Airbag complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 3% | 0 miles |
| 2022 | 2 | 7% | 14,000 miles |
| 2021 | 2 | 17% | 10,000 miles |
| 2020 | 1 | 7% | 58,000 miles |
| 2018 | 2 | 4% | — |
| 2017 | 3 | 5% | 25,000 miles |
| 2016 | 6 | 2% | 48,000 miles |
| 2015 | 7 | 2% | 52,000 miles |
| 2012 | 2 | 9% | 14,000 miles |
| 2011 | 3 | 25% | 100,000 miles |
| 2009 | 3 | 11% | 58,000 miles |
| 2008 | 1 | 3% | 34,000 miles |
| 2007 | 5 | 12% | 77,000 miles |
| 2006 | 4 | 8% | 25,000 miles |
| 2005 | 10 | 9% | 130,000 miles |
| 2004 | 5 | 6% | 85,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the check engine warning illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the diagnosis was that that evaporative emission control system purge control had malfunctioned. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. On another occasion, the contact noticed that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the diagnosis was that the front driver side air bag had malfunctioned. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 25,000.
On 10/07/2018 I was involved in an accident which totaled my vehicle . It was a left turn accident I was driving straight and the impact was front and center of my vehicle. Damage was over $22,000.00 I sustained a minor injury back and neck pain and recently had surgery for a hernia which I had 10 years prior , after the accident it became painful . I am 55 years old and that type of violent impact could have been reduced if the airbag(s) deployed properly. I purchased a new 2017 vehicle all systems and components should have worked. On the date of the accident my vehicle had just over 6400 miles on it. I submitted a claim to GM or esis (lisa rozelle) 91800 888-0164 and their response , I quote " at this time, based on all documentation received and reviewed esis on behalf of general motors llc , will not be in a position to honor your request for damages" . …
On September 14, 2021, my 2016 GMC Canyon struck another vehicle from behind going approximately 55 MPH and the airbags did not deploy. Every mechanic and insurance adjuster has stated that the airbags should have deployed in this collision.
As I was pulling away from the stop sign my power steering quit working and I was almost hit by another vehicle. The dash light flashed and said there was Drive System problems. I was able to get the truck turned back around and headed back home. I got into my garage and checked the power steering fluid and it was full. I started my truck back up and was able to drive to the dealership (Everett GMC where I purchased the truck new) The service representative said he will put it on the diagnostic machine and find out what was wrong. The next day they called me and said they found out what it was a drive gear that quit working. He said that he would get this ordered and put it in, I got a call 2 days later and said it was finished. My wife checked to see if there was a recall. There was a recall for this problem for 2015 Canyon in 2021 for the same issue. …
Nov 14 2024 my truck steering locked up and lost lighting/ front lights including interior and crash into another vehicle head on going 65 mph. Also no airbag deployed. I hit my chest hard. Need help. Water damaged now after I crashed and now won't start. Smoke wire smells so disconnected battery. I feel unsafe taking this vehicle in repair without any recalls. This happen all at one time, still paying the loan on the vehicle. Paid almost 29,000. Been in no fault account. Help. Need help reporting issues to insurance to fix the crashed truck or total loss this model. Was scary
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated on and off at various times, moreso when the vehicle was started. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
Takata recall airbag light is on . Truck will shut down when the truck is going down the road at 60 miles an hour less or more. When you start the truck it shuts off again. Or will start right up and wash it right back down. The safety belt light comes on or is the car locked I should say. Which is the little picture with the car with the lock on it. I have videotaped what comes across the dash and hasn't shown it to the dealership and they have not done anything because they can't find anything. Shuts off again. Or will start right up in the shut right back down. Safety belt like comes on or is the car lock I should say. Which is the little picture with the car with the lock on it. I have videotaped what comes across the dash and his showing it to the dealership and they have not done anything because they can't find anything. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while stopped at an intersection, another vehicle crashed into the front driver's side wheel. The contact's vehicle was spun approximately 270 degrees however, the air bags failed to deploy. The contact suffered from minor bruising. A police report was not filed of the incident. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure mileage was 10,541. The VIN was not available.
Related recalls (5)
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
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.
Air bags › Frontal
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado, and 2016 Chevrolet Volt vehicles. The driver's frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2017.
Air bags › Frontal
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Colorado vehicles manufactured January 19, 2016, to February 2, 2016, Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured January 9, 2016, to January 26, 2016, and 2016 GMC Canyon vehicles manufactured January 21, 2016, to February 4, 2016.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on April 14, 2016.
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Colorado vehicles manufactured September 15, 2014, to January 21, 2015, and 2015 GMC Canyon vehicles manufactured October 3, 2014, to December 9, 2014.
Remedy: GM has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the driver air bag module inflator for proper alignment, replacing the air bag, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2015.
Air bags
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles manufactured January 6, 2014, to October 1, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the driver air bag connections may have been wired incorrectly.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM), free of charge. The recall began on October 6, 2014.
NHTSA investigations
Inadvertent front airbag deployment
All reports indicate inadvertent deployment during ignition start-up (key-on) and with the vehicle not in motion.reported injuries were minor and consist of skin abrasion and bruises.the incident dates ranged from July through November 2004.odi has received no additional reports since opening this investigation.
Frequently asked questions
Which GMC Canyon years have airbag problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2005 (10), 2015 (7), 2016 (6), 2004 (5) and 2007 (5) model years. Airbag complaints make up 9% of all complaints for the 2005.
Is there a recall for GMC Canyon airbag problems?
Yes — 5 recalls, including 25V-856 (inflator module, Dec 11, 2025); 17V-621 (frontal, Oct 5, 2017); 16V-125 (frontal, Mar 2, 2016). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do GMC Canyon airbag problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles; 40% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the frontal (3 mentions), followed by the frontal › sensor/control module (2).
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.