Research · Small Pickup Trucks 2WD

2019 GMC CanyonRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 17 owner complaints for the 2019 GMC Canyon. Most complaints involve power train (7) and electrical system (5). The EPA rates it 15–23 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.

Combined MPG
15–23mpg
EPA · 8 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
17
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$2,900est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2019 GMC Canyon as of Oct 27, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 27, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

17 complaints filed with NHTSA · Sep 2019 – Sep 2026
  1. Power train7
  2. Electrical system5
  3. Engine3
  4. Fuel/propulsion system3
  5. Steering1
  6. Tires1
  7. Other / unknown3

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
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
0
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

7 reports
“The contact owns a 2019 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was determined that both rear tires needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to a local Goodyear tire for a second opinion, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear carriage bearings were failing. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer, where the shim kit, bearings, spacer, seals, and lubricants were replaced; however, approximately 3 years later, the failure reoccurred. After further investigation, the contact associated the failure with TSB: 20-NA-034. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by telephone, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 20,164.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 29, 2026Power trainODI 11767707

Electrical system

5 reports1 fire
“The engine coolant temperature sensor has failed on my 2019 GMC Canyon. The check engine light is illuminated, the temperature gauge does not register correctly, the air conditioning has been disabled by the vehicle's computer, and the engine cooling fan continues to run after the engine is turned off. These symptoms are consistent with the vehicle entering fail-safe mode due to loss of a valid coolant temperature signal. The problem was confirmed by an independent mechanic who diagnosed a failed coolant temperature sensor. The mechanic attempted to source a replacement part through GMC but was informed the part was unavailable. The reason for the parts unavailability is unknown, though in his experience, it typically means that the manufacturer is stocking up and preparing for a recall This issue appears to be widespread across 2017–2020 GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado V6 trucks based on extensive owner forum documentation. The safety concern is significant: without reliable coolant temperature monitoring, there is no assurance the engine is operating within safe thermal limits, and the driver has no warning if overheating occurs. The disabled A/C also…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 14, 2026Electrical system, EngineODI 11731109

Engine

3 reports
“The contact owns a 2019 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. There was an abnormal scratching noise detected. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that an unknown part had fractured inside the engine. The mechanic informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000. The VIN was not available.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 15, 2024EngineODI 11602311
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
203023$4,100435
Canyon 2WD
Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
202622$2,900406
Canyon 2WD
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
202622$2,900403
Canyon 4WD
Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive
192822$4,300455
Canyon 4WD
Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · 4-Wheel Drive
192421$3,050429
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$4,300572
  • Canyon 2WD
    Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo
    20 city · 30 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
    20 city · 26 hwy · $2,900/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • Canyon 4WD
    Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo
    19 city · 28 hwy · $4,300/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 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/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/EC 4WD
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 RWD
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 13626Vehicle 13625Vehicle 13624
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

2019 Canyon questions

How many recalls does the 2019 GMC Canyon have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 27, 2026.

What are the most common 2019 GMC Canyon problems?

Owners filed 17 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (7), electrical system (5), engine (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2019 GMC Canyon get?

The EPA rates the 2019 GMC Canyon at 15–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (8 versions rated).

How safe is the 2019 GMC Canyon?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2019 GMC Canyon 4 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 27, 2026