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.
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.
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?
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.
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?
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.
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