Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 GMC Canyon owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I got a safety bulletin from GMC #14609 stating that there is a problem with my air bag light,. It can go on due to wires in the rear door breaking, the air bag can go off also. This is a safety issue with the air bags, I have the problem with the air bag light on. They said they would fix it or reimburse me if I paid in the past to have it fixed. Well they said I was off of warranty 1-15 . This is a safety issue, the dealer will not fix it for free. Why did they send me this bulletin with my VIN number attached? I have had nothing but problems with this GMC truck, you name it it has had a problem. Mostly electrical system failure. The air bag issue should be fixed by GMC free of charge which they state in the letter, there telling me I am a few months past the 10 year dead line. …
I replaced the fuel filter on my 2005 GMC Canyon as part of regular maintenance. In order to perform the fuel filter replacement I disconnected the negative terminal of the battery. After maintenance, the battery was hooked up. Vehicle now exhibits the following symptoms. 1) drivers side window inoperable. 2) power door locks inoperable from divers side master switch. 3) vehicle does not automatically lock doors when shifted from p to r or d. 4) keyless entry inoperable. This is not the first time this condition has presented itself after unhooking the battery. Possible safety concern over inoperable window and door locks. This problem has been well documented on internet forums with no clear solution. …
2005 GMC Canyon - fire and cross circuits after having burn wire case smells,smoke, indication of airbag failure, fan motor and interior lights remained on after vehicle was shut down it was discovered that a main wire bundle that is subject to abrasion by components of the brake system at a location where the bundle goes through a hole in the fire wall. The vehicle operator May notice changes in the fan speed and other dash indication on left turns, bumps, etc. Before fire and smoke. It should be noted that the short and cross system power feed will not cause system safety fuses to blow. Operator May also notice that the keyless entry system will fail to work or the range will decrease greatly and the fan and interior lights with remain on after the vehicle is shut down and the door is closed. Note: this wire bundle is not properly protected from damage by the brake system parts.
My 2005 GMC Canyon continues to have issues with the passlock ii system. No modifications have been made to the ignition switch, keys, or any other electrical system. The passlock prevents me from starting my truck because for some reason the computer thinks it is trying to be stolen. The last time this issue occured, my truck was parked in my garage. When attempted to start, the truck cranked but did not start and the passlock light came on. I had to sit and wait for 10 minutes until the light went off. The problem was I was trying to drive myself to the emergency room because I had just been bitten by a dog.
Can no longer roll down the drivers or passangers windows. No longer have any control of the power locks from either door control or remote. Blower for air only works on high setting 1 2 and 3 work intermittently. The brakes will start to sound like they are pulsating and then the ABS fault comes on the dash and the brake light lights up.
Air conditioning stopped working on fan positions 1,2, and 3 and works only on 4. Eight pages of complaints indicated that faulty components were put into truck at factory and should be recalled: blower motor resistor, wiring harness and poor ground wire. Ac delco part 15-80521 one part requiring replacement.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 GMC Canyon. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle suddenly shut off. After restarting the engine, the vehicle operated normally. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 205,000.
Over the past 5 years I have had to place my blower motor, blower motor's resistor, and the connectors for each of these parts to be able to fix my ac. I've searched the web, talked to mechanics, held discussions with various auto-parts employees, and even talked to several Chevy/GMC dealerships, and found that each of them have all seen or herd about this problem many times in the past. This is something that shouldn't be tolerated and really needs to be recalled. The issues I have seen arise with this problem on my personal vehicle could very easily become a fire hazard because of this faulty electrical equipment. I would just like to go one year in this truck without having to worry about my ac's blower motor going out on me. Something really should be done about this. The GMC needs to take responsibility for the products that they put out. …
Air conditioning fan abruptly stopped working on all fan speeds except "4", the highest position. Checked internet for possible solutions and found that there have been numerous failures exactly like mine. All involved the "blower motor resistor assembly, connector and/or wiring harness" shorting out. Scortching the connectors, resistor assembly and causing the plastic to melt/burn. GM parts at local dealership had replacement parts and I was able to resolve the problem. Speaking a GM service advisor, he confirmed that there are numerous repair problems with these parts on the GMC Canyon/ Chevrolet colorado 2004-2007. But no explanation for why they are failing. Numerous internet reports with photo's showing damage and explaining problem most requiring multiple or repeated repairs. Old parts are available.
I recently received a recall notice for a 2006 GMC convoy that I owned for a possible defective door module that May cause a short that would cause smoke or a fire. I am having the same problem with my 2005 GMC Canyon pick up. This summer (2014) my driver power window and power locks stopped working. After a couple of days before I could get an appointment to get them fixed, they started working properly. On 21 nov 14, the issue recurred, my driver power window, and power locks stopped working again. I received a letter from GM stating the identical problem for a 2006 GMC envoy that I used to own. Is this a coincidence or the same problem?
Electrical complaints in other Canyon years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2005 GMC Canyon?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the electrical system of the 2005 GMC Canyon, 20% of the model year's 113 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 GMC Canyon electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2005 GMC Canyon, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2005 GMC Canyon electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 58,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.