Last updated: 2026-04-20

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

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

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

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)

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?

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

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

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.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. 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.

  • 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.

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

Owners 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.

2 complaints total

AIR BAGS

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

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.

When Do 2021 GMC Canyon Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

47,000–69,000 milesPower train issues

Best & Worst GMC Canyon Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best GMC Canyon Years to Buy

The 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.

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
201871/100Good149

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2021 GMC Canyon reliable?
The 2021 GMC Canyon has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 68/100. It is reasonably reliable with 2 recalls and 10 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 GMC Canyon?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 GMC Canyon include: POWER TRAIN (2 complaints), AIR BAGS (2 complaints), EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1 complaints), BACK OVER PREVENTION (1 complaints), STEERING (1 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2021 GMC Canyon have?
The 2021 GMC Canyon has 2 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2021 GMC Canyon expensive to maintain?
The 2021 GMC Canyon has estimated annual repair costs of $548/year, which matches the midsize trucks average. With a reliability score of 68/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

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

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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.

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