NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 29 owner complaints for the 2012 GMC Canyon. Most complaints involve electrical system (10) and air bags (4). The EPA rates it 16–21 mpg combined.
General Motors is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles manufactured from November 9, 2009, through August 28, 2012, for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 113, "Hood Latch System." The hood may be missing the secondary hood latch.
GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET COLORADO AND GMC CANYON VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 9, 2011, THROUGH OCTOBER 19, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH DRIVER SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR TERMINALS THAT DO NOT FIT SNUGLY WITH THE CONNECTOR PINS, CAUSING THE CONNECTION TO BE INTERMITTENT.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Canyon model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 80 |
| 2005 | 113 |
| 2006 | 48 |
| 2007 | 45 |
| 2008 | 42 |
| 2009 | 29 |
| 2010 | 13 |
| 2011 | 23 |
| 2012 | 29 |
| 2015 | 321 |
| 2016 | 271 |
| 2017 | 66 |
| 2018 | 53 |
| 2019 | 17 |
| 2020 | 14 |
| 2021 | 12 |
| 2022 | 28 |
| 2023 | 62 |
| 2024 | 207 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 8 |
“On all chevy / canyon models 05 thru 12 there is an issue called "passlock" which prevents the vehicle from starting, it will leave you stranded. The failure is the ignition housing with the passlock sensor, not the actual key / tumbler, the part has to be replaced. The problem / failure is so common that you can "google" 2005 thru 2012 chevy colorado gmc canyon passlock issue" and find the root and a how to fix / repair guides. I spent almost $600 at the GMC dealer, they found no error or trouble codes in either on board computer, I showed the service advisor the issue, online diagnosis and suggested the repair. This is so dam common it should be a defective part recall and all repairs and costs covered by GM / GMC”
“Seatbelt light for the front driver continues to turn on even when buckled in and will ding to notify that it’s not buckled despite it buckled in. This is a safety issue as the airbag light also remains on because of it.”
“The contact owns a 2012 GMC Canyon. The contact noticed that there was wiring appearing from the rear end of the vehicle. The contact stated that the rear sub frame was rusted and cracked. Additionally, the parking brake cable was hanging from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact deemed the vehicle unsafe to drive. The dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 139,908. The VIN was not available.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canyon 2WD Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 21 | $3,050 | 423 |
| Canyon 2WD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,050 | 423 |
| Canyon Crew Cab 2WD Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 21 | $3,050 | 423 |
| Canyon 4WD Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 20 | $3,200 | 444 |
| Canyon 4WD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,200 | 444 |
| Canyon 2WD Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,400 | 468 |
| Canyon 4WD Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,400 | 468 |
| Canyon Cab Chassis Inc 4WD Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,550 | 494 |
| Canyon Cab Chassis Inc 2WD Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,800 | 523 |
| Canyon 2WD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 16 | $4,000 | 555 |
| Canyon 4WD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,000 | 555 |
| Canyon Crew Cab 2WD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 16 | $4,000 | 555 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
2 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 29 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (10), air bags (4), structure (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2012 GMC Canyon at 16–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (12 versions rated).