Owners have filed 14 complaints
about the 2021 GMC Canyon with NHTSA between 2021 and 2026.
The largest single group is the driver assist & collision avoidance.
Across this model's run it ranks 12 of 19 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 7
Against the median year of the GMC Canyon. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
50% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 34
20% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2021 GMC Canyon
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
321.4%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 46,000 mi
Other & Unspecified
214.3%
Steering
214.3%
Airbags
214.3%
2 crashes, 0 fires · median 10,000 mi
Transmission & Drivetrain
214.3%
Median failure at 58,000 miles
Seat Belts
17.1%
Lights
17.1%
Median failure at 36,121 miles
Electrical System
17.1%
0 crashes, 1 fires
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
120.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
360.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
120.0%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2021 GMC Canyon PU/CC 2WD
21.9% risk
2021 GMC Canyon PU/EC 2WD
21.4% risk
2021 GMC Canyon PU/CC 4WD
21.2% risk
2021 GMC Canyon PU/EC 4WD
22% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
May 2021peak 2Jul 2026
Recalls on the 2021 GMC Canyon
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20214092,200 units in Canada
Label
Issue: On certain vehicles, the tire and loading information label lists the incorrect capacity for occupants and cargo. This could lead to overloading the vehicle, which can cause poor handling and/or a tire failure. Safety Risk: Poor handling and/or a tire failure could cause a loss of control and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Action: General Motors will mail a new tire and loading information label to each owner. If you would like help to install the label, you can contact a GM dealer to have it installed free of charge.
Recall 202064541 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Issue: On certain vehicles, the seat belts may have been installed with the wrong bolts. As a result, the seat belt may not be properly attached and may not work as designed in a crash. Safety Risk: A seat belt that does not work properly could increase the risk of injury in a crash. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the seat belt bolts, as necessary.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Wausau, WIFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving, a fire started inside the vehicle between the rear passenger side seat belt and the rear window. My daughters were in the back seat and started screaming. I immediately stopped the vehicle and ran to put the fire out by smothering and throwing water on it. There was zero warning...no lights or warning messages. No major injuries occurred (only small minor burns to my right hand). I then brought the vehicle to the dealership where it was purchased. I was told it was a known issue, and I was prompted to file a claim with my insurance company. Someone from the insurance company, along with the service department at the dealership, inspected the vehicle. Insurance has agreed to cover the parts damaged but not replace the part(s) that actually caused the fire. The dealership will address the actual problem, but only if I pay for the repairs ($1100-1500 estimated cost).
NHTSA complaint #11626131 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kremmling, COCrash4 injured
AIR BAGS
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. (I don't recall any portion of the accident, I was planning on making a right hand turn and I ended up the opposite way from the way I intended to go. I fell that there was sufficient force involved to have my airbags deploy and I did contact GMC to make them aware of it as well.
NHTSA complaint #11438689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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. (I don't recall any portion of the accident, I was planning on making a right hand turn and I ended up the opposite way from the way I intended to go. I fell that there was sufficient force involved to have my airbags deploy and I did contact GMC to make them aware of it as well.
NHTSA complaint #11438689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesLanghorne, PACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
I WAS INVOLVED IN A SERIOUS FRONT END COLLISION THAT TOTALED MY VEHICLE. MY TRUCK WAS DEEMED NOT REPAIRABLE AND DECLARED TOTAL BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. I WAS DRIVING ON THE NJ GARDEN STATE PARKWAY WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. NOT ONE AIRBAG WAS DEPLOYED!
NHTSA complaint #11415175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Tallahassee, FL
STEERING
While driving a few days ago, power steering abruptly stopped working and a service power steering message appeared. It was very difficult to steer the vehicle back home. I've tried replacing the battery and resetting the steering sensor to no avail.
NHTSA complaint #11753891 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 36,121 milesHialeah, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the driver’s side low beam headlight failed to illuminate as intended. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that upon further inspection, an unknown electrical fuse was burned. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed; however, a cause for the failure was not found. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,121.
NHTSA complaint #11715755 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,000 milesBeacon Falls, CT
BACK OVER PREVENTION
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.
NHTSA complaint #11698517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,000 milesNorth Port, FL
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle vibrated and shuddered abnormally. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent at first but became a recurring failure. The contact stated that the check engine warning light had recently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics who informed the contact of a known transmission failure and a national recall. The contact searched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train); however, the local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included, and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.
NHTSA complaint #11679892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Watsonville, CA
STEERING
The electric power steering motor stopped working while driving on the highway. The vehicle was almost impossible to control and almost caused me to enter the oncoming lane of traffic.
NHTSA complaint #11643163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wausau, WIFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving, a fire started inside the vehicle between the rear passenger side seat belt and the rear window. My daughters were in the back seat and started screaming. I immediately stopped the vehicle and ran to put the fire out by smothering and throwing water on it. There was zero warning...no lights or warning messages. No major injuries occurred (only small minor burns to my right hand). I then brought the vehicle to the dealership where it was purchased. I was told it was a known issue, and I was prompted to file a claim with my insurance company. Someone from the insurance company, along with the service department at the dealership, inspected the vehicle. Insurance has agreed to cover the parts damaged but not replace the part(s) that actually caused the fire. The dealership will address the actual problem, but only if I pay for the repairs ($1100-1500 estimated cost).
NHTSA complaint #11626131 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Havana, IL
SEAT BELTS
unknown the gmc dealership refuses to repair recalls as they say, theres no recalls on the vehicle. There are 2 recalls and were not told of these recalls when purchasing
NHTSA complaint #11590247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Havana, IL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
unknown the gmc dealership refuses to repair recalls as they say, theres no recalls on the vehicle. There are 2 recalls and were not told of these recalls when purchasing
NHTSA complaint #11590247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 47,000 milesSummerville, SC
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while driving 6 MPH and going over a speed bump, the contact heard an abnormal knocking sound emanating from the driver’s side suspension. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the upper control arm was striking the suspension spring. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 47,000.
NHTSA complaint #11572439 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sioux Falls, SD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The rear camera and wire harness for the Rear Backup Camera became corroded and stopped working months ago. This is vital technology that our children have grown up with to ensure the safety of backing up in case something is behind the vehicle including young children, toys, equipment or someone simply walking by your driveway while you're backing up. The Service Manager at Billion GMC in Sioux Falls, SD (Dan Dunnagan) said they are replacing tons of the rear cameras due to corrosion, which might be caused by water getting into the system or faulty parts and faulty wiring from the product manufacturer. This is certainly a safety issue. I had it repaired at a cost of $591.84 for the rear camera and wire harness plus labor. This issue on GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500 pickups should be investigated as the Rear Camera is a vital piece of safety equipment and if a large number of these are faulty, subject to corrosion or poor manufacturing, it should be brought forward to protect consumers.
NHTSA complaint #11532732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sioux Falls, SD
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
The rear camera and wire harness for the Rear Backup Camera became corroded and stopped working months ago. This is vital technology that our children have grown up with to ensure the safety of backing up in case something is behind the vehicle including young children, toys, equipment or someone simply walking by your driveway while you're backing up. The Service Manager at Billion GMC in Sioux Falls, SD (Dan Dunnagan) said they are replacing tons of the rear cameras due to corrosion, which might be caused by water getting into the system or faulty parts and faulty wiring from the product manufacturer. This is certainly a safety issue. I had it repaired at a cost of $591.84 for the rear camera and wire harness plus labor. This issue on GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500 pickups should be investigated as the Rear Camera is a vital piece of safety equipment and if a large number of these are faulty, subject to corrosion or poor manufacturing, it should be brought forward to protect consumers.
NHTSA complaint #11532732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kremmling, COCrash4 injured
AIR BAGS
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. (I don't recall any portion of the accident, I was planning on making a right hand turn and I ended up the opposite way from the way I intended to go. I fell that there was sufficient force involved to have my airbags deploy and I did contact GMC to make them aware of it as well.
NHTSA complaint #11438689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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. (I don't recall any portion of the accident, I was planning on making a right hand turn and I ended up the opposite way from the way I intended to go. I fell that there was sufficient force involved to have my airbags deploy and I did contact GMC to make them aware of it as well.
NHTSA complaint #11438689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesLanghorne, PACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
I WAS INVOLVED IN A SERIOUS FRONT END COLLISION THAT TOTALED MY VEHICLE. MY TRUCK WAS DEEMED NOT REPAIRABLE AND DECLARED TOTAL BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. I WAS DRIVING ON THE NJ GARDEN STATE PARKWAY WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. NOT ONE AIRBAG WAS DEPLOYED!
NHTSA complaint #11415175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.