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2018 GMC Canyon maintenance schedule

The 2018 Canyon is part of the GMT31XX generation (2015-2022), sold as a pickup. Below: its service intervals with the source behind each one, the fluids it takes, the problems owners report for this year, and the NHTSA recalls issued for it.

Service schedule

What the 2018 Canyon needs, and when

1 of these 12 items comes from GMC's own published schedule. Manufacturer rows link to GMC's own schedule, Independent rows to a service shop or parts retailer's published guide.

ServiceIntervalSource
Engine oil and filter

Requires dexos1 full synthetic

7,500 mi / 1 yearIndependent
Engine air filter

Inspect at oil changes; 45,000 mi is a check cadence, not a confirmed replacement interval

Inspect, replace as neededIndependent
Cabin air filter

Replace more frequently in dusty environments

22,500 mi / 2 yearsIndependent
Tire rotation

Check tread wear and balance

7,500 mi / 1 yearIndependent
Brake fluid60,000 mi / 5 yearsIndependent
Engine coolant

DEX-COOL drain and replenish

150,000 mi / 5 yearsIndependent
Transmission fluid

Severe duty interval

45,000 miIndependent
Spark plugs (Gas)45,000 miIndependent
Serpentine belt

Inspect accessory drive belts

150,000 mi / 10 yearsIndependent
Differential and transfer case fluid

For 4WD models

45,000 miIndependent
PCV valve (Gas)Inspect, replace as neededManufacturer
12V battery

Test cold-cranking amps annually

Inspect, replace as neededIndependent

Intervals are for normal driving; towing, short trips, extreme heat or dust shorten them. Services we could not find an interval for are left off rather than guessed.

Fluids and engines

What goes in it

Engine oil
5W-30
Coolant
DEX-COOL
Transmission fluid
DEXRON-VI / LV ATF HP

Powertrains in this generation

  • 2.5L 4-cyl (LCV), 200 hp, 6-Speed Automatic, RWD/4WD
  • 3.6L 6-cyl (LFX), 305 hp, 6-Speed Automatic, RWD/4WD
  • 3.6L 6-cyl (LGZ), 308 hp, 8-Speed Automatic 8L45, RWD/4WD
  • 2.8L 4-cyl diesel (LWN), 181 hp, 6-Speed Automatic, RWD/4WD

Confirm the exact spec against the owner's manual or the label under the hood; capacities vary by engine and drivetrain.

Known problems

What 2018 Canyon owners run into

Problems reported for this model year, with the mileage they tend to show up at. Buying past a window is not automatically a pass - it just needs to be priced in.

8L45 transmission shudder

medium severity

40,000-80,000 mi · $300-$500 to fix

Vibration between 25-80 mph

Source: suntransmissions.com

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA recall for the 2018 GMC Canyon

From NHTSA's recall database, matched by model and year. Recall repairs are free at GMC dealers, and a given car may already be fixed or fall outside a campaign, so check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you buy.

Fuel system, gasoline

NHTSA 18V358000

May 2018

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.

Running costs

What maintenance typically costs

A typical year of maintenance
$744
Five years of maintenance
$3,720
The major service near 100,000 mi
$1,200

Typical US independent-shop estimates for this generation; they vary by region and condition.

Other Canyon model years

GMT31XX-2 (2023-2026)

2023202420252026

GMT31XX (2015-2022)

20152016201720182019202020212022

Shopping new? The GMC Canyon guide covers the current model, with what it costs to keep for 1 to 15 years.

Sources

Researched 2026-09-19. Modeling, not mechanic advice - always confirm against your car's owner's manual and service records.

Running a Canyon for income?

Carlyle scores the exact listing on cost per remaining mile and projected Turo income, so you know what a 2018 Canyon earns before you buy it.

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