Verdict
2021 GMC Canyon: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues
What the public record actually says about the 2021 GMC Canyon — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.
The read
Fewer reported complaints than most truck.
Owners filed 10 NHTSA complaints — fewer complaints than 100% of 2021 trucks. Air Bags leads the reports (20%). 2 safety recall campaigns on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.
Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2021 trucks, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.
Complaints filed
10
Reports to NHTSA, 2021
Safety recalls
2
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
21.5
EPA estimate
Complaint volume vs. segment peers
Fewer complaints than 100% of 2021 trucks
The bar is this car's percentile among 2021 trucks by complaint volume — a full bar means the fewest complaints in its class. Not adjusted for sales.
Known issues
Air Bags issues lead owner complaints (20% of 10 reports), followed by power train (20%).
Share of all 10 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11438689, ODI 11415175.
Recalls(2)
Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.
EquipmentJan 2021 · 21V497000Details +Close −
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.
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.
Seat Belts · 20V811000Details +Close −
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.
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.
A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
0 NHTSA investigations on record
No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.
Crash-test ratings
2021 GMC Canyon PU/EC 4WD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
2021 GMC Canyon PU/CC 4WD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
2021 GMC Canyon PU/EC 2WD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
2021 GMC Canyon PU/CC 2WD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canyon 2WD | 2.8L 4-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 20 | 30 | 23 |
| Canyon 4WD | 2.8L 4-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 19 | 28 | 22 |
| Canyon 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 19 | 25 | 22 |
| Canyon 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 19 | 24 | 21 |
| Canyon 2WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 8-spd | 18 | 25 | 21 |
| Canyon 4WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 8-spd | 16 | 22 | 18 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
Before you buy
Useful next checks
Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.
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Compare model years
"Fewest reports" and "most complained" describe raw NHTSA complaint totals, not vehicle reliability. The last few model years are left unlabelled because they have had less road time.
2021 GMC Canyon: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2021 GMC Canyon?
Owners filed 10 NHTSA complaints about the 2021 GMC Canyon — fewer complaints than 100% of comparable 2021 trucks, so it sits toward the stronger end of its class. That's a signal, not a guarantee about any single car.
What are the most common problems on the 2021 GMC Canyon?
The most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (20% of complaints) and power train (20%).
How many recalls does the 2021 GMC Canyon have?
2 recalls have been issued that affect the 2021 GMC Canyon, covering components such as equipment. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.
What gas mileage does the 2021 GMC Canyon get?
The EPA rates the 2021 GMC Canyon between 18 and 23 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.