Photo: Bull-Doser / Public domain / Wikimedia Commons
2016 GMC Canyon: common problems and reliability
· 2nd generationOne of the worst Canyon years.
One of the GMC Canyon years to avoid. All Canyon years
270 owner complaints, most about steering. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 2016 Canyon?The 2016 GMC Canyon has 270 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are steering and power train. Owners most often flag transmission shuddering and shifting issues with the 8-speed automatic: owners report shuttering, confused shifting, and sticking in higher rpm ranges, with some recommending a transmission fluid change per a tsb or a tune to resolve.
Safety record for the 2016 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2016 GMC Canyon vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Canyon years only. How we score it
Is 2016 a good year for the Canyon?
Across the 21 Canyon model years we track, complaint volume runs from 12 (2021) to 321 (2015). With 270 complaints, the 2016 Canyon sits above 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 2016 Canyon
air bags:frontal
Campaign 17V621000General 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.
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Campaign 18V358000General 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.
latches/locks/linkages
Campaign 15V807000General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Colorado trucks manufactured August 25, 2015 to September 24, 2015, and GMC Canyon trucks manufactured August 28, 2015 to September 24, 2015. The affected vehicles have a console compartment lid latch assembly that may fail to keep the compartment door closed in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact."
air bags:frontal
Campaign 16V125000General 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.
What owners report on the 2nd generation Canyon
Owners of the 2015-2022 Canyon generally express positive feelings about the truck's driving dynamics, comfort, and technology, with several describing it as driving more like a car than a truck and praising its smooth, quiet ride.
- Very frequentTransmission shuddering and shifting issues with the 8-speed automatic
Owners report shuttering, confused shifting, and sticking in higher RPM ranges, with some recommending a transmission fluid change per a TSB or a tune to resolve.
- RecurrentTiming chain issues
Owners report timing chain problems requiring replacement, with one stating "needs a new timing chain/belt" and another noting it's "not uncommon at all.".
- RecurrentBattery drain
Owners of 2019 models report battery draining overnight or within days, with one owner stating it drained daily and another noting the battery was replaced but the issue persisted. Heated steering wheel use was suspected by one owner.
- RecurrentBluetooth connectivity issues
Owners report the radio showing "No Device Connected" even when phone functions are connected, requiring unplugging, re-syncing, or restarting the phone to resolve.
- RecurrentWater flowing sound from dashboard
Owners report hearing water flowing or gurgling sounds, often during engine warm-up, attributed to coolant passing through the heater core. One owner noted it's common across GM trucks and not a concern if coolant levels are stable.
Owner insights for the 2nd generation Canyon. Read the full 2nd 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 2016 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Canyon against its rivals
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