Last updated: 2026-04-20

2023 GMC Canyon Reliability Report
The 2023 GMC Canyon scores 66/100 ("Good"). With 3 recalls and 51 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
3
Complaints
51
Complaint Rate
N/A
Est. Repair Cost
$548
Annual Fuel Cost
$3,000–$3,750
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
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (16)
- ENGINE (5)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (4)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2023 is the first model year of the Third generation (2023).
- First-year models may have unresolved issues from the new design.
- Redesigned for the 2023 model year.
- 3rd generation Canyon (US).
What this means for buyers
First-year models carry more risk — early production issues are common. Consider waiting for the second year if reliability is a priority.
Compare 2023 pricing and recall counts against 2024+ before deciding.
2023: Third generation (2023) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
Should You Buy the 2023 GMC Canyon?
At 66/100, the 2023 GMC Canyon lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. As a first-year redesign, early-adopter issues are common.
Owners log 51 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 (16). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2024 GMC Canyon, which scored 13 points higher. See also the 2022 GMC Canyon for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low major repair risk (12%)
- +Low complaint frequency
Cons
- −Moderate recall count
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Forward collision avoidance system and display screens (16 complaints)
- −ENGINE: Frequent failures of the upper radiator hose in the 2023 GMC Canyon, often... (5 complaints)
Compare 2023 GMC Canyon With

2023 Chevrolet Colorado
Reliability: 73/100

2023 Toyota Tacoma
Reliability: 68/100

2023 Ford Ranger
Reliability: 73/100

2023 Jeep Gladiator
Reliability: 51/100

2023 Honda Ridgeline
Reliability: 78/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 3 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (16)
- ENGINE (5)
Recall Overview
3
recalls on record
A moderate 3 recalls are on file for the 2023 GMC Canyon. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
51
complaintsSafety Incidents
0
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.
2023 GMC Canyon Recall Details
3 recalls have been issued for the 2023 GMC Canyon. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
SEAT BELTS
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Chevrolet Colorado and 2023 GMC Canyon vehicles. The left or right front seat may have a seat belt buckle attachment bolt that was not tightened properly.
Consequence
A loose seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will tighten the left and right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 30, 2024. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N242453720.
WHEELS
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles. The front wheel hub bolts may have been over-tightened and damaged during installation.
Consequence
Damaged bolts may loosen or break, which can result in a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the left and right front wheel hub bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232431480.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles. The front camera module (FCM) system may falsely detect an obstacle, causing the automatic emergency braking (AEB) to engage unexpectedly.
Consequence
Unexpected automatic emergency braking can cause the vehicle to abruptly stop or slow down, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the front camera module (FCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 5, 2024. 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 A232424660.
Buying a used 2023 GMC Canyon? Check its history first
Every 2023 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
2023 GMC Canyon NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
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
16–20 MPG
Running cost: $3,550–$4,300/yr
Fuel + repair
16–18 city / 16–23 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 2023 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canyon 2WD 2.7L 4-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 8-spd | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,000 |
| Canyon 4WD 2.7L 4-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 8-spd | 17 | 21 | 19 | $3,150 |
| Canyon Mud Terrain Tires 4WD 2.7L 4-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 8-spd | 17 | 20 | 18 | $3,300 |
| Canyon AT4X 4WD 2.7L 4-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 8-spd | 16 | 16 | 16 | $3,750 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2023 GMC Canyon.
Inspect upper radiator hose for leaks
Test forward collision avoidance system for false activations
Check for electrical system malfunctions, such as screen blackouts
Verify proper operation of lane departure and blind spot monitoring systems
Test brakes for unexpected autonomous activation
Check for transmission surging or lurching when slowing down
Inspect roof structure for dents or abnormal noises
2023 GMC Canyon Common Problems by Component
51 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
16 complaintsOwners report frequent issues with the 2023 GMC Canyon's electrical system, particularly involving the forward collision avoidance system and display screens. Common symptoms include unprompted activation of the automatic emergency braking system, leading to abrupt stops without obstacles present, which poses a safety risk of potential rear-end collisions. Complaints also often describe display screens going black and blind spot monitoring systems giving false alerts. These issues are reported across a wide range of mileages, with some occurring as early as 2,800 miles. Buyers should be aware of these potential safety concerns and the possibility of unresolved electrical faults in this model.
ENGINE
5 complaintsOwners report frequent failures of the upper radiator hose in the 2023 GMC Canyon, often occurring between 28,000 and 37,000 miles. Complaints consistently mention coolant leaks at the connection point to the radiator, attributed to a defective rubber seal rather than a high-quality o-ring, leading to potential engine overheating. Multiple owners describe challenges obtaining parts due to a national backorder, with some advised to monitor coolant levels while awaiting repairs. The potential for engine damage from overheating is a significant safety concern, as it could result in engine failure. Buyers should be aware of this common issue and the associated repair delays.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
5 complaintsOwners of the 2023 GMC Canyon frequently report issues related to coolant leaks, particularly from the top radiator hose, with some mentioning a faulty O-ring. There are also multiple complaints about electronic malfunctions, including the auto braking system activating unexpectedly, causing the vehicle to enter limp mode and vibrate, and issues with the digital display freezing or shutting down, affecting GPS, radio, and other controls. These problems are noted to start as early as 5,300 miles. Safety concerns are highlighted, particularly with the auto braking system's unexpected activation at high speeds, posing a risk of rear-end collisions. Additionally, owners describe persistent issues with the air conditioning system and headlight flickering, with some experiencing these issues shortly after purchase.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (4 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
4 complaintsOwners of the 2023 GMC Canyon frequently report issues with the Forward Collision Avoidance system. Common symptoms include unexpected and abrupt braking, sometimes leading to loss of vehicle control, particularly in scenarios involving snow-covered roads or when the system mistakenly detects oncoming traffic. Complaints also highlight instances where the forward collision warning light remains illuminated without apparent cause, requiring a key cycle to reset. These problems are noted at mileages ranging from approximately 2,251 to 13,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as abrupt stops have nearly resulted in crashes, and some owners have chosen to disable the system due to these recurring failures.
LANE DEPARTURE (3 complaints)
LANE DEPARTURE
3 complaintsOwners of the 2023 GMC Canyon frequently report issues with the lane departure and related safety systems, including false positives and system deactivations. Common symptoms include the blind spot monitoring system activating incorrectly, especially at night, and pre-collision warnings and lane keep assist disabling themselves during operation. These issues are often described as intermittent but increasingly frequent, with one owner noting occurrences around 25,153 miles. Complaints highlight safety concerns due to distraction and uncertainty about vehicle surroundings. Despite multiple visits to dealerships, owners report no effective fixes have been provided, and the problems persist.
POWER TRAIN (3 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
3 complaintsOwners of the 2023 GMC Canyon frequently report issues with the vehicle's transmission, specifically the 8L80 model. The most common symptoms include the vehicle lurching forward or surging unexpectedly, particularly when slowing down or coming to a stop, such as when parking or approaching traffic signals. These incidents often occur during gear shifts from 2nd to 1st gear and are described as intermittent but alarming. Complaints indicate that the problem persists even after warranty service, with some owners mentioning that dealerships struggle to replicate the issue. Safety concerns are noted, as the sudden forward movement has reportedly led to near-collisions with objects like garage walls and other vehicles, posing a potential risk for buyers to consider.
STRUCTURE (3 complaints)
STRUCTURE
3 complaintsOwners of the 2023 GMC Canyon frequently report issues with the vehicle's roof structure, particularly related to the sunroof and roof panel. Common symptoms include a gurgling sound from the sunroof after exposure to water, which persists even after service attempts to clear drainage lines. Additionally, multiple owners describe the roof panel being susceptible to denting and abnormal noises during car washes, with one case noting that a repair under a customer service program did not resolve the issue. These problems are reported at relatively low mileages, such as around 1,800 miles. While no safety implications like crashes or loss of control are mentioned, potential buyers may want to consider these structural concerns.
SERVICE BRAKES (3 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
3 complaintsOwners of the 2023 GMC Canyon report issues with the vehicle braking autonomously without warning, even when no obstacles are present. Complaints frequently mention abrupt stops and the activation of crash alerts, with one report indicating that this has led to bodily and property damage. These issues are noted at varying mileages, including as early as 2,000 miles and at 14,129 miles. Additionally, a failure of the brake master cylinder is reported, leading to service warnings and the vehicle being deemed unsafe to drive by a dealer. The autonomous braking incidents and brake system failures raise concerns about potential safety risks, including loss of control and crashes.
STEERING (3 complaints)
STEERING
3 complaintsOwners report sudden power steering failures in the 2023 GMC Canyon, often accompanied by a "Brake Failure" warning and subsequent limited vehicle speed. Multiple complaints describe simultaneous loss of braking effectiveness and power steering, occurring unexpectedly at highway speeds, creating significant safety risks as drivers struggle to maintain control. These issues typically arise without prior warning, and in one case, began following a remote electrical update, with failure mileage noted at approximately 2,500 miles. The sudden nature of these failures and their occurrence in high-speed traffic situations pose a risk of accidents, as drivers report narrowly avoiding collisions. Buyers should be aware of these potential steering and braking issues, especially given the difficulty in reproducing the problem for diagnosis and repair.
VISIBILITY/WIPER (2 complaints)
VISIBILITY/WIPER
2 complaintsOwners of the 2023 GMC Canyon report issues related to the visibility and wiper system, particularly in cold weather conditions. One complaint describes the defroster failing to effectively clear the front windshield and windshield wipers being unable to remove ice debris, leading to impaired visibility. This issue is noted at approximately 3,000 miles, and the owner mentions that a dealership was unable to resolve or find information on a fix. No crashes, fires, or loss of control are reported, but the visibility impairment could pose a safety concern.
When Do 2023 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.
2023
(Current Model)
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 2023 GMC Canyon reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2023 GMC Canyon?
How many recalls does the 2023 GMC Canyon have?
Is the 2023 GMC Canyon expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2023 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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