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2015 GMC Canyon

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By Research the Car 5 min read

The 2015 GMC Canyon marked the return of the mid-size pickup truck to GMC’s lineup. It was available with three engine options: a 2.5L inline-4 producing 200 hp and 191 lb-ft of torque, a 3.6L V6 producing 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel inline-4 producing 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The 2.5L I4 and 3.6L V6 engines were paired with either a 6-speed manual (very rare) or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The 2.8L Duramax diesel was paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praised the Canyon for its maneuverability, fuel efficiency (compared to full-size trucks), and comfortable interior. Common complaints included transmission issues (especially rough shifting), some electrical problems, and premature wear on certain components.

Engine

2.5L I4

  • Engine Mount Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Excessive engine vibration, clunking noises, especially during acceleration or deceleration. Visible cracks or tears in the engine mount rubber.
    • Solution: Replacement of the failed engine mount(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found

3.6L V6

  • Timing Chain Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, engine misfires, rattling noises from the engine, especially on startup. Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to timing chain correlation.
    • Solution: Replacement of the timing chain, guides, and tensioners.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $2500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, long crank times, stalling, loss of power, fuel smell. Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to fuel pressure.
    • Solution: Replacement of the HPFP.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
    • Recalls: None Found

2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel I4

  • Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) System Problems
    • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, “Service Exhaust Fluid System” message, reduced engine power. Issues may stem from the DEF tank heater, DEF injector, or NOx sensors.
    • Solution: Diagnosis and repair of the specific DEF system component that has failed. This may involve replacing the DEF heater, injector, or sensors.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1200+ (depending on the component)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Turbocharger Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, excessive black smoke from exhaust, whistling or screeching noises from the engine compartment.
    • Solution: Replacement of the turbocharger.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1800 - $3500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (All Engines)

  • Harsh Shifting/Slipping
    • Description/Symptoms: Noticeable hard shifts, especially between 1st and 2nd gear or 2nd and 3rd gear. Transmission slipping under acceleration. May be accompanied by DTCs related to transmission performance.
    • Solution: In some cases, a transmission fluid flush and software update may resolve the issue. More severe cases may require valve body replacement or a complete transmission rebuild/replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Fluid flush/update $200-$400, valve body $800-$1500, rebuild/replacement $3000 - $5000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Torque Converter Shudder
    • Description/Symptoms: Vibration or shudder felt during light acceleration at highway speeds (around 40-60 mph).
    • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter. Some have had success with a transmission fluid flush using a fluid with friction modifiers designed to address torque converter shudder.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Fluid flush $200 - $400, torque converter replacement $800 - $1500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Front Strut/Shock Absorber Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy or unstable ride, excessive body roll during cornering, leaking fluid from the struts/shocks.
    • Solution: Replacement of the front struts/shock absorbers.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ (per pair)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Leaf Spring Sagging/Cracking
    • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the truck sitting lower than normal, especially when loaded. Visible cracks or broken leaves in the rear leaf springs.
    • Solution: Replacement of the leaf spring assembly.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1000+ (per pair)
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Battery Drain Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Battery frequently dying, requiring frequent jump starts. Difficult starting. Possible causes include parasitic draw from a faulty module or accessory.
    • Solution: Diagnosis of the source of the parasitic draw. Repair or replacement of the faulty component.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the component)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Infotainment System Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, unresponsive touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity problems, error messages.
    • Solution: Software update. In some cases, replacement of the infotainment system may be necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software update (if available) $0-$150. Infotainment system replacement $500 - $1500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Backup Camera Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: No image displayed on the infotainment screen when shifting into reverse, distorted or flickering image.
    • Solution: Diagnosis of the camera, wiring, and connections. Replacement of the backup camera if faulty.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Bed Rail Rust
    • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on the bed rails, particularly near the stake pockets.
    • Solution: Repair and repainting or replacement of the bed rails.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Dashboard Cracking
    • Description/Symptoms: Cracks forming in the dashboard, particularly in warmer climates or vehicles exposed to prolonged sunlight.
    • Solution: Replacement of the dashboard or installation of a dashboard cover.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Dashboard replacement $800 - $2000+, Dashboard cover $50 - $200+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Seat Heater Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Seat heater not functioning or only heating intermittently.
    • Solution: Diagnosis of the heating element, wiring, and switch. Replacement of the faulty component.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2015 GMC Canyon, while a generally well-regarded mid-size truck, does exhibit several common issues. Engine problems, especially timing chain issues in the V6 and DEF problems in the diesel, can be costly to repair. Transmission issues like harsh shifting are prevalent and may require significant investment to resolve. Electrical problems, while less common, can also be frustrating. Overall, potential buyers should be aware of these issues and factor them into their purchasing decision, especially if considering a higher-mileage example. A thorough inspection and pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic are highly recommended. The severity and cost of repairs can vary widely depending on the specific issue and the extent of the damage.

GMC, Canyon
GMC Canyon 2015
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