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2008 GMC Canyon: common problems and reliability
· 1st generationAn average Canyon year.
42 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 2008 Canyon?The 2008 GMC Canyon has 42 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and engine. Owners most often flag evap system errors including p0449: traced variously to the gas cap, variable timing solenoid, airbox/pcv hose, and evap vent solenoid.
Safety record for the 2008 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2008 GMC Canyon vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Canyon years only. How we score it
Is 2008 a good year for the Canyon?
Across the 21 Canyon model years we track, complaint volume runs from 12 (2021) to 321 (2015). With 42 complaints, the 2008 Canyon sits about the same as the model's median of 42.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2008 Canyon
child seat
Campaign 10V575000GM 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.
exterior lighting:brake lights:switch
Campaign 09V310000GM 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.
What owners report on the 1st generation Canyon
Owner sentiment for the 2004-2012 Canyon is mixed but leans negative, with several owners describing the truck as feeling cheap or "falling apart" even when new, and one calling the GM light trucks of this era "pure and complete rusted trash." Critics point to electrical and ABS problems, a troublesome Passlock system, and general build quality concerns, while a smaller group of long-term owners report their trucks as remarkably durable, with one 2005 Colorado owner reaching 280,000 miles and a 2006 four-cylinder owner citing only a thermostat and fuel sensor issue over many years.
- RecurrentEvap system errors including P0449
Traced variously to the gas cap, variable timing solenoid, airbox/PCV hose, and evap vent solenoid.
- RecurrentGeneral rattles and cheap feel from new
- IsolatedPasslock system annoyance
- IsolatedThird brake lamp seal
- IsolatedEngine coil failure (replaced twice on one truck)
Owner insights for the 1st generation Canyon. Read the full 1st generation owner report.
Typical used price
Used Canyon listings typically run $20,344–$36,188.
Other Canyon model years
Compare every Canyon year side by side to see how 2008 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Canyon against its rivals
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