GMC Canyon GMT31T0
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The GMT31T0-generation Canyon (2023 on) is a clean-sheet reboot: GM's mid-size pickup now runs a single engine only, with far more ground clearance, a wider track, and the off-road AT4X as its spearhead. A very young model — long-term data is thin, and some things won't be clear until the first model years age.
The engines: Only the L3B (2.7L turbo I4, 231 kW) remains. 310 hp and 542 Nm from just 1,500 rpm — it feels like a small V8 down low and suits the truck well. The weak points known from the Sierra apply here too: head-gasket trouble on early builds, turbo bearing wear, intake-valve carbon build-up from direct injection, timing-chain-tensioner rattle, and the cracked-block (oil gallery) recall. At purchase, confirm completed ECM updates and recall status.
Model years: As a new design, the 2023s are the typical first-year candidates for software and OTA issues. 2024/2025 should be more sorted — but reliable long-term experience is still missing.
Whole vehicle: Notably many electronics/software items. Phantom braking (AEB triggering for no reason), display blackout / dead modules after OTA update, parasitic battery drain (also OTA-related). Plus harsh 8L80 shift shocks when cold, bed bounce / rear frame flex, and the stone-chip-prone leaking A/C condenser.
Test drive: Drive extensively with the driver aids active and watch for unprompted emergency braking (phantom braking). Judge cold-start and first 8L80 shifts (harsh shocks). Check display/modules for blackouts after ignition. Ask whether it starts fine after sitting a while (battery drain).
Market 2026: As a young import from ~EUR 42,000, AT4X with off-road package EUR 55,000–65,000. Insider pick: a 2024 with all OTA updates settled and the block recall done — then the new Canyon is a modern, muscular compact truck that just needs miles.
Generations
Engine Overview
The GMC Canyon GMT31T0 is available with one engine variant at 310 hp.
2.7-liter turbo four-cylinder, aluminum block, direct injection only — GM's answer to Ford's EcoBoost. 310 hp and 400 lb-ft from just 1,500 rpm, feels like a small V8 down low until revs climb and the four-cylinder character shows through. Runs AFM cylinder deactivation (cylinders 2 and 3 shut off under light load), which acts up far less than on the V8s but can stick lifters if oil changes are neglected. Head gasket failures on the 2019-2022 early run under 25,000 miles, mostly warranty-covered. Direct injection demands walnut blasting of the intake valves, with the high-pressure pump and injectors being the usual turbo-DI wear items. Short oil-change intervals with Dexos oil are mandatory here; well-kept 2022+ examples run trouble-free.
- !! Head Gasket on Early Models (2019-2022) from 40,000 km
Early L3B engines (2019-2022) can lose the head gasket as soon as 20,000-40,000 miles. Coolant intrudes into the cylinders, in the worst case pitting the cylinder walls and requiring an engine swap. Usually covered under the powertrain warranty.
Symptoms: White smoke, overheating, milky oil - !! AFM lifter / cylinder deactivation from 100,000 km
The AFM cylinder deactivation shuts off cylinders 2 and 3 under light load. In the deactivated state the lifters can stick or wear with thin or cold oil — far rarer than on the V8s, but documented and part of a class action. GM covers repairs through extended warranties.
Symptoms: Hard misfires especially at idle or when cylinders re-engage, power loss, stumbling, increased oil consumption. - !! Recall: cracked block (oil gallery) N232415060
A casting flaw can crack the engine block's main oil gallery. Result: loss of oil pressure and catastrophic engine failure. Customer Satisfaction Program N232415060 for the 2023 run, only a few VINs confirmed, free engine replacement.
Symptoms: Sudden oil loss, oil-pressure warning, oil traces at the block; for many affected vehicles not noticeable beforehand.
+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Phantom braking (AEB false activation) The automatic emergency braking (AEB) system can, due to improperly calibrated front camera module (FCM) software, detect obstacles that aren't there and brake or stop the vehicle for no reason. GM recall A232424660 (NHTSA 23V797) covers ~57,000 2023 Colorado/Canyon; GM was aware of 234 complaints and five crashes. Fixed by a free front camera software update. Symptoms: Vehicle brakes hard or fully with no visible obstacle, collision warning appears for no reason, usually at highway or rural-road speed from 15,000 km | Low |
Alternatives
Chevrolet Colorado GMT31T0
Pickup (2023–2025)
Ford Maverick I
Pickup (2022–2025)
Nissan Frontier D41
Pickup (2022–2025)
Toyota Tundra 3rd Gen
Pickup (2022–2025)
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 T1XX
Pickup (2019–2025)
Nissan Navara D23-FL
Pickup (2019–2025)
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 14 weaknesses have been documented for the GMC Canyon GMT31T0 (2023–2025) — 8 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Other, Electronics, Gearbox, Body. Considered reliable: L3B (2.7L Turbo I4).
What to watch out for with the GMC Canyon? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the GMC Canyon GMT31T0 have? +
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Which GMC Canyon GMT31T0 engine is the most reliable? +
Which GMC Canyon GMT31T0 engine is the most fun? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee