2012 GMC Canyon: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 23 owner complaints on record; most reports concern electrical system; the 2011 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Dec 2012
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2012 GMC Canyon. The contact noticed that there was wiring appearing from the rear end of the vehicle. The contact stated that the rear sub frame was rusted and cracked. Additionally, the parking brake cable was hanging from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact deemed the vehicle unsafe to drive. The dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 139,908. The VIN was not available.”Owner report · Structure · May 2024
“Seatbelt light for the front driver continues to turn on even when buckled in and will ding to notify that it's not buckled despite it buckled in. This is a safety issue as the airbag light also remains on because of it.”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 2022
“The Passcode Anti-theft system randomly triggers when attempting to start the vehicle. When it triggers, the vehicle cannot be started for at least 10 minutes. I have had this system trigger multiple times at home, at the grocery store, and at a gas station. I am afraid that the device will eventually leave me stranded, so I am having the device replace for the cost of over $700.”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2022
Show 7 more owner reports
“Truck will not start intermittently. Completely inoperable for several minutes, then will start up with absolutely nothing differently done to it. Left me and my kids stranded several times. Appears to be a passlock anti theft problem. Many, many complaints online with the exact same problem. This is unsafe for children to be subjected to!!! If anything happens to my children while stranded this complaint will be used in a lawsuit against general motors!!! Spent hundreds of dollars to fix problems to no avail. It's no longer about the money, but the general safety of the public and their children!!! Recall this vehicle and make us whole!!!”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2018
“The weight on the keyring and road conditions or a jarring event causes the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. The vehicle will not stay in the run position and there are no other mechanical/electrical problems with the vehicle. This began about a year ago and has progressively got worse. This is similar to the recall of gmc's cadillac cts.”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2018
“The weld to the frame for the lower control arm and torsion bar broke causing a loss of control while driving on highway. Weld appeared defective. 60, 000 miles on vehicle.”Owner report · Suspension · Aug 2018
“My mother has been left stranded in parking lots or drive ways many times. The engine won't start, and the security light is flashing, wait ten minutes then it will finally start. The flashing light will eventually go off then she will try to start the engine. She can now get to her destination or should be able to make it home. This is only a temporary fix and gm needs to fix this.”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 2012 gmc canyon. While driving 60 mph, the vehicle began to vibrate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the hub bearing needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but the manufacturer could not cover the repairs due to the vehicle being over 100,000 miles. The failure millage was 161,000.”Owner report · Suspension · Sep 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2012 gmc canyon. The vehicle was equipped with goodyear wrangler at/s tires, size lt265/70r17. While driving approximately 45 mph, the low tire warning indicator illuminated. Immediately afterwards, the rear passenger side tire went flat. The contact had to stop on the side of the road. The contact pulled the tire off and brought it to the tire shop where it was diagnosed that a bubble the size of a baseball was present in the center of the tread. The tire was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The dot number was unknown. The approximate vehicle and tire failure mileage was 41,500.”Owner report · Tires · Mar 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2012 gmc canyon. While driving 35 mph, an abnormal noise emitted from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the manifold was fractured and the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage and VIN were unavailable.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2016
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
GENERAL 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.
Remedy: GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR TERMINALS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 7, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
General 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.
Remedy: General Motors will notify owners and instruct them to inspect their vehicle for the presence of a secondary hood latch. Dealers will replace the hood on any affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on January 17, 2013. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC at 1-866-996-9463.
How other years compare
Check your exact Canyon by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2012 GMC Canyon reliable?
NHTSA has 23 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2012 GMC Canyon. The most complained-about area is electrical system.
Does the 2012 GMC Canyon have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning seat belts:front. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.