2009 GMC Canyon

The 2009 GMC Canyon is a mid-size pickup truck that offers a blend of practicality and utility. Available engine options for the 2009 model year include a 2.5L Inline-4, a 2.9L Inline-4, and a 3.7L Inline-5. The 2.9L Inline-4 engine produces around 185 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options are a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic. Owners often appreciate the Canyon’s maneuverability, fuel efficiency (relative to larger trucks), and comfortable ride. Common dislikes include the somewhat dated interior, limited rear seat space in extended cab models, and the engine’s performance when towing or hauling heavy loads.

Engine

2.9L Inline-4

• Engine Misfires
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, reduced power, check engine light illuminated. Often caused by faulty ignition coils or spark plugs.
  • Solution: Replace faulty ignition coils and/or spark plugs. Diagnose and repair any vacuum leaks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Camshaft Position Actuator Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Poor engine performance, rough idling, stalling, and a check engine light. The camshaft position actuator solenoid controls oil flow to the camshaft phaser, which adjusts the valve timing.
  • Solution: Replace the camshaft position actuator solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

3.7L Inline-5

• Oil Pressure Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Erroneous or no oil pressure reading on the instrument cluster gauge. Check engine light may illuminate.
  • Solution: Replace the oil pressure sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $80 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found
• Engine Misfires
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, reduced power, check engine light illuminated. Often caused by faulty ignition coils or spark plugs.
  • Solution: Replace faulty ignition coils and/or spark plugs. Diagnose and repair any vacuum leaks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic (4L60E variant)

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Abrupt or jerky gear changes, particularly between 1st and 2nd gear. Could indicate issues with the valve body or internal wear.
  • Solution: Valve body rebuild or replacement. Complete transmission rebuild or replacement in severe cases.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine revs high but the vehicle does not accelerate properly. Can occur in one or more gears.
  • Solution: Transmission rebuild or replacement due to worn clutches or other internal components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Suspension Ball Joint Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps. Loose or wobbly steering.
  • Solution: Replace worn ball joints.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 per side
  • Recalls: None Found
• Upper Control Arm Bushings
  • Description/Symptoms: Squeaking or creaking noises from the front suspension when driving over bumps or turning.
  • Solution: Replace the worn upper control arm bushings. Replacing the entire upper control arm assembly is also an option.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Blower Motor Resistor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: HVAC blower motor only works on certain speeds, or not at all.
  • Solution: Replace the blower motor resistor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door locks fail to lock or unlock with the remote or door switch.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $350 per door
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust on Rocker Panels and Cab Corners
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible rust developing on the rocker panels and cab corners, particularly in areas with harsh winter weather.
  • Solution: Rust repair, panel replacement, and repainting.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+ depending on severity
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks developing on the dashboard, especially in areas exposed to direct sunlight.
  • Solution: Dashboard replacement or installation of a dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Seat Belt Retractor Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat belt not retracting properly.
  • Solution: Replace the seat belt retractor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2009 GMC Canyon has several common issues, ranging from minor electrical problems to more significant engine and transmission concerns. Engine misfires, transmission issues, suspension wear, and electrical failures like the blower motor resistor are frequently reported. Rust on rocker panels and dashboard cracking are also common. While some issues, such as replacing the blower motor resistor, are relatively inexpensive to fix, more extensive repairs like transmission rebuilds or rust repair can be costly. Severity varies widely based on the specific issue and the vehicle’s maintenance history. Potential buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle for these common problems before purchase.