Last updated: 2026-04-20
2022 GMC Canyon Reliability Report
The 2022 GMC Canyon scores 71/100 ("Good"). With 1 recall and 22 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
1
Complaints
22
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
- STEERING (6)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6)
- POWER TRAIN (3)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2022 is the last model year of the Second generation (RG; 2011).
- Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
- 2 years after the last refresh (2020).
- 2nd generation Canyon (US).
What this means for buyers
Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.
2015: Second generation (RG; 2011) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2020: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2022: This Model Year
2022 is the last model year of the Second generation (RG; 2011).
Should You Buy the 2022 GMC Canyon?
At 71/100, the 2022 GMC Canyon lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2022 is the last model year of the Second generation (RG; 2011).
Owners log 22 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 electrical system (6). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2023 GMC Canyon, which scored 5 points lower. See also the 2021 GMC Canyon for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low major repair risk (12%)
- +Low recall count
Cons
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Two primary electrical issues with the 2022 GMC Canyon (6 complaints)
- −STEERING: Power steering failures (6 complaints)
Compare 2022 GMC Canyon With
2022 Chevrolet Colorado
Reliability: 81/100
2022 Toyota Tacoma
Reliability: 67/100
2022 Ford Ranger
Reliability: 75/100
2022 Jeep Gladiator
Reliability: 49/100
2022 Honda Ridgeline
Reliability: 78/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 1 manufacturer recall issued
Other
HIGH RISK- STEERING (6)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6)
Recall Overview
1
recall on record
The 2022 GMC Canyon carries 1 recall — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
22
complaintsSafety Incidents
1
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 4/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2022 GMC Canyon Recall Details
1 recall has been issued for the 2022 GMC Canyon. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
SEATS
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022 GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado vehicles equipped with a manual passenger seat. The front passenger seat may have a hook attachment that was not properly welded, allowing it to separate from the inboard track of the seat frame.
Consequence
An improperly welded seat frame may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the front passenger seat and replace the cushion frame, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 6, 2022. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N222368320.
Buying a used 2022 GMC Canyon? Check its history first
Every 2022 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
2022 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
19–23 MPG
Running cost: $3,250–$4,250/yr
Fuel + repair
17–20 city / 24–30 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 2022 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 | 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 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2022 GMC Canyon.
Test key removal from ignition multiple times
Check power steering function at low and high speeds
Inspect transmission for slipping or delayed gear shifts
Verify airbag system functionality and sensor alerts
Smell for unusual odors in the cabin, indicating possible heater core issues
Examine instrument cluster for display and functionality issues
2022 GMC Canyon Common Problems by Component
22 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
STEERING
6 complaintsOwners report several issues with the steering system of the 2022 GMC Canyon, primarily involving power steering failures. Complaints frequently mention the sudden loss of power steering, often accompanied by a "Service Power Steering, Drive with care" warning message, and in some cases, the issue resolves temporarily after restarting the vehicle. These incidents are noted to occur at various speeds and mileage points, with some reports indicating occurrences around 14,424 miles. Water intrusion into the electrical connector and corrosion in the steering rack connections are identified as potential causes by dealers. Safety implications are significant, as the sudden loss of power steering can lead to difficulty in vehicle control, although no crashes or injuries are reported.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
6 complaintsOwners report two primary electrical issues with the 2022 GMC Canyon. The first involves the key getting stuck in the ignition, often requiring multiple attempts to remove it, with some owners resorting to disconnecting a wire in the steering column to release the key. This issue is noted to occur around 36,746 miles and is confirmed by dealers as a common problem. The second issue involves failures in the instrument cluster, where the speedometer, tachometer, and other displays become inoperative, sometimes accompanied by a blank radio screen and non-functional back over prevention system, typically occurring around 39,500 miles. Safety implications include the potential for the vehicle to remain on and vulnerable to theft if the key cannot be removed, and the risk of losing critical driving information from the instrument cluster.
POWER TRAIN
3 complaintsOwners of the 2022 GMC Canyon frequently report issues with the powertrain, specifically mentioning transmission problems. Common symptoms include the transmission slipping in first gear, with some reports indicating this has persisted over two years and multiple service attempts without resolution. Another prevalent issue is a delay in gear shifting and transmission vibrations, particularly after reaching certain speeds. These complaints arise around the 19,000-mile mark. While no direct safety implications such as crashes or loss of control are noted, potential buyers should be aware of these recurring powertrain concerns.
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)
AIR BAGS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2022 GMC Canyon report issues with the airbag system, specifically involving airbag sensor failures. Complaints frequently mention sensor malfunctions that result in airbag system fault indications, compromising the system's ability to deploy properly. One report details a crash at approximately 14,000 miles where the airbags did not deploy, leading to head and cervical spine injuries. This incident highlights potential safety implications, as the airbag system's failure to activate during a collision could pose significant risks to occupants. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these reported issues, particularly in relation to airbag sensor reliability and deployment.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaintsOwners of the 2022 GMC Canyon report two primary issues under the unknown or other category. The first involves a recurring sweet or Christmas-like smell in the cabin, suspected to be ethylene glycol fumes, which one owner associates with sinus headaches. This issue appears to be linked to a faulty heater core, with symptoms emerging under 36,000 miles, though diagnosis varies between service centers. The second issue involves the ignition key intermittently failing to extract, requiring drivers to restart the vehicle and manipulate the steering wheel to remove the key. This occurs multiple times per week and poses a potential safety concern if the key cannot be removed when needed.
STRUCTURE (1 complaints)
STRUCTURE
1 complaintRear extended door ajar dashboard icon and dome light turns on while driving. This is corrected by closing hard the rear extended door before driving the automobile.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaintThe fuel gauge on the vehicle does not appear to read accurately. The distance to empty reading varies on every refuel regardless if the same amount of fuel is filled in the vehicle. I believe this is a safety issue because a driver can run out of gas causing an accident due to inaccurate fuel gauge readings. I’ve taken to the dealership and have been told they cannot reproduce the complaint and it remains defective. I’m hoping if others experience the same complaint then a recall may be activated.
SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaintThe contact called on behalf of her son who owned a 2022 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, and the brakes failed to engage. Additionally, the infotainment screen was inoperable. The front camera module warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the front camera module needed to be replaced. The dealer made the contact aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V133000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE); however, the VIN was not included in the recal. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
When Do 2022 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).
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 2022 GMC Canyon reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2022 GMC Canyon?
How many recalls does the 2022 GMC Canyon have?
Is the 2022 GMC Canyon expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2022 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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