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2021 GMC Canyon problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2021 GMC Canyon has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 2safety recalls
- 12owner complaints
- 2crash reports
- 1fire report
- 5injuries reported
12 complaints, against an average of 90 for the other 12 GMC Canyon model years.
Every GMC Canyon model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2021 GMC Canyon?
The components named most often in the 12 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
Has the 2021 GMC Canyon been recalled?
2 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Equipment: Other: Labels 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.
Seat Belts 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.
What do 2021 GMC Canyon owners report?
12 of the 12 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes became inoperable and the vehicle shut off. The contact repeatedly pumped the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that there was a large cloud of white smoke and immediately associated the failure with the vacuum pump. The contact over safely, the vehicle was towed. The contact became aware that there was no oil in the engine. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The manufacturer and the dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,378.
While driving a few days ago, power steering abruptly stopped working and a service power steering message appeared. It was very difficult to steer the vehicle back home. I've tried replacing the battery and resetting the steering sensor to no avail.
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the driver’s side low beam headlight failed to illuminate as intended. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that upon further inspection, an unknown electrical fuse was burned. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed; however, a cause for the failure was not found. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,121.
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while reversing, the back over prevention screen image was solid blue, and there was no image displayed, creating a visibility hazard for the driver. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and it was determined that the rearview camera coaxial cable connectors were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V709000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). The contact stated that the vehicle…
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle vibrated and shuddered abnormally. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent at first but became a recurring failure. The contact stated that the check engine warning light had recently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics who informed the contact of a known transmission failure and a national recall. The contact searched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number…
The electric power steering motor stopped working while driving on the highway. The vehicle was almost impossible to control and almost caused me to enter the oncoming lane of traffic.
While driving, a fire started inside the vehicle between the rear passenger side seat belt and the rear window. My daughters were in the back seat and started screaming. I immediately stopped the vehicle and ran to put the fire out by smothering and throwing water on it. There was zero warning...no lights or warning messages. No major injuries occurred (only small minor burns to my right hand). I then brought the vehicle to the dealership where it was purchased. I was told it was a known issue, and I was prompted to file a claim with my insurance company. Someone from the insurance company…
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
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 control arm was striking the suspension spring. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 47,000.
The rear camera and wire harness for the Rear Backup Camera became corroded and stopped working months ago. This is vital technology that our children have grown up with to ensure the safety of backing up in case something is behind the vehicle including young children, toys, equipment or someone simply walking by your driveway while you're backing up. The Service Manager at Billion GMC in Sioux Falls, SD (Dan Dunnagan) said they are replacing tons of the rear cameras due to corrosion, which might be caused by water getting into the system or faulty parts and faulty wiring from the product…
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 with enough force to bend the frame of my truck, crack my engine block and the appraisal from the repair shop came to over $34K without any engine work. I was the only one in my vehicle, thankfully. I am not sure how many occupants were in the other vehicle. But they were transported to the hospital by…
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!
2021 GMC Canyon: questions owners ask
Is the 2021 GMC Canyon reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 12 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 GMC Canyon; the most common categories were air bags (2, 16.7%), power train (2, 16.7%), steering (2, 16.7%). There are 2 safety recalls. 2 complaints mention a crash, 1 mentions a fire, 5 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 GMC Canyon?
Across 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are air bags (16.7% of complaints), power train (16.7% of complaints), steering (16.7% of complaints), back over prevention (8.3% of complaints), electrical system (8.3% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2021 GMC Canyon have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 GMC Canyon; the most recent (campaign 21V497000, 2021-07-01) concerns Equipment: Other: Labels. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check your own Canyon
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2021 only.