2021 GMC Canyon: common problems and reliability

The 2021 GMC Canyon has 10 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and air bags. Owners most often flag poor real-world fuel economy (2.7l turbo): reports of 13.5 - 19.8 mpg, significantly lower than expectations, particularly with all-terrain tires. frequency: recurrent.

Safety record for the 2021 model year

10
Owner complaints
2
Recalls
2
Crash reports
1
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 GMC Canyon vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2021 a good year for the Canyon?

Across the 9 Canyon model years we track, complaint volume runs from 10 (2021) to 318 (2015). With 10 complaints, the 2021 Canyon sits belowthe model's median of 54.

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

power train
2
air bags
2
exterior lighting
1
back over prevention
1
steering
1

Recalls affecting the 2021 Canyon

seat belts

Campaign 20V811000

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox

equipment:other:labels

Campaign 21V497000

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 GMC Canyon vehicles. The load carrying capacity printed on the Tire and Loading Information placard is 22.5 kg (51 lbs.) more than intended. As such, these vehicles fail

What owners say across generations

Mixed to positive sentiment, heavily dependent on generation and powertrain. Long-term owners of the first-generation models (circa 2005-2012) report very high satisfaction with durability, describing them as "solid," "bulletproof," and…

  • Poor real-world fuel economy (2.7L Turbo): Reports of 13.5 - 19.8 MPG, significantly lower than expectations, particularly with all-terrain tires. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Build quality / assembly issues (2024+ models): Reports of loose frame bolts found under rear seats, suspension problems causing unstable highway ride, and general fit-and-finish concerns. Frequency: isolated.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Canyon. See the full Canyon owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

Used Canyon listings typically run $25,997–$39,790 across 2012 to 2026 model years.

Other Canyon model years

Compare every Canyon year side by side to see how 2021 ranks against the rest.

Compare the Canyon against its rivals