GMC Canyon Problems by Year

We compared every GMC Canyon model year from 2004–2026 using 1,439 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 31 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 2024, 2015, 2016, 2023 and 2017, which drew far more complaints than other Canyon years at the same age. The best years are 2011, 2012 and 2019.

21model years
1,439complaints
31recalls
2024, 2015worst years
2011, 2012best years

Complaints by model year

’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25’268011348423827812233032716653171412276220788
Owner complaints per model year, GMC Canyon. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
202681.7×2TransmissionFew
202581.7×2BrakeAverage
202420722.9×3HeadlightAvoid
2023626.1×3Collision AvoidanceAvoid
2022272.1×1ElectricalCaution
202112−29%2Collision AvoidanceAverage
202014−30%—TransmissionAverage
201917−38%—TransmissionAverage
2018531.7×1TransmissionCaution
2017662.2×1TransmissionAvoid
20162717.9×4SteeringAvoid
20153038.6×8SteeringAvoid
201223−49%2ElectricalGood
201112−68%5ElectricalGood
20108−73%2AccelerationGood
200927−41%3ElectricalGood
200838−32%2ElectricalAverage
200742−16%3ElectricalAverage
2006481.2×4ElectricalAverage
20051132.6×3ElectricalAvoid
2004801.7×3BodyCaution

* Complaints compared with the median Canyon year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common GMC Canyon problems

Latest GMC Canyon recalls

Equipment › Other › Owners/service/other manual

NHTSA recall 26V-114 · Feb 26, 2026 · 5,861 vehicles

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, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Coupe, Corvette Convertible…

Remedy: Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner's manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026.

Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module

NHTSA recall 25V-856 · Dec 11, 2025 · 1,120 vehicles

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024-2026 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV vehicles. Incorrect sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software may cause a second stage passenger air bag deployment when only a first stage is intended.

Remedy: Dealers will update the SDM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 30, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252533510.

Seat belts › Critical fasteners

NHTSA recall 24V-703 · Sep 19, 2024 · 151 vehicles

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Chevrolet Colorado and 2023 GMC Canyon vehicles. The left or right front seat may have a seat belt buckle attachment bolt that was not tightened properly.

Remedy: Dealers will tighten the left and right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 30, 2024.

Exterior lighting › Headlights

NHTSA recall 24V-673 · Sep 12, 2024 · 13,241 vehicles

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 GMC Canyon vehicles. The headlights may flicker while driving and while the vehicle is in park. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Remedy: Dealers will replace a module in the headlight, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 10, 2024. Owners can contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782.

Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump › Mounting plate/flange

NHTSA recall 24V-491 · Jun 28, 2024 · 8,622 vehicles

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles. 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.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and fully lock the fuel tank lock ring as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 13, 2024.

All 31 GMC Canyon recalls by year →

Frequently asked questions

What years of the GMC Canyon should you avoid?

2024, 2015, 2016, 2023, 2017 and 2022 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Canyon years at the same age, led by lights problems in the 2024.

What is the best year for the GMC Canyon?

2011 has the fewest complaints compared with other Canyon years at the same age, followed by 2012 and 2019. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common GMC Canyon problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the steering (447), electrical system (266) and lights (212). Steering complaints peak in the 2015 model year.

How many recalls has the GMC Canyon had?

31 recalls across 2004–2026. The model year with the most is 2015. See all GMC Canyon recalls by year.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.