RoadVitals

2011 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.
12
Latest Sep 28, 2024
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.
5
Latest Dec 19, 2012
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.
0

Overview

Our database contains 12 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2011 GMC Canyon, most frequently naming the airbags, driver assistance and electrical categories. 5 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 1,258 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

  • Airbags315.8%
  • Driver assistance315.8%
  • Electrical315.8%
  • Engine315.8%
  • Exterior lighting210.5%
  • Brakes210.5%
  • Powertrain (other)210.5%
  • Body & structure15.3%

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

5 campaigns cover this model year

View all 5

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
12V594000

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

Dec 19, 2012
118,800 units potentially affected
The defect: General Motors is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles manufactured from November 9, 2009, through August 28, 2012, for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 113, "Hood Latch System." The hood may be missing the secondary hood latch.
The risk: If the primary hood latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly. During vehicle operation, this could obstruct the view of the driver and increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: General Motors will notify owners and instruct them to inspect their vehicle for the presence of a secondary hood latch. Dealers will replace the hood on any affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on January 17, 2013. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC at 1-866-996-9463.
General Motors LLCManufacturer number 12319View on NHTSA.gov
11V337000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

Jun 28, 2011
6,768 units potentially affected
The defect: GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CHEVROLET COLORADO AND GMC CANYON PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.9 OR 3.7 LITER ENGINE AND A FOUR-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FOR FAILING TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT," AND FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ADJUSTMENT CLIP THAT MAY NOT RETAIN THE SHIFT CABLE IN THE CORRECT POSITION. IF THE SHIFT CABLE IS NOT IN THE CORRECT POSITION, THE PRNDL SHIFT LEVER MAY NOT ACCURATELY REFLECT THE POSITION OF THE TRANSMISSION GEAR. THE DRIVER COULD MOVE THE SHIFTER TO "PARK" AND REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY, BUT THE TRANSMISSION GEAR MAY NOT BE IN "PARK."
The risk: THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, AND THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AWAY AS THE DRIVER OR OTHER OCCUPANTS EXIT THE VEHICLE OR HAVE EXITED, RESULTING IN THE POSSIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE STRIKING THEM OR SOMEONE AROUND THE VEHICLE, OR COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
The remedy: GM DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ADJUSTMENT CLIP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT JULY 19, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
GENERAL MOTORS LLCManufacturer number 11181View on NHTSA.gov
11V276000

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

May 6, 2011
4,674 units potentially affected
The defect: GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CHEVROLET COLORADO AND GMC CANYON VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 22, 2010, THROUGH NOVEMBER 5, 2010. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE THE CONDITION IN WHICH THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR CRANK ARM NUT MAY NOT BE TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION. WHEN THE WIPERS ARE OPERATED WITH A BUILD-UP OF SNOW OR ICE, OR IF THE WIPERS ARE OPERATED ON A DRY WINDSHIELD, THE NUT COULD LOOSEN. IF THERE IS SUFFICIENT LOOSENING OF THE NUT, THE WIPERS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE.
The risk: DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL SECURE THE WIPER MOTOR CRANK ARM NUT FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE MAY 11, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 OR WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
GENERAL MOTORS LLCManufacturer number 11095View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 12
Engine
Filed Sep 28, 2024

Since I purchased this Canyon in 2019, I've had many occurrences (at least twice a week) of the truck not starting. Through my research on line, I've found other Canyon owners experiencing the same problem. Long story short, the ignition locks and the truck cannot be started unless I wait 10 minutes. This problem interferes with my daily life. I believe GMC should correct this problem.

NHTSA ID
11616997
Incident
Sep 27, 2024
Engine
Filed Sep 9, 2022

Recall #11181 for 2011 Canyon SLE says GM will replace the automatic transmission adjustment CLIP for free. Recall was established in a GMC assembly plant when a truck would not start. Our truck randomly does not start and we’ve had it looked at with no problems found to indicate why it randomly does not start. We wait 15-20 minutes and then it will start. This recall is not being honored at a GMC dealership because of no longer available, they say. Can you help us with this issue? Again, the recall # is 11181.

NHTSA ID
11483654
Incident
Sep 9, 2022
AirbagsDriver assistance
Filed Mar 11, 2019

TAKATA RECALL AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON . TRUCK WILL SHUT DOWN WHEN THE TRUCK IS GOING DOWN THE ROAD AT 60 MILES AN HOUR LESS OR MORE. WHEN YOU START THE TRUCK IT SHUTS OFF AGAIN. OR WILL START RIGHT UP AND WASH IT RIGHT BACK DOWN. THE SAFETY BELT LIGHT COMES ON OR IS THE CAR LOCKED I SHOULD SAY. WHICH IS THE LITTLE PICTURE WITH THE CAR WITH THE LOCK ON IT. I HAVE VIDEOTAPED WHAT COMES ACROSS THE DASH AND HASN'T SHOWN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAVE NOT DONE ANYTHING BECAUSE THEY CAN'T FIND ANYTHING. SHUTS OFF AGAIN. OR WILL START RIGHT UP IN THE SHUT RIGHT BACK DOWN. SAFETY BELT LIKE COMES ON OR IS THE CAR LOCK I SHOULD SAY. WHICH IS THE LITTLE PICTURE WITH THE CAR WITH THE LOCK ON IT. I HAVE VIDEOTAPED WHAT COMES ACROSS THE DASH AND HIS SHOWING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAVE NOT DONE ANYTHING BECAUSE THEY CAN'T FIND ANYTHING. ALL OF THIS IS GOING ON RIGHT NOW WITH MY TRUCK AND HAS BEEN SINCE LATE FALL OF LAST YEAR. I TAKE IT TO MY DEALERSHIP TWICE WITH NO RESULTS . *TR

NHTSA ID
11186002
Incident
Mar 8, 2019
Airbags
Filed Nov 2, 2018

MY AIR BAG SENCER IS KEEPING ME FROM GETTING A STICKER AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT

NHTSA ID
11144862
Incident
Nov 2, 2018
Mileage
100,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Feb 28, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 GMC CANYON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS PREMATURE DETERIORATION ON THE LOWER FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BUMPER AND FRAME. THE DETERIORATION SPREAD TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE BUMPER TO THE POINT THAT IT COULD FRACTURE. THE DEALER (FAIRFIELD CHEVROLET, 2501 MARTIN RD, FAIRFIELD, CA 94534, (707) 422-7777) WAS NOTIFIED AND INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED BY A WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED 14 TSBS REGARDING THE STRUCTURE AND 12 TSBS FOR THE SUSPENSION; HOWEVER, NO RECALLS WERE ISSUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,089.

NHTSA ID
11075399
Incident
Dec 11, 2017
Mileage
77,089 mi
Driver assistanceExterior lightingPowertrain (other)
Filed Dec 17, 2016

THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND CRUISE CONTROL HAVE SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING - SEE NTHSA BULLETIN 06V139000. AS EVIDENCE OF A SYSTEMIC PROBLEM WITH GMC CANYON VEHICLES. WAS NOT EVEN AWARE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE OUT UNTIL I CAME ACROSS THE NHTSA BULLETIN. ADDITIONALLY, THE ELECTRONICALLY ACTIVATED 4 WHEEL DRIVE HAS SPORATICALLY STARTED TRYING TO ENGAGE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS FIRST BEGINNING TO MOVE FROM A DEAD STOP. THIS STARTED A MONTH AGO WHEN I FIRST NOTICED THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT WORK. DISCOVERED THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT COMING ON LAST NIGHT 12/16/16. CHECKED BULBS AND FUSES AND THAT IS NOT THE PROBLEM. BELIEVE THERE IS AN UNDERLYING ISSUE LIKELY RELATED TO NHTSA BULLETIN 06V139000.

NHTSA ID
10935953
Incident
Nov 1, 2016
Mileage
28,900 mi
AirbagsElectrical
Filed Oct 26, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 GMC CANYON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON AND OFF AT VARIOUS TIMES, MORESO WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 59,000.

NHTSA ID
10919122
Incident
Jul 8, 2016
Mileage
59,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Mar 20, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 GMC CANYON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON MANY OCCASIONS. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,500.

NHTSA ID
10700627
Incident
Jan 7, 2015
Mileage
57,500 mi

Manufacturer communications

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

PIT3271Q

This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.

PIP6104

This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.

PIP4902V

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

PIP4902U

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

PIT5214G

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit vibration conditions without utilizing the support of General Motors Technical Assistance Center. If valid vibration frequency or Road Force Variation data has been collected and a repair attempt does not correct the customer complaint, contact General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further support. For any vehicles that remains unrepaired after being at the dealer for three days or more and a related bulletin or PI is not found, contact General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further support.

13598

New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH

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
2011Viewing125040.3
2010820—
2009273046.1
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.