RoadVitals

2021 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.
11
+1 complaint in 30 days
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.
2
Latest Jul 1, 2021
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.
3
5 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 11 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2021 GMC Canyon, most frequently naming the driver assistance, powertrain (other) and steering categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 741 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

  • Driver assistance325.0%
  • Powertrain (other)216.7%
  • Steering216.7%
  • Airbags216.7%
  • Exterior lighting18.3%
  • Electrical18.3%
  • Seat belts18.3%

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

2 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
21V497000

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Jul 1, 2021
7,199 units potentially affected
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 GMC Canyon vehicles. The load carrying capacity printed on the Tire and Loading Information placard is 22.5 kg (51 lbs.) more than intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
The risk: An incorrect label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: GM will mail owners a new B-pillar label, free of charge. Owners may apply the label, or bring it to a dealer for installation. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 17, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212340735.
General Motors, LLCManufacturer number N212340735View on NHTSA.gov
20V811000

SEAT BELTS; SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

Dec 23, 2020
470 units potentially affected
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.
The risk: If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.
General Motors, LLCManufacturer number N202322230View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 11
Steering
Filed Jul 30, 2026

While driving a few days ago, power steering abruptly stopped working and a service power steering message appeared. It was very difficult to steer the vehicle back home. I've tried replacing the battery and resetting the steering sensor to no avail.

NHTSA ID
11753891
Incident
Jul 27, 2026
Exterior lighting
Filed Feb 5, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the driver’s side low beam headlight failed to illuminate as intended. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that upon further inspection, an unknown electrical fuse was burned. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed; however, a cause for the failure was not found. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,121.

NHTSA ID
11715755
Incident
Feb 2, 2026
Mileage
36,121 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Nov 10, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while reversing, the back over prevention screen image was solid blue, and there was no image displayed, creating a visibility hazard for the driver. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and it was determined that the rearview camera coaxial cable connectors were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V709000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 46,000.

NHTSA ID
11698517
Incident
Oct 1, 2025
Mileage
46,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 11, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle vibrated and shuddered abnormally. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent at first but became a recurring failure. The contact stated that the check engine warning light had recently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics who informed the contact of a known transmission failure and a national recall. The contact searched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train); however, the local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included, and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.

NHTSA ID
11679892
Incident
Aug 6, 2024
Mileage
69,000 mi
Steering
Filed Feb 17, 2025

The electric power steering motor stopped working while driving on the highway. The vehicle was almost impossible to control and almost caused me to enter the oncoming lane of traffic.

NHTSA ID
11643163
Incident
Feb 16, 2025
Electrical
Filed Nov 19, 2024
Fire reported

While driving, a fire started inside the vehicle between the rear passenger side seat belt and the rear window. My daughters were in the back seat and started screaming. I immediately stopped the vehicle and ran to put the fire out by smothering and throwing water on it. There was zero warning...no lights or warning messages. No major injuries occurred (only small minor burns to my right hand). I then brought the vehicle to the dealership where it was purchased. I was told it was a known issue, and I was prompted to file a claim with my insurance company. Someone from the insurance company, along with the service department at the dealership, inspected the vehicle. Insurance has agreed to cover the parts damaged but not replace the part(s) that actually caused the fire. The dealership will address the actual problem, but only if I pay for the repairs ($1100-1500 estimated cost).

NHTSA ID
11626131
Incident
Nov 8, 2024
Seat belts
Filed May 22, 2024

unknown the gmc dealership refuses to repair recalls as they say, theres no recalls on the vehicle. There are 2 recalls and were not told of these recalls when purchasing

NHTSA ID
11590247
Incident
Feb 15, 2024
Powertrain (other)
Filed Feb 16, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while driving 6 MPH and going over a speed bump, the contact heard an abnormal knocking sound emanating from the driver’s side suspension. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the upper control arm was striking the suspension spring. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 47,000.

NHTSA ID
11572439
Incident
Dec 30, 2023
Mileage
47,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

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

PIT5509N

This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.

PIT5099J

PI to help diagnose A/C concern

PIT5966F

This Preliminary information communicates an issue with an OTA pending message still displayed after an OTA event and how to reset/clear the message.

PIT5509M

This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.

PIC6551B

This Preliminary information communicates to dealer to perform a MEC reset for wireless projection issues

PIC6423A

Pi created to provide GM dealers with information on gathering information for projection issue

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
2021Viewing112062.3
2020130041.7
2019160042.2
2018521044.7
2017651041.8
20162674054.1
20153018159.3
2013000—
2012232046.7
2011125040.3
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.