The 2007 GMC Canyon is a compact pickup built on GM's GMT355 platform, shared with the Chevrolet Colorado. The I5 engines (3.5L/3.7L) are generally more durable than the I4s, but this generation suffers from transmission cooler failures, fuel system quirks, and catastrophic I4 engine problems that can grenade the bottom end.
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Failure and Internal Cooler Contamination
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid in coolant (strawberry milkshake in overflow tank), Coolant in transmission causing slipping, delayed shifts, or no movement, Pink residue on transmission dipstick, Overheating transmission or engine
Fix: Replace transmission cooler lines (prone to corrosion at crimps), flush or replace radiator if internal cooler failed, complete transmission flush or rebuild if coolant contaminated the trans. If caught early, external line replacement is 2-3 hours; if internal cooler failed and contaminated transmission, expect transmission rebuild. 8-12 hours total for trans R&R and rebuild.
Estimated cost: $400-800 for lines and flush if caught early; $2,500-4,200 for transmission rebuild if contaminated
2.8L/2.9L I4 Catastrophic Bottom-End Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Knocking or rattling from lower engine block, Sudden loss of oil pressure, Metal shavings in oil, Engine seizure or rod through block in worst cases
Fix: These I4 engines have weak piston skirts and inadequate oiling to rod bearings under sustained load or poor maintenance. Requires complete engine rebuild (pistons, rings, bearings, crank polishing) or short-block replacement. 18-24 hours for removal, rebuild/replace, and reinstall.
Estimated cost: $3,500-6,000 for rebuild; $4,500-7,000 for reman short block installed
Fuel Pump and Fuel Filter Clogging Issues
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 90,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Hard starting after sitting or when tank below 1/4, Loss of power under load or highway acceleration, Sputtering or stalling in hot weather, Check engine light with lean fuel codes (P0171/P0174)
Fix: In-tank fuel filter (part of pump assembly) clogs with sediment; GM didn't make it serviceable separately on most years. Fuel pump replacement required in most cases. Tank drop and pump replacement is 2.5-3.5 hours. Some model years have a serviceable inline filter—replace that first if equipped (0.5 hours).
Estimated cost: $600-1,000 for fuel pump assembly replacement; $80-150 for inline filter if equipped
3.5L/3.7L I5 Head Gasket Seepage and Valve Cover Leaks
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi
Symptoms: Coolant weeping from head gasket area, especially driver side, Oil leaking from valve cover onto exhaust manifold (burning oil smell), Slight coolant loss with no visible external leaks, White residue around head bolt holes
Fix: I5 head gaskets can weep externally (rare to fail internally). Valve cover gaskets harden and leak. Head gasket replacement on one side is 8-10 hours (both sides 14-16 hours); valve covers are 2-3 hours. If doing head gaskets, replace valve cover gaskets, timing components, and water pump at same time.
Estimated cost: $1,200-1,800 for valve covers; $2,200-3,500 for single head gasket; $3,800-5,500 for both heads
Transmission Mount Failure (4L60E/4L65E Automatics)
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk when shifting from park to drive or reverse, Vibration at idle in gear, Excessive driveline movement when accelerating or braking, Visible torn or collapsed rubber on transmission mount
Fix: Rubber transmission mount tears from engine torque and age. Simple replacement with quality aftermarket or OEM mount. 1-1.5 hours labor. Inspect engine mounts at same time—often deteriorated as well.
Symptoms: Brake lights stuck on or not working at all, Cannot shift out of park (brake interlock failure), Cruise control not disengaging when braking, Battery drain if lights stuck on
Fix: Brake pedal position switch fails due to internal contact wear. Recall may have addressed some vehicles, but switches continue to fail with age. Simple replacement at pedal assembly, 0.5 hours. Check if recall was completed; if not, dealer may cover.
Estimated cost: $120-200 if not recall-covered
Owner tips
If buying a 2.8L or 2.9L I4 model, have a pre-purchase inspection include oil analysis and listen carefully for bottom-end noise—these engines are ticking time bombs past 100k without meticulous oil change history.
Check coolant reservoir for ANY pink tint or milky appearance—transmission cooler failure is a when-not-if issue on higher mileage trucks; catch it before it destroys the transmission.
The 3.5L and 3.7L I5 engines are significantly more reliable than the I4s; seek these out for longevity.
Replace transmission cooler lines proactively at 100k miles with upgraded aftermarket lines; cheap insurance against a $3,000+ transmission rebuild.
Fuel pump failures strand people—if you notice hard starting when low on fuel, replace the pump before it leaves you on the roadside.
Buy an I5-powered Canyon with service records; avoid I4 models unless you can verify obsessive oil changes and listen for bearing noise—these can lunch the bottom end with little warning.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
As an Amazon Associate, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Every control module on the 2004-2012 GMC Canyon — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
Body Control Module (BCM)2.0 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.8 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind center of instrument panel, above center console
📍 Behind glove box, upper right side of instrument panel
🔧 GDS2 + SPS (2008-2012 only)
⚠️ OnStar became available 2009+. Requires VIN programming and OnStar account activation. 2004-2008 models did not offer OnStar.
Trailer Brake Control Module (TBCM)0.8 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hrFactory trailer brake controller▸ programming details
📍 Under driver side of instrument panel, left of steering column
🔧 Tech 2 or aftermarket scan tool
⚠️ Calibration and configuration via scan tool or manual control head. Not all trim levels offered factory controller.
Rear Vision Camera Module (RVCM)0.5 hr R&Rno codingRear vision camera (2010-2012)
📍 Integrated in tailgate handle camera assembly
⚠️ Analog camera system, no programming required. Feature introduced 2010 model year.
Radio Control Module (RAD)0.5 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Center of instrument panel in radio cavity
🔧 Tech 2 or aftermarket scan tool
⚠️ Theft lock relearn required. 2004-2007 may require dealer unlock code. 2008+ typically auto-relearn via VIN query.
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH · 09V310000
2009-07-29 · RQ09001
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
WHEELS:RIM · 06V307000
2006-08-11
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND TRUCKS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES HAVE AN INCOMPLETE TIRE RIM DESIGNATION ON THE CERTIFICATION/TIRE LABEL LOCATED ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR EDGE. IN ADDITION, THE LABEL MAY ALSO BE MISSING THE TIRE LOAD RATING ON THE LABEL. ALTHOUGH THIS INFORMATION IS NOT REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD, IF A TIRE OF A LESSER LOAD RATING IS INSTALLED, THE TIRE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SUSTAIN THE LOADS ENCOUNTERED DURING USE.
Consequence: IF A CUSTOMER REPLACES A WHEEL AND ONLY RELIES ON THE RIM SIZE DESIGNATION THAT IS INDICATED ON THE LABEL, A WHEEL THAT IS OF A DIFFERENT RIM CONTOUR DESIGNATION MAY BE INSTALLED. IT MAY BE DIFFICULT OR IMPOSSIBLE TO MOUNT THE TIRE ON A WHEEL WITH THE WRONG CONTOUR. IF THE TIRE IS MOUNTED ON THE WHEEL WITH THE WRONG CONTOUR, THE WHEEL AND TIRE MAY NOT PERFORM AS INTENDED, WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: A LABEL THAT WILL CORRECT THE LABEL ORIGINALLY INSTALLED WILL BE MAILED TO CONSUMERS ALONG WITH INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL. THE RECALL BEGAON ON NOVEMBER 7, 2006. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2239, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, AND GMC TRUCKS AT 1-866-996-9463.
Performance
Horsepower
242hp
Torque
242lb-ft
0–60 mph
8.9sec
Quarter mile
16.8sec
Top speed
105mph
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
15mpg
Highway
21mpg
Combined
17mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
Towing capacity
4,000lb
Payload
1,520lb
Curb weight
4,150lb
EPA class
Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
Wiper blades
First generation (2004-2012). Pickup trucks do not have rear wipers.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2007 GMC Canyon 3.7L I5 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.