Owners have filed 106 complaints
about the 2023 GMC Canyon with NHTSA between 2023 and 2026.
The largest single group is the driver assist & collision avoidance.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 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 — 52
Against the median year of the GMC Canyon. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 29
5.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
86% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Automatic Emergency Braking
1237.5%
Warnings
721.9%
Blind Spot Detection
618.8%
Body
39.4%
Warning
13.1%
Compressor
13.1%
Assist
13.1%
Adaptive Cruise Control
13.1%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
29.5%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1466.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
29.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
314.3%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2023 GMC Canyon PU/CC 4WD
2023 GMC Canyon PU/CC RWD
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.
Aug 2023peak 10Aug 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2023 GMC Canyon
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
1
investigation is
still open.
EA26006Opened 21 Aug 2026Still openSERVICE BRAKES
Electronic Brake Module Component Failure
On April 11, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE24011 after receiving complaints concerning a loss of brake assist in 2023 MY Cadillac Lyriq vehicles. These complaints allege a hard brake pedal, followed by a “Brake System Failure” message at start up or while driving. GM shared records regarding several internal investigations for loss of brake assist due to alleged spindle fractures in the eBoost system. GM has stated that in the event of a spindle fracture, anti-lock brakes (ABS), stability control, and traction control remain functional until th...
Recalls on the 2023 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.
United States — NHTSA
24V703000
SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Chevrolet Colorado and 2023 GMC Canyon vehicles. The left or right front seat may have a seat belt buckle attachment bolt that was not tightened properly.
Risk: A loose seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
24V237000
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles. The front wheel hub bolts may have been over-tightened and damaged during installation.
Risk: Damaged bolts may loosen or break, which can result in a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Risk: Unexpected automatic emergency braking can cause the vehicle to abruptly stop or slow down, increasing the risk of a crash.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20241144,981 units in Canada
Brakes
Issue: Under certain conditions, a software problem with the front camera module could cause the Automatic Emergency Braking system (AEB) to falsely detect an obstacle and activate when it is not needed. If this happens, the system will stop or slow the vehicle down suddenly. Safety Risk: If the AEB system activates with braking when no potential collision is present, it could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the front camera module software.
Recall 2024060273,306 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the lower beam headlamps not to turn on as it becomes dark outside if the multi-function switch is in the "OFF" or "PARKING LAMP" position. This could also cause the daytime running lamps (DRLs) to turn off when the vehicle is moving. As a result, the vehicles may not meet certain requirements of Canadian regulations. Safety Risk: Headlamps and/or DRLs that don't turn on could reduce visibility, make the vehicle less visible to others and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the body control module (BCM)software.
Recall 20235917,738 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Issue: On certain vehicles, the automatic headlamps may not turn on soon enough as it becomes dark outside. Canadian regulations require automatic headlamps to turn on when the ambient light level drops below a certain point (1000 lux). Safety Risk: Headlamps that don't turn on as it becomes dark outside could reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the body control module (BCM) software.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Blackwood, NJFire
AIR BAGS
While driving I saw smoke and when I pulled over I seen fuel leaking from the gas tank area. Where it was leaking it ignited and the fire department had to put out the fire and the truck is totaled
NHTSA complaint #11743819 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Blackwood, NJFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
While driving I saw smoke and when I pulled over I seen fuel leaking from the gas tank area. Where it was leaking it ignited and the fire department had to put out the fire and the truck is totaled
NHTSA complaint #11743819 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Blackwood, NJFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving I saw smoke and when I pulled over I seen fuel leaking from the gas tank area. Where it was leaking it ignited and the fire department had to put out the fire and the truck is totaled
NHTSA complaint #11743819 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woodland Hills, CA1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
Since I purchased the vehicle it’s had the issue of it braking on its own. I brought this up to GMC many times. At the beginning they had me try to duplicate it with them, which I thought would be unsafe. They only acknowledged the problem and attempted repairs after I contacted GMC directly. The issue with the crash alerts while driving always stayed, even though there was nothing in front of me. Just recently it started braking on its own again in traffic. This has caused bodily and property damage, luckily nothing grave. I do not feel safe in the vehicle and gave gmc many attempts at fixing such a serious issue. I want them to tow replace the vehicle and provide a loaner. Please contact me if you need more details. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11636776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woodland Hills, CA1 injured
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Since I purchased the vehicle it’s had the issue of it braking on its own. I brought this up to GMC many times. At the beginning they had me try to duplicate it with them, which I thought would be unsafe. They only acknowledged the problem and attempted repairs after I contacted GMC directly. The issue with the crash alerts while driving always stayed, even though there was nothing in front of me. Just recently it started braking on its own again in traffic. This has caused bodily and property damage, luckily nothing grave. I do not feel safe in the vehicle and gave gmc many attempts at fixing such a serious issue. I want them to tow replace the vehicle and provide a loaner. Please contact me if you need more details. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11636776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Since I purchased the vehicle it’s had the issue of it braking on its own. I brought this up to GMC many times. At the beginning they had me try to duplicate it with them, which I thought would be unsafe. They only acknowledged the problem and attempted repairs after I contacted GMC directly. The issue with the crash alerts while driving always stayed, even though there was nothing in front of me. Just recently it started braking on its own again in traffic. This has caused bodily and property damage, luckily nothing grave. I do not feel safe in the vehicle and gave gmc many attempts at fixing such a serious issue. I want them to tow replace the vehicle and provide a loaner. Please contact me if you need more details. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11636776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 39,000 milesSanta Clarita, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 dealer was notified of the failure and confirmed there were no open recalls associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 39,000.
NHTSA complaint #11760898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 39,000 milesSanta Clarita, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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 dealer was notified of the failure and confirmed there were no open recalls associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 39,000.
NHTSA complaint #11760898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Diego, CA
POWER TRAIN
Unknown
NHTSA complaint #11760392 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Diego, CA
SUSPENSION
Unknown
NHTSA complaint #11760392 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Diego, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Unknown
NHTSA complaint #11760392 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tucson, AZ
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The vehicle’s headlights are malfunctioning, creating a safety concern. The issue was reported to the dealership and GMC Customer Care, but it remains unresolved. The dealership offered repair assistance, but GMC Customer Care stated that no additional assistance is available.
NHTSA complaint #11756924 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tucson, AZ
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The vehicle’s headlights are malfunctioning, creating a safety concern. The issue was reported to the dealership and GMC Customer Care, but it remains unresolved. The dealership offered repair assistance, but GMC Customer Care stated that no additional assistance is available.
NHTSA complaint #11756926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ellijay, GA
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
The automatic emergency braking system on our 2023 GMC Canyon engaged suddenly 3 separate times while we were driving at around 50 MPH on a clear, straight road with no obstructions. We brought the truck to the dealership the next day, and the service department said it was a software issue and reprogrammed the truck's computer. This did not fix the problem, and we experienced the same unexpected automatic braking while driving at 50 MPH on a clear road. We brought the truck to the dealer again, and it has remained there ever since. This poses a risk for sudden unexpected stops, loss of control of the vehicle and rear end collision. There were no warning lights to indicate a problem. In addition, the blind spot indicator light on the drivers side starts blinking when there is nothing in the blind spot. We first notice the problem July 23, 2026 and it recurred on August 6 2026.
NHTSA complaint #11756612 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The automatic emergency braking system on our 2023 GMC Canyon engaged suddenly 3 separate times while we were driving at around 50 MPH on a clear, straight road with no obstructions. We brought the truck to the dealership the next day, and the service department said it was a software issue and reprogrammed the truck's computer. This did not fix the problem, and we experienced the same unexpected automatic braking while driving at 50 MPH on a clear road. We brought the truck to the dealer again, and it has remained there ever since. This poses a risk for sudden unexpected stops, loss of control of the vehicle and rear end collision. There were no warning lights to indicate a problem. In addition, the blind spot indicator light on the drivers side starts blinking when there is nothing in the blind spot. We first notice the problem July 23, 2026 and it recurred on August 6 2026.
NHTSA complaint #11756612 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,000 milesMcclure, PA
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 - 20 MPH, the message to decelerate immediately was displayed on the instrument panel, and the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to 1st gear. The failure had occurred several times, at times while driving 75 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to replace the valve body and solenoid. The second time the vehicle was taken to the dealer, it was determined that there was a failure with the transmission caused by an inoperable wiring harness connection. The vehicle was repaired. The failure persisted, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer a third time but had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.
NHTSA complaint #11755849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Issaquah, WA
SERVICE BRAKES
Trailer brakes continuously fault due to known problem GM technical bulletin 23-NA-149 This should be a recall. Nothing but the runaround getting it fixed by GM.
NHTSA complaint #11747753 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Blackwood, NJFire
AIR BAGS
While driving I saw smoke and when I pulled over I seen fuel leaking from the gas tank area. Where it was leaking it ignited and the fire department had to put out the fire and the truck is totaled
NHTSA complaint #11743819 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Blackwood, NJFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
While driving I saw smoke and when I pulled over I seen fuel leaking from the gas tank area. Where it was leaking it ignited and the fire department had to put out the fire and the truck is totaled
NHTSA complaint #11743819 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Blackwood, NJFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving I saw smoke and when I pulled over I seen fuel leaking from the gas tank area. Where it was leaking it ignited and the fire department had to put out the fire and the truck is totaled
NHTSA complaint #11743819 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sahuarita, AZ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Coolant leak observed at the upper radiator hose quick-connect fitting. The leak appears to originate from the internal seal at the radiator inlet connection. This issue developed without warning and is consistent with a known defect in the radiator hose seal design used in 2023 GMC Canyon vehicles. Vehicle experienced coolant loss and visible residue at the connection point. No visible external damage to the radiator or hose assembly was observed. GM has issued a Special Coverage program for similar radiator inlet hose seal failures in related vehicles using the same component design. Concern is that this defect may lead to coolant loss and potential engine overheating if not addressed.
NHTSA complaint #11733035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sahuarita, AZ
ENGINE
Coolant leak observed at the upper radiator hose quick-connect fitting. The leak appears to originate from the internal seal at the radiator inlet connection. This issue developed without warning and is consistent with a known defect in the radiator hose seal design used in 2023 GMC Canyon vehicles. Vehicle experienced coolant loss and visible residue at the connection point. No visible external damage to the radiator or hose assembly was observed. GM has issued a Special Coverage program for similar radiator inlet hose seal failures in related vehicles using the same component design. Concern is that this defect may lead to coolant loss and potential engine overheating if not addressed.
NHTSA complaint #11733035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 9,300 milesTamarac, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the automatic emergency braking (AEB) unexpectedly engaged. The message "Reduce Acceleration Proceed with Caution”, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and returned to normal functionality. The contact stated that the vehicle was nearly rear-ended. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V133000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 9,300.
NHTSA complaint #11722280 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 9,300 milesTamarac, FL
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the automatic emergency braking (AEB) unexpectedly engaged. The message "Reduce Acceleration Proceed with Caution”, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and returned to normal functionality. The contact stated that the vehicle was nearly rear-ended. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V133000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 9,300.
NHTSA complaint #11722280 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phoenix, AZ
ENGINE
The upper radiator hose on some huge percentage of these trucks fail (mine has failed at just over 37K miles). You can check the Colorado Chevy and GMC Canyon forums, youtube, Facebook, etc., et al, and find plenty of instances where this has failed. As this is the cooling system, it can cause the engine to overheat and potentially ruin the engine. The flaw seems to be an engineering issue with the rubber seal they use (instead of a high quality o-ring) to seal the upper hose to the radiator. Additionally, since this can cause engine failure it should be addressed immediately. Instead, my local Chevy dealer, since its not a recall item, said they could schedule a time next week for me to LEAVE the truck and that I am responsible for the repair. This is extremely unfair to the consumer who depends on these vehicles. This should absolutely be a recall item. You can find 1000's of examples online and if you can pull GM repair data, I'm sure you'll find 1000's more.
NHTSA complaint #11720437 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
El Paso, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Top radiator hose is leaking coolant. Radiator hose O ring appears to be faulty.
NHTSA complaint #11718457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Leland, NC
ENGINE
Upper radiator hose gasket leaks at connection point to radiator and no gasket replacement part. GMC forces you to buy entire hose
NHTSA complaint #11718399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
El Paso, TX
ENGINE
Top radiator hose is leaking coolant. Radiator hose O ring appears to be faulty.
NHTSA complaint #11718457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grand Praire, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Upper radiator hose is leaking
NHTSA complaint #11711891 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grand Praire, TX
ENGINE
Upper radiator hose is leaking
NHTSA complaint #11711891 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Soddy Daisy, TN
ENGINE
Noticed a coolant leak on drivers side and took to dealership was told was the upper radiator hose but was unable to make repairs due to national backorder and only suggestion was to drive until parts come in and keep a check on the coolant level, My truck only has 28,708 miles and shouldn't have to keep an eye on coolant level I feel that is very unsafe
NHTSA complaint #11705901 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.