2021 GMC Canyon

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

Expert Verdict
⚠️Elevated Concerns

The 2021 GMC Canyon showcases some notable reliability concerns due to recalls related to seat belts and equipment labeling. Given the average failure mileage and the multiple Technical Service Bulletins, potential buyers should be vigilant.

Key Factor:Significant safety recalls

πŸ“‹Why This Matters

Recalls regarding seat belts are critical as they directly affect occupant safety during a crash. If incorrect bolts have been used in securing seat belts, this could lead to improper attachment, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, the discrepancy in load capacity labeling could lead to overloading the vehicle, which can further enhance safety hazards. For a vehicle like the GMC Canyon, known for its rugged appeal and usage in demanding conditions, these defects pose serious concerns that cannot be overlooked by both current and prospective owners.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
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Expert Analysis

  • πŸ“ˆ
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • ⚠️
    Primary Risk Area:Warning
  • βš–οΈ
    Vs Brand: Worse than avg (1.6)
    πŸ“
    Summary: The year-over-year trend for GMC Canyon indicates a mixed safety profile for this model year with more recalls than some of its competitors. The presence of multiple TSBs suggests that while issues are being recognized, they may not yet have definitive solutions, which is somewhat concerning for overall resilience and dependability.

Safety & Reliability Score

84/100

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-16
Complaint Impact-0.45
Investigation Impact-0

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2021 GMC Canyon

Model Year2021
MakeGMC
ModelCanyon
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
May21
ISSUEFirst Report

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

3 complaints (33% of total)
➑️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data
βœ…

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 9 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟠High
1(11%)
🟑Medium
2(22%)
🟒Low
6(67%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

βš™οΈEngineering Insight

The peak failure range of 40k-60k miles indicates that issues might arise just as vehicles are coming off warranties. This is crucial for owners near or exceeding these mileages as they may face expensive repairs shortly after warranty expiration. It's imperative for them to stay proactive about maintenance checks.

πŸ“Š Mileage data extracted from 3 of 9 complaints (33% coverage)
0-20k
0 reports (0%)
20k-40k
0 reports (0%)
40k-60k
2 reports (67%)
60k-80k
1 reports (33%)
80k-100k
0 reports (0%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

πŸ› οΈ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

SEAT BELTSEQUIPMENT

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Seat Belts

Issue: Potential improper installation due to incorrect bolts used for fastening.

βœ…

Have your seat belt attachments inspected at your local dealership.

πŸ”

Verify if any recall work has been completed related to seat belt attachments before purchasing.

2

Equipment Labeling

Issue: Incorrect load capacity displayed on placards could mislead vehicle usage.

βœ…

Confirm correct load limits through manufacturer guidelines.

πŸ”

Check service records for any recall resolutions regarding equipment labeling prior to purchase.

πŸ’‘Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your GMC dealer to verify recall completion status.

Official Safety Recalls (2)

Campaign: 20V811000

SEAT BELTS

Summary

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC

Campaign: 21V497000

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Summary

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC

NHTSA Investigations

0 investigations
βœ“

No active investigations for this vehicle.

Consumer Complaints

9 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 Canyon.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Warning33%
Accident22%
Display11%
Vibrate11%
Check Engine Light11%
Fire11%
Burn11%
Crack11%
Safety SystemsπŸ”΅ Low
BACK OVER PREVENTION

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 had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 46,000.

Engine/PowertrainπŸ”΅ Low
POWER TRAIN

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: 24V797000 (Power Train); however, the local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included, and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.

Steering/SuspensionπŸ”΅ Low
STEERING

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.

Electrical⚠️ High
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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, along with the service department at the dealership, inspected the vehicle. Insurance has agreed to cover the parts damaged but not replace the part(s) that actually caused the fire. The dealership will address the actual problem, but only if I pay for the repairs ($1100-1500 estimated cost).

Safety SystemsπŸ”΅ Low
SEAT BELTS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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

Engine/PowertrainπŸ”΅ Low
POWER TRAIN

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.

OtherπŸ”΅ Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE

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 manufacturer. This is certainly a safety issue. I had it repaired at a cost of $591.84 for the rear camera and wire harness plus labor. This issue on GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500 pickups should be investigated as the Rear Camera is a vital piece of safety equipment and if a large number of these are faulty, subject to corrosion or poor manufacturing, it should be brought forward to protect consumers.

Safety SystemsπŸ”Ά Medium
AIR BAGS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

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 ambulance. My wife took me in our other vehicle. I was diagnosed with a concussion, assorted bruises, aches and pains. What troubles me is that while my airbags didn't deploy, the other vehicles did! I was spun 90* to 180* from the way I was traveling. (I don't recall any portion of the accident, I was planning on making a right hand turn and I ended up the opposite way from the way I intended to go. I fell that there was sufficient force involved to have my airbags deploy and I did contact GMC to make them aware of it as well.

Safety SystemsπŸ”Ά Medium
AIR BAGS

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!

Frequently Asked Questions

What safety features should I prioritize when considering a used 2021 GMC Canyon?

When looking at a used 2021 GMC Canyon, it’s vital to prioritize the condition of its safety features such as seat belts and airbag functionality. Given recent recalls, confirming that all safety-related repairs or inspections have been conducted is essential to ensure full protection while driving.

How does the average mileage relate to reliability in a used GMC Canyon?

'For the GMC Canyon, especially models approaching or exceeding the average failure mileage of 54,000 miles, it’s important to scrutinize their service history. Issues arising within this range indicate potential future problems that could translate into costly repairs if not addressed promptly.'

πŸ“ŠYear-over-Year Context

πŸ“‰Elevated Activity

Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows declining reliability trends, largely due to new seat belts components introduced in this generation. Recall frequency increased 100% versus the 2020 version.

🧭What This Means for You

Families with young passengers, pregnant drivers, or those with frequent highway commutes should prioritize this information.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

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If You Own This Vehicle

  • Immediate Action: If any recalls are listed as 'incomplete', contact a certified GMC service centerβ€”repairs are performed at no cost to you.
  • Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
  • Proactive tip: Enroll in GMC's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
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If You're Buying Used

  • Request the VIN from the seller and verify the 'Clean' recall status via NHTSA.
  • This specific Canyon year is noted for its strong reliability foundations.

This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.

Compare with Similar Vehicles

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: February 23, 2026.