2008 GMC Canyon Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2008 GMC Canyon has a complaint index of 28, ranking 14th out of 19 model years, and earns a Good verdict relative to other Canyon years. It has 38 complaints, 2 recalls, and the top problem area is the Engine at 45% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 28/100
- #14 of 19 Canyon years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 38
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 18
- 16 city / 22 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2008 GMC Canyon problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine17 (45%)
- Electrical System15 (39%)
- Brakes9 (24%)
- Other5 (13%)
- Structure & Body4 (11%)
- Fuel System3 (8%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (8%)
- Airbags1 (3%)
- Seat Belts1 (3%)
- Steering1 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report sudden stalling while turning or at low speed, sometimes requiring dealer visits where the failure could not be replicated.
- Some describe a burning odor and smoke coming from the interior when running the air conditioner, with certain fan speeds losing response.
- Multiple owners report the vehicle failing to start, with repeated battery and starter replacements and a flashing theft deterrent light.
- Rear doors reportedly rattle and flex because they mount only to the door skin rather than the vehicle frame.
- Some owners noticed uneven tire wear and cupping shortly after purchase, later being told an alignment was needed.
- Brake lamp switch contamination was reported, along with ABS warning sounds and pedal vibration when first applying the brakes.
2008 GMC Canyon recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 10V575000Nov 18, 2010Other192,676 vehicles
Child seat
Gm is recalling certain model year 2004-2011, chevrolet colorado, gmc canyon, model year 2006, isuzu i-280/i-350, and model year 2007-2008, i-290/i-370, regular cab vehicles and extended cab vehicles without a rear seat and equipped with a front 60/40 split bench seat. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, "child restraint anchorage systems." the top tether anchor for the front center seat is not accessible and the owner manual does not include instructions regarding how to use the top tether.
Risk: Both NHTSA and gm discourage placement of a child in a front seat. Nevertheless, there are individual circumstances that may require placement of a child in a restraint in the front center seating position of this vehicle that does not offer a rear seat. Lack of access to the top tether anchor and a lack of instructions as to how to use it, may result in improper installation of a child restraint. Improper installation of a child restraint can result in a reduction in the restraint's performance in the event of a crash and an increased risk of injury or death to the child seated in the restraint.
Remedy: Dealers will cut a hole into the back panel trim cover to allow access to the top tether anchor for the front center seat position and will provide supplemental information as to use in the owner's manual. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule for this campaign. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463, isuzu at 1-800-255-6727 or visit gm's website at www.gmownercenter.com.
- NHTSA 09V310000Jul 29, 2009Electrical System185,903 vehicles
Exterior lighting:brake lights:switch
Gm is recalling 185,903 model year 2004-2009 colorado, gmc model year 2009-2004 canyon, model year 2006 i-280, i-350, model year 2007-2008 i-290, and i-370, passenger vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of alabama, arizona, florida, georgia, hawaii, louisiana, mississippi, nevada, new mexico, puerto rico, south carolina, texas, u.s. Virgin islands and utah. Some of these vehicles have a brake lamp switch that may not work as designed due to contamination in the switch.
Risk: This condition could cause the simultaneous loss of all brake lamps or cause all of the brake lamps to stay on continuously. Both of these conditions could fail to warn others of the driver's intentions and could lead to a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the necessary components as specified in the recall bulletin free of charge. Gm anticipates that parts will be available by june 2010. A special coverage for vehicles registered in all other states will be implemented in the same time frame. In the interim, owners who experience the failure can obtain a free repair, however they will be required to return when the new design part becomes available. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463, isuzu at 1-800-255-6727 or at www.gmownercenter.com.
2008 GMC Canyon fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 16 MPG
- Highway
- 22 MPG
- Combined
- 18 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,600
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2008 compared with other Canyon years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 GMC Canyon reliable?
- Relative to other Canyon model years, the 2008 has a Good verdict with a complaint index of 28, ranking 14th out of 19 years on record with NHTSA.
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 GMC Canyon?
- NHTSA complaints show the Engine as the top problem area at 45% of complaints, followed by the Electrical System at 39% and Brakes at 24%.
- Does the 2008 GMC Canyon have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2008 GMC Canyon, one covering electrical system components and one covering rear seat tether anchor access, neither marked do-not-drive.
- How does the 2008 GMC Canyon compare to other years?
- The 2008 model year performs better than years like 2005, 2015, 2016, and 2024, all rated Avoid, but is not among the lowest-risk years like 2010, 2011, or 2019, which earned Best verdicts.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2008 GMC Canyon?
- EPA rates the 2008 GMC Canyon at 18 mpg combined (16 city / 22 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,600.