2016 GMC Canyon Owner Complaints

Was in my garage and started up my truck and seen an alert regarding the steering. Reversed truck and was un-able to steer the truck. Steering wheel would not move at all.

NHTSA ID

11748199

Incident

Jul 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the infotainment system and screen display became inoperable. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that an unknown part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11747456

Incident

Jun 30, 2026

This is a constant issue where the power steering issues disabled while driving and its very damgerous usually i just turn it off and on it fixes it, but then it happens again and frequently

NHTSA ID

11745392

Incident

May 13, 2026

Power steering and StabiliTrack warning pops-up randomly and cuts off power steering assistance while I'm driving on the highway or on country roads. The power steering is very hard to maneuver. However, when it's safe to do so, I have to pull over on a safe place and have to restart my truck twice, in order to regain power steering. I have taken it to an independent mechanic and to a Chevy dealership on Merced. The dealership service tech informed me that in order to service the vehicle and find the code that is making this issue, that I would have to continue driving the truck and bring it in to the dealership with the power steering and StabiliTrack warning. According to the technician, they can't do much due to that they don't know what is causing the power steering to malfunction. I haven't been able to take it to the dealership because the warnings have occurred while I'm far away from a dealership or diagnosis area. Also, I will not risk my safety maneuvering a vehicle that has lost electric power steering around a city where lots of left or right turns are necessary to drive to a locality. This is the only vehicle I have to go to work or travel and fear for my safety when this happens. PLEASE HELP.

NHTSA ID

11745386

Incident

Jun 19, 2026

Recurring Stabilitrack issues while driving. Reset system replaced fuses and issue keeps happening. Bringing for further service.

NHTSA ID

11744842

Incident

Jun 10, 2026

The power steering and Stabilitrak systems intermittently fail while the vehicle is in operation. The issue occurs unpredictably, both immediately after startup and while driving. On several occasions, the systems have failed during turns, requiring sudden corrective action and increased steering effort to maintain control and avoid veering off the road or colliding with nearby vehicles. No warning signs or noticeable symptoms are present prior to the failure occurring.

NHTSA ID

11736748

Incident

Apr 1, 2025

Transmission shudder that is causing Drivability issues. Multiple mechanics have told me to drive it and maintain it until the transmission gives out.

NHTSA ID

11723200

Incident

Mar 1, 2018

1. The power steering failed when I was driving my 2016 GMC Truck. 2. The failure caused the steering of the truck to be very difficult putting myself and any passengers at risk. 3. This issue occurred on 2/19/26 at about 3:00PM Central time while driving. Power steering warning lights did illuminate. 4. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone at this time. Please note there is a safety recall associated with the 2015 GMC Canyons for the exact same problem. Instructions were given to submit a report to the NHTSA and the vehicle's owner may be eligible for reimbursement or free repair is a "hidden," warranty extension or "customer satisfaction program" covers it.

NHTSA ID

11719183

Incident

Feb 2, 2026

Loss of power steering. This is a known problem with the 2015 GMC Canyon models. My 2016 GMC Canyon has the same problem. This is a serious issue. A recall should be issued. It has happened to me several times.

NHTSA ID

11717197

Incident

Feb 9, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the steering wheel seized, with the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering gear had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 102,000.

NHTSA ID

11716223

Incident

Feb 6, 2026

Mileage

102,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering feature suddenly malfunctioned, causing the steering wheel to become difficult to turn in either direction. After the failure occurred, the traction control warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic, who diagnosed that the steering column was faulty and needed to be replaced. The steering column was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer was aware of the failure involving the steering column on similar vehicles, but had not issued a recall for the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.

NHTSA ID

11712330

Incident

Jan 21, 2024

Mileage

150,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH in a parking lot, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the brake pedal was very firm while being depressed. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the vacuum pump and brake booster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ID

11702307

Incident

Nov 26, 2025

Mileage

130,000 mi

Power steering goes out intermittently while driving, almost causing wrecks. A warning pops up that power steering needs to be serviced...but when truck is turned off and restarted the issue goes away. This is an extremely dangerous situation and seems to be affecting thousands of vehicles according to internet research. GM needs to be held accountable and recall and fix the issues immediately.

NHTSA ID

11696623

Incident

Oct 30, 2025

Power steering turned off while driving Pulled over cycled the key it came back on Has happened 3 times in two weeks

NHTSA ID

11695291

Incident

Oct 20, 2025

At random the power steering and traction control turn off making it difficult to drive.. This happens randomly and has become unable to steer. Once the vehicle is turned off for a period of time you can start it up and the steering returns. The issue was reported in the 2015 models. That recall needs to extend into the 2016 models since most of the parts were most likely manufactured tot eh same specs as the 2015. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent repair shop. The dealership wanted $200 for just the diagnostics. Every time this happens it becomes very difficult to drive and is a safety issue. The issue first appeared 2 months ago and after the restart stopped. Then all of a sudden it seems to occur daily.

NHTSA ID

11694867

Incident

Oct 2, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that upon attempting to leave the driveway, the vehicle was shifted into drive and the engine experienced a complete loss of automotive power, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the vehicle lost power steering functionality while driving at 65 MPH, and the traction control and vehicle stabilization warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the 4-WD assembly, steering electronic motor, steering angle sensor, and the electric belt drive rack and pinion steering needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,263.

NHTSA ID

11692164

Incident

Jul 1, 2025

Mileage

70,263 mi

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that the headlights failed to activate automatically. Additionally, one of the phone charger ports had become inoperable. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. A message advising that the power steering was inoperable and to drive carefully was displayed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the power steering functionality returned. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 50-55 MPH after the power steering failure, the vehicle was pulling to the right. The dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

NHTSA ID

11690384

Incident

Aug 29, 2025

Mileage

105,000 mi

I believe the steering gear torque sensor cover assembly is causing my power steering to intermittently stop working I read the report for the 2015 model year and my truck is doing the exact same thing truck was produced in 10/15 but is not part of the recall after further searching online I’ve found other people owning the 2016 model year that has the same issue I believe the recall needs to be moved to cover the 2016 model year as well

NHTSA ID

11686977

Incident

Jul 1, 2023

EPS becomes difficult to steer occasionally, Brakes seem to lose stopping ability Leaking oil @ either oil pan or transmission

NHTSA ID

11683769

Incident

Aug 27, 2025

Transmission has been shuddering since 15,000 miles till now. Dealerships says it's normal on these transmissions, 6 fluid and filter changes and now at 72,000 miles the transmission is failing just outside of warranty. They scammed me and kept my transmission barely alive until warranty ran out and now they want 8k-10k for a replacement. They knew. Dash goes crazy from the touch screen to the digital information screen in the speedometer. They say it's normal and happens on all the units. But it's distracting and has been messing up since bought the truck new. Again they just kept saying it was nothing they can do. Now they say it needs to be replaced after my warranty has run out. DEF system is failing conveniently after the warranty has run out. It's dangerous because they programmed the truck to go into limp mode when anything emissions related fails stranding me anywhere at anytime. Emission failures like sensors should not restrict travel. This is a major issue with the diesels in these trucks and they need to be forced to remove anything that's not dangerous to the health of the engine or drive train from the software or hardware from being able to restrict travel. In every situation I've been restricted to limp mode by dirty particulate sensors, but the code that pops and puts my truck in limp mode says that the NOX sensor is bad. This is false and is just a way for GM to get service at their dealers. Then they charge customers a fortune to replace parts that don't need to be replaced when you can just remove and clean the four particulate sensors and the restrictions will clear themselves shortly after. EMISSIONS RELATED ISSUES SHOULD NOT RESTRICT TRAVEL BY ANY MEANS! It is dangerous to be stranded on a trip because your emission sensors may be malfunctioning.

NHTSA ID

11680750

Incident

Aug 14, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became stiff and difficult to turn. The message "Drive with Care" was displayed. The traction control warning light and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the power train torque sensor needed to be replaced. An unknown local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact related the failure to an unidentified recall; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ID

11678147

Incident

Jan 4, 2023

Mileage

60,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost electric power steering, and the steering wheel became difficult to steer. The contact pulled to the shoulder of the roadway and turned the vehicle off. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle, the power steering became operable; however, the failure recurred while driving. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the dealer or an independent mechanic. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 120,000.

NHTSA ID

11677272

Incident

Jul 30, 2025

Mileage

120,000 mi

As I was pulling away from the stop sign my power steering quit working and I was almost hit by another vehicle. The dash light flashed and said there was Drive System problems. I was able to get the truck turned back around and headed back home. I got into my garage and checked the power steering fluid and it was full. I started my truck back up and was able to drive to the dealership (Everett GMC where I purchased the truck new) The service representative said he will put it on the diagnostic machine and find out what was wrong. The next day they called me and said they found out what it was a drive gear that quit working. He said that he would get this ordered and put it in, I got a call 2 days later and said it was finished. My wife checked to see if there was a recall. There was a recall for this problem for 2015 Canyon in 2021 for the same issue. I am thinking that this issue and a very

NHTSA ID

11675167

Incident

Jun 11, 2025

Car repeatedly gives stabilitrack warning while driving and power steering goes out completely. It is incredibly dangerous and it appears this was a problem with the previous model year as well. This has continued to happen and looking online it looks like many owner of this year are plagued with this problem and the cost to fix is very expensive, even though it is a known recall for the previous model year.

NHTSA ID

11664058

Incident

May 30, 2025

While driving the truck's stabilitrak and power steering lights came on and I lost the use of power steering. This first happened while going 70 mph on the toll road and I almost lost control of the car it happened so suddenly. I was able to pull over and turned the truck off and back on again. The issue seemed to have resolved itself. Then a week later I was turning right into traffic and it happened again mid turn causing me to almost hit a car in the adjacent lane. It resolved itself again upon restarting the truck but has happened with each trip since. When I looked up the issue I saw that there was an issue with corrosion on the electrical part that controls these features in this particular model.

NHTSA ID

11661754

Incident

May 18, 2025