Problems · NHTSA complaints
2015 GMC Canyon problems
Owners filed 321 complaints about the 2015 GMC Canyon with NHTSA between Jan 2015 and Sep 2026. The most-cited component is steering (228).
Complaints
321
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
8
Reported by owners
Fires
4
Reported by owners
Injuries
5
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Steering228
- Power train43
- Electronic stability control (esc)37
- Electrical system36
- Engine14
- Service brakes10
- Exterior lighting9
- Air bags7
- Visibility/wiper7
- Fuel/propulsion system6
- Wheels3
- Suspension3
- Structure3
- Service brakes, hydraulic2
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 29, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
18
24
19
26
63
60
24
30
11
19
17
10
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 18 |
| 2016 | 24 |
| 2017 | 19 |
| 2018 | 26 |
| 2019 | 63 |
| 2020 | 60 |
| 2021 | 24 |
| 2022 | 30 |
| 2023 | 11 |
| 2024 | 19 |
| 2025 | 17 |
| 2026 | 10 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Steering
228 reports4 crashes1 fire2 related recalls
“The contact owns a 2015 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the "Power Steering Assist Lost" message displayed, and the steering wheel became stiff and difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was parked, and upon restarting the engine, the failure self-corrected. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V213000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 224,000.”
Power train
43 reports1 fire
“Ignition locking solenoid fails to release when put into park, resulting in the key stuck in the ignition. I'm then unable to leave the vehicle unattended without threat of theft or battery failure. Dealer has not been able to fix the issue. No warnings or failure indications are observed, other than the key being stuck.”
Electronic stability control (esc)
37 reports1 crash
“SEVERAL TIMES OVER PAST MONTH AND TIME SINCE I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE . THE POWER STEERING MODULE WILL GO OUT DURING DRIVING. WHEN THIS HAPPENS POWER STEERING IS LOST AND I RECEIVE WARNING CHIME AND AM NOT ABLE TO STEER PROPERLY. I AM VERY CONCERNED THIS COULD CAUSE A CRASH. GM IS OFFERING NO HELP BECAUSE MY VEHICLE VIN DOES NOT SHOW UP UNDER THE RECALL.”
Electrical system
36 reports3 crashes3 fires
“Driving I15 and went to take my exit and the power steering went out and I almost rolled the truck now the eps won’t even come on. There needs to be a recall for my vin like there is for all other trucks that year. There was no warning just shut off immediately if my wife was driving she would’ve rolled the truck. It hasn’t been looked at but there is a ton of recalls for the same issue with 2015 and for some reason my vin is not listed. This needs to be solved asap as this is my only vehicle that I use to take to work”
Engine
14 reports1 fire
“The truck will lose power steering and power down. Several codes will come on. When I started researching this problem, I noticed that there is a recall that was put out for this very same problem but my vehicle is not listed as eligible for this recall. I don't understand why it would not be eligible. Can someone please let me know?”
Service brakes
10 reports1 crash
“Service brake assist light comes on and Vehicle loses braking power. Brake pedal gets hard and unable to stop if needed and has potential of injury / accidental death. This similar problem has been recalled in the larger trucks /SUVs due to safety issues. It appears it's also happening in the smaller truck's canyon and Colorado's as well, however no recalls. Many blogs online discussing the issues and failures of the braking system.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.