VehicleVerdict

2021 GMC Canyon problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 13 complaints on file for the 2021 GMC Canyon — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

13

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

9

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other Canyon years?

Canyon NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 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, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Canyon years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 GMC Canyon problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Driver Assistance323%
Transmission215%
Other215%
Airbags215%
Steering18%
Seat Belts18%
Electrical System18%
Lighting18%

Does the 2021 GMC Canyon have recalls?

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

21V497000OtherJuly 1, 2021 · 7,199 units

Defect

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 GMC Canyon vehicles. The load carrying capacity printed on the Tire and Loading Information placard is 22.5 kg (51 lbs.) more than intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Consequence

An incorrect label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GM will mail owners a new B-pillar label, free of charge. Owners may apply the label, or bring it to a dealer for installation. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 17, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212340735.

20V811000Seat BeltsDecember 23, 2020 · 470 units

Defect

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.

Consequence

If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I was involved in a MVA with another car. The other car had all their airbags deploy after they struck me. None of my airbags deployed. I was hit in the right front corner ahead of my right tire. The secondary impact was to my right side between my rear passenger door and rear tire. They hit me…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · October 10, 2021 · crash

“I WAS INVOLVED IN A SERIOUS FRONT END COLLISION THAT TOTALED MY VEHICLE. MY TRUCK WAS DEEMED NOT REPAIRABLE AND DECLARED TOTAL BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. I WAS DRIVING ON THE NJ GARDEN STATE PARKWAY WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. NOT ONE AIRBAG WAS DEPLOYED!”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · April 19, 2021 · crash

“The contact owns a 2021 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while driving 6 MPH and going over a speed bump, the contact heard an abnormal knocking sound emanating from the driver’s side suspension. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the upper…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 30, 2023

“unknown the gmc dealership refuses to repair recalls as they say, theres no recalls on the vehicle. There are 2 recalls and were not told of these recalls when purchasing”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 15, 2024

“unknown the gmc dealership refuses to repair recalls as they say, theres no recalls on the vehicle. There are 2 recalls and were not told of these recalls when purchasing”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · February 15, 2024

2021 GMC Canyon — common questions

Is the 2021 GMC Canyon reliable?

The record is thin — 13 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2021 Canyon problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are driver assistance (3 complaints), other (2 complaints), airbags (2 complaints).

Does the 2021 GMC Canyon have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 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 2021 GMC Canyon?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 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.