Electrical complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 25% | — |
| 2024 | 26 | 13% | — |
| 2023 | 20 | 32% | 9,000 miles |
| 2022 | 13 | 48% | 37,000 miles |
| 2021 | 1 | 8% | — |
| 2020 | 3 | 21% | 23,000 miles |
| 2019 | 5 | 29% | 52,000 miles |
| 2018 | 10 | 19% | 33,000 miles |
| 2017 | 12 | 18% | 72,000 miles |
| 2016 | 38 | 14% | 35,000 miles |
| 2015 | 32 | 11% | 44,000 miles |
| 2012 | 9 | 39% | 45,000 miles |
| 2011 | 3 | 25% | 59,000 miles |
| 2010 | 2 | 25% | 39,000 miles |
| 2009 | 8 | 30% | 55,000 miles |
| 2008 | 15 | 39% | 72,000 miles |
| 2007 | 14 | 33% | 76,000 miles |
| 2006 | 17 | 35% | 72,000 miles |
| 2005 | 23 | 20% | 58,000 miles |
| 2004 | 13 | 16% | 96,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Headlights began flickering two days after purchase of vehicle. Infotainment screen that operates the headlights, as there is no physical headlight knobs or buttons, also malfunction and is inoperable. So I can not turn my headlights on or off, they're set to auto and I can not adjust it. Service department at my dealership has been able to replicate my issues and are trying to fix them, but parts availability is an issue. GM has informed me that the parts are delayed with no eta of when they would be available. Issues with the headlights flickering could lead other drivers to think I'm flashing my lights at them as I'm telling them to go ahead and that could cause a wreck. Also with the flickering there is a chance that the lights could completely cut off or go out and if I'm driving at night that would be a very big issue. …
This truck was purchased brand new on [redacted]. Noticed lights are intermittently flickering (every 2-4 minutes) when driving at night on [redacted]. We took vehicle in to dealership (Jessup Automotive) on 8/23/24 where is was purchased and work order stated, "Engineering is aware of this concern and is working towards a resolution. It is no longer recommended to replace the headlamp assemblies as it has been found that the issue is present in the replacements currently stocked at CCA. This PI will be updated when this direction changes." Other vehicles think you are blinking your lights at them. We took a video. Also, there are other vehicles of people having same issue on [redacted] . The vehicle has been inspected by dealership. We are taking to another GMC to get second opinion. No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms before the failure. …
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the anti-lock braking system, brake warning light, low oil, low fuel, seat belt warning light, parking brake, temperature gauge, forward collision warning, and various other warning lights and messages illuminated. The contact depressed the brake pedal to the floor; however, the vehicle only decelerated to 15 MPH and failed to come to a complete stop. The instrument panel screen blacked out twice before the vehicle eventually rolled to a stop. The Forward Collision Unavailable warning message and Check Engine light then illuminated. The contact activated the hazard lights and drove at 5 MPH to a nearby parking lot. The contact stated the brakes continued to malfunction, requiring the driver to allow the vehicle to roll to a stop. …
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced several electrical failures and would fail to start due to a faulty battery. The contact stated that after the manufacturer remotely completed an unknown electrical update on the vehicle, the vehicle started experiencing several failures including a rearview camera, door locks, brakes, and power steering failures. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 5 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the message "Power Brake Assist" and "Power Steering" were displayed. Additionally, the brake pedal went down to the floorboard, and the vehicle failed to respond immediately. The contact also stated that the vehicle lost power steering functionality. …
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the contact became aware of a failure by removing the key from the ignition. The contact stated that in 15 to 20 minutes he was able to remove the key. The contact had to restart the vehicle several times and switch gears until the key was removed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the diagnostic result was undisclosed. The contact was informed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 36,746.
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the instrument cluster failed operate as designed and the speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and turn signals failed to display as intended. The contact stated that a message to service several systems was displayed. The radio screen was blank, and the back over prevention system was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that several software updates were needed; however, it was then determined that all the software was up to date. A software refresh was performed, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 39,500
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Canyon. The contact stated upon depressing the brake pedal and turning the key in the ignition switch to turn off the vehicle, the key failed to turn to the OFF position and remained stuck. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that upon turning the key back to the ON position and moving the gear shifter several times, the contact was able to turn off the vehicle successfully. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring, and on several occasions, the key could not be released and was left in the ignition switch. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.
The wiring in most vehicles 2020 and newer are soy/ nut based product... which squirrels, rodents and other animals can't resist and the wiring throughout the vehicle is being chewed this all makes all models all manufacturers... there is also problems with the 8 speed transmission that shutters and hard gear changing and the quick fix is to flush out and refill it with transmission fluid
Related recalls (1)
Electrical system › ADAS › Driver monitoring › Camera/sensor
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles. The front camera module (FCM) system may falsely detect an obstacle, causing the automatic emergency braking (AEB) to engage unexpectedly.
Remedy: Dealers will update the front camera module (FCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 5, 2024.
Frequently asked questions
Which GMC Canyon years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2016 (38), 2015 (32), 2024 (26), 2005 (23) and 2023 (20) model years. Electrical complaints make up 14% of all complaints for the 2016.
Is there a recall for GMC Canyon electrical problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 24V-133 (camera/sensor, Feb 22, 2024). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do GMC Canyon electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 57,000 miles; 46% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the ignition (8 mentions), followed by the instrument cluster/panel (5).
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.