2,500 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Front Suspension Clunk and Stabilizer Bar End Link Failure with 510 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $80 to $4,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 3 Known Issues

Community Reported

460 owners

On the 2015-2025 GMC Canyon, the 2015+ Canyon with the 3.6L V6 uses the GM 8L45 8-speed automatic (smaller sibling of the 8L90 in full-size trucks) which suffers the same torque converter lock-up clutch shudder at light throttle between 25-50 mph. The clutch friction material degrades and contaminates the fluid. GM issued TSB 18-NA-355 and Customer Satisfaction Program 18302 extending coverage to 6 years/100,000 miles. The fix and fluid are identical to the Sierra 1500 8L90 procedure — Mobil 1 Synthetic LV ATF HP (GM 19417577). This is the same issue affecting the Chevrolet Colorado V6.

This issue also affects: GMC Sierra 3500HD, BMW M3, Cadillac Escalade

Common Symptoms

Shudder or vibration at light throttle 25-50 mph
Rumble strip sensation at highway cruising
Harsh 1-2 shift from stop
Transmission hunting between 7th and 8th gear
Shudder disappears when throttle is increased

How to Fix

Full fluid exchange with Mobil 1 Synthetic LV ATF HP (GM 19417577 / Mobil 124715). Check CSP 18302 coverage. Torque converter replacement (GM 24288818 for 8L45) if fluid exchange fails. Full exchange requires 10-12 quarts for the 8L45.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 460+ owners who fixed this issue

TipCustomer Satisfaction Program 18302 covers 2015-2020 Canyon 3.6L 8L45 shudder to 6 years/100,000 miles from original in-service date. Verify at your dealership before any out-of-pocket expense. The authorized first repair step is a full transmission fluid exchange — not a drain/fill — with Mobil 1 LV ATF HP. Request the TSB 18-NA-355 procedure by name and ensure the dealer uses the correct 10-12 quart exchange quantity for the 8L45.
UpgradeMobil 1 Synthetic LV ATF HP (GM 19417577 / Mobil part 124715) — the DEXRON HP specification fluid required for 8L45/8L90 shudder repair. Do not substitute standard Dexron VI — the updated HP formulation has different friction modifier content that addresses the torque converter clutch engagement characteristics. Available from GM dealers or online in quart quantities. (Mobil 1 #19417577)
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NoteIf Canyon 8L45 shudder persists after two fluid exchanges with LV ATF HP, the torque converter clutch lining is already worn and debris has contaminated the valve body. At this stage, fluid alone will not resolve the issue and torque converter replacement is necessary. Continuing to drive an 8L45 with clutch debris in the fluid accelerates solenoid wear and can cause a $1,500 solenoid pack failure on top of the $1,800-2,500 converter replacement.

Typical repair cost:$150 - $4,000

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Community Reported

High Confidence460 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

On the 2015-2025 GMC Canyon, the 3.6L V6 with Active Fuel Management experiences lifter failure where the AFM lifters collapse, causing misfires and a ticking noise. The collapsing lifter can damage the camshaft lobe if not addressed.

This issue also affects: Buick LeSabre, Buick Park Avenue, Buick Encore

Common Symptoms

Ticking or tapping from engine
Misfire on specific cylinders
Check engine light
Rough idle

How to Fix

Replace failed lifters and inspect camshaft for damage. AFM delete kits are available that disable cylinder deactivation and replace all AFM lifters with standard lifters. Requires ECM tune to disable AFM.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue

UpgradeBluetooth OBD-II scanner for reading engine codes and monitoring live data (BlueDriver Bluetooth OBD2 Diagnostic Scan Tool)
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UpgradeQuality synthetic oil and filter combo for engine maintenance (Mobil 1 Full Synthetic Oil and Filter Bundle)
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Typical repair cost:$800 - $2,500

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Community Reported

Medium Confidence0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Invalid Date

Community Reported

510 owners

On the 2015-2025 GMC Canyon, the 2015+ Canyon experiences front end clunking and rattling over bumps and during steering inputs. The most common cause is worn front stabilizer bar end links, though lower control arm ball joints and upper strut mounts also contribute. The end links use a ball-and-socket design that wears quickly on trucks used off-road or in harsh winter road conditions. GM issued TSB PIT5488 for front end noise diagnosis on the Canyon/Colorado platform. The issue is shared with the Chevrolet Colorado, which shares the identical GMSV platform.

This issue also affects: Chrysler Aspen, Chevrolet Colorado, Honda Civic

Common Symptoms

Clunking noise from front suspension over bumps
Rattling at low speed over rough surfaces
Clunk when turning steering wheel at parking lot speeds
Front end noise when rocking the truck side to side
Visible play in end link ball joints

How to Fix

Replace front stabilizer bar end links (Moog K750744, or OEM GM 23377014). Inspect and replace ball joints if play detected (Moog K500119 lower ball joint). Upper strut mount replacement if clunk is isolated to strut area (GM 84131517). Torque all suspension fasteners to spec — loose bolts cause clunking symptoms.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 510+ owners who fixed this issue

UpgradeMoog K750744 front stabilizer bar end link for 2015-2022 Canyon — heavy-duty forged steel construction that outlasts the OEM stamped end link. The OEM end link ball joint fails within 40,000-60,000 miles on trucks driven on rough roads; the Moog unit typically lasts 80,000-100,000 miles. Simple bolt-on DIY install in 20-30 minutes per side with basic hand tools. (Moog #K750744)
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UpgradeTSB PIT5488 details Canyon/Colorado front end noise diagnosis. Before replacing parts, jack up the front of the truck and manually test each suspect component: grab each end link and wiggle it — any play indicates failure. Check lower ball joints by putting a pry bar under the tire and levering up — more than 1/8-inch of play means replacement. Many clunks are also caused by the front jounce bumper (GM 23288753) collapsing — an easy visual check. (GM #23288753)
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NoteWorn lower ball joints on Canyon are a safety issue — complete ball joint separation at highway speed causes loss of steering control. If a clunk is present and the lower ball joint has any vertical play, prioritize ball joint replacement over end links. Ball joint failure can separate suddenly without further warning. Inspect ball joints annually on any Canyon used for off-road driving or towing.

Typical repair cost:$80 - $800

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Community Reported

High Confidence510 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common GMC Canyon problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 970+ owner reports, the 2015-2015 GMC Canyon has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 8L45 8-Speed Transmission Torque Converter Shudder, Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Failure (V6), Front Suspension Clunk and Stabilizer Bar End Link Failure. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the GMC Canyon reliable?

The 2015-2015 GMC Canyon has 3 known issues documented across 970+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: 8L45 8-Speed Transmission Torque Converter Shudder and Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Failure (V6). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common GMC Canyon problems?

Repair costs for known GMC Canyon issues range from $80 to $4,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 8L45 8-Speed Transmission Torque Converter Shudder, typically costs $150-$4,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2015-2025 GMC Canyon 8L45 8-Speed Transmission Torque Converter Shudder?

The 2015+ Canyon with the 3.6L V6 uses the GM 8L45 8-speed automatic (smaller sibling of the 8L90 in full-size trucks) which suffers the same torque converter lock-up clutch shudder at light throttle between 25-50 mph. The clutch friction material degrades and contaminates the fl… Repairs typically run $150-$4,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2015-2025 GMC Canyon Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Failure (V6)?

The 3.6L V6 with Active Fuel Management experiences lifter failure where the AFM lifters collapse, causing misfires and a ticking noise. The collapsing lifter can damage the camshaft lobe if not addressed. Repairs typically run $800-$2,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2015-2025 GMC Canyon Front Suspension Clunk and Stabilizer Bar End Link Failure?

The 2015+ Canyon experiences front end clunking and rattling over bumps and during steering inputs. The most common cause is worn front stabilizer bar end links, though lower control arm ball joints and upper strut mounts also contribute. The end links use a ball-and-socket desig… Repairs typically run $80-$800. Severity: low.

2015 GMC Canyon Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 3 Known Issues

2015-2025 GMC Canyon: 8L45 8-Speed Transmission Torque Converter Shudder#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

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2015-2025 GMC Canyon: Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Failure (V6)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

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2015-2025 GMC Canyon: Front Suspension Clunk and Stabilizer Bar End Link Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

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Other GMC Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common GMC Canyon problems?

Is the GMC Canyon reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common GMC Canyon problems?

What is the 2015-2025 GMC Canyon 8L45 8-Speed Transmission Torque Converter Shudder?

What is the 2015-2025 GMC Canyon Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Failure (V6)?

What is the 2015-2025 GMC Canyon Front Suspension Clunk and Stabilizer Bar End Link Failure?