Model year guide

2021 GMC canyon

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2021 GMC canyon is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 2 on record.

2021 GMC canyon — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2021 GMC canyon at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints10
Combined18–23 mpg

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

2021 GMC canyon recalls 2

Seat Belts NHTSA Campaign #20V811000 · 23/12/2020

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…

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 reca…

Equipment:other:labels NHTSA Campaign #21V497000 · 01/07/2021

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."

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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. 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.

2021 GMC canyon common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Back Over Prevention
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

2021 GMC canyon MPG & running costs

Combined18–23 mpg
City19 mpg
Highway26 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,608
EPA size classSmall Pickup Trucks 2WD
TransmissionAutomatic 6-spd or Automatic 8-spd
Forced inductionTurbocharged
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$6,042 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 6 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2021 GMC canyon costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$18,040
Fuel only$18,040
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.

2021 GMC canyon trims & engines on record

Trims
Denali · Elevation
Engines
3.6L 6-cyl

2021 GMC canyon vehicles on record

Other GMC canyon model years

2021 GMC canyon — frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 GMC canyon have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2021 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 2021 GMC canyon?

Across all 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are power train, air bags, exterior lighting.

What gas mileage does the 2021 GMC canyon get?

The 2021 GMC canyon has U.S. EPA estimates of 18–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (6 versions).

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