Last updated: 2026-04-20
2019 GMC Canyon Reliability Report
The 2019 GMC Canyon scores 76/100 ("Good"). With 0 recalls and 14 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
0
Complaints
14
Complaint Rate
N/A
Est. Repair Cost
$548
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,700–$4,000
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- POWER TRAIN (6)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2019 is year 5 of the Second generation (RG; 2011).
- Redesigned for the 2015 model year.
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- A refresh arrives in 2020.
- 2nd generation Canyon (US).
What this means for buyers
Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.
2015: Second generation (RG; 2011) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2019: This Model Year
2019 is year 5 of the Second generation (RG; 2011).
2020: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2019 GMC Canyon?
At 76/100, the 2019 GMC Canyon lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2019 is year 5 of the Second generation (RG; 2011).
Owners log 14 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to power train (6). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2020 GMC Canyon, which scored the same. See also the 2018 GMC Canyon for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low major repair risk (12%)
- +No recalls issued
Cons
- −POWER TRAIN issues reported (6 complaints)
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (3 complaints)
Compare 2019 GMC Canyon With
2019 Chevrolet Colorado
Reliability: 78/100
2019 Toyota Tacoma
Reliability: 55/100
2019 Ford Ranger
Reliability: 64/100
2019 Nissan Frontier
Reliability: 80/100
2019 Honda Ridgeline
Reliability: 65/100
Common Problem Categories
Other
HIGH RISK- POWER TRAIN (6)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3)
Recall Overview
0
recalls on record
No recalls are on record for the 2019 GMC Canyon — uncommon, and a strong signal of manufacturing quality.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
14
complaintsSafety Incidents
0
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 4/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
Buying a used 2019 GMC Canyon? Check its history first
Every 2019 GMC Canyon has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2019 GMC Canyon NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 21.4%
Safety Technologies
GMC CanyonRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3Maintenance rating: 3 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$548
vs $548 avg for midsize trucks
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.2
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
12%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
15–23 MPG
Running cost: $3,250–$4,550/yr
Fuel + repair
15–20 city / 15–30 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2019 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canyon 2WD 2.5L 4-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 20 | 26 | 22 | $2,700 |
| Canyon 2WD 2.5L 4-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 20 | 26 | 22 | $2,700 |
| Canyon 4WD 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 19 | 24 | 21 | $2,850 |
| Canyon 2WD 3.6L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 8-spd | 18 | 25 | 20 | $3,000 |
| Canyon 4WD 3.6L 6-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 8-spd | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,150 |
| Canyon 2WD 2.8L 4-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 20 | 30 | 23 | $3,500 |
| Canyon 4WD 2.8L 4-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 19 | 28 | 22 | $3,700 |
| Canyon Cab Chassis 2WD 3.6L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 8-spd | 15 | 15 | 15 | $4,000 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2019 GMC Canyon.
Test transmission for slow shifting and jerking during acceleration
Inspect high pressure fuel pump for leaks and signs of failure
Check ignition for key release and turning issues
Examine tires for dry rot and tread condition
Verify engine for unusual noises or vibrations on startup
Inspect engine oil cooler pipe for corrosion and leaks
2019 GMC Canyon Common Problems by Component
14 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
6 complaintsOwners of the 2019 GMC Canyon frequently report transmission issues, particularly with the 8-speed automatic transmission. Common symptoms include slow shifting, high engine revving, jerking, hesitation, slipping, and harsh shifting, especially noticeable during acceleration or when moving from a complete stop. These issues are often noted within the first few months of ownership and can persist even after dealership visits and fluid changes, with some vehicles having less than 50,000 miles. Safety concerns are highlighted by owners who describe hesitation and unexpected lurching as potential risks for rear-end collisions or mishaps in traffic. Used car buyers should be aware of these recurring transmission problems and the potential for costly repairs.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 GMC Canyon report issues with the electrical system, including problems with the ignition where the key fails to release or turn, preventing the vehicle from starting or shutting off. One complaint involves a vehicle fire that occurred while the truck was parked, with the cabin and bed destroyed, though the engine compartment remained unaffected. The approximate mileage for the ignition issue is reported at around 52,000 miles. Additionally, a loud clunk and vibration during cold startup are noted, though no specific mileage is mentioned. The fire incident highlights a significant safety concern, though the cause remains undetermined.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaintsOwners of the 2019 GMC Canyon report recurring issues with the high pressure fuel pump breaking, often within a short time frame of initial repairs. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as the vehicle stalling, activating the Stabilitrak warning, displaying an "Engine Power Reduced" message, and entering limp mode. This issue has been noted to occur both at highway speeds and slower city driving, with one owner experiencing the problem twice within a six-month period. Safety implications are significant, as the failure can lead to rapid speed reduction and potential gasoline leakage, which poses a fire hazard. Used car buyers should be aware of these reports, especially considering similar issues were subject to a recall in the previous model year.
ENGINE (1 complaints)
ENGINE
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2019 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. There was an abnormal scratching noise detected. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that an unknown part had fractured inside the engine. The mechanic informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000. The VIN was not available.
TIRES (1 complaints)
TIRES
1 complaintAll 5 tires including the spare are dry rotted, and have become extremely unsafe in wet weather conditions. Truck came with these tires and only has 27k miles with a lot of tread left.
STEERING (1 complaints)
STEERING
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2019 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds and making a right turn, the steering wheel seized. The contact continued to drive, and the steering wheel seized again. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 65,200.
When Do 2019 GMC Canyon Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst GMC Canyon Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best GMC Canyon Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best GMC Canyon year is 2024 with a reliability score of 79/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2020 (76/100) and 2019 (76/100).
2024
2020
2019
(Current Model)
GMC Canyon Years to Avoid
The worst GMC Canyon year is 2023 with a score of 66/100, primarily due to electrical system (16) issues.
GMC Canyon Reliability Score Trend
GMC Canyon reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 72/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 76/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 76/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 66/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 79/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 72/100 | Good |
GMC Canyon Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 GMC Canyon reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 GMC Canyon?
How many recalls does the 2019 GMC Canyon have?
Is the 2019 GMC Canyon expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2019 GMC Canyon without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the GMC Canyon.
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