Last updated: 2026-10-10

2025 GMC Canyon
RELIABILITY SCORE: 72/100 (GOOD)

2025 GMC Canyon Reliability Report

The 2025 GMC Canyon rates good for reliability, but early owners report brake failure warnings, so check brake and recall history before buying.

Recalls

2

Complaints

8

Complaint Rate

0per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$548

Annual Fuel Cost

$3,000–$3,750

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity77/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs60/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact80/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity76/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Rates good and close to average for 2025 trucks, but early owners report brake failure warnings and one case of unintended surging.

Top Issues to Watch

  • SERVICE BRAKES (3)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)
  • ENGINE (1)

Should You Buy the 2025 GMC Canyon?

Reliability is good, and it sits close to average among 2025 trucks. Within the Canyon's nine scored model years it lands in the middle, and both the 2024 and 2026 models rate better. Owners have filed only 8 complaints, but this is a recent model year that has had little time to collect them, so the low count does not prove a clean record. Independent repair-cost data puts yearly repairs on par with the class.

Brakes are the main worry. Owners describe a brake failure warning that comes on with no earlier alerts, with the dash saying the braking system is inoperative. These trucks had 2,004 and 2,417 miles. In one case a dealer traced the fault to the master brake cylinder, and the part was on backorder. Another dealer first called it a likely electrical glitch. One electrical complaint describes the truck surging forward on its own while coasting slowly. Federal records list 2 recalls, covering equipment and air bags.

Ask for the full recall history and confirm every recall repair is done. Ask for any brake service records, and do not accept a truck with an unresolved brake warning.

Compared to the 2026 GMC Canyon, which scored 4 points higher. See also the 2024 GMC Canyon for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • +Acceptable reliability score
  • +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
  • +Low major repair risk (12%)
  • +Low recall count

Cons

  • −SERVICE BRAKES: Brake failure warning comes on with no earlier alerts, and the dash says the... (3 complaints)
  • −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Two reports describe very different faults (2 complaints)

Compare 2025 GMC Canyon With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 2 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • SERVICE BRAKES (3)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

2

recalls on record

The 2025 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

0

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 1.2

LowAvgHigh
Very Low

Safety 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.

2025 GMC Canyon Recall Details

2 recalls have been issued for the 2025 GMC Canyon. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

26V1140002026-02-26

EQUIPMENT

General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Coupe, Corvette Convertible E-Ray, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, Silverado EV, Suburban 1500, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Acadia, Hummer EV Pickup, Hummer EV SUV, Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, Sierra EV, Terrain, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The radio may not have been set to the correct status to download the electronic owner's manual during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, “Occupant Protection.”

Consequence

Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 13, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-467-9700, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. The manufacturer's number for this recall is N252540430. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 26, 2026.

25V8560002025-12-11

AIR BAGS

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024–2026 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV vehicles. Incorrect sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software may cause a second stage passenger air bag deployment when only a first stage is intended. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, “Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

An air bag that deploys improperly increases the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the SDM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 30, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252533510. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 11, 2025.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2025 GMC Canyon? Check its history first

Service brakes problems lead owner complaints about the 2025 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.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2025 GMC Canyon NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 4 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 4/5

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Not Available)Seat Belt Pretensioners (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Not Available)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)Unattended Child Reminder Direct Sensing System (No)LATCH Locations (2nd row)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 2025 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

16–20 MPG

Running cost: $3,550–$4,300/yr

Fuel + repair

16–19 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 2025 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
Canyon 2WD 2.7L 4-cylRear-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd192320$3,000
Canyon 4WD 2.7L 4-cyl4-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd172119$3,150
Canyon AT4X 4WD 2.7L 4-cyl4-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd171717$3,500
Canyon AT4X AEV 4WD 2.7L 4-cyl4-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd161616$3,750

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2025 GMC Canyon.

  • Start the truck and confirm no brake system warning stays lit on the dash.

  • Ask for service records showing any master brake cylinder diagnosis or replacement, and confirm the repair was completed.

  • Run the VIN through federal recall records and ask a GMC dealer whether any brake work is still open.

  • Test the brake pedal repeatedly at low speed and confirm it feels firm and stops the truck evenly.

  • Coast slowly through a tight turn with your foot off the gas and confirm the truck does not surge forward.

  • In cold weather, listen for chimes that sound with no warning message shown on the displays.

2025 GMC Canyon Common Problems by Component

8 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

3
2
1
1
1
SERVICE BRAKES (3)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)ENGINE (1)SEATS (1)ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1)

SERVICE BRAKES

3 complaints

A brake failure warning comes on with no earlier alerts, and the dash says the braking system is inoperative. The trucks are nearly new, with 2,004 and 2,417 miles. In one case the dealer traced the fault to the master brake cylinder, and the replacement part is on backorder with no clear repair date. That dealer first called it a likely electrical glitch and let the truck leave. Two of the three filings come from the same owner. The risk is serious, because the warning means the brakes may not work as they should.

3 complaints total

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 complaints

The two reports describe very different faults. In one, the truck surges forward on its own while coasting at low speed with the driver's foot off the accelerator. Pressing the brakes stops it. In the other, a chime sounds at random in temperatures near or below 20 degrees F, with no message on any display. It can repeat many times in one drive and pulls the driver's eyes off the road to look for the cause. The unintended acceleration is a direct crash risk in tight, busy areas.

2 complaints total

ENGINE

1 complaint
2026-02-02

Upper radiator hose leaking coolant

SEATS (1 complaints)

SEATS

1 complaint
2026-01-271 injury

Front passenger heated seat caused severe burns to passenger back upper thigh area while using. Passenger was wearing ankle length sweat pants during ride.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1 complaints)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 complaint
2026-01-04

The contact owns a 2025 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact discovered a coolant leak underneath the front of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the vehicle had not yet been diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 13,500.

Best & Worst GMC Canyon Years

Best GMC Canyon Years to Buy

GMC Canyon Years to Avoid

GMC Canyon Reliability Score Trend

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
2025(selected)72/100-7Good28
202479/100+13Good3204
202366/100-5Good351
202271/100+3Good122
202168/100-8Good210
202076/1000Good013
201976/100+5Good014
201871/100—Good149

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2025 GMC Canyon reliable?
Yes, it rates good, and it is close to average against other 2025 trucks. It lands in the middle of the Canyon's scored years, and the 2024 and 2026 models both rate better. Owner complaints are few, but this year has had limited time on the road to collect them.
What are the most common problems with the 2025 GMC Canyon?
Service brakes lead the complaints, with 3 of the 8 filings. Owners report a brake failure warning and a dash message that the braking system is inoperative. Electrical complaints are next, covering one case of the truck surging forward on its own and one random chime in cold weather.
Does the 2025 GMC Canyon have brake problems?
Some owners say so. The warning appeared with no earlier alerts at 2,004 and 2,417 miles. One dealer traced it to the master brake cylinder, with the replacement on backorder. Two of the three brake filings came from the same owner, so the count overstates how many trucks are affected.
Has the 2025 GMC Canyon been recalled?
Federal recall records list 2 recalls for this model year. They fall under equipment and air bags. Before buying, run the VIN to see whether each recall repair has been completed on the specific truck, because the records here do not say which trucks are still open.
How much does the 2025 GMC Canyon cost to repair?
Independent repair-cost data estimates $548 a year, the same as the average for its class. That figure covers the Canyon across all model years, not only 2025, so it says little about a specific truck. A brake repair on backorder could cost owners time as well as money.

Don’t buy a 2025 GMC Canyon without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Look Up a VIN →

How we score the 2025 GMC Canyon

Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2025 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.

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