VehicleVerdict

2012 GMC Canyon problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2012 GMC Canyon sits mid-pack among Canyon years: 30 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 61, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 11 reports (37% of the total).

30

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other Canyon years?

Canyon NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted400 complaints2004: 103 complaints2005: 146 complaints2006: 81 complaints2007: 61 complaints2008: 68 complaints2009: 35 complaints2010: 9 complaints2011: 20 complaints2012: 30 complaints2015: 400 complaints2016: 353 complaints2017: 91 complaints2018: 70 complaints2019: 22 complaints2020: 19 complaints2021: 13 complaints2022: 39 complaints2023: 95 complaints2024: 255 complaints2025: 13 complaints2026: 3 complaints
Canyon NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Canyon years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 GMC Canyon problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1137%
Brakes310%
Steering27%
Suspension27%
Engine27%
Airbags27%
Tires & Wheels13%
Transmission13%
Visibility & Wipers13%
Latches & Locks13%
Lighting13%
Other13%
Seat Belts13%
Body & Structure13%

Does the 2012 GMC Canyon have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

12V594000Latches & LocksDecember 19, 2012 · 118,800 units

Defect

General Motors is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles manufactured from November 9, 2009, through August 28, 2012, for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 113, "Hood Latch System." The hood may be missing the secondary hood latch.

Consequence

If the primary hood latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly. During vehicle operation, this could obstruct the view of the driver and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

General Motors will notify owners and instruct them to inspect their vehicle for the presence of a secondary hood latch. Dealers will replace the hood on any affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on January 17, 2013. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC at 1-866-996-9463.

11V552000Seat BeltsNovember 17, 2011 · 5,593 units

Defect

GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET COLORADO AND GMC CANYON VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 9, 2011, THROUGH OCTOBER 19, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH DRIVER SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR TERMINALS THAT DO NOT FIT SNUGLY WITH THE CONNECTOR PINS, CAUSING THE CONNECTION TO BE INTERMITTENT.

Consequence

THE LOOSE CONNECTIONS MAY CAUSE THE DRIVER TO NOT RECEIVE A VISUAL OR AUDIBLE WARNING THAT THE DRIVER SEAT BELT IS NOT FASTENED, THEREBY INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy

GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR TERMINALS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 7, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“THE WEIGHT ON THE KEYRING AND ROAD CONDITIONS OR A JARRING EVENT CAUSES THE IGNITION SWITCH TO MOVE OUT OF THE RUN POSITION, TURNING OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT STAY IN THE RUN POSITION AND THERE ARE NO OTHER MECHANICAL/ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. THIS BEGAN ABOUT A YEAR AGO AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 1, 2018

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC CANYON. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT HAD TO PUMP THE BRAKE PEDAL EACH TIME TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED FOR THE THIRD TIME. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 9, 2015

“IN FRESNO, CA AT 5:30 P.M., I WAS HEADING EAST ON SHAW AVE., A THREE LANE STREET, NEAR BRAWLEY AVE. A VAN, WAITING FOR CROSS TRAFFIC AT THE CENTER ISLAND, SUDDENLY JOLTED INTO THREE LANES OF HEAVY CHRISTMAS TRAFFIC. THE CAR DRIVER IN THE FIRST LANE SLAMMED ON HER BRAKES AND STOPPED SAFELY. I WAS IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · December 22, 2013 · crash · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC CANYON. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, AN ABNORMAL NOISE EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MANIFOLD WAS FRACTURED AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 1, 2016

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC CANYON. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE HUB BEARING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT COVER THE REPAIRS DUE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · September 13, 2016

2012 GMC Canyon — common questions

Is the 2012 GMC Canyon reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 30 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Canyon year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2012 Canyon problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (11 complaints), brakes (3 complaints), steering (2 complaints).

Does the 2012 GMC Canyon have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 GMC Canyon. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which GMC Canyon years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Canyon years to avoid are 2015, 2016, 2024, 2005, 2004, 2023. The cleanest record among Canyon years belongs to 2026.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.