Power steering loss and 8-speed shudder plague the 2015–2022 Canyon. Repeat dealer visits may qualify for a CA buyback. Free case review.
The second-generation GMC Canyon (2015–2022) was marketed as a right-sized midsize truck — nimble enough for daily driving, capable enough for towing and light off-road use. For many owners, however, two recurring defects have turned that promise into frustration and, in some cases, genuine danger. The most serious issue is electric power steering assist loss. Starting almost from the first model year, 2015 Canyon owners began filing NHTSA complaints describing their steering wheel going suddenly stiff — especially at low speeds and in parking lots — accompanied by a 'Service Power Steering' or 'Power Steering Drive With Care' warning on the dash. GM ultimately issued two overlapping recalls (16V054 in February 2016, then the much larger 21V213 in March 2021) covering more than 63,000 affected 2015 Canyons. The root cause: corrosion inside the steering gear torque sensor connector assembly that degraded the signal between the sensor and the power steering control module. Seven crashes were attributed to this defect before the 2021 recall. What makes this issue especially problematic for owners is the 2016 Canyon. Despite using the same steering gear assembly and generating 265 NHTSA complaints with the same symptoms, GM never issued a recall for the 2016 model year. Owners of 2016 Canyons who needed the same steering gear connector repair faced bills of $1,600 to $3,500 out of pocket. The second widespread problem — affecting 2017–2019 Canyons equipped with the 8-speed 8L45 transmission — is a shudder or vibration during light-throttle cruising at 25–80 mph that owners describe as feeling like driving over rumble strips. GM addressed it with TSB 18-NA-355 (a transmission fluid exchange), but many owners report the shudder returns after 20,000–40,000 miles, sending them back to the dealer for repeat service. California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act applies to both defects. If your Canyon required multiple dealer visits for steering loss or for the transmission shudder within your warranty period, you may be entitled to a buyback or replacement at GM's expense.
The issues owners report most, ranked by severity — each one verified against a cited NHTSA source.
Fuel odor in or around vehicle; high-pressure fuel pump noise; engine may run rough or stall if fuel line is damaged; visible fuel leak in engine compartment; smoke from engine bay; in worst case, underhood fire
Steering wheel suddenly becomes very stiff or unresponsive; 'Service Power Steering' or 'Power Steering Drive With Care' warning appears on dash; loss of power assist especially at low speeds or parking; wheel may jerk when assist cuts out; issue may be intermittent and temporarily resolved by restarting vehicle
Vibration or shudder felt through vehicle during light-throttle steady-speed driving between 25–80 mph; feels like driving over rumble strips; harsh or jerky 1-to-2 and 2-to-1 gear changes during acceleration or deceleration; condition worsens with transmission fluid age; may improve temporarily after fluid change but recur
Brake pedal feels spongy or requires more pressure than normal; brake fluid puddle under front of vehicle; brake warning light illuminates; reduced braking performance; visible fluid on wheel or caliper housing
Latent safety defect — no pre-crash symptoms. In a high-speed crash: airbag may fail to inflate correctly in second-stage deployment, or airbag / steering wheel components may be propelled into interior, injuring occupants
Same as iss-01: sudden stiffening of steering wheel, 'Service Power Steering' warning, loss of assist especially at low speed; intermittent and temporarily resolved by restart
A settled Margarian Law case on this exact model, published with the actual settlement math.
Open any defect for the symptoms and why it matters for a California lemon-law claim. Each is tied to a cited NHTSA source.
Steering wheel suddenly becomes very stiff or unresponsive; 'Service Power Steering' or 'Power Steering Drive With Care' warning appears on dash; loss of power assist especially at low speeds or parking; wheel may jerk when assist cuts out; issue may be intermittent and temporarily resolved by restarting vehicle
2015 Canyon: two overlapping recalls (16V054, 21V213) confirm the defect. If dealer repair under recall does not resolve repeated steering loss, multiple repair attempts for same defect support substantial-impairment claim. 2016 Canyon: no recall issued despite identical complaint pattern and root cause — owners who paid out-of-pocket for repeated repairs have strong lemon-law exposure on the merits even absent a formal recall.
Replace steering gear torque sensor cover assembly (with connectors treated with anti-corrosion gel). For 2015 Canyon within recall scope (16V054 or 21V213): free dealer repair. 2016 Canyon is not covered by any recall; out-of-warranty owners report repair costs of $1,600–$3,500.
Vibration or shudder felt through vehicle during light-throttle steady-speed driving between 25–80 mph; feels like driving over rumble strips; harsh or jerky 1-to-2 and 2-to-1 gear changes during acceleration or deceleration; condition worsens with transmission fluid age; may improve temporarily after fluid change but recur
No recall issued for 8L45 TCC shudder. If dealer performs TSB 18-NA-355 fluid exchange multiple times for recurring shudder, each visit counts as a repair attempt for the same defect. Three or more attempts within warranty period without resolution, or shudder returning and requiring out-of-warranty repair, support a lemon-law claim on drivability/reliability grounds. The 'limited GM-authorized repair options' noted in NHTSA complaints is relevant — dealers acknowledging the defect but being unable to resolve it permanently strengthens the impairment argument.
Full transmission fluid exchange using revised Mobil 1 Synthetic LV ATF HP (blue-label formulation) via specialized flush equipment per TSB 18-NA-355. Post-July 2019 revision of TSB: if vehicle is within build-date scope (built before March 1, 2019) and presents with shudder, perform fluid exchange without additional diagnosis. Some owners report shudder returns after 20,000–40,000 miles, requiring repeat service.
Fuel odor in or around vehicle; high-pressure fuel pump noise; engine may run rough or stall if fuel line is damaged; visible fuel leak in engine compartment; smoke from engine bay; in worst case, underhood fire
Recall covers 2015–2018 Canyon. Any Canyon that received a replacement fuel pump during the defective manufacturing window (March 5–8, 2018) is potentially affected regardless of original model year. A fire or fuel leak event is a per-se safety impairment supporting lemon-law claim. Confirm VIN enrollment in 18V358 via NHTSA VIN lookup before asserting recall coverage.
Dealers replace both the high-pressure fuel pump and high-pressure fuel pipe at no charge under recall 18V358. Remedy began July 2, 2018.
Brake pedal feels spongy or requires more pressure than normal; brake fluid puddle under front of vehicle; brake warning light illuminates; reduced braking performance; visible fluid on wheel or caliper housing
Recall 15V278 covers 2015 Canyon (24,380 combined units with Colorado). Brake fluid loss directly impairs vehicle control — a braking defect is per-se relevant to California lemon-law substantial impairment. If a 2015 Canyon required repeated brake caliper service before or after the recall repair, document each visit.
Dealers inspect and replace front brake calipers at no charge under recall 15V278. Remedy began June 9, 2015.
Latent safety defect — no pre-crash symptoms. In a high-speed crash: airbag may fail to inflate correctly in second-stage deployment, or airbag / steering wheel components may be propelled into interior, injuring occupants
Safety-critical latent defect. Both 15V157 and 17V621 are documented recalls with OEM remedy. Vehicle unit counts are small (80 for 15V157; 16 for 17V621 across all models) — confirm VIN enrollment before asserting recall coverage. If an affected Canyon was in a crash with an airbag malfunction, the recall history is directly relevant to product liability / lemon-law claims.
Dealers replace driver frontal airbag module at no charge. 15V157 remedy began March 19, 2015; 17V621 remedy began November 8, 2017.
Same as iss-01: sudden stiffening of steering wheel, 'Service Power Steering' warning, loss of assist especially at low speed; intermittent and temporarily resolved by restart
NHTSA complaint data (265 complaints) and the recall history for the identical 2015 defect provide strong circumstantial support that the 2016 Canyon shares the same root cause. California lemon law applies during the original warranty period regardless of whether a recall exists — any 2016 Canyon with multiple dealer visits for power steering loss within the warranty period qualifies on the merits. This is the single highest-value unremedied issue for 2016 Canyon owners.
No recall remedy available for 2016. Dealer repair (replacement of steering gear torque sensor cover assembly) is billable to owner after warranty expiration. Cost: $1,600–$3,500 reported.
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Front passenger seat hook attachment may not have been properly welded, allowing it to separate from the inboard track of the seat frame.
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Load capacity printed on the B-pillar tire placard exceeds actual vehicle specifications by 22.5 kg (51 lbs.), constituting noncompliance with FMVSS 110.
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Power steering assist may be lost due to a poor electrical connection within the steering gear assembly. Connectors were corroded or damaged during supplier manufacturing.
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Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle.
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High-pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange due to an improperly welded joint. Detached pump can oscillate inside the engine compartment and damage the adjacent high-pressure fuel line.
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Driver's frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high-speed crash. Key Safety Systems (KSS) identified additional suspect inflator lots not covered by prior recall 16V125.
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Poor electrical connection within the steering gear connector may cause loss of power steering assist. Covers narrow production window only (January 6 – March 17/19, 2015).
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Front brake calipers may leak brake fluid due to air pockets (casting imperfection) in the metal caliper body created during the manufacturing process.
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Front driver air bag inflator may be misaligned to the air bag module backplate, causing it to potentially separate from the air bag during deployment.
Every item below comes from this vehicle's documented defects. The more you recognize, the more a free case review is worth your time.
California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act — the state's lemon law — requires General Motors to repurchase or replace your Canyon if a defect cannot be fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts during the warranty period. For a safety defect like power steering loss, California presumes two repair attempts may be sufficient to trigger the presumption. For non-safety defects like the transmission shudder, the standard is generally four or more attempts, or 30 or more cumulative days out of service during the warranty period. If your Canyon qualifies, you may be entitled to: a full repurchase (the amount you paid, minus a mileage offset), a replacement vehicle of comparable value, or a negotiated cash settlement. GM is responsible for paying your attorney fees if you prevail under Song-Beverly — meaning most California lemon law cases cost the owner nothing out of pocket. The above is general information only and is not legal advice. Every case depends on its specific facts, dates, and repair records.
“Could not duplicate” doesn't mean the defect isn't real. Here's exactly what to do to protect a potential California lemon-law claim.
Document the moment it happens. Photos, video, and screenshots of any warning lights — with the date and the mileage.
Get a repair order every visit — even “found nothing.” That paperwork is the foundation of a claim.
Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Note any recall that has no available remedy yet.
Track your out-of-service days. California law counts the cumulative days your vehicle spends in the shop.
Keep loaner & rental records. Alternate-transport paperwork during long repairs matters.
Save everything in one place. Symptoms, dates, repair orders, and every repeat visit — the intermittent ones especially.
Dealers frequently close repair orders with 'unable to duplicate' (UTD) or 'no trouble found' (NTF), especially for the power steering issue (which can be intermittent) and for the 8-speed shudder (which may not appear during a short test drive). If that happens, here is what to do: 1. Document the episode before the appointment. Write down the exact warning message, date, time, mileage, temperature, and driving conditions. Take a photo or short video of any warning light on the cluster. 2. Ask for a printout of all stored Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) — including historical codes — even if the light has cleared. Codes stored in the steering control module or TCM tell a different story than a cleared dash. 3. For the power steering issue, ask the service advisor specifically about recalls 16V054 and 21V213 (2015 Canyon) or, for a 2016 Canyon, whether the steering gear torque sensor connector has been inspected. Ask them to document the response on the repair order. 4. For the transmission shudder, ask the dealer to reference TSB 18-NA-355 and confirm whether the vehicle is within the build-date scope (built before March 1, 2019). Ask them to document on the repair order whether the TSB was applied or why it was not. 5. Keep every repair order, including UTD ones. Under California law, a dealer visit where the problem was not duplicated still counts as a repair attempt. 6. If the shudder returns after a prior TSB fluid exchange, bring the vehicle in again and again request TSB 18-NA-355 be documented on the new RO. Each return visit for the same defect strengthens a lemon-law claim.
The 2016 Canyon power steering situation is particularly telling: GM issued two recalls covering the same steering defect for the 2015 model year, accepted responsibility for seven pre-recall crashes, and then left 2016 Canyon owners — with 265 NHTSA complaints describing identical symptoms — to pay thousands of dollars for repairs out of their own pockets. For Canyon owners dealing with power steering loss or recurring transmission shudder, the repair records are the most important thing you have. Pull your service history, verify your VIN's recall status at nhtsa.gov, and speak with a California lemon law attorney before your warranty period closes.
— The Margarian Law team
Has your GMC Canyon had repeated power steering warnings, or does it shake at highway speeds? If your Canyon has been back to the dealer more than once for steering loss or transmission shudder — or if you are a 2016 Canyon owner who paid out of pocket for a repair GM made free on 2015 models — your records may already support a California lemon law claim. The consultation is free. Find out where you stand.
Yes, if you own a 2015 Canyon. GM issued two overlapping recalls for power steering assist loss on the 2015 model year. The first, NHTSA campaign 16V054 (February 2016), covered a narrow production window of vehicles built between January 6 and March 17–19, 2015, for a total of 2,988 units. The second and larger recall, 21V213 (March 2021), covered 60,681 additional 2015 Canyon and Colorado units built outside that initial window. Both recalls address the same defect: corrosion in the steering gear torque sensor connector assembly that causes the power steering assist to cut out unexpectedly. The remedy is replacement of the steering gear torque sensor cover assembly at no charge. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov to confirm your specific unit's recall status.
That is a question many 2016 Canyon owners are asking. The 2016 Canyon uses the same steering gear assembly as the recalled 2015 models, and NHTSA received 265 complaints from 2016 Canyon owners describing identical symptoms: sudden steering stiffness, 'Service Power Steering' warnings, and loss of assist at low speeds. Despite this, GM did not extend either recall (16V054 or 21V213) to cover the 2016 model year. Owners who needed the steering gear torque sensor connector repair outside their warranty period have reported dealer costs of $1,600–$3,500. Under California's Song-Beverly lemon law, a recall is not required — if your 2016 Canyon required one or more dealer visits for power steering loss during the original warranty period, those visits may support a claim regardless of whether a recall was issued. Document every dealer visit and keep your repair orders.
If your 2017–2019 Canyon with the 8-speed automatic shakes or vibrates during light-throttle cruising at 25–80 mph — similar to the feeling of driving over rumble strips — it is very likely the 8L45 transmission torque converter clutch shudder that GM addressed in TSB 18-NA-355. The documented root cause is degradation of the original factory transmission fluid, which loses the friction modifier properties needed to keep the torque converter clutch engaged smoothly. The GM-authorized fix is a full transmission fluid exchange using revised blue-label Mobil 1 Synthetic LV ATF HP fluid. Many owners report, however, that the shudder returns within 20,000–40,000 miles and requires a repeat fluid exchange. If your dealer has performed this service more than once and the shudder keeps coming back, each return visit counts as a separate repair attempt for the same defect — which can support a California lemon law claim.
A 'cannot duplicate' finding does not end your options under California law — that dealer visit still counts as a repair attempt. Several steps can help build your record going forward. Before your next appointment, write down the exact warning message, date, time, mileage, and conditions (speed, temperature, whether it occurred while parking or turning). Ask the dealer to pull stored and historical Diagnostic Trouble Codes from the steering control module — intermittent faults often leave a trace even after the light clears. Ask the service advisor to note on the repair order that you reported a 'Service Power Steering' warning and loss of assist, even if they could not replicate it during the test drive. Request reference to recalls 16V054 and 21V213 (for 2015 Canyon) or inspection of the steering gear torque sensor connector (for 2016 Canyon). Keep all repair orders — UTD visits included — because California lemon law counts each shop visit for the same complaint.
It may. California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act presumes a vehicle is a lemon if the manufacturer made two or more repair attempts for a safety-related defect — like sudden power steering loss — during the warranty period without fixing it, or four or more attempts for any other substantial defect, or if the vehicle spent 30 or more cumulative days at the dealer for covered repairs during the warranty period. For the Canyon, the power steering defect is safety-rated (GM cited crash risk in both recalls), so the two-attempt threshold may apply. For the transmission shudder — classified as a drivability/reliability defect — the standard is generally four attempts without a durable fix. If your Canyon has been in for steering or transmission issues more than once under warranty, pull your repair orders and speak with a California lemon law attorney. If you prevail, GM pays your attorney fees.
Yes. In addition to the power steering recalls, the 2015–2022 Canyon generation has been subject to several other recall campaigns. Recall 18V358 (May 2018) covers 2015–2018 Canyons for a high-pressure fuel pump weld defect that can cause a fuel leak and fire risk. Recall 15V278 (May 2015) covers 2015 Canyon for front brake caliper casting defects that can cause brake fluid leaks and increased stopping distance. Recalls 15V157 and 17V621 cover certain 2015–2016 Canyons for driver frontal airbag inflator defects. Recall 22V375 (May 2022) covers some 2022 Canyons for a front passenger seat hook attachment weld defect. You can check all open recalls on your specific VIN for free at nhtsa.gov. If your Canyon experienced any of these defects and required more than one dealer visit for the same problem during the warranty period, speak with a California lemon law attorney.
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