GMC Canyon reliability and problems by year
Owners have filed 1,088 complaints about the GMC Canyon with NHTSA since 2010, most often about steering and electrical system. GMC has filed 9 warranty extensions and 64 service campaigns for it, and there are 26 safety recalls on file.
From NHTSA's public data files, downloaded 2026-10-10.
How reliable is the GMC Canyon? What NHTSA's records show
We don't give the Canyon a reliability score. NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. Here is what's on file for model years 2010 on.
- Owner complaints
- 1,088
- Filed with NHTSA, all model years
- Warranty extensions
- 9
- Filed by GMC
- Service campaigns
- 64
- Filed by GMC
- Safety recalls
- 26
- Each covers part of the model
Every model year compared
Complaints rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so a newer or rarer year will show fewer. Compare years of the Canyon with each other.
| Year | Complaints | Most named | Recalls | Warranty / campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8 | Transmission and drivetrain (38%) | 2 | 6 |
| 2025 | 8 | Brakes (38%) | 2 | 5 |
| 2024 | 206 | Exterior lights (77%) | 3 | 15 |
| 2023 | 62 | Electrical system (32%) | 3 | 16 |
| 2022 | 27 | Electrical system (48%) | 1 | 17 |
| 2021 | 12 | Airbags (17%) | 2 | 7 |
| 2020 | 14 | Transmission and drivetrain (43%) | 0 | 5 |
| 2019 | 17 | Transmission and drivetrain (41%) | 0 | 6 |
| 2018 | 52 | Transmission and drivetrain (52%) | 1 | 8 |
| 2017 | 66 | Transmission and drivetrain (27%) | 1 | 5 |
| 2016 | 270 | Steering (67%) | 4 | 13 |
| 2015 | 303 | Steering (75%) | 8 | 18 |
| 2013 | 0 | — | 0 | 1 |
| 2012 | 23 | Electrical system (39%) | 2 | 4 |
| 2011 | 12 | Electrical system (25%) | 5 | 5 |
| 2010 | 8 | Cruise control and speed control (25%) | 2 | 7 |
Look up one model year, or a VIN
See the complaints, recalls and warranty extensions for a single Canyon model year, with the typical mileage when owners reported each problem.
Acknowledged by GMC
Warranty extensions and service campaigns GMC filed with NHTSA for the Canyon, in its own words. A warranty extension means GMC pays for the repair beyond the normal warranty.
- Warranty extensionAug 2024· Engine· model years 2021
Special Coverage. Certain vehicles, equipped with a 2.8L diesel engine (RPO LWN), could have a condition that may intermittently cause the throttle body motor to fail to complete the throttle position learn cycle within the allowed time.
- Warranty extensionMay 2024· Electrical system· model years 2017–2024
This service bulletin provides information about GM Accessories - Dealer-Installed, Repaired or Replaced During Warranty Coverage Period.
- Warranty extensionJun 2018· Fuel system· model years 2015
18029 - Special Coverage. Certain vehicles listed above, may have an inoperative purge solenoid that could lead to excessive fuel vapors entering the combustion chamber from the fuel tank.
- Warranty extensionOct 2015· Engine and cooling· model years 2010–2012
14582A - Special Coverage (2012 model year Buick Enclave, Lacrosse, Regal; Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles have been removed).
- Warranty extensionSep 2015· Engine and cooling· model years 2010–2012
14582 - Special Coverage. On some 2008 model year (MY) Saturn Outlook; 2008-2009 MY Buick Allure, Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Uplander, Pontiac G8, Pontiac Montana SV6, Pontiac Torrent, and Saturn VUE; 2008-2010 MY Hummer H3 and Pontiac G6; 2008-2011 MY Cadillac CTS, Cadillac…
- Warranty extensionJun 2015· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2012
15111 - special coverage. On some 2012 Model year chevrolet silverado, express, colorado and gmc sierra, savana, and canyon vehicles equipped with a 4.3L, 2.9L, or 3.7L engine (rpo LU3, llv, or llr) and a 4L60E automatic transmission (rpo M30), the malfunction indicator lamp…
- Warranty extensionOct 2014· Engine and cooling· model years 2010
13388 - special coverage. On some vehicles, equipped with a 2.9L engine (llv), high exhaust temperatures may cause the exhaust manifold to fracture. This could result in increased exhaust noise. Dealers are to replace the exhaust manifold and the catalytic converter.
- Warranty extensionJun 2013· Electrical system· model years 2010–2011
11273A - Special Coverage (additional population added). The throttle position sensor may cause the engine to run rough and cause the malfunction indicator lamp and/or and Engine Reduced Power message to illuminate.
- Warranty extensionJun 2013· Cruise control and speed control· model years 2010–2011
Special Coverage Adjustment ? Throttle Position Sensor Replacement
- Service campaignSep 2026· Fuel and propulsion· model years 2023
General Motors has decided to conduct a Voluntary Emission Recall.
- Service campaignSep 2026· Fuel and propulsion· model years 2023
General Motors has decided to conduct a Voluntary Emission Recall.
- Service campaignAug 2026· Other or unspecified· model years 2023
Certain vehicles may experience reduced or intermittent Telematics Control Module functionality. Dealers are to reprogram the Telematic Control Module to the latest software level.
- Service campaignAug 2026· Fuel and propulsion· model years 2023
General Motors has decided to conduct a Voluntary Emission Recall.
- Service campaignAug 2026· Fuel and propulsion· model years 2023–2024
Certain vehicles may have a condition in which the Engine Control Module (ECM) does not sufficiently control fuel injector flow rate under certain driving conditions. Dealers are to reprogram the ECM.
- Service campaignAug 2026· Engine· model years 2026
Certain vehicles listed above may have a condition in which the oil filter was not adequately tightened. Dealers are to check and tighten the oil filter if found to be loose.
- Service campaignJul 2026· Engine· model years 2023–2026
Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition where coolant leaks from the radiator hose quick connect at the radiator inlet.
- Service campaignJun 2026· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2026
Certain vehicles may have a condition in which the transfer case drive chain sprocket is cracked. Dealers are to replace the transfer case.
- Service campaignJun 2026· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2026
Certain vehicles may have a condition in which the transfer case drive chain sprocket is cracked. Dealers are to replace the transfer case.
- Service campaignFeb 2026· Visibility and wipers· model years 2026
Customer Satisfaction Program. Certain vehicles listed above may have a condition where there may be a gap and unsealed area in the windshield attachment urethane path along the driver side lower corner. Dealers will reseal the windshield.
- Service campaignOct 2025· Brakes· model years 2023
Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition in which the Brake System Control Module does not have the latest software. Dealers are to reprogram the Brake System Control Module.
- Service campaignOct 2025· Brakes· model years 2023
Certain vehicles, may have a condition in which the Brake System Control Module does not have the latest software. Dealers are to reprogram the Brake System Control Module.
- Service campaignOct 2025· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2025–2026
Certain vehicles, equipped with 8L80 or 8L90 Transmissions, may have a condition in which the reaction carrier cracks. Dealers are to replace the reaction carrier.
- Service campaignAug 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2023–2025
Certain vehicles listed above may have a condition in which the tire pressure label may be incorrect, following accessory wheel installation. Dealers will inspect the Tire and Loading Information label for accuracy and install an overlay label as needed.
- Service campaignJun 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2018–2025
Amendments to the Song-Beverly Act (SBA) California warranty law provides vehicle owners with an opportunity to submit a written notice to GM before filing a lawsuit seeking a vehicle repurchase.
- Service campaignJun 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2018–2025
Amendments to the Song-Beverly Act (SBA) California warranty law provides vehicle owners with an opportunity to submit a written notice to GM before filing a lawsuit seeking a vehicle repurchase.
- Service campaignJun 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2023
Customer Satisfaction Program. Certain vehicles may require software updates that improve the customer experience and optimize future over-the-air updates. Dealers will perform a comprehensive software update.
- Service campaignMar 2025· Engine· model years 2023–2024
Service Update. Certain vehicles listed above may have a condition in which the Engine Control Module (ECM) does not sufficiently control fuel injector flow rate under certain driving conditions. Dealers are to reprogram the ECM.
- Service campaignFeb 2025· Suspension· model years 2024
Service update - Certain vehicles listed above may have a condition in which the left front shock was assembled to a higher torque specification. Dealers are to replace the left front shock rod and nut.
- Service campaignFeb 2025· Suspension· model years 2024
Service Update - Certain vehicles listed above may have a condition in which the right front shock was assembled to a higher torque specification. Dealers are to replace the right front shock rod and nut.
- Service campaignJan 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2024
Certain vehicles may have a condition in which the Virtual Cockpit Unit (VCU) software cannot be updated via Over the Air. Dealers will update reprogram the VCU software.
What owners report most
The parts of the car owners named in their complaints, across every Canyon model year. Unverified, and not a failure rate.
- Steering437 (40%)
- Electrical system175 (16%)
- Exterior lights169 (16%)
- Transmission and drivetrain159 (15%)
- Engine90 (8%)
- Other or unspecified78 (7%)
- Stability control54 (5%)
- Brakes39 (4%)
Safety recalls
26 recalls cover at least one Canyon model year. Each covers a range of VINs, not every car. Check one car at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ,…
Incorrect sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software may cause a second stage passenger air bag deployment when only a first stage is intended.
The left or right front seat may have a seat belt buckle attachment bolt that was not tightened properly.
The headlights may flicker while driving and while the vehicle is in park.
The lock ring that secures the fuel pump to the fuel tank assembly may not have been fully locked during assembly, which can result in a fuel leak during a crash.
The front wheel hub bolts may have been over-tightened and damaged during installation.
The front camera module (FCM) system may falsely detect an obstacle, causing the automatic emergency braking (AEB) to engage unexpectedly.
The front passenger seat may have a hook attachment that was not properly welded, allowing it to separate from the inboard track of the seat frame.
The load carrying capacity printed on the Tire and Loading Information placard is 22.5 kg (51 lbs.) more than intended.
The power steering assist may be lost due to a poor electrical connection within the steering gear assembly.
Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.
The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
The driver's frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash.
The driver frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash.
A poor electrical connection within the steering gear connector may cause a loss of power steering assist.
And 11 more recalls on NHTSA.
NHTSA investigations
Defect investigations NHTSA opened. Many close without a recall.
- EA26006Engineering analysis· opened Aug 2026, still open· Brakes· model years 2023–2026
Electronic Brake Module Component Failure
- RQ19001Recall query· opened May 2019, closed May 2021· Steering· model years 2015
Loss of Power Steering Assist
Led to recall 21V213000.
NHTSA's own page for the 2026 GMC Canyon has the complaint text and every document.
Common questions
Is the GMC Canyon reliable?
We don't score reliability: NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. What's on file for model years 2010 on: 1,088 owner complaints, 9 warranty extensions and 64 service campaigns GMC filed, and 26 safety recalls. The model years with the most complaints are 2015 (303), 2016 (270), 2024 (206). Whether a known problem was fixed on one car is what its service records show.
What are the most common problems with the GMC Canyon?
Across every model year since 2010, owners' complaints to NHTSA most often name steering (40%), electrical system (16%), exterior lights (16%). GMC has filed 9 warranty extensions covering the Canyon, listed on this page.
Which Canyon model years have the most complaints?
2015 (303), 2016 (270), 2024 (206). Complaint counts rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so compare years of the Canyon with each other rather than with other models.
Has GMC extended the warranty on the Canyon?
Yes: engine (model years 2021); electrical system (model years 2017–2024); fuel system (model years 2015), and 6 more. A dealer does a covered repair for free within the extended time or mileage.
How do I check recalls on a Canyon?
Enter the car's 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. That answers for one vehicle; the 26 recalls listed here are for the model, and each covers only part of it.