2016 GMC Canyon Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2016 GMC Canyon ranks 3rd worst out of 19 model years, with a complaint index of 89 and 268 complaints, mostly steering-related. It carries an Avoid verdict, with steering complaints making up 66% of all reports.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 89/100
- #3 of 19 Canyon years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 268
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 8
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 4
- Top issue
- Steering
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 21.5
- 19 city / 25.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 4 / 0
Top 2016 GMC Canyon problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Steering178 (66%)
- Transmission & Powertrain39 (15%)
- Electrical System38 (14%)
- Engine29 (11%)
- Brakes21 (8%)
- Other19 (7%)
- Fuel System10 (4%)
- Airbags6 (2%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires5 (2%)
- Structure & Body2 (1%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Electric power steering can fail suddenly during turns, causing the vehicle to leave the road and crash into fixed objects.
- Brakes have engaged on their own without driver input, cutting speed while the check engine light comes on.
- Ignition keys have gotten stuck and the vehicle has failed to stay in park.
- Driver frontal airbags have failed to deploy in moderate-speed collisions.
- Infotainment and backup camera systems have cut out repeatedly during normal operation.
- Engine compartments have produced smoke without warning lights or gauge abnormalities.
2016 GMC Canyon recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 18V358000May 31, 2018Fuel System895 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
Risk: A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.
- NHTSA 17V621000Oct 5, 2017Airbags16 vehicles
Air bags:frontal
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado, and 2016 Chevrolet Volt vehicles. The driver's frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash.
Risk: An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2017. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17387.
- NHTSA 16V125000Mar 2, 2016Airbags1,579 vehicles
Air bags:frontal
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Colorado vehicles manufactured January 19, 2016, to February 2, 2016, Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured January 9, 2016, to January 26, 2016, and 2016 GMC Canyon vehicles manufactured January 21, 2016, to February 4, 2016. The driver frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash.
Risk: An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on April 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 28030.
2016 GMC Canyon fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19 MPG
- Highway
- 25.5 MPG
- Combined
- 21.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,175
- 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.
2016 compared with other Canyon years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 GMC Canyon reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2016 Canyon ranks 3rd worst among 19 model years with a complaint index of 89 and 268 complaints. Steering problems dominate, making up 66% of reported issues.
- What is the main problem with the 2016 GMC Canyon?
- Steering is the top problem area, accounting for 178 of 268 complaints (66%), with a median failure mileage of 62,000 miles. Owners report electric power steering failures that led to loss of control.
- Does the 2016 GMC Canyon have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 Canyon covering the fuel system, airbags (two separate campaigns), and a console door latch. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2016 Canyon compare to other model years?
- The 2016 model has a complaint index of 89, worse than most other years; only 2015 (94) and 2024 (100) score higher. Years like 2010, 2011, 2012, 2019, and 2020 earned Best verdicts with much lower complaint indexes.