Most common 2012 GMC Canyon problems
Share of the 23 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 →
2012 GMC Canyon recalls (2)
Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › Latch
General Motors is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles manufactured from November 9, 2009, through August 28, 2012, for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 113, "Hood Latch System." The hood may be missing the secondary hood latch.
Remedy: General Motors will notify owners and instruct them to inspect their vehicle for the presence of a secondary hood latch. Dealers will replace the hood on any affected vehicles, free of charge.
Seat belts › Front
General motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet colorado and GMC canyon vehicles, manufactured from September 9, 2011, through October 19, 2011, for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 208, "occupant crash protection." these vehicles May have been produced…
Remedy: GM will notify owners and dealers will replace the seat belt buckle electrical connector terminals free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before December 7, 2011.
What 2012 GMC Canyon owners say
Electrical system
Within past year, 2022 to present vehicle will on average 4-5 times a month fail to start. Key in ignition, to accessory mode than fail to turn over. All indicator lamps on dash display. Door chime sounds. Nothing to indicate a problem. Had GMC dealership troubleshoot. They found no codes and vehicle would start fine for them (of course). New battery had been installed, starter was tested, fuel injectors cleaned. MY online research has found a similar problem with multiple year GMC vehicles beginning in 2009 thru 2014. Ignition lock cylinder issue due to pass lock sensor. Passlock sensor malfunctions thus requiring a 10 minute wait prior to restarting vehicle. A vehicle requiring 10 minute wait time is a safety issue if we needed this vehicle in an emergency. It's my understanding GMC is aware of this issue but considers it a nuisance and not a critical issue. …
On all chevy / canyon models 05 thru 12 there is an issue called "passlock" which prevents the vehicle from starting, it will leave you stranded. The failure is the ignition housing with the passlock sensor, not the actual key / tumbler, the part has to be replaced. The problem / failure is so common that you can "google" 2005 thru 2012 chevy colorado gmc canyon passlock issue" and find the root and a how to fix / repair guides. I spent almost $600 at the GMC dealer, they found no error or trouble codes in either on board computer, I showed the service advisor the issue, online diagnosis and suggested the repair. This is so dam common it should be a defective part recall and all repairs and costs covered by GM / GMC
Brakes
BRAKES: I purchased vehicle September 25, 2012. This problem has occurred since I purchased the vehicle. It does not happen all the time. The problem is the brakes lockup and the steering wheel shudders and the vehicle pulls to the right. The vehicle makes a griding noise. It will NOT stop immediately when you put on the brakes. The brake pedal jumps up and down and makes a grinding noise. The vehicle pulls to the right and jumps up and down. In answer to the next question: This problem has happened since I purchased the vehicle.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 GMC Canyon. While driving 70 MPH, the brake pedal extended to the floor when it was depressed. The contact had to pump the brake pedal each time to stop the vehicle. The dealer diagnosed that the master cylinder failed and needed to be replaced for the third time. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 26,000. Updated 8/19/15 updated 10/19/2017
2012 GMC Canyon engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.9L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 18 / 24 / 21 |
| 2.9L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 18 / 25 / 21 |
| 2.9L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD | 17 / 23 / 20 |
| 2.9L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD | 18 / 24 / 20 |
| 3.7L 5-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 23 / 19 |
| 3.7L 5-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD | 17 / 23 / 19 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 20 / 16 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
EPA ratings. Class: Small pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 GMC Canyon a good car?
Based on 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Canyon rates better than average: 49% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Canyon at the same age. It is one of the best Canyon years by this measure. 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 2012 GMC Canyon?
The electrical system — 9 complaints, 39% of all complaints for this model year, most often about ignition › anti-theft › control module. Next are the brakes (3) and stability & traction control (2).
How many recalls does the 2012 GMC Canyon have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2012 GMC Canyon, the most recent from December 19, 2012 (latch). 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 2012 GMC Canyon problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 45,000 miles; 53% 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.