2008 GMC Canyon recalls and problems

The 2008 GMC Canyon has 2 safety recalls and 38 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any GMC dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
38
Crashes / fires
1 / 1
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2008 GMC Canyon vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 GMC Canyon recalls

Recall 10V-575: Child Seat

Reported Nov 18, 2010 · 192,676 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 09V-310: Exterior Lighting

Reported Jul 29, 2009 · 185,903 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System15
Engine14
Service Brakes8
Structure5
Vehicle Speed Control5
Unknown or Other5
Exterior Lighting4
Power Train3
Fuel/Propulsion System2
Seats1
Suspension1
Steering1

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 4
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System — 1
  • Structure › Frame and Members — 1
  • Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 68,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2008 GMC Canyon complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Jun 17, 2026
When sitting at idle, the engine miss & spark knock at times. When start driving down the road the throttle seems hard to Press & takes a little time to reach up to road speed. The truck does not get good gas mileage at all. I had the spark plugs & wires changed still don't help.
Power Train · reported Aug 11, 2023
Carrier Bearing ( Hanger Bearing) broken off mounts. Bearing is mounted via spot welds. The spot weld were not done properly. Was driving at about 30 MPH slowing down when the bearing broke loose from the mounts. The caused the drive shaft to swing about hitting the floor boards. Breaking the universal joint and drive shaft came apart. There was less that 300 miles on the bearing. The truck typical hauls one bicycle. The truck was not used in any commercial function. I'm retired and like to ride my bicycle. I was very lucky in the that I was slowing down for a light. The road I was one is…
Service Brakes · at 168,000 miles · reported Jan 11, 2021
Been having an issue with the brake light switch at the brake pedal sticking and our brake lights staying on. We notice it mostly after we have parked the truck and turn it off. The brake lights will stay illuminated, not always right away. The brake lights staying illuminated have caused our vehicle to have a dead battery many times. This issue with the brake light switch causing the lights to stay on has actually caused us to have to buy 2 brand new batteries in just over a 12 month period. This issue has killed our battery and left us stranded for hours while waiting for someone to come…
Structure · at 156,000 miles · reported Nov 24, 2019
I took my vehicle to a small business owner's garage for routine brake work. He showed me a crack in the frame almost all the way through excluding an inch. He found it when he tried lifting the vehicle to do the brakes. It is behind the cab, in front of the bed of the truck. Only one side was holding my truck together.
Electrical System · reported Nov 20, 2017
The contact owns a 2008 gmc canyon. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the contact noticed a burning odor. The air conditioner was on speed 2 as smoke and plastic particles emitted into the interior of the vehicle. While switching to speed 1, there was no response. There was also no response for speed 3. The air conditioner functioned at speed 4, but was later turned off due to the failure. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence and parked due to the failure. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the wiring harness and resister were completely melted. The vehicle was…

Other GMC Canyon years

Compare all GMC Canyon years · All GMC models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 GMC Canyon have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2008 GMC Canyon: 10V-575 (child seat), 09V-310 (exterior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 GMC Canyon?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (15 reports), followed by engine (14). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 68,000 miles.

Are GMC recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized GMC dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.