Last updated: 2026-10-10
2022 GMC Canyon Reliability Report
The 2022 GMC Canyon has a good reliability standing, but owners report power steering cutting out and ignition keys sticking.
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
Final second-generation year with a good standing but among the weaker Canyon years, led by power steering dropouts and ignition keys that stick.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6)
- STEERING (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?
Good, with caveats. This Canyon holds a good reliability standing and ranks above average among 2022 trucks. Among the nine Canyon model years we score, though, it is one of the weaker ones. It is the last year of the second generation. Federal crash testing gave it 4 of 5 stars, and estimated yearly repair cost, $548, matches its class. The 2021 and 2023 models also stand good. 2021 has fewer complaints on file (10), and 2023 has far more (51).
Steering and ignition problems lead the 22 owner complaints, six each. Power steering assist can cut out without warning, with a Service Power Steering message, even when driving straight. One truck lost assist for days. In other trucks, the key sticks after shutdown and releases only after a restart or a 15 to 20 minute wait. Some owners report the 8-speed automatic slipping in first gear, and dealers often failed to fix it. Two air bag complaints include one failure to deploy in a rear-end crash with injuries. One federal recall covers the seats.
Ask for repair records on steering, the ignition switch, and the transmission. Confirm the seat recall was completed. On a test drive, check the key release and watch for steering warnings.
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
- −STEERING: Power steering assist cuts out without warning, and a Service Power Steering... (6 complaints)
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Ignition key gets stuck and won't come out after shutdown (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- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (6)
- STEERING (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
Electrical system problems lead owner complaints about the 2022 GMC Canyon, and 1 recall was 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
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.
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 2022 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
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.
Shut the truck off and remove the key several times during the test drive. It should release every time.
Make slow, tight turns in a parking lot and watch for a Service Power Steering message or sudden heavy steering.
Scan for stored trouble codes, especially C0800 and P0494, before buying.
From a cold start, pull away gently and feel for first-gear slipping, delayed shifts, or banging between gears.
Hold 70 mph on the highway and feel for shaking through the steering wheel and column.
Confirm the air bag warning light goes out after startup and no service air bag message shows in the app.
Run the heater for several minutes and check the cabin for a sweet, coolant-like smell.
Ask for service records covering ignition switch, power steering, transmission, or instrument cluster repairs.
2022 GMC Canyon Common Problems by Component
22 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
6 complaintsThe ignition key gets stuck and won't come out after shutdown. This is the most common report. Drivers restart, shift gears, or wait 15 to 20 minutes before it releases. Some dealers say the ignition switch needs replacing, while others dispute the problem. A known workaround of disconnecting a wire also lets the key turn off while driving, which creates a safety hazard. Other reports describe the instrument cluster going dark on startup, with no speedometer, gauges, or turn signals, which a software refresh fixed. Others mention a dead fuel gauge after repeated control module replacements and a P0494 code.
STEERING
6 complaintsPower steering assist cuts out without warning, and a Service Power Steering message appears. It happens at low speed in turns and at other speeds, even driving straight. Assist sometimes comes back after a restart or a wait, but one truck lost it for days. Diagnoses include water in an electrical connector at about 14,424 miles and a C0800 code for the power steering control module. Losing assist in a turn is a loss-of-control risk. Other reports describe a key that won't turn off or come out, and shaking in the wheel and column at highway speed.
POWER TRAIN
3 complaintsThe 8-speed automatic slips in first gear, often on the first start of the day. Repeated dealer visits, two or three per truck, fail to find a cause or fix it, even under warranty at about 19,000 miles. Other reports describe delayed shifts, kicking and banging between gears, and vibration above certain speeds. No crashes are tied to these complaints, but the slipping can go on for years without a repair.
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)
AIR BAGS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedDeployment fails in a rear-end crash at 45–50 mph that leaves the driver with head and cervical spine injuries. A service air bag message appears in the vehicle app afterward, on a truck with about 14,000 miles. A second report describes a sensor failure after about four years in service, traced to a failed gasket built into the sensor assembly. Two complaints are too few to show a broad pattern, but both point to a restraint system that may not be ready when needed.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaintsA sweet smell, like coolant, enters the cabin off and on. One owner links it to sinus headaches. An outside shop traced it to the heater core, but after two visits the dealer could not diagnose it. The other report repeats the stuck ignition key seen in other categories. The key won't come out several times a week, and the driver has to restart, move the truck, and turn the wheel hard before it releases.
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.
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.
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 2022 GMC Canyon reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2022 GMC Canyon?
Does the 2022 GMC Canyon have power steering problems?
Has the 2022 GMC Canyon been recalled?
Is the 2022 GMC Canyon better than the 2021 or 2023?
Don’t buy a 2022 GMC Canyon without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2022 GMC Canyon
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2022 GMC Canyon does best on recall impact (88/100) 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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