Owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the airbags and transmission. The 8 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2021Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/8 checked
2021 GMC Canyon: inspection sheet
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/4
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/2
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/2
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
These years share the 2021's design and most of its parts, so their problems are the ones to look for on this car too.
Worth adding to your 2021 checks
Worth adding to your 2021 checks
Worth adding to your 2021 checks
EPA figures for each version of the 2021 GMC Canyon. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cylGas | 4WD, RWD | 21–22 mpg |
| 3.6L 6-cylGas | 4WD, RWD | 18–21 mpg |
| 2.8L 4-cylDiesel | 4WD, RWD | 22–23 mpg |
NHTSA complaints for the 2021 GMC Canyon, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Airbags fail to deploy in serious frontal crashes, according to both complaints filed here. Each describes a front-end or front-corner impact strong enough to total the truck or bend its frame, yet no airbag in the truck goes off. Together the two crashes account for 5 reported injuries, including a concussion and bruising. The excerpts give no cause and no dealer finding. Only 2 complaints exist, which is a small sample, but the risk to occupants is severe.
A knock from the driver's side suspension and a shudder at highway speed are the two problems reported. The knock shows up over speed bumps at low speed. In one case a dealer finds the upper control arm striking the suspension spring at 47,000 miles but makes no repair. The shudder appears at about 50 mph. It comes and goes at first, then recurs, and the check engine light later comes on. Independent mechanics point to a transmission failure. Neither report describes a crash or loss of control.
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2021 ranks seventh for owner complaints among 8 Canyon years, well under the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2021 is the seventh model year of the Canyon's second generation (2015–2022).
It includes the 2020 update.
What changed for 2020
Recall repairs are free at any GMC dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
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.".
Risk: An incorrect label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Cars shoppers compare with the GMC Canyon, with their own 2021 checklists.
2021 owner complaints, side by side
