2011 GMC Canyon Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Best The 2011 GMC Canyon ranks 19th (best) out of 19 model years, with a complaint index of 0 and only 12 complaints logged, though it carries 5 recall campaigns. It earns a Best verdict relative to other Canyon years.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 0/100
- #19 of 19 Canyon years
- Verdict
- Best
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 12
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 5
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 19
- 17 city / 22.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2011 GMC Canyon problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System5 (42%)
- Brakes4 (33%)
- Engine4 (33%)
- Airbags3 (25%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (17%)
- Other1 (8%)
- Structure & Body1 (8%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Brake lights fail intermittently, sometimes tied to an unresolved exterior lighting recall.
- Vehicle stalls without warning at various speeds, which dealers have traced to a faulty ignition switch.
- Airbag warning light turns on and off, especially at startup, with no repair performed.
- Front and rear bumper and frame areas show premature deterioration that can spread across the vehicle.
- Automatic transmission adjustment clip issues are linked to intermittent no-start conditions that can last several minutes.
- Brake pedal application has been followed by unintended vehicle movement in tight spaces.
2011 GMC Canyon recalls
5 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 12V594000Dec 19, 2012Structure & Body118,800 vehicles
Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch
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.
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.
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.
- NHTSA 11V337000Jun 28, 2011Transmission & Powertrain6,768 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl)
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."
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.
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.
- NHTSA 11V276000May 6, 2011Visibility & Wipers4,674 vehicles
Visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motor
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.
Risk: Driver visibility could be reduced increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
2011 GMC Canyon fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 17 MPG
- Highway
- 22.5 MPG
- Combined
- 19 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,400
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2011 compared with other Canyon years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2011 GMC Canyon reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2011 Canyon is the lowest-risk year in the lineup, ranking 19th out of 19 years with a complaint index of 0 and just 12 complaints.
- What problems does the 2011 GMC Canyon have?
- Owners most often reported electrical system issues, accounting for 42% of complaints, including brake light failures, warning light glitches, and ignition switch stalling. Brakes and engine issues each made up 33% of reports.
- Does the 2011 GMC Canyon have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2011 Canyon, covering the hood latch, automatic transmission adjustment clip, windshield wiper motor, rear axle cross pin, and rear seat tether anchor. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2011 Canyon compare to other model years?
- The 2011 Canyon has a complaint index of 0, far lower than years like 2024 (index 100) or 2015 (index 94), which are rated Avoid. It shares the Best verdict with 2010, 2012, 2019, and 2020.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2011 GMC Canyon?
- EPA rates the 2011 Canyon at 19 mpg combined (17 city / 22.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,400.