Most common 2021 GMC Canyon problems
Share of the 12 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 →
2021 GMC Canyon recalls (2)
Equipment › Other › Labels
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 GMC Canyon vehicles. The load carrying capacity printed on the Tire and Loading Information placard is 22.5 kg (51 lbs.) more than intended.
Remedy: GM will mail owners a new B-pillar label, free of charge. Owners may apply the label, or bring it to a dealer for installation. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 17, 2021.
Seat belts › Critical fasteners
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at…
What 2021 GMC Canyon owners say
Driver assistance
I was involved in a MVA with another car. The other car had all their airbags deploy after they struck me. None of my airbags deployed. I was hit in the right front corner ahead of my right tire. The secondary impact was to my right side between my rear passenger door and rear tire. They hit me with enough force to bend the frame of my truck, crack my engine block and the appraisal from the repair shop came to over $34K without any engine work. I was the only one in my vehicle, thankfully. I am not sure how many occupants were in the other vehicle. But they were transported to the hospital by ambulance. My wife took me in our other vehicle. I was diagnosed with a concussion, assorted bruises, aches and pains. What troubles me is that while my airbags didn't deploy, the other vehicles did! I was spun 90* to 180* from the way I was traveling. …
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while reversing, the back over prevention screen image was solid blue, and there was no image displayed, creating a visibility hazard for the driver. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and it was determined that the rearview camera coaxial cable connectors were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V709000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 46,000.
2021 GMC Canyon engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8L 4-cyl turbo diesel | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 20 / 30 / 23 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 19 / 25 / 22 |
| 2.8L 4-cyl turbo diesel | 6-speed automatic | 4WD | 19 / 28 / 22 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | RWD | 18 / 25 / 21 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD | 19 / 24 / 21 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 4WD | 16 / 22 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Small pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 GMC Canyon a good car?
Based on 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2021 Canyon rates average: 29% fewer complaints than 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 2021 GMC Canyon?
The driver assistance — 3 complaints, 25% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic emergency braking. Next are the air bags (2) and transmission & drivetrain (2).
How many recalls does the 2021 GMC Canyon have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2021 GMC Canyon, the most recent from July 1, 2021 (labels). 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 2021 GMC Canyon problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 47,000 miles; 67% 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.