2004 GMC Canyon

The 2004 GMC Canyon marked the introduction of a mid-size pickup truck from General Motors, aiming to provide a more manageable and fuel-efficient alternative to full-size trucks. While offering utility and a decent driving experience, it has its share of common problems reported by owners. Engine options included a 2.8L inline-4 producing 175 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5L inline-5 generating 220 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options were a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic. Owners generally liked the Canyon’s maneuverability and fuel economy compared to larger trucks. Common dislikes include some cheap interior materials, and a few recurring mechanical issues.

Engine

2.8L Inline-4

• Cylinder Head Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine overheating, coolant loss, white smoke from exhaust, poor engine performance.
  • Solution: Replacement of the cylinder head.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
• MAP Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Poor fuel economy, rough idling, difficulty starting, check engine light illuminated.
  • Solution: Replacement of the MAP sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200

3.5L Inline-5

• Camshaft Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, stalling, loss of power, check engine light illuminated.
  • Solution: Replacement of the camshaft actuator solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
• Coolant Temperature Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Incorrect temperature readings, overheating, poor engine performance, check engine light illuminated.
  • Solution: Replacement of the coolant temperature sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic (4L60E Variant)

• Harsh Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough or delayed shifts between gears, transmission slipping, especially between 2nd and 3rd gear.
  • Solution: Could require a transmission rebuild or replacement, fluid change and filter replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300-$2500+

Suspension

• Front Suspension Ball Joint Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Knocking or clunking noise from the front end, especially over bumps, loose steering, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replacement of the affected ball joints.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 per side
• Intermediate Steering Shaft Clunk
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or popping noise felt in the steering wheel when turning at low speeds or over bumps.
  • Solution: Replacement of the intermediate steering shaft.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400

Electrical

• Body Control Module (BCM) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical problems such as non-functioning power windows, door locks, or interior lights.
  • Solution: Reprogramming or replacement of the BCM.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
• Fuel Gauge Inaccuracy
  • Description/Symptoms: Fuel gauge reading incorrectly, either showing empty when the tank is full or vice versa.
  • Solution: Replacement of the fuel level sensor or the fuel pump module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500

Exterior

• Door Handle Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door handle breaking or becoming difficult to operate, especially in cold weather.
  • Solution: Replacement of the door handle assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200 per handle
• Rust Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on the rocker panels, wheel wells, and other areas of the body, especially in regions with road salt.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the affected body panels.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2000+ (depending on severity)

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard surface, especially in areas exposed to sunlight.
  • Solution: Dashboard replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1000+
• Blower Motor Resistor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: HVAC blower fan only working on certain speeds or not at all.
  • Solution: Replacement of the blower motor resistor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150

Recalls:

• Recall Number: 04V107000
  • Description: On certain pickup trucks, the front center seat belt may not adequately restrain an occupant during a crash.
  • Remedy: Dealers will install a new seat belt assembly.
• Recall Number: 05V004000
  • Description: On certain pickup trucks equipped with automatic transmissions, the shift cable clip may become disengaged, resulting in the inability to shift out of the park position.
  • Remedy: Dealers will inspect and install a new shift cable clip.
• Recall Number: 05V374000
  • Description: On certain pickup trucks equipped with automatic transmissions, the transmission fluid cooler line may leak, resulting in a loss of transmission fluid and/or a fire.
  • Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission fluid cooler line.

Summary

The 2004 GMC Canyon has several common issues that prospective buyers should be aware of. Engine problems, such as cylinder head cracking in the 2.8L and camshaft actuator failure in the 3.5L, can lead to significant repair costs. Transmission issues, particularly with the 4-speed automatic, can also be expensive to address. Suspension and electrical problems can also occur, potentially adding to the ownership costs. Rust issues are also a concern, particularly in areas with road salt. Overall, while the Canyon offers some benefits as a mid-size truck, potential buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle and be prepared for potential repairs. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major mechanical failures, with repair costs varying accordingly, but some issues can be expected with a vehicle of this age.