This page covers 3 recalls, 12 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2011 GMC Canyon.
16–20 mpg combined
11.8–14.7 L/100km
Small Pickup Trucks 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
The 2011 GMC Canyon draws a small complaint set spread fairly evenly across a few systems, so no single issue dominates heavily. The most consistent pattern involves no-start behavior: multiple owners describe the truck refusing to crank, with the ignition appearing to lock up, then starting normally after waiting 10 to 20 minutes. A separate engine complaint involves the truck stalling at highway speed and either shutting off immediately on restart or recovering briefly before stalling again. Airbag sensor faults show up in a couple of reports, with owners noting a warning light that persists and, in one case, caused a failed inspection. Exterior lighting and structural corrosion each appear in isolated reports and don't reflect a broader pattern in this complaint set.
12
Total Complaints
By System
The 2011 GMC Canyon has 3 recalls, the most serious being a rear axle cross pin that can fracture and lock the rear axle, and a transmission shift cable that can leave the truck out of park even when the shifter and ignition indicate otherwise.
On the axle side, a fractured cross pin can shift inside the rear differential, first producing a banging noise from the rear and then seizing the axle entirely. The transmission concern is a shift cable clip that may not hold the cable in position, causing the gear indicator to misread the actual gear selected. That mismatch means a driver can move the shifter to Park and pull the ignition key while the transmission is still in a drive or neutral gear, leaving the truck free to roll. There is also a visibility concern: the windshield wiper motor crank arm nut may be loose, which can cause the wipers to slip or stop working during use.
At a glance
What can fail
The automatic transmission shift cable adjustment clip may not hold the cable properly, causing the gear indicator to show the wrong gear. You could shift to PARK and remove the key even though the transmission isn't actually in PARK, allowing the vehicle to roll.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the automatic transmission shift cable adjustment clip with a new one.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The nut holding the windshield wiper motor crank arm may not have been tightened enough during assembly. If it loosens, the wipers could stop working, reducing your visibility in rain or snow.
What the fix does
The dealer will tighten the wiper motor crank arm nut to the correct specification.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear axle cross pin wasn't heat treated properly during manufacturing and can crack or shift inside the differential. This may cause banging noises and could lock the rear axle, risking loss of control.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the rear axle cross pin and replace it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
