Problems · NHTSA complaints
2023 GMC Canyon problems
Owners filed 62 complaints about the 2023 GMC Canyon with NHTSA between Aug 2023 and Sep 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (20).
Complaints
62
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Electrical system20
- Forward collision avoidance19
- Engine10
- Service brakes8
- Lane departure7
- Power train6
- Exterior lighting5
- Structure4
- Vehicle speed control3
- Steering3
- Visibility/wiper3
- Service brakes, hydraulic2
- Air bags2
- Visibility2
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 27, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
12
21
13
16
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 12 |
| 2024 | 21 |
| 2025 | 13 |
| 2026 | 16 |
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
Electrical system
20 reports1 fire1 related recall
“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.”
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.”
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.”
Service brakes
8 reports
“Trailer brakes continuously fault due to known problem GM technical bulletin 23-NA-149 This should be a recall. Nothing but the runaround getting it fixed by GM.”
Lane departure
7 reports
“The automatic emergency braking system on our 2023 GMC Canyon engaged suddenly 3 separate times while we were driving at around 50 MPH on a clear, straight road with no obstructions. We brought the truck to the dealership the next day, and the service department said it was a software issue and reprogrammed the truck's computer. This did not fix the problem, and we experienced the same unexpected automatic braking while driving at 50 MPH on a clear road. We brought the truck to the dealer again, and it has remained there ever since. This poses a risk for sudden unexpected stops, loss of control of the vehicle and rear end collision. There were no warning lights to indicate a problem. In addition, the blind spot indicator light on the drivers side starts blinking when there is nothing in the blind spot. We first notice the problem July 23, 2026 and it recurred on August 6 2026.”
Power train
6 reports
“While i was driving on the highway at 85 mph the truck went into limp mode causing the truck to slow down at a dangerous distance. My body was forced forward causing me to lose a portion of control and causing other drivers behind me to slam on their breaks. I pulled over and turned it off for a few minutes then resumed my travel. About 30 minutes later it happened again at 80 mph the exact same way. After taking it to the dealership they said it was a faulty solenoid in the valve body.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 27, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.