Last updated: 2026-04-20

2021 GMC Canyon Reliability Report
The 2021 GMC Canyon scores 68/100 ("Good"). With 2 recalls and 10 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
2
Complaints
10
Complaint Rate
N/A
Est. Repair Cost
$548
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,700–$3,700
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 (2)
- AIR BAGS (2)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1)
Generation & Refresh (US)
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?
At 68/100, the 2021 GMC Canyon lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2021 is 1 year after the facelift refresh.
Owners log 10 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 (2). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
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
- −POWER TRAIN issues reported (2 complaints)
- −AIR BAGS: Owners of the 2021 GMC Canyon report issues with airbag deployment during... (2 complaints)
Compare 2021 GMC Canyon With

2021 Chevrolet Colorado
Reliability: 78/100

2021 Toyota Tacoma
Reliability: 70/100

2021 Ford Ranger
Reliability: 72/100

2021 Nissan Frontier
Reliability: 84/100

2021 Jeep Gladiator
Reliability: 49/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- POWER TRAIN (2)
- AIR BAGS (2)
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
complaintsSafety 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.
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.
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.
Buying a used 2021 GMC Canyon? Check its history first
Every 2021 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
2021 GMC Canyon NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 22.0%
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.
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%
- Depreciation
- 3.7%
- Listings Analyzed
- 62
after 5 years
over the same period
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.comMPG & 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
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canyon 2WD 2.5L 4-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 19 | 25 | 22 | $2,700 |
| Canyon 2WD 3.6L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 8-spd | 18 | 25 | 21 | $2,850 |
| Canyon 4WD 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 19 | 24 | 21 | $2,850 |
| Canyon 4WD 3.6L 6-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 8-spd | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,300 |
| 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 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 GMC Canyon.
Inspect power train for vibrations and shuddering at highway speeds
Test airbag system for proper deployment functionality
Check rear camera and wire harness for corrosion or failure
Verify electrical system for potential fire hazards
Inspect steering system for power steering motor functionality
Ensure all recalls have been addressed
2021 GMC Canyon Common Problems by Component
10 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
2 complaintsOwners of the 2021 GMC Canyon report issues related to the power train, with symptoms including abnormal vehicle vibrations and shuddering while driving at approximately 50 MPH, and an intermittent check engine light that becomes persistent. Another complaint involves an abnormal knocking sound from the driver's side suspension when driving over speed bumps at low speeds. These issues appear at mileages of around 47,000 to 69,000 miles. While no safety incidents such as crashes or loss of control are reported, buyers should be aware of these recurring symptoms and the potential for unresolved mechanical issues.
AIR BAGS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2021 GMC Canyon report issues with airbag deployment during crashes. Complaints frequently mention that in significant collisions, where vehicles are deemed totaled or severely damaged, the airbags fail to deploy. In these incidents, owners describe serious crashes, including one that resulted in the vehicle's frame bending and another where the vehicle was declared a total loss. Both reports involve crashes with injuries, totaling five individuals affected. The absence of airbag deployment in these severe accidents suggests potential safety implications for buyers considering this model.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaintThe 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 complaintThe 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 complaintThe 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-relatedWhile 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 complaintunknown 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 complaintThe 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.
When Do 2021 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 2026 (76/100) and 2020 (76/100).
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 73/100.
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 |
| 2026 | 76/100 | Good |
GMC Canyon Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2021 GMC Canyon reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2021 GMC Canyon?
How many recalls does the 2021 GMC Canyon have?
Is the 2021 GMC Canyon expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2021 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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