VehicleVerdict

2017 GMC Canyon problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2017 GMC Canyon sits mid-pack among Canyon years: 91 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 61, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (18), engine (16), and electrical system (14), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

91

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2017 compare to other Canyon years?

Canyon NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 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, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Canyon years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 GMC Canyon problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission1820%
Engine1618%
Electrical System1415%
Other1314%
Steering89%
Fuel System78%
Brakes44%
Airbags33%
Suspension22%
Driver Assistance22%
Visibility & Wipers22%
Speed Control11%
Seats11%

Does the 2017 GMC Canyon have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

18V358000Fuel SystemMay 31, 2018 · 895 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.

Consequence

A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“2/12/2017 7:30AM STOPED @ 4 WAY STOP, STARTED ACROSS TRANSMISSION WENT INTO NEUTRAL, LEFT ME STUCK IN ROAD, COULD NOT GET TRANSMISSION TO ENGAGE IN DRIVE OR REVERSE,HAD TO PUSH OUT OF ROAD, TRIED SEVERAL MIN TO ENGAGE TRANSMISSION FAILED, CALLED AAA TO TOE BACK TO DEALER. DEALER KEPT 2 1/2 DAYS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 12, 2017

“Truck turned just over 62000 miles and appears to have engine oil cooler line failure. No oil on engine just dripping in protective plastic between radiator and engine. Spraying back underneath when moving. Checked on lone and blogs are showing many others with same problem with near catastrophic…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 30, 2021

“2017 GMC Canyon with 77,000 miles, key does not come out of ignition when shutting vehicle off. Key is 'stuck' in accessory mode and will not turn all the way to allow it to be removed. Have to restart vehicle, then shut off, and maybe key will come out. This issue is reported frequently on…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 25, 2021

“I can not remove my key from ignition . Sometimes it takes up to 30 minutes to get it to release. Have taken to multiple places they all have different answer and no one knows how to fix it . Getting worse everyday. Today was told to contact you that they could not help me ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 5, 2023

“The contact owns a 2017 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became firm and difficult to maneuver. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · May 29, 2023

2017 GMC Canyon — common questions

Is the 2017 GMC Canyon reliable?

It is close to typical for the Canyon: 91 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2017 Canyon problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (18 complaints), engine (16 complaints), electrical system (14 complaints).

Does the 2017 GMC Canyon have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2017 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.

How safe is the 2017 GMC Canyon?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2017 GMC Canyon earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

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.