Most common 2006 GMC Canyon problems
Share of the 48 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
GMC Canyon complaints by model year
Best Canyon years: 2011, 2012, 2019. Years to avoid: 2024, 2015, 2016, 2023, 2017. Compare all years →
2006 GMC Canyon recalls (4)
Child seat
GM is recalling certain model year 2004-2011, Chevrolet colorado, GMC canyon, model year 2006, Isuzu I-280/I-350, and model year 2007-2008, I-290/I-370, regular cab vehicles and extended cab vehicles without a rear seat and equipped with a front 60/40 split bench seat.
Remedy: Dealers will cut a hole into the back panel trim cover to allow access to the top tether anchor for the front center seat position and will provide supplemental information as to use in the owner's manual.
Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
GM is recalling 185,903 model year 2004-2009 colorado, GMC model year 2009-2004 canyon, model year 2006 I-280, I-350, model year 2007-2008 I-290, and I-370, passenger vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of alabama, arizona, florida, georgia, hawaii, louisiana, mississippi, nevada, new Mexico,…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the necessary components as specified in the recall bulletin free of charge. GM anticipates that parts will be available by June 2010.
Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
Certain pickup trucks May experience the permanent loss of brake lamp function or brake lamps that are illuminated at all times. The center high-mounted stop lamp (chmsl) is affected in both instances. Also, if equipped, the cruise control will become inoperative.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake lamp switch assembly. The recall began on December 5, 2006. Owners May contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438; GMC at 1-866-996-9463 or Isuzu at 1-800-255-6727.
Equipment › Other › Labels
Certain trucks and sport utility vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were shipped with tire and loading information labels listing an inacccurate vehicle capacity weight.
Remedy: Owners will be provided with corrected labels and installation instructions. At the customer's option, a dealer can install the label for them. The recall began on March 31, 2006.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2006 GMC Canyon:
Brake lamp switch malfunction
On July 28,2009, GM initiated a regional recall campaign on certain model year (my) 2004-2009 Chevrolet colorado and GMC canyon vehicles and my2006-2008 Isuzu I-series vehicles.the states and U.S. Territories involved are al, az, fl, ga, hi, la, ms, nv, nm, pr, sc, tx, vi and ut.a total of 185,903 vehicles will be recalled with 92,272 vehicles within the scope of this investigation.in addition, a special…
What 2006 GMC Canyon owners say
Electrical system
Cranks but no start intermittently. GMC dealer states that there is not problem. Must wait 10 mintures, then try and it always starts. Not isolated...google, 2006 Canyon won't start and there are multiple descriptions of the same problem. Some have speculated that it is a 'relay', problem with the ignition system or the "passlock". I am not aware of any accident but if avoiding an accident and it won't start it is just a matter of time. This has been an ongoing problem for at least 3-4 years, occurring at least once per month. Others recorded the same history. ([redacted]) parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 U.S.c. 552(b)(6).
It appears my ignition switch is defective. The passlock system engages for no reason and shuts off/disable ignition switch. If the folks reading this complaint researches ignition problems/passlock system on the internet, the dot will discover more information about this defect. I am available to help. Contact me anytime at h. [phone]. It appears there ignition switch May corrode and/or have defective contact that short out the switch. GM says my defect is rare and would not help me with the costs. I paid for the repair in order to avoid a tragedy, like my wife of 31 years or my grandkids dying in my defect Canyon. Thank you
Brakes
ABS fault light is on to inform that there is a problem. This of course disables the ABS brake system. The computer reads ABS wheel speed sensor. They have been replaced and the light is still on. There are several people with this same problem all over the internet and no one has found a fix yet. Is there a new recall on this issue or is there a way to fix it? Thank you
Gas pedal and brake pedal to close .when wearing construction boots the lip of the boot will catch behind the brake pedal and it is very dangerous the first day for work I was backing up so my body was twisted so I can reverse and I hit another car because my foot was stuck.
Engine & cooling
Cranks but no start intermittently. GMC dealer states that there is not problem. Must wait 10 mintures, then try and it always starts. Not isolated...google, 2006 Canyon won't start and there are multiple descriptions of the same problem. Some have speculated that it is a 'relay', problem with the ignition system or the "passlock". I am not aware of any accident but if avoiding an accident and it won't start it is just a matter of time. This has been an ongoing problem for at least 3-4 years, occurring at least once per month. Others recorded the same history. ([redacted]) parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 U.S.c. 552(b)(6).
The Passlock System intermittently fails and prevents the fuel pump from pumping fuel to the engine. Even after paying GMC to repair the truck, the problem persists.
2006 GMC Canyon engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 18 / 25 / 21 |
| 3.5L 5-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 22 / 19 |
| 3.5L 5-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 17 / 23 / 19 |
| 3.5L 5-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 22 / 19 |
| 2.8L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 22 / 18 |
| 2.8L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 16 / 21 / 18 |
| 3.5L 5-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 16 / 20 / 18 |
| 2.8L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 21 / 17 |
EPA ratings. Class: Full-size pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2006 GMC Canyon a good car?
Based on 48 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 Canyon rates average: 1.2× as many complaints as a typical year of the Canyon at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2006 GMC Canyon?
The electrical system — 17 complaints, 35% of all complaints for this model year, most often about wiring › interior/under dash. Next are the brakes (11) and engine & cooling (9).
How many recalls does the 2006 GMC Canyon have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2006 GMC Canyon, the most recent from November 18, 2010 (child seat). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the GMC Canyon?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2011, 2012 and 2019. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2024, 2015, 2016, 2023 and 2017. See the full GMC Canyon years comparison.
At what mileage do 2006 GMC Canyon problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 60,000 miles; 42% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.