GMC Canyon Problems

Sherry Bryan
Aug 31, 2021

Since it first hit the market in 2004, the GMC Canyon has had inconsistent reliability ratings. We look at the problems associated with this mid-sized pickup to determine if it’s a good truck to buy or if it’s best avoided.

2017 GMC Canyon Denali - Photo by GMC

Key Points

  • The GMC Canyon debuted alongside the Chevrolet Colorado in 2004 as a premium pickup truck option. Subsequent redesigns followed in 2015 to kick off the second (and current) generation, as well as a refresh in 2021.
  • First-generation GMC Canyon faced issues with poor safety ratings and recalls.
  • The second-generation Canyon sported a fresh new look, but still had some of the same drivetrain and transmission problems.
  • The 2015 model is the worst-rated year for the Canyon, with the 2021 edition ranking as the best.

2004 GMC Canyon

Early GMC Canyon Offered Great Performance but a Weak Crash Test Rating

In 2004, General Motors introduced the GMC Canyon and the Chevy Colorado to replace the GMC S-15/Sonoma and Chevrolet S-10 respectively. The first-generation of the Canyon and its mechanical Chevy twin ran from 2004 to 2012. After a two-year hiatus, the GMC returned for its second generation in 2015.

Drivers generally had a positive impression of the mid-size pickup. It offered different suspension options for going on- or off-road, had a nice style, and easy-to-use tech. However, it was beset with problems from day one. It had a mediocre crash test rating, and consumer complaints and safety recalls soon followed.

Today, GM has expanded the Canyon lineup and trim options for 2022. But as the automaker looks forward, we look at the past history of common problems for the GMC Canyon. Has GM done enough to ensure the pickup’s safety?

2010 GMC Canyon - Photo by GMC

First-gen. GMC Canyon Struggled with Poor Safety Ratings & Recalls

After its debut, the 2004 GMC Canyon received mostly good reviews. A roomy interior and two new engine options added to its appeal. But it was a little hard to ignore the safety ratings. The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), gave the pickup ratings of “Poor,” “Marginal,” and “Acceptable” in crashworthiness.

Then came the recalls. 2004 and 2005 model years received three recalls each from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for problems with the child restrain anchor systems in the front, and the brake lamp malfunctioning. 2006 had four recalls, adding a mislabeled tire as a potential hazard.

Consumer complaints gathered by Repair Pal show that drivers from 2004-2012 also complained about: check engine light malfunction due to gas cap problem, the loss of one or more HVAC blower motor speeds, fuel level sensor failure, engine misfire from a worn valve seat, and the CD player breaking.

2008 and 2009 models saw better crash test ratings, but consumer complaints and recalls continued. In 2009, another recall was issued on the fuel system control which ran a risk of a short, difficulty starting up, and stalling.

Reliability ratings were lower than average, U.S. News & World Report gave the 2009 model a rating of 7.6/10 for safety and three out of five for reliability.

2010 added new safety features with curtain airbags now standard on all models. But more recalls continued, now with a focus on the secondary hood latch, warning it could pop open on the road. In 2011, the Canyon had 5 recalls. Among the concerns: the four-speed automatic transmission gear position had a shift cable not staying in the right position; meaning the PRNDL shift lever may not accurately reflect the transmission gear the driver was in.

Another new problem was the windshield wiper’s arm might not have been properly secured, posing a risk it could loosen, or fail to engage. Next the suspension was called out, with a recall warning that the rear axle cross pins could brake or shift out of position.

General Motors decided to stop production of the GMC Canyon for 2013 and 2014. Sales were dropping and the automaker had plans to revamp the pickup.

2015 GMC Canyon - Photo by GMC

Second-gen. GMC Canyon Problems Included Steering Issues & Leaking Brake Calipers

When the GMC Canyon returned in 2014, it had a new look. And many hoped it also had made all the necessary changes under the surface to give the Canyon a proper performance.

Everything looked solid on the new second-generation 2015 GMC Canyon. IIHS had improved the Canyon’s crash test rating to “Good.” But U.S. News & World Report only gave the 2015 model a 2/5 for reliability.

Six recalls were issued for the 2015 GMC Canyon. A major concern was steering. The power steering assist ran a risk of being cut off or lose power due to a poor electrical connection within the steering gear assembly.

Airbags were a problem, connections wired incorrectly could reverse the deployment sequence and disrupt the deployment timing of the driver airbag, or potentially inflating. Additionally, front brake calipers may leak brake fluid, further increasing risk.

In 2016 the Canyon has another three safety recalls: two again involving safety bags, and one for the latches/locks.

Finally, they turned a corner in 2017 with no recalls. But 2018 marked a new recall and a new problem with the fuel line. Its high-pressure fuel pump posed a threat of detaching from the mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high-pressure fuel line.

There are currently no safety recalls issued for 2019, 2020, or 2021 GMC Canyons.

It seems that GM is more invested in the second generation of the Canyon. But have they done enough to make the truck better?

2021 GMC Canyon Denali - Photo by GMC

Is the GMC Canyon Reliable?

We could not consider the GMC Canyon a reliable vehicle. Based on its crash test ratings and recalls, the GMC Canyon has not rated high enough to be considered safe, headache-free, and issues resolved. Yes, the first-gen Canyon is priced very well and does offer a lot of options for a little money. It also retains value very nicely. But with so many recalls and poor ratings, it a still a risky choice.

If any Canyon was to be considered reliable, it would have to apply only to the 2018-2022 trucks. They are the best bet, but they come with a hefty price tag. But even with the newer models, we would want to give it another year or two to be certain. Problems involving the drivetrain, transmission, suspension, airbags, fuel line, and electrical are not only costly–they are dangerous.

Speaking of cost, the GMC Canyon is also higher than average for Cost to Own, according to Edmunds. Some of the higher costs can be attributed to maintenance costs that skyrocket around the third year of ownership.

2021 GMC Canyon AT4 Off-Road - Photo by GMC

So, Should You Consider Buying a GMC Canyon Pickup?

If a driver has his or her heart set on a GMC Canyon, just be wise and wary going in. Without question, the 2015 GMC Canyon is the worst year for the truck. And so far, the 2020 has the best ratings. Although, it is still on the low end, needing to repair several years of a shaky reputation. For the Canyon to succeed, General Motors is going to need to do more to earn back trust in the mid-sized pickup.

“The past several years have led to seemingly unresolved transmission problems, none of which have led GMC to issue an appropriate recall,” says Motor Biscuit. “These issues have caused the transmission to slip out of gear unexpectedly, rough shifting, or premature clutch failure. These issues haven’t been commonly present on the 2020 model year as of yet, but GMC seems unenthusiastic to respond to the problem and only time will tell if this model year will be affected.”

There are many good qualities to the GMC Canyon. It feels big for a mid-sized pickup, and it is versatile and sharp. It is a cool truck, if not the most trustworthy.

However, today’s market has a number of other options worth exploring. But should you be considering a Canyon, do your research thoroughly. A great deal of GMC Canyon owners love their trucks. Ultimately, choosing a vehicle can often come down to the visceral reaction. Just make certain not to lose your head.

Photos: GMC

Frequently Asked Questions

Mar 31, 2022

Is the GMC Canyon better than the Chevy Colorado?

The GMC Canyon and Chevy Colorado are both built on the same platform and are both compact trucks that are developed and made by General Motors. The GMC Canyon is the more upscale version of the truck. This has better exterior styling, more advanced technology, and a more luxurious interior compared to the Colorado.

The GMC Canyon also has an upgraded driveline and suspension compared to the Colorado. This makes it more comfortable and plush to drive on-roads, and it is also able to handle the rough terrain better. That is not to say that the Colorado is not good off-road, but the Canyon will typically be a smoother ride.

If you are looking for a small truck then the Canyon does tend to be a better choice than the Colorado, especially since they are in the same price range on the used market. The Canyon is a step up in terms of quality and driving feel over the more basic Colorado.

What is the best year for the GMC Canyon?

In terms of overall reliability, the 2020 GMC Canyon is considered to be the best choice. This is one of the latest years for the Canyon and GMC was able to fix some of the issues that were common in the earlier years of the second generation. There are fewer reported complaints with the transmissions and other driveline components in this year compared to the earlier years.

If you are looking at one of the first-generation Canyons then the 2012 model year is a great one to look at. This was the final year for this generation and GMC had the trucks very reliable at this point. These are a more affordable option as well compared to going with a 2015 and newer.

The GMC Canyon is a good small truck, but if reliability is the most important factor to you then you may want to look at some of its competitors. The GMC Canyon does score below average on overall reliability, especially compared to the offerings from Toyota and Ford

How many miles will a GMC Canyon last?

A properly cared for GMC Canyon should have no problem going over 200,000 miles, and there are some trucks from the first generation that have gone well over 200,000 miles. In general, you should prepare for some extra expenses with a GMC Canyon when you pass 100,000 miles as more components will need to be repaired and replaced as they wear out.

If you want your GMC Canyon to last a long time the best thing that you can do is make sure to service it regularly. When you get your truck serviced it helps reduce the wear and tear on the components in your engine, which in turn helps it last longer. Also with the transmission issues with the Canyon, it is best to not pull excessive weight with one since that can cause extra wear and tear on your transmission.

As with most American trucks the GMC Canyon is built to last a long time and is fully capable of standing up for over 20 years. Ultimately it just comes down to the owner to take care of the truck to help it have a longer life.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Rene S on September 1, 2021
2005 GMC Canyon Z71, we have the chrome package makes the truck stand out.
The truck is very comfortable while traveling and gets good gas mileage. However, the truck has a electrical ghost. At times the drivers window wont go up or down have replaced the switch still having the problem, also affects radio and trying to start the truck. When truck won't start you have to wait several minutes and try again, sometimes you will have to floor the gas pedal. Also has a recall for third brake light it leaks around edges have to re seal.
accountCircle Jacob M on August 31, 2021
2010 GMC Canyon: good but not great.
Overall my GMC canyon was a decent truck, pretty good gas mileage however even with delicate driving and frequent oil changes and routine maintenance, a few issues popped up here and there that were a but expensive to fix. You should be able to get at least 250,000 miles out of it at least with regular maintenance.
accountCircle Kayla C on August 31, 2021
2018 GMC Canyon 4WD- Good for the price but a waste of time.
Constantly having issues with the truck. Check engine light turns on often. I have to bring it to the dealership almost every 2 months because of car issues. A struggle to get in and out of. Spacious and comfortable but not worth it with the constant visits to the dealership to have it fixed.
accountCircle duncan macleod on November 13, 2021
2019GMC canyon
2019 gmc Canyon in and out of the dealership constantly seems now once we went over the 60,000 warranty for everything nothing going wrong is covered so fed up with this truck. First and last chevy ever
accountCircle james Burrell on May 19, 2022
Front vibration in the steering
My 2018 Canyon is the worst truck i have ever brought. I check with different owners told me to buy a FORD Truck
accountCircle B. Wright on August 10, 2023
2022 GMC Canyon AT4 3.6 V6
6,100 miles and needs a fuel pump already…
avatar Sherry Bryan
Sherry Bryan is a freelance writer and editor from New York. For the last five years, she has covered all manner of the automotive industry as a writer and editor for a number of lifestyle, enthusiast, and culture publications. Her specialties are industry trends, history, design, automotive oddities, drag racing, interviews, and features. Bryan's work has been featured on Ford Truck Enthusiasts, Team Speed, and other popular automotive websites.
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