This service bulletin provides information on the proper Reflective High Temperature Heat and/or Insulating Tape to use for certain repairs, such as Wiring Harness Repairs.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 GMC Canyon electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2016 GMC Canyon have filed 18 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 35,056 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
18
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 Canyon | 9 |
| 2015 Canyon | 12 |
| 2016 Canyon (this page) | 18 |
| 2017 Canyon | 8 |
| 2018 Canyon | 9 |
| 2019 Canyon | 5 |
1crash
1fire
What stands out
Among the 15 model years of GMC Canyon in our records for electrical problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 3 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information to diagnose batteries that have set for a long period of time and/or cold weather climates and testing those batteries.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Electrical problems on 2016 GMC Canyons range from chronic to catastrophic. The most serious: complete power loss with no engine crank, dash lights, or key fob function—one owner's positive battery terminal overheated severely enough to cause a third-degree burn. That same truck had the identical issue in the previous owner's service records before resale. Dealership replaced the battery once; the problem recurred and remained unresolved.
Infotainment systems are problematic. Touchscreen units malfunction after engine warm-up, randomly switching between FM, AM, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay, moving icons, and changing menus while the vehicle is moving or parked. One owner states GMC is aware of defective units installed in 2016 model years but refuses to replace the head unit—only offering a $500 incentive toward buying a different vehicle. Related complaint: backup cameras and OnStar cut out along with the radio, affecting safety features disabled owners depend on.
Ignition key issues appear repeatedly: one owner had the key stuck in the ignition four separate times over four years, requiring shift control assembly replacement twice at dealership cost. Other owners report keys won't turn to 'off' mode or won't release from the ignition switch, especially when vehicle is in Park.
Secondary electrical failures include warning lights illuminating with no actual faults (power steering, ABS, brake, traction control lights all lit despite normal operation), water intrusion destroying the purge valve, and one documented engine fire during normal highway driving with zero warning lights.
Same GMC Canyon electrical reports on nearby years: 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Complete electrical shutdown / loss of power
Vehicle loses all electrical power—dashboard, lights, key fob, radio, engine cranking. No response to ignition. Previous owner had identical issue documented in service records before purchase. Overheating of positive battery terminal reported, causing injury. Issue recurs despite battery replacement by dealership.
When: Multiple dates in summer 2016 (7/16, 8/3, 8/5, 8/11, 8/12, 8/28); again in 8/28 with no resolution. Previously documented 5/25 service attempt.
Symptoms owners cite: No power to any electrical systems; Key fob does not function; Radio inoperative; Dashboard inoperative; All lights off; Positive battery terminal overheats to extreme temperature; Engine shaking; Temporary restoration by tapping battery
Codes mentioned: Engine Power Reduced, Stabilitrak Offline
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership battery replaced after detecting bad battery cell during malfunction event. Issue recurred 8/28 with no resolution. Vehicle still at dealership for diagnosis.
Infotainment system malfunction (touchscreen/radio)
Infotainment unit randomly changes screens, moves icons, switches inputs, disconnects and reconnects Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth. Problem worsens after engine reaches operating temperature, occurs while vehicle is in motion or at rest. Testing in multiple states found no fault codes. GMC reportedly aware of defective 2015.5 infotainment units installed in 2016 model year vehicles but offers only $500 incentive toward new vehicle, not replacement of head unit. Vehicle becomes undrivable with radio on; hands-free functionality unavailable.
When: Problem develops over months, becomes progressively worse. Occurs regularly after engine reaches operating temperature.
Symptoms owners cite: Random screen changes and icon movement; Apple CarPlay connects/disconnects involuntarily; Radio input switching (FM, AM, Bluetooth); Menu positions change randomly; Hands-free phone interface inoperative; USB interface malfunctions worse than wireless; Problem more pronounced with iPhone than Android; Occurs while driving and at rest (engine running); Becomes progressively worse over time
Repairs/costs cited: Unit has been tested in FL and TX with no trouble codes detected even while acting up. Battery replacement attempted but did not resolve issue. Estimated replacement cost $500–$1,200 for HMI 2.5 module behind dash (third-party quotes).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GMC aware of issue in 2015.5 infotainment units installed in 2016 model year. Only offers $500 incentive toward replacement vehicle, not free/discounted head unit repair/replacement.
Infotainment system failure and camera dropout
Radio stops playing, infotainment system goes blank (occasionally shows 'waiting on update' message). Backup camera operates intermittently (approximately 1 in 5 times). Bluetooth ceases function. Owner is disabled Veteran who relies on backup camera and navigation. Diagnosed by multiple sources as HMI 2.5 module failure, a known issue with existing class action lawsuit.
When: At 32,000 miles; no prior warning lights.
Symptoms owners cite: Radio stops playing; Infotainment screen goes blank; Intermittent 'waiting on update' message; Backup camera operates only intermittently (20% of use); Bluetooth inoperative
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnosed by dealership and independent radio/entertainment shops as HMI 2.5 module failure. Replacement cost quoted $1,000–$1,200.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No free or discounted replacement/repair offered despite documented technical bulletins and ongoing class action lawsuit.
Engine fire under hood
Smoke visible trailing behind vehicle during normal highway driving with no dash warning lights or engine temperature indication of problem. Hood too hot to open. Smoke enters vehicle through vents. Engine area fully engulfed in flames within one minute. Fire department response required; no injuries but potential brushfire risk in Southern California.
When: 5:30 PM during highway driving; mileage/timing not stated.
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke trailing behind vehicle; Smoke entering through vents; Hood too hot to open; Flames under hood; No dash warning lights preceding event; Engine temperature gauge showed normal
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to salvage yard. Insurance claim filed.
Instrument panel power loss / reboot while driving
While driving at highway speed (55 mph), all dashboard lights, navigation system, and gauges suddenly turn off as if ignition was switched off. System reboots itself while engine remains running. Vehicle had prior similar issue with recent recall performed. Associated with rough idle, random shutdowns, and significant fuel economy degradation (expected ~30 mpg, actual ~21 mpg).
When: Multiple occurrences over several years; specific recent date not provided. Vehicle has had rough idle and shutdowns in past.
Symptoms owners cite: All dash lights turn off suddenly; Navigation system turns off; Gauges turn off; System spontaneously reboots; Engine remains running during power loss; Rough idle; Vehicle shuts down while driving on multiple occasions; Poor fuel economy (21 mpg vs. expected 30 mpg)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall performed previously, but complaint states recall did not address vehicle shutdown issue.
Ignition key will not release from ignition switch
Key becomes stuck in ignition when vehicle is in Park, recurring across multiple years and repairs. First occurrence April 6, 2018 (dealer 'fixed'); recurred April 27, 2018 (shift control assembly replaced under warranty); recurred September 2, 2020 (shift control assembly replaced out of warranty for $688.72); recurred August 2022 (fourth occurrence). Issue is intermittent, not present every time, but persistent pattern.
When: First: 4/6/2018; second: 4/27/2018; third: 9/2/2020; fourth: 8/2022. Vehicle model 2016.
Symptoms owners cite: Key stuck in ignition when vehicle is in Park; Intermittent occurrence; Recurring after repairs
Repairs/costs cited: Shift control assembly replaced twice (2018 and 2020). First repair covered under warranty ($0); second repair cost $688.72 out of warranty.
Ignition key release malfunction / key in accessories mode
Key will not release from ignition or does not turn fully to 'off' mode, remaining stuck in 'accessories' mode and preventing removal. Intermittent but recurring problem. One owner has had to shift into Drive and back to Park multiple times or wait up to a minute for key release. Problem worsens over time (started once per week, now occurs at least daily after 3 years). Dealership unable to reproduce problem during diagnosis.
When: Over 3-year period; failure mileage 50,000 and 55,223 noted in separate complaints.
Symptoms owners cite: Key will not release from ignition; Key stuck in ignition switch; Key remains in accessories mode; Intermittent occurrence; Requires multiple shift attempts or waiting to release key; Worsens over time (from weekly to daily)
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle required ignition switch replacement. Another owner not repaired; dealership could not reproduce issue during testing.
Radio/OnStar/rear view camera system cuts out
Radio, OnStar, and rear view camera system cuts out after short operation time. Backup camera does not operate when system cuts out. Occurs both stationary and in motion, on city streets and highways. Dealership unable to diagnose or repair.
When: Not specified; complaint filed on behalf of elderly owner.
Symptoms owners cite: Radio cuts out; OnStar cuts out; Rear view camera cuts out; Backup camera inoperative when system fails; Occurs in motion and at rest; Occurs on city streets and highways
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership visited with no results.
Multiple warning lights illuminate (no underlying fault)
Dashboard warning lights illuminate for power steering, ABS, brake system, and traction control despite vehicle operating normally and no underlying issues. Lights illuminate repeatedly. Battery replacement did not resolve problem. GMC inspection found no fault.
When: Not specified; vehicle already has aftermarket battery replacement.
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering warning light (steering functions normally); ABS light illuminates; Brake light illuminates; Traction control light illuminates; No actual vehicle system failures present; Vehicle runs normally
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced; issue persisted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GMC inspection stated vehicle is fine, but owner expresses doubt.
Rodent damage to wiring harnesses
Rodents chew through entire wiring harnesses containing 7 wires. Owner has 18-year history with Nissan truck with zero rodent issues. Problem develops within 6 months of purchase of new Canyon (July 2016). Dealership refuses warranty coverage.
When: Within 6 months of purchase (July 2016).
Symptoms owners cite: Wiring harnesses chewed through completely; Multiple wires in single harness damaged
Repairs/costs cited: Warranty coverage denied by dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty claim denied.
Rear window defroster malfunction (sliding rear window)
Rear window defroster on passenger side of sliding rear window does not function. Owner reports many complaints online of same problem.
When: Not specified.
Symptoms owners cite: Defroster inoperative on passenger side sliding rear window
Water intrusion into cabin via A-pillar
Rainwater leaks into cabin from bottom of A-pillar, drains through 'Christmas tree hole' at bottom of fuse box on right side. Engine light illuminated due to purge valve shorting from water exposure. Occurs during any rain event, whether vehicle stationary or driving. Purchased truck recently (45,710 miles at complaint). Dealership refused repair; owner required to take to body shop.
When: Recently purchased 4/2/2019 at 45,710 miles. Occurs during rain events.
Symptoms owners cite: Front passenger side floor carpet and floorboards wet; Engine light illuminated; IntelLink computer failed (required reboot); Water drains from 'Christmas tree hole' in fuse box; Purge valve shorted due to water exposure
Repairs/costs cited: Purge valve repair by dealership. Water intrusion repair required body shop (dealership declined).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership refused to repair water intrusion.
Synthesized from 18 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
The key does not always release from the ignition after parking the truck. I have to shift into Drive and back into Park multiple times or wait up to a minute to remove the key. Took it to the dealership, but at that time, it was only happening once a week or so, and they could not reproduce the problem. 3 years later and it still happens and it's getting much worse. Happens at least once a…
Had electrical trouble with your 2016 GMC Canyon?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2016 GMC Canyon?
It's a meaningful issue. 18 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 13,000 and 50,000 miles, with the median around 35,056. A quarter of owners report trouble before 13,000; a quarter make it past 50,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/GMC/Canyon.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.