Research · Small Pickup Trucks 2WD

2017 GMC CanyonRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 66 owner complaints for the 2017 GMC Canyon. Most complaints involve power train (18) and engine (14). The EPA rates it 15–25 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.

Combined MPG
15–25mpg
EPA · 8 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest May 2018
Owner complaints
66
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$2,900est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Fuel system

Free remedy

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.

Fuel system, gasolineReported May 31, 2018NHTSA 18V358000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 27, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

66 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2017 – Sep 2026
  1. Power train18
  2. Engine14
  3. Electrical system12
  4. Steering8
  5. Fuel/propulsion system5
  6. Service brakes4
  7. Air bags3
  8. Forward collision avoidance2
  9. Fuel system, gasoline2

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Canyon model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
200480
2005113
200648
200745
200842
200929
201013
201123
201229
2015321
2016271
201766
201853
201917
202014
202112
202228
202362
2024207
20258
20268
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
4
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 27, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

18 reports
“The contact owns a 2017 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the engine oil was changed several times, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the serial gateway module, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to a transmission specialist, who determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced; however, the transmission was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 25, 2025Power trainODI 11689681

Engine

14 reports
“Catastrophic engine failure. Piston #1 damage after a fuel injector issue. The truck just hit 100k miles. This left my husband stranded over an hour away. No check engine light or warning other than a loud pop and smoke. No warranty on the truck, I’ve been quoted $12k for a new engine. I have read MULTIPLE forums (one thread of 77 posts) of the same thing/similar thing happening.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 31, 2023EngineODI 11552949

Electrical system

12 reports
“While Driving on the interstate, we were needing to stop because of traffic. The brake pedal became very stiff and was barely able to stop the car. We brought the vehicle into a brake shop to have it looked at. The mechanic stated it was most likely the Master cylinder. We replaced that. It still was having the same issue. In total we replaced the Master cylinder, Brake Booster, Rotors, brake pads, and calipers. A few weeks later the recall for Brake Eboost system came out. All of our signs and symptoms point to this. We are wanting to have our truck evaluated for the recall. We were not involved in a crash. After calling the dealership, GM, and now you. Nothing has been told or reported.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 17, 2026Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11764972
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 27, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

8 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Pickup Trucks 2WD, Small Pickup Trucks 4WD, Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD
Engines
2.8L 4-cyl turbo diesel · 2.5L 4-cyl · 3.6L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 6-spd · Manual 6-spd · Automatic 8-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Diesel · Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 27, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Canyon 2WD
Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
223025$3,750411
Canyon 4WD
Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive
202823$4,100449
Canyon 2WD
Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
202622$2,900405
Canyon 2WD
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
192622$2,900408
Canyon 4WD
Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · 4-Wheel Drive
192421$3,050423
Canyon 2WD
Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
182520$3,200440
Canyon 4WD
Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · 4-Wheel Drive
172419$3,400461
Canyon Cab Chassis 2WD
Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
151515$4,300589
  • Canyon 2WD
    Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo
    22 city · 30 hwy · $3,750/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • Canyon 4WD
    Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo
    20 city · 28 hwy · $4,100/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • Canyon 2WD
    Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L
    20 city · 26 hwy · $2,900/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • Canyon 2WD
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L
    19 city · 26 hwy · $2,900/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • Canyon 4WD
    Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L
    19 city · 24 hwy · $3,050/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
  • Canyon 2WD
    Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L
    18 city · 25 hwy · $3,200/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • Canyon 4WD
    Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L
    17 city · 24 hwy · $3,400/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • Canyon Cab Chassis 2WD
    Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L
    15 city · 15 hwy · $4,300/yr
    15
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 27, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

4 tested variants
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5
GMC Canyon PU/CC 4WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
3 of 5
Rollover risk
21.2%
Overall
4 / 5
GMC Canyon PU/CC RWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
3 of 5
Rollover risk
21.9%
Overall
4 / 5
GMC Canyon PU/EC RWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
3 of 5
Rollover risk
22.0%
Overall
4 / 5
GMC Canyon PU/EC 4WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
3 of 5
Rollover risk
21.4%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 27, 2026Vehicle 11300Vehicle 11299Vehicle 11298
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2017 Canyon questions

How many recalls does the 2017 GMC Canyon have?

1 safety recall as of Oct 27, 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.

What are the most common 2017 GMC Canyon problems?

Owners filed 66 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (18), engine (14), electrical system (12). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2017 GMC Canyon get?

The EPA rates the 2017 GMC Canyon at 15–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (8 versions rated).

How safe is the 2017 GMC Canyon?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2017 GMC Canyon 4 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 27, 2026