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2012 GMC Canyon: common problems and reliability
· 1st generationAn average Canyon year.
29 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 2012 Canyon?The 2012 GMC Canyon has 29 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and air bags. Owners most often flag evap system errors including p0449: traced variously to the gas cap, variable timing solenoid, airbox/pcv hose, and evap vent solenoid.
Safety record for the 2012 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2012 GMC Canyon vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Canyon years only. How we score it
Is 2012 a good year for the Canyon?
Across the 21 Canyon model years we track, complaint volume runs from 12 (2021) to 321 (2015). With 29 complaints, the 2012 Canyon sits below the model's median of 42.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2012 Canyon
latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch
Campaign 12V594000General 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.
seat belts:front
Campaign 11V552000GENERAL 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.
What owners report on the 1st generation Canyon
Owner sentiment for the 2004-2012 Canyon is mixed but leans negative, with several owners describing the truck as feeling cheap or "falling apart" even when new, and one calling the GM light trucks of this era "pure and complete rusted trash." Critics point to electrical and ABS problems, a troublesome Passlock system, and general build quality concerns, while a smaller group of long-term owners report their trucks as remarkably durable, with one 2005 Colorado owner reaching 280,000 miles and a 2006 four-cylinder owner citing only a thermostat and fuel sensor issue over many years.
- RecurrentEvap system errors including P0449
Traced variously to the gas cap, variable timing solenoid, airbox/PCV hose, and evap vent solenoid.
- RecurrentGeneral rattles and cheap feel from new
- IsolatedPasslock system annoyance
- IsolatedThird brake lamp seal
- IsolatedEngine coil failure (replaced twice on one truck)
Owner insights for the 1st generation Canyon. Read the full 1st generation owner report.
Typical used price
Used Canyon listings typically run $20,344–$36,188.
Other Canyon model years
Compare every Canyon year side by side to see how 2012 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Canyon against its rivals
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