Last updated: 2026-10-10

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
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
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)
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

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
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.
- 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.
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.
POWER TRAIN
2 complaintsA 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.
AIR BAGS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedAirbags 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.
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.
Best & Worst GMC Canyon Years
Best GMC Canyon Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreGMC Canyon Years to Avoid
GMC Canyon Reliability Score Trend
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?
Do 2021 GMC Canyon airbags fail to deploy?
Does the 2021 GMC Canyon have transmission problems?
Is the 2021 GMC Canyon better than the 2020 or 2022 model?
Don’t buy a 2021 GMC Canyon without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the GMC Canyon.
No spam. Only data updates for this model.
Browse More GMC Models

GMC Acadia
Score: 76/100

GMC Sierra 1500
Score: 82/100

GMC Terrain
Score: 82/100

GMC Yukon
Score: 82/100
Browse More 2021 Vehicles

2021 Kia Sedona
Score: 88/100

2021 Lexus ES
Score: 88/100

2021 Honda HR-V
Score: 86/100

2021 Lexus RX
Score: 86/100

2021 Nissan Frontier
Score: 84/100

2021 Mitsubishi Outlander
Score: 84/100
See incorrect data? Report an issue