NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 12 owner complaints for the 2021 GMC Canyon. Most complaints involve steering (2) and power train (2). The EPA rates it 18–23 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 GMC Canyon vehicles. The load carrying capacity printed on the Tire and Loading Information placard is 22.5 kg (51 lbs.) more than intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.
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 |
“While driving a few days ago, power steering abruptly stopped working and a service power steering message appeared. It was very difficult to steer the vehicle back home. I've tried replacing the battery and resetting the steering sensor to no avail.”
“The contact owns a 2021 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle vibrated and shuddered abnormally. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent at first but became a recurring failure. The contact stated that the check engine warning light had recently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics who informed the contact of a known transmission failure and a national recall. The contact searched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train); however, the local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included, and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.”
“I was involved in a MVA with another car. The other car had all their airbags deploy after they struck me. None of my airbags deployed. I was hit in the right front corner ahead of my right tire. The secondary impact was to my right side between my rear passenger door and rear tire. They hit me with enough force to bend the frame of my truck, crack my engine block and the appraisal from the repair shop came to over $34K without any engine work. I was the only one in my vehicle, thankfully. I am not sure how many occupants were in the other vehicle. But they were transported to the hospital by ambulance. My wife took me in our other vehicle. I was diagnosed with a concussion, assorted bruises, aches and pains. What troubles me is that while my airbags didn't deploy, the other vehicles did! I was spun 90* to 180* from the way I was traveling. (I don't recall any portion of the accident, I was planning on making a right hand turn and I ended up the opposite way from the way I intended to go. I fell that there was sufficient force involved to have my airbags deploy and I did contact GMC to make them aware of it as well.”
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 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 30 | 23 | $4,100 | 435 |
| Canyon 2WD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 22 | $2,850 | 413 |
| Canyon 4WD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive | 19 | 28 | 22 | $4,300 | 455 |
| Canyon 2WD Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 21 | $2,950 | 424 |
| Canyon 4WD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 19 | 24 | 21 | $2,950 | 431 |
| Canyon 4WD Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,450 | 494 |
| 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 Nov 10, 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 12 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (2), power train (2), air bags (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2021 GMC Canyon at 18–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 GMC Canyon 4 out of 5 stars overall.