RoadVitals

2009 GMC Canyon

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
27
Latest Jun 9, 2023
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Nov 18, 2010
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 27 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2009 GMC Canyon, most frequently naming the electrical, fuel system and brakes categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 1,043 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Electrical822.9%
  • Fuel system617.1%
  • Brakes411.4%
  • Airbags38.6%
  • Driver assistance38.6%
  • Engine38.6%
  • Powertrain (other)38.6%
  • Exterior lighting25.7%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
10V575000

CHILD SEAT

Nov 18, 2010
192,676 units potentially affected
The defect: GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2011, CHEVROLET COLORADO, GMC CANYON, MODEL YEAR 2006, ISUZU I-280/I-350, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2008, I-290/I-370, REGULAR CAB VEHICLES AND EXTENDED CAB VEHICLES WITHOUT A REAR SEAT AND EQUIPPED WITH A FRONT 60/40 SPLIT BENCH SEAT. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE TOP TETHER ANCHOR FOR THE FRONT CENTER SEAT IS NOT ACCESSIBLE AND THE OWNER MANUAL DOES NOT INCLUDE INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING HOW TO USE THE TOP TETHER.
The risk: BOTH NHTSA AND GM DISCOURAGE PLACEMENT OF A CHILD IN A FRONT SEAT. NEVERTHELESS, THERE ARE INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES THAT MAY REQUIRE PLACEMENT OF A CHILD IN A RESTRAINT IN THE FRONT CENTER SEATING POSITION OF THIS VEHICLE THAT DOES NOT OFFER A REAR SEAT. LACK OF ACCESS TO THE TOP TETHER ANCHOR AND A LACK OF INSTRUCTIONS AS TO HOW TO USE IT, MAY RESULT IN IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF A CHILD RESTRAINT. IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF A CHILD RESTRAINT CAN RESULT IN A REDUCTION IN THE RESTRAINT'S PERFORMANCE IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH AND AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH TO THE CHILD SEATED IN THE RESTRAINT.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL CUT A HOLE INTO THE BACK PANEL TRIM COVER TO ALLOW ACCESS TO THE TOP TETHER ANCHOR FOR THE FRONT CENTER SEAT POSITION AND WILL PROVIDE SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION AS TO USE IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727 OR VISIT GM'S WEBSITE AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.Manufacturer number 10367View on NHTSA.gov
09V310000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

Jul 29, 2009
185,903 units potentially affected
The defect: GM IS RECALLING 185,903 MODEL YEAR 2004-2009 COLORADO, GMC MODEL YEAR 2009-2004 CANYON, MODEL YEAR 2006 I-280, I-350, MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 I-290, AND I-370, PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALABAMA, ARIZONA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, HAWAII, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NEVADA, NEW MEXICO, PUERTO RICO, SOUTH CAROLINA, TEXAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS AND UTAH. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A BRAKE LAMP SWITCH THAT MAY NOT WORK AS DESIGNED DUE TO CONTAMINATION IN THE SWITCH.
The risk: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE SIMULTANEOUS LOSS OF ALL BRAKE LAMPS OR CAUSE ALL OF THE BRAKE LAMPS TO STAY ON CONTINUOUSLY. BOTH OF THESE CONDITIONS COULD FAIL TO WARN OTHERS OF THE DRIVER'S INTENTIONS AND COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE NECESSARY COMPONENTS AS SPECIFIED IN THE RECALL BULLETIN FREE OF CHARGE. GM ANTICIPATES THAT PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE BY JUNE 2010. A SPECIAL COVERAGE FOR VEHICLES REGISTERED IN ALL OTHER STATES WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE SAME TIME FRAME. IN THE INTERIM, OWNERS WHO EXPERIENCE THE FAILURE CAN OBTAIN A FREE REPAIR, HOWEVER THEY WILL BE REQUIRED TO RETURN WHEN THE NEW DESIGN PART BECOMES AVAILABLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727 OR AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.Manufacturer number 09049View on NHTSA.gov
09V154000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

May 6, 2009
27,188 units potentially affected
The defect: GM IS RECALLING 27,188 MY 2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE HYBRID, ESCALADE ESV, AND ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SUBURBAN, TAHOE, TAHOE HYBRID, AND COLORADO; AND GMC YUKON, YUKON HYBRID, YUKON XL, AND CANYON VEHICLES. THE FUEL SYSTEM CONTROL MODULES MAY HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH AN ADHESIVE SEPARATION OF THE ROOM TEMPERATURE VULCANIZING (RTV) SEAL BETWEEN THE SEAL AND THE HOUSING MAY ALLOW WATER TO SEEP INTO THE MODULE.
The risk: WATER IN THE MODULE COULD CAUSE A SHORT OR OPEN CIRCUIT, ILLUMINATION OF THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LAMP, SETTING OF DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES OR THE ENGINE MAY BE HARD TO START, MAY NOT START OR MAY STALL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW FUEL SYSTEM CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 18, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 OR AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.Manufacturer number 08411View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 27
Body & structure
Filed Jun 9, 2023

The contact owns a 2009 GMC Canyon. The contact stated during an oil change, he was informed by the mechanic that the sub frame was fractured between the driver’s side door and the passenger’s side door. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the local dealer however, the independent mechanic advised the contact that the entire sub frame needed to be replaced because the fracture could not be welded. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.

NHTSA ID
11526219
Incident
Jun 6, 2023
Mileage
157,000 mi
BrakesDriver assistanceExterior lighting
Filed Dec 30, 2021

My husband recently asked if I had encountered any problems using the cruise control in this vehicle. Since I seldom drive any distance with that vehicle, I never noticed anything. But he had traveled onto the interstate, and when attempting to set the cruise, noticed it didn't work. Yesterday, I had to follow him somewhere, and I noticed the brake lights weren't coming on. We tested all the other things (tail lights, back up lights, turn signals), and everything was working properly. Today I was looking to see how to replace the brake light switch, and also noticed there were instructions on how to replace the cruise control switch and fuses,too (as they all seem to be related.) Then I found that some models of the Chevy Colorado and the GMC Canyon were affected by a recall for this same issue. When I looked it up just now, this model (2009 GMC Canyon) is not under the recall (but it has the same issue).

NHTSA ID
11445613
Incident
Dec 29, 2021
Electrical
Filed Dec 10, 2021

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Car will periodically and unpredictably not crank, fire or start. After attempting approximately 10 minutes later it will. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? One never knows circumstances in which they need reliable transportation. In my case I have elderly parents that can need me at any given time. In most cases it is an annoyance but due to the unpredictable factor anything could happen. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes but no codes were trapped in ECM Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No

NHTSA ID
11443374
Incident
Dec 10, 2021
ElectricalEngine
Filed Dec 4, 2020

IT TIMES IT WONT START HAVE TO WAIT 15-20 MIN TO START WHILE PARKED I ALSO HAD A 2004 COLORADO THAT DID THE SAME THING .NOW FOR THE SAFETY END .IF YOUR IN THE COUNTRY AN YOU OR SOMEONE IS HAVEING A MEDICAL ISSUE AN IT WONT START THEIR IS A POSSIBLE LIFE OR DEATH SITUATION THAT PERSON HAS A GREATER CHANCE OF DIEING .I HAVE TALKED TO DEALERS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM ALL THEY SAID WE CAN TRY DIFFERENT THINGS BUT AT MY EXPENCE. I WAS TOLD IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE SECURITY LOCK SYSTEM . GM SAID THEY DONT KNOW HOW TO FIX IT .IAM SURE OTHER PEOPLE HAS HAD THE SAME PROBLEM I WOULD LIKE SOME INFO BACK YHANK YOU

NHTSA ID
11377882
Incident
May 5, 2013
Mileage
45,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Nov 11, 2020

I WAS DRIVING APPROX. 65 MPH IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ON THE NEW YORK STATE THRUWAY WHEN I LOST ALL POWER TO MY TRUCK AND WAS BARELY ABLE TO MANUEVER OFF THE ROAD. I HAD MY TRUCK TOWED TO MY MECHANIC & WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS THE FUEL PUMP FLOW CONTROL MODULE. RECALL NO. 08411 2009 GMC CANYONS WERE RECALLED BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. THE RECALL STATED THAT THE FUEL SYSTEM CONTROL MODULES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH AN ADHESIVE SEPARATION OF THE RTV SEAL BETWEEN THE SEAL AND THE HOUSING MAY ALLOW WATER TO SEEP INTO THE MODULE. WATER IN THE MODULE COULD CAUSE A SHORT, ILLUMINATION OF THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT (WHICH WAS ON IN MY TRUCK). ALSO THE ENGINE MAY BE HARD TO START, MAY NOT START OR MAY STALL. IF THE VEHICLE STALLS WHILE IT IS MOVING, A CRASH MAY OCCUR! THIS HAPPENED TO ME BUT I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO NOT CRASH AND DIE. LIKE OTHERS MY TRUCK DID NOT FALL WITHIN THE VIN #S. OBVIOUSLY THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THIS PART. MY TRUCK HAD THE PROBLEMS STATED IN THE RECALL AND THIS WAS CONFIRMED BY MY MECHANIC & DEALERSHIP. HOWEVER, GMC DENIED THE REIMBURSEMENT BECAUSE IT WAS NOT WITHIN THE RECALLED VIN#S. GMC WAS NOT BROAD ENOUGH WITH THEIR RECALL!! I'M ATTACHING A PHOTO OF THE MODULE AND YOU CAN CLEARLY SEE THE CORROSION .

NHTSA ID
11374161
Incident
Oct 21, 2020
Mileage
54,856 mi
Airbags
Filed Jul 29, 2018

MY AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON, I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND THEY FOUND A BROKEN WIRE IN THE REAR DRIVERSIDE DOOR THEY SPLICED THE WIRE AND THAT WORKED FOR ABOUT A MONTH AND NOW IT IS COMING BACK ON AGAIN BUT IT SEEMS TO ONLY COME ON WHEN IT IS DAMP OR RAINING. I OPEN THE DOOR AND MOVE THE WIRE HARNESS AROUND IT WILL GO BACK OFF.

NHTSA ID
11114369
Incident
Jun 6, 2018
Fuel system
Filed Jul 10, 2018

INTERMITTENT AND REPEATED PARTIAL FAILURE OF FUEL SYSTEM CONTROL MODULE PART NUMBER 20850907 DURING DRIVING, INCLUDING ROUGH ENGINE OPERATION, LOSS OF MOST OF ENGINE POWER ON MODERATE HIGHWAY GRADE, SLOWING TO 15 MPH UNDER SPEED LIMIT, AND FAILURE TO RESTART APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES AFTER SHUTDOWN. MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP LIT AND DIAGNOSTIC CODE FOR LOW FUEL RAIL PRESSURE WAS RECORDED, BUT FSCM MALFUNCTION DIAGNOSTIC CODE WAS NOT RECORDED UNTIL AFTER AT LEAST TWO INCIDENTS HAD TAKEN PLACE. VEHICLE (VIN) ENTRY INTO DATABASE RETURNED "0 RECALLS", SO NHTSA CAMPAIGN 09V154000 REMAINED UNKNOWN AND ORDINARY REPLACEMENT OF FSCM WAS ATTEMPTED. WHEN FSCM 20850907 REPLACEMENT WAS ORDERED, GM FSCM PART 20759945 WAS SUPPLIED, WHICH FAILED TO OPERATE. GM DEALER REFUSED TO VERIFY CORRECT PART NUMBER AND WITHHELD ALL INFORMATION ABOUT NHTSA CAMPAIGN 09V154000.

NHTSA ID
11110488
Incident
Jun 27, 2018
Mileage
135,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Aug 10, 2017

MY PICKUP HAS WHAT GM REFERS TO AS "PHANTOM SHIFT". WHILE TRAVELING ON I5 @ 70 MILES PER HR, MY PICKUP THRU NO ACTION ON MY PART, SHIFTED INTO 4 WHEEL DRIVE. PREVIOUSLY THIS HAPPENED WHILE TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT AT SLOWER SPEEDS. GM ISSUED A "BULLETIN" IN FEB. 2011 GIVING DEALERS INSTRUTIONS ON HOW TO DEAL WITH, AND REPAIRS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. A LOCAL DEALER, USING THAT BULLETIN, IN DECEMBER 2016 PROCEEDED TO "FIX THIS PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE." CHARGING ME $849.35. IN JULY 2017 THE SAME PROBLEM RE-APPEARED. THE LOCAL DEALER (AIRPORT CHEVROLET IN MEDFORD, OREGON) IS NOW REFUSING TO HONOR THEIR WARRANTY FOR THEIR "FIX IN DECEMBER CLAIMING THAT BECAUST THE COMPUTER IN MY VEHICLE IS NOT "THROWING ANY CODES". GM IS DEMANDING THAT I GET A SECOND OPION AT ANOTHER DEALER AT MY EXPENSE WHEN THE OTHER DEALER HAS ALREADY ESPRESSED AN ORAL OPION THAT THEY KNOW THEY CAN'T FIX ANYTHING THAT DOESN'T "THROW CODES". ACCORDING TO INFO I HAVE DISCOVERED ON LINE, THIS PROBLEM HAS EXHISTED WITH THIS PARTICULAR MODEL PICKUP SINCE 2004 AND NOW, GM IS REFUSING TO COOPERATE WITH ME. PLEASE HELP UPDATED 09/11/2017*JS

NHTSA ID
11014506
Incident
Dec 8, 2016
Mileage
88,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

13598

New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH

PIC5650M

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, B3935, C0750, C0755, C0760, C0765, and/or C0775.

PIP5601C

This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.

PIT5074R

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.

PIT5074R

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.

PIT5074R

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

GMC Canyon by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026620—
2025820—
20242053048.8
2023563052.6
2022241045.2
2021112062.3
2020130041.7
2019160042.2
2018521044.7
2017651041.8
20162674054.1
20153018159.3
2013000—
2012232046.7
2011125040.3
2010820—
2009Viewing273046.1
2008382046.4
2007423049.2
2006484155.7
20051133253.3
2004803254.1

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.