This page covers 3 recalls, 10 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2021 GMC Canyon.
18–22 mpg combined
10.7–13.1 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 3 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Complaints for the 2021 GMC Canyon are spread across a small number of reports, with powertrain and electrical issues making up the bulk of what owners describe. On the powertrain side, owners report intermittent vibration and shuddering while driving, sometimes starting as an occasional symptom before becoming consistent, occasionally accompanied by a check engine light. Electrical-related reports include a headlight low beam failing without any warning indicator and a burned fuse discovered on inspection, plus a rearview camera displaying a solid blue screen instead of an image, traced by a dealer to faulty coaxial cable connectors. A single report describes the electric power steering cutting out entirely at highway speed. One isolated report mentions a fire igniting near the rear seat area with no warning lights preceding it.
10
Total Complaints
2
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2021 GMC Canyon has 3 recalls, the most serious involving seatbelt mounting bolts that may be incorrect, meaning the belt could pull free from the vehicle in a crash and fail to restrain the occupant.
The remaining two recalls both involve the tire and loading information label, which lists a higher cargo and occupant capacity than the vehicle is actually rated for. Relying on that figure can lead to overloading, which puts extra stress on the tires and can cause poor handling or a tire failure.
At a glance
What can fail
The tire and loading information label shows incorrect maximum capacity for occupants and cargo, risking vehicle overloading, poor handling, or tire failure.
What the fix does
GM will mail a corrected tire and loading information label. Dealers can install it free of charge upon request.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 4 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
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 →
At a glance
What can fail
The Tire and Loading Information placard overstates the vehicle's load carrying capacity by 22.5 kg (51 lbs.), causing it to not meet federal safety standards for tire selection.
What the fix does
GM will mail a corrected B-pillar label. Install it yourself or have a dealer install it at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Seat belt fastening bolts may be incorrect, causing seat belts to not attach properly to the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the suspect bolts with correct ones at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
