Research · Small Pickup Trucks 2WD

2023 GMC CanyonRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 63 owner complaints for the 2023 GMC Canyon. Most complaints involve electrical system (20) and forward collision avoidance (19). The EPA rates it 16–20 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.

Combined MPG
16–20mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
3campaigns
Latest Sep 2024
Owner complaints
63
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$3,100est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

3 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Seat belts: critical fasteners

Free remedy

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Chevrolet Colorado and 2023 GMC Canyon vehicles. The left or right front seat may have a seat belt buckle attachment bolt that was not tightened properly.

Seat beltsReported Sep 19, 2024NHTSA 24V703000

Wheels: lugs

Free remedy

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles. The front wheel hub bolts may have been over-tightened and damaged during installation.

WheelsReported Mar 28, 2024NHTSA 24V237000

Electrical system: camera

Free remedy

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles. The front camera module (FCM) system may falsely detect an obstacle, causing the automatic emergency braking (AEB) to engage unexpectedly.

Electrical systemReported Feb 22, 2024NHTSA 24V133000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

63 complaints filed with NHTSA · Aug 2023 – Nov 2026
  1. Electrical system20
  2. Forward collision avoidance19
  3. Engine10
  4. Service brakes8
  5. Power train7
  6. Lane departure7
  7. Exterior lighting5
  8. Structure4
  9. Vehicle speed control3

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
202015
202112
202228
202363
2024208
20258
20268
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
1
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

20 reports1 fire
“The contact owns a 2023 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the anti-lock braking system, brake warning light, low oil, low fuel, seat belt warning light, parking brake, temperature gauge, forward collision warning, and various other warning lights and messages illuminated. The contact depressed the brake pedal to the floor; however, the vehicle only decelerated to 15 MPH and failed to come to a complete stop. The instrument panel screen blacked out twice before the vehicle eventually rolled to a stop. The Forward Collision Unavailable warning message and Check Engine light then illuminated. The contact activated the hazard lights and drove at 5 MPH to a nearby parking lot. The contact stated the brakes continued to malfunction, requiring the driver to allow the vehicle to roll to a stop. The dealer was notified of the failure and confirmed there were no open recalls associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 39,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 31, 2026Service brakes, hydraulic, Electrical systemODI 11760898

Forward collision avoidance

19 reports
“Vehicle had brake system failure while driving nearly resulting in two accidents due to an inability to deccelerate. Brake System Failure notification came on screen along with other safety warnings and a check engine light has stayed on since.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 24, 2026Service brakes, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11766597

Engine

10 reports
“Coolant leak observed at the upper radiator hose quick-connect fitting. The leak appears to originate from the internal seal at the radiator inlet connection. This issue developed without warning and is consistent with a known defect in the radiator hose seal design used in 2023 GMC Canyon vehicles. Vehicle experienced coolant loss and visible residue at the connection point. No visible external damage to the radiator or hose assembly was observed. GM has issued a Special Coverage program for similar radiator inlet hose seal failures in related vehicles using the same component design. Concern is that this defect may lead to coolant loss and potential engine overheating if not addressed.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 22, 2026Unknown or other, EngineODI 11733035
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

4 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Pickup Trucks 2WD, Small Pickup Trucks 4WD
Engines
2.7L 4-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic 8-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
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 Nov 11, 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 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
182320$3,100446
Canyon 4WD
Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive
172119$3,300467
Canyon Mud Terrain Tires 4WD
Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive
172018$3,450495
Canyon AT4X 4WD
Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive
161616$3,900539
  • Canyon 2WD
    Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo
    18 city · 23 hwy · $3,100/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • Canyon 4WD
    Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo
    17 city · 21 hwy · $3,300/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • Canyon Mud Terrain Tires 4WD
    Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo
    17 city · 20 hwy · $3,450/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
  • Canyon AT4X 4WD
    Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo
    16 city · 16 hwy · $3,900/yr
    16
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 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
0.0%
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
0.0%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 11, 2026Vehicle 18254Vehicle 18253
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

2023 Canyon questions

How many recalls does the 2023 GMC Canyon have?

3 safety recalls as of Nov 11, 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 2023 GMC Canyon problems?

Owners filed 63 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (20), forward collision avoidance (19), engine (10). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2023 GMC Canyon get?

The EPA rates the 2023 GMC Canyon at 16–20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

How safe is the 2023 GMC Canyon?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2023 GMC Canyon 4 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026