Last updated: 2026-10-10

2021 GMC Canyon
RELIABILITY SCORE: 68/100 (GOOD)

2021 GMC Canyon Reliability Report

The 2021 GMC Canyon has good reliability, but owners report airbags that did not deploy in serious frontal crashes. Check its two recalls.

Recalls

2

Complaints

10

Complaint Rate

N/A

Est. Repair Cost

$548

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,700–$3,700

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint SeverityN/A

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs60/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact80/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue DiversityN/A

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Good overall but among the weaker Canyon years, with airbag non-deployment complaints from serious frontal crashes and two recalls covering equipment and seat belts.

Top Issues to Watch

  • POWER TRAIN (2)
  • AIR BAGS (2)
  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Refresh

2021 is 1 year after the facelift refresh.

  • Year 7 in the Second generation (RG; 2011) (2015–2022).
  • Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
  • 2nd generation Canyon (US).

What this means for buyers

Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.

2015: Second generation (RG; 2011) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2020: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

2021: This Model Year

2021 is 1 year after the facelift refresh.

Should You Buy the 2021 GMC Canyon?

Reliability is good for a midsize truck, and it lands close to average among 2021 trucks. Inside the Canyon lineup it is among the weaker of nine scored years, and both 2020 and 2022 rate better. Federal crash testing gave it 4 of 5 stars. Estimated yearly repair cost matches the class at $548.

The complaint that matters most is airbags. Two owners describe front-end or front-corner crashes hard enough to total the truck or bend its frame, with no airbag going off. Those crashes involved 5 injuries, including a concussion and bruising. Two reports is a small sample, and neither names a cause. Other complaints are milder: a driver's side suspension knock over speed bumps, where a dealer saw the upper control arm hitting the spring at 47,000 miles and did not repair it, and a shudder near 50 mph that returned and later brought on the check engine light. Federal records list two recalls, in equipment and seat belts.

Ask the seller for proof that both recalls were completed. Test drive at highway speed and over bumps. The 2020 model rates better and has no recalls.

Compared to the 2022 GMC Canyon, which scored 3 points higher. See also the 2020 GMC Canyon for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • +Acceptable reliability score
  • +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
  • +Low major repair risk (12%)
  • +Low recall count

Cons

  • −AIR BAGS: Airbags fail to deploy in serious frontal crashes, according to both complaints... (2 complaints)
  • −POWER TRAIN: Knock from the driver's side suspension and a shudder at highway speed are the... (2 complaints)

Compare 2021 GMC Canyon With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 2 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • POWER TRAIN (2)
  • AIR BAGS (2)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

2

recalls on record

The 2021 GMC Canyon carries 2 recalls — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

10

complaints
LowAvgHigh
Very Low

Safety Incidents

2

Crashes

1

Fires

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

★★★★★

NHTSA 4/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2021 GMC Canyon Recall Details

2 recalls have been issued for the 2021 GMC Canyon. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

21V4970002021-07-01

EQUIPMENT

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 to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Consequence

An incorrect label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GM will mail owners a new B-pillar label, free of charge. Owners may apply the label, or bring it to a dealer for installation. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 17, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212340735.

20V8110002020-12-23

SEAT BELTS

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, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.

Consequence

If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2021 GMC Canyon? Check its history first

Power train problems lead owner complaints about the 2021 GMC Canyon, and 2 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2021 GMC Canyon NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 4 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 22.0%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

GMC CanyonRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3Maintenance rating: 3 out of 5

Based 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

Canyon
$548
Category Avg
$548
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

GMC Canyon Resale Value

The GMC Canyon is estimated to retain about 96.3% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.

This benchmark covers the GMC Canyon model overall and is not specific to the 2021 model year.

Value Retained
96.3%

after 5 years

Depreciation
3.7%

over the same period

Listings Analyzed
62

U.S. used-car listings

Listings observed in . This is a historical market benchmark, not a current price quote.

Explore GMC Canyon depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.com

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

18–23 MPG

Running cost: $3,250–$4,250/yr

Fuel + repair

16–20 city / 22–30 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 2021 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
Canyon 2WD 2.5L 4-cylRear-Wheel DriveAutomatic 6-spd192522$2,700
Canyon 2WD 3.6L 6-cylRear-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd182521$2,850
Canyon 4WD 2.5L 4-cyl4-Wheel DriveAutomatic 6-spd192421$2,850
Canyon 4WD 3.6L 6-cyl4-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd162218$3,300
Canyon 2WD 2.8L 4-cylRear-Wheel DriveAutomatic 6-spd203023$3,500
Canyon 4WD 2.8L 4-cyl4-Wheel DriveAutomatic 6-spd192822$3,700

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 GMC Canyon.

  • Run the VIN through federal recall records and confirm any open recalls are completed.

  • Start the truck and confirm the airbag warning light comes on briefly, then goes off.

  • Ask about past crashes and get records showing the airbag system was inspected afterward.

  • Drive slowly over speed bumps and listen for knocking from the driver's side suspension.

  • Ask for service records of any upper control arm or suspension spring inspection or repair.

  • Hold about 50 mph on a smooth road and feel for vibration or shudder.

  • Scan for stored engine and transmission codes and confirm the check engine light stays off.

2021 GMC Canyon Common Problems by Component

10 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

2
2
POWER TRAIN (2)AIR BAGS (2)EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1)BACK OVER PREVENTION (1)STEERING (1)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1)SEAT BELTS (1)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1)

POWER TRAIN

2 complaints

A knock from the driver's side suspension and a shudder at highway speed are the two problems reported. The knock shows up over speed bumps at low speed. In one case a dealer finds the upper control arm striking the suspension spring at 47,000 miles but makes no repair. The shudder appears at about 50 mph. It comes and goes at first, then recurs, and the check engine light later comes on. Independent mechanics point to a transmission failure. Neither report describes a crash or loss of control.

2 complaints total

AIR BAGS

2 complaintsSafety-related

Airbags fail to deploy in serious frontal crashes, according to both complaints filed here. Each describes a front-end or front-corner impact strong enough to total the truck or bend its frame, yet no airbag in the truck goes off. Together the two crashes account for 5 reported injuries, including a concussion and bruising. The excerpts give no cause and no dealer finding. Only 2 complaints exist, which is a small sample, but the risk to occupants is severe.

2 complaints total2 crashes5 injuries

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint
2026-02-02

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the driver’s side low beam headlight failed to illuminate as intended. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that upon further inspection, an unknown electrical fuse was burned. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed; however, a cause for the failure was not found. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,121.

BACK OVER PREVENTION (1 complaints)

BACK OVER PREVENTION

1 complaint
2025-10-01

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while reversing, the back over prevention screen image was solid blue, and there was no image displayed, creating a visibility hazard for the driver. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and it was determined that the rearview camera coaxial cable connectors were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V709000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 46,000.

STEERING (1 complaints)

STEERING

1 complaint
2025-02-16

The electric power steering motor stopped working while driving on the highway. The vehicle was almost impossible to control and almost caused me to enter the oncoming lane of traffic.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1 complaints)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaintSafety-related
2024-11-08Fire reported

While driving, a fire started inside the vehicle between the rear passenger side seat belt and the rear window. My daughters were in the back seat and started screaming. I immediately stopped the vehicle and ran to put the fire out by smothering and throwing water on it. There was zero warning...no lights or warning messages. No major injuries occurred (only small minor burns to my right hand). I then brought the vehicle to the dealership where it was purchased. I was told it was a known issue, and I was prompted to file a claim with my insurance company. Someone from the insurance company, along with the service department at the dealership, inspected the vehicle. Insurance has agreed to cover the parts damaged but not replace the part(s) that actually caused the fire. The dealership will address the actual problem, but only if I pay for the repairs ($1100-1500 estimated cost).

SEAT BELTS (1 complaints)

SEAT BELTS

1 complaint
2024-02-15

unknown the gmc dealership refuses to repair recalls as they say, theres no recalls on the vehicle. There are 2 recalls and were not told of these recalls when purchasing

UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint
2023-05-03

The rear camera and wire harness for the Rear Backup Camera became corroded and stopped working months ago. This is vital technology that our children have grown up with to ensure the safety of backing up in case something is behind the vehicle including young children, toys, equipment or someone simply walking by your driveway while you're backing up. The Service Manager at Billion GMC in Sioux Falls, SD (Dan Dunnagan) said they are replacing tons of the rear cameras due to corrosion, which might be caused by water getting into the system or faulty parts and faulty wiring from the product manufacturer. This is certainly a safety issue. I had it repaired at a cost of $591.84 for the rear camera and wire harness plus labor. This issue on GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500 pickups should be investigated as the Rear Camera is a vital piece of safety equipment and if a large number of these are faulty, subject to corrosion or poor manufacturing, it should be brought forward to protect consumers.

Best & Worst GMC Canyon Years

Best GMC Canyon Years to Buy

GMC Canyon Years to Avoid

GMC Canyon Reliability Score Trend

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

GMC Canyon reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201871/100Good
201976/100Good
202076/100Good
202168/100Good
202271/100Good
202366/100Good
202479/100Good
202572/100Good
202676/100Good

GMC Canyon Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202676/100+4Good00
202572/100-7Good28
202479/100+13Good3204
202366/100-5Good351
202271/100+3Good122
2021(selected)68/100-8Good210
202076/1000Good013
201976/100+5Good014
201871/100—Good149

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2021 GMC Canyon reliable?
Yes, it has a good reliability standing and is close to average among 2021 trucks. It is among the weaker of the nine scored Canyon years, though, and the 2020 and 2022 models both rate better. Owners filed 10 complaints, and federal records show 2 recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 GMC Canyon?
Airbags and power train issues lead the complaints, with two each. Owners report airbags not deploying in serious frontal crashes. Others describe a suspension knock over speed bumps and a shudder near 50 mph that later set off the check engine light.
Do 2021 GMC Canyon airbags fail to deploy?
Two owner complaints say so. Each describes a front-end or front-corner crash strong enough to total the truck or bend its frame, with no airbag going off. Five injuries were reported, including a concussion. The reports give no cause or dealer finding, and the sample is small.
Does the 2021 GMC Canyon have transmission problems?
One complaint points that way. The owner reports a shudder at about 50 mph that came and went, then recurred, and the check engine light later came on. Independent mechanics suggested a transmission failure. The report describes no crash or loss of control.
Is the 2021 GMC Canyon better than the 2020 or 2022 model?
No, both neighbors rate better for reliability. The 2020 model has 13 complaints and no recalls. The 2022 model has 22 complaints and 1 recall. The 2020 is the one with a cleaner recall record, so it is worth comparing.

Don’t buy a 2021 GMC Canyon without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Look Up a VIN →

How we score the 2021 GMC Canyon

Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2021 GMC Canyon does best on recall impact (80/100) and worst on repair costs (60/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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