The 2009 GMC Canyon is a compact pickup built on the GMT355 platform, sharing bones with the Chevy Colorado. The I5 engines (3.5L/3.7L) are generally solid, but the I4s (2.8L/2.9L) have catastrophic engine failure issues, and all variants share transmission cooling and fuel system weaknesses.
Catastrophic Engine Failure (2.8L/2.9L I4 only)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: excessive oil consumption (1 qt per 1,000 mi or worse), blue smoke from exhaust on startup, knocking or ticking noises from lower end, sudden loss of oil pressure followed by seizure
Fix: These Isuzu-sourced I4s suffer piston ring and cylinder wear leading to total failure. Most need short block replacement or full engine rebuild. We're talking 18-25 labor hours for a used engine swap, 30+ for rebuild. Many owners discover this after catastrophic failure, not gradual decline.
Estimated cost: $3,500-6,500
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: pink or milky transmission fluid, transmission slipping or erratic shifting, coolant in transmission pan, engine overheating if coolant loss is severe
Fix: The internal transmission cooler in the radiator fails, allowing coolant and ATF to mix. This kills the transmission if not caught early. Requires radiator replacement, transmission flush (or rebuild if contamination went unnoticed), and both cooler lines. Budget 4-6 hours if you catch it early, 12-20+ if the trans is toast.
Estimated cost: $800-1,200 (early catch), $2,500-4,000 (with trans rebuild)
Fuel Pump Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: no-start condition, especially when tank is below half, engine stumbling or dying under load, whining noise from fuel tank area, check engine light with fuel trim or fuel pressure codes
Fix: In-tank fuel pump assembly fails, often stranding the vehicle. Replacement requires dropping the tank. 2-3 hours labor. Not uncommon to see filters clogged as well, but Canyon uses an internal non-serviceable filter in the pump module.
Estimated cost: $600-900
Transmission Mount Collapse
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: clunking when shifting from park to drive/reverse, excessive vibration at idle, visible sagging of transmission tailshaft, drivetrain shudder on acceleration
Fix: The rubber transmission mount deteriorates and tears, especially on 4WD models with added stress. Replacement is straightforward—support the trans, unbolt old mount, bolt in new. 1-1.5 hours.
Estimated cost: $150-300
Brake Light Switch Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: brake lights stay on constantly (draining battery), brake lights don't illuminate at all, cruise control won't engage, shifter won't release from park (if interlock affected)
Fix: The brake pedal position switch fails in multiple ways—stuck on or stuck off. Was subject to NHTSA recall, but switches continue to fail outside recall scope. Replacement is simple, up under the dash at the pedal bracket. 0.5 hours.
Estimated cost: $100-180
3.5L/3.7L I5 Cylinder Head Gasket Seepage
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: coolant seepage at head/block interface (rear cylinders), slight coolant loss over time, no overheating or performance loss in early stages, visible coolant residue on back of engine
Fix: The I5s can develop minor head gasket weeps, typically at the rear cylinders. Not the catastrophic failure you see in I4s. If caught early and not overheated, head gasket replacement is preventive. 8-10 hours labor. Many owners live with a slow seep and just top off coolant.
Estimated cost: $1,200-1,800
EVAP Vent Valve Solenoid Failure
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: check engine light with P0449 or P0446 codes, fuel tank difficult to fill (pump clicks off repeatedly), fuel smell near rear of vehicle, failed emissions test
Fix: The EVAP vent valve solenoid (mounted near fuel tank or frame rail) sticks closed or open, triggering emissions codes. Replacement is easy—often just one bolt and a connector. 0.5 hours. More annoying than dangerous.
Estimated cost: $120-220
Owner tips
If shopping for a used Canyon, avoid the 2.8L and 2.9L I4 engines entirely—catastrophic failure rate is too high. The 3.5L and 3.7L I5s are far more reliable.
Check transmission fluid color immediately on any used purchase. Pink or milky = walk away or plan for a transmission rebuild.
Inspect the transmission mount during any undercar service—early replacement prevents driveline damage.
Monitor coolant levels closely on I5 models after 100k miles; catching a head gasket seep early prevents overheating damage.
Buy a 3.5L or 3.7L I5 model under 100k miles and you'll have a capable, affordable truck; touch an I4 and you're gambling with a grenade.
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.
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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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE · 09V154000
2009-05-06
GM IS RECALLING 27,188 MY 2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE HYBRID, ESCALADE ESV, AND ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SUBURBAN, TAHOE, TAHOE HYBRID, AND COLORADO; AND GMC YUKON, YUKON HYBRID, YUKON XL, AND CANYON VEHICLES. THE FUEL SYSTEM CONTROL MODULES MAY HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH AN ADHESIVE SEPARATION OF THE ROOM TEMPERATURE VULCANIZING (RTV) SEAL BETWEEN THE SEAL AND THE HOUSING MAY ALLOW WATER TO SEEP INTO THE MODULE.
Consequence: WATER IN THE MODULE COULD CAUSE A SHORT OR OPEN CIRCUIT, ILLUMINATION OF THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LAMP, SETTING OF DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES OR THE ENGINE MAY BE HARD TO START, MAY NOT START OR MAY STALL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW FUEL SYSTEM CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 18, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 OR AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Performance
Horsepower
185hp
Torque
190lb-ft
0–60 mph
10.2sec
Quarter mile
17.8sec
Top speed
105mph
Capability & size
Towing capacity
4,000lb
Payload
1,480lb
Curb weight
4,100lb
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 2009 GMC Canyon 2.9L I4 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.