2012 GMC Canyon Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Best The 2012 GMC Canyon ranks 16th out of 19 model years, with a complaint index of 17 and a Best verdict. It had 23 complaints, 2 recalls, and no do-not-drive recalls, making it one of the lower-risk Canyon years.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 17/100
- #16 of 19 Canyon years
- Verdict
- Best
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 23
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 19
- 17 city / 23 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
Top 2012 GMC Canyon problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System10 (43%)
- Brakes5 (22%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (13%)
- Airbags2 (9%)
- Engine2 (9%)
- Steering2 (9%)
- Structure & Body2 (9%)
- Other1 (4%)
- Seat Belts1 (4%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Some owners report the engine won't start and the security light flashes, sometimes needing about ten minutes before the truck starts.
- Owners describe the brake pedal sinking to the floor and needing repeated pumping to stop the vehicle, with the master cylinder cited as the failed part.
- Several owners report warning lights (security, stability/traction) coming on along with sudden loss of engine power or headlights while driving.
- Owners describe a fractured exhaust manifold and catalytic converter needing replacement after hearing an abnormal noise while driving.
- Some owners report the lower control arm weld or hub bearing failing, causing vibration or loss of control at highway speed.
- One owner reported the fuse box needed replacement twice after brake lights and cruise control stopped working.
2012 GMC Canyon recalls
2 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 11V552000Nov 17, 2011Seat Belts5,593 vehicles
Seat belts:front
General motors (gm) is recalling certain model year 2012 chevrolet colorado and gmc canyon vehicles, manufactured from september 9, 2011, through october 19, 2011, for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 208, "occupant crash protection." these vehicles may have been produced with driver safety belt buckle electrical connector terminals that do not fit snugly with the connector pins, causing the connection to be intermittent.
Risk: The loose connections may cause the driver to not receive a visual or audible warning that the driver seat belt is not fastened, thereby increasing the risk of personal injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Gm will notify owners and dealers will replace the seat belt buckle electrical connector terminals free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before december 7, 2011. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and gmc at 1-866-996-9463.
2012 GMC Canyon fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 17 MPG
- Highway
- 23 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.
2012 compared with other Canyon years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 GMC Canyon reliable?
- Compared with other Canyon model years, the 2012 ranks well. It has a complaint index of 17, ranks 16th worst out of 19 years, and carries a Best verdict based on NHTSA complaints and recalls.
- What problems does the 2012 GMC Canyon have?
- NHTSA complaints most often cite the Electrical System (43% of complaints), followed by Brakes (22%) and Suspension, Wheels & Tires (13%). Median mileage at failure for electrical complaints was 42,325 miles.
- Does the 2012 GMC Canyon have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2012 Canyon: one for a secondary hood latch issue and one for seat belt buckle electrical connector terminals. Neither is a do-not-drive recall.
- What year Canyon should I avoid instead of 2012?
- Based on NHTSA data, 2005, 2015, 2016, 2023, and 2024 carry Avoid verdicts, with 2024 having the highest complaint index at 100 versus 17 for 2012.
- How is the 2012 GMC Canyon's fuel economy?
- EPA rates the 2012 Canyon at 19 mpg combined (17 city / 23 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,400.