Model year guide

2005 GMC Canyon

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2005 GMC Canyon is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 26 on record.

2005 GMC Canyon — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2005 GMC Canyon at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints113
Combined17–21 mpg
Typical price$6,630

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2005 GMC Canyon recalls 3

Child Seat NHTSA Campaign #10V575000 · 18/11/2010

GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2011, CHEVROLET COLORADO, GMC CANYON, MODEL YEAR 2006, ISUZU I-280/I-350, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2008, I-290/I-370, REGULAR CAB VEHICLES AND EXTENDED CAB VEHICLES WITHOUT A REAR SEAT AND EQUIPPED WITH A FRONT 60/40 SPLIT BENCH SEAT. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE TOP T…

Fix: DEALERS WILL CUT A HOLE INTO THE BACK PANEL TRIM COVER TO ALLOW ACCESS TO THE TOP TETHER ANCHOR FOR THE FRONT CENTER SEAT POSITION AND WILL PROVIDE SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION AS TO USE IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OW…

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch NHTSA Campaign #06V139000 · 27/04/2006

CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS MAY EXPERIENCE THE PERMANENT LOSS OF BRAKE LAMP FUNCTION OR BRAKE LAMPS THAT ARE ILLUMINATED AT ALL TIMES. THE CENTER HIGH-MOUNTED STOP LAMP (CHMSL) IS AFFECTED IN BOTH INSTANCES. ALSO, IF EQUIPPED, THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL BECOME INOPERATIVE. ANY TRAILER BRAKE LAMPS WHICH ARE CONNECTED TO THE VEHICLE'S BRAKE LAMP WIRING WILL MIMIC THE VEHICLE'S BRAKE LAMPS WHEN EITHER CONDITION OCCURS.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH ASSEMBLY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 5, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 OR ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch NHTSA Campaign #09V310000 · 29/07/2009

GM IS RECALLING 185,903 MODEL YEAR 2004-2009 COLORADO, GMC MODEL YEAR 2009-2004 CANYON, MODEL YEAR 2006 I-280, I-350, MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 I-290, AND I-370, PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALABAMA, ARIZONA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, HAWAII, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NEVADA, NEW MEXICO, PUERTO RICO, SOUTH CAROLINA, TEXAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS AND UTAH. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE …

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE NECESSARY COMPONENTS AS SPECIFIED IN THE RECALL BULLETIN FREE OF CHARGE. GM ANTICIPATES THAT PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE BY JUNE 2010. A SPECIAL COVERAGE FOR VEHICLES REGISTERED IN ALL OTHER STATES WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE SAME TIME FRAME. IN THE INTERIM, OWNERS …

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 5 Oct 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2005 GMC Canyon common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 113 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.

2005 GMC Canyon safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2005 GMC Canyon 2-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2005 GMC Canyon MPG & running costs

Combined17–21 mpg
City16 mpg
Highway22 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,621

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 14 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

What's a 2005 GMC Canyon worth?

Low
$3,600
Typical price
$6,630
High
$11,200

From 26 comparable 2005 GMC Canyon listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2005 GMC Canyon costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$18,105
Fuel only$18,105
Per mile$0.24

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2005 GMC Canyon trims & engines on record

Trims
Z85 SLE · Z71 SLE Base · Z85 SL
Engines
3.5L 5-cyl

2005 GMC Canyon vehicles on record

Other GMC Canyon model years

2005 GMC Canyon — frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 GMC Canyon have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2005 GMC Canyon. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 2005 GMC Canyon?

Across all 113 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, service brakes, structure.

What is the 2005 GMC Canyon safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2005 GMC Canyon crash-test ratings of frontal 4★, side 4★, rollover 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2005 GMC Canyon get?

The 2005 GMC Canyon has U.S. EPA estimates of 17–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (14 versions).

How much is a 2005 GMC Canyon worth?

Comparable 2005 GMC Canyon listings run roughly $3,600–$11,200, typically around $6,630 (from 26 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.