GMC Canyon Best and Worst Years (2010–2025)
Avoid the 2015, 2016, 2023, and 2024 GMC Canyon, which carry complaint index scores of 92, 85, 77, and 100. The 2010, 2011, 2019, and 2020 model years score lowest (0, 8, 15, 23) and are the best picks based on NHTSA data.
Avoid 2015Avoid 2016Avoid 2023Avoid 2024Best 2010Best 2011Best 2019Best 2020
- Model years
- 14
- 2010–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 1,075
- Recall campaigns
- 26
- Crashes reported
- 26
- Fires reported
- 10
- Top problem area
- Steering
Canyon Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
GMC Canyon problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Best | 0 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 2 | Electrical System | 19 | — |
| 2011 | Best | 8 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 5 | Electrical System | 19 | — |
| 2012 | Good | 31 | 23 | 1 | 1 | 2 | Electrical System | 19 | — |
| 2015 | Avoid | 92 | 303 | 7 | 4 | 8 | Steering | 21 | 4★ |
| 2016 | Avoid | 85 | 268 | 8 | 2 | 4 | Steering | 21.5 | 4★ |
| 2017 | Caution | 69 | 66 | 3 | 0 | 1 | Transmission & Powertrain | 21.5 | 4★ |
| 2018 | Caution | 54 | 52 | 2 | 0 | 1 | Transmission & Powertrain | 21.5 | 4★ |
| 2019 | Best | 15 | 16 | 0 | 1 | 0 | Transmission & Powertrain | 21.5 | 4★ |
| 2020 | Best | 23 | 14 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Transmission & Powertrain | 21.5 | 4★ |
| 2021 | Caution | 62 | 11 | 2 | 1 | 2 | Airbags | 21.5 | 4★ |
| 2022 | Good | 46 | 26 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Electrical System | 21.5 | 4★ |
| 2023 | Avoid | 77 | 62 | 0 | 1 | 3 | Electrical System | 18.5 | 4★ |
| 2024 | Avoid | 100 | 206 | 0 | 0 | 3 | Electrical System | 18 | 4★ |
| 2025 | Good | 38 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Brakes | 18 | 4★ |
Canyon years to avoid: what went wrong
2024 GMC Canyon Index 100 · 206 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2024 Canyon has the highest complaint index of any year at 100, with 206 total complaints. Electrical System issues make up 82% of complaints at a median failure mileage of just 162.5 miles, dominated by owners reporting headlights flickering on and off while driving. Engine and brake issues surface early too, at median mileages of 4,491 and 5,625. Three recalls address airbag sensing software, headlight flicker, and a fuel pump lock ring.
2015 GMC Canyon Index 92 · 303 complaints · 8 recalls
The 2015 Canyon logs 303 complaints and a complaint index of 92, the second-worst of any year. Steering accounts for 75% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 67,764 miles; owners describe sudden loss of power steering assist. NHTSA also lists 8 recalls, including a steering gear torque sensor cover replacement and a driver's frontal air bag module fix. Some owners reported electrical fires and a wheel detaching shortly after purchase.
2015 steering problems →2015 brakes problems →2015 transmission & powertrain problems →
2016 GMC Canyon Index 85 · 268 complaints · 4 recalls
The 2016 Canyon has 268 complaints and a complaint index of 85. Steering again dominates at 66% of complaints with a median failure mileage of 62,000 miles, with owners describing electric power steering cutting out mid-turn and causing crashes. Transmission and powertrain issues appeared at a median of 6,941 miles. Four recalls apply, covering the fuel pump, airbag modules, and steering.
2016 steering problems →2016 transmission & powertrain problems →2016 electrical system problems →
2023 GMC Canyon Index 77 · 62 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2023 Canyon shows 62 complaints and a complaint index of 77. Electrical System problems lead at 39% of complaints with a median failure mileage of 6,050 miles, and owners describe battery-related no-start conditions and headlights failing to respond to touchscreen controls after software updates. Collision Avoidance & Cameras issues follow at 31%, with owners reporting forward collision braking activating unexpectedly. Three recalls cover seat belts, wheel hub bolts, and front camera module software.
2023 electrical system problems →2023 collision avoidance & cameras problems →
Most common GMC Canyon problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Steering436 (41%)
- Electrical System330 (31%)
- Transmission & Powertrain155 (14%)
- Engine116 (11%)
- Brakes115 (11%)
- Other80 (7%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras40 (4%)
- Fuel System37 (3%)
- Airbags30 (3%)
- Structure & Body22 (2%)
Frequently asked questions
- What GMC Canyon years should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, avoid the 2015, 2016, 2023, and 2024 GMC Canyon. These years have complaint index scores of 92, 85, 77, and 100, the highest in the model's history.
- What are the best GMC Canyon years?
- The 2010, 2011, 2019, and 2020 GMC Canyon have the lowest complaint index scores (0, 8, 15, and 23) and carry the fewest reported problems relative to other years.
- Is the 2024 GMC Canyon reliable?
- The 2024 Canyon has the worst complaint index of any year at 100, driven largely by Electrical System complaints (82% of the total) that owners reported at a median of just 162.5 miles.
- What is the most common problem area across all GMC Canyon years?
- Steering is the top issue, accounting for 436 complaints and 41% of all complaints across model years 2010-2025, followed by Electrical System at 330 complaints (31%).
- Does the 2015 GMC Canyon have a steering recall?
- Yes. NHTSA recall 21V213000 covers 2015 GMC Canyon vehicles for a poor electrical connection in the steering gear assembly that could cause loss of power steering assist.