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ProblemsByVin File / 2021-GMC-CANYON NHTSA data synced 9 hours ago
2021 · GMC

GMC Canyon problems

Light NHTSA footprint — 10 owner complaints and 1 active recall campaign. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.

0 5 10
Reliability score
8.6 / 10

Above-average reliability for the segment. Few systemic issues on file.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2021 Canyon?
Generally reliable

Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

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Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2021 Canyon's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2021 Canyon · electrical Fire
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…
11/19/2024 · NHTSA ODI #11626131.0
2021 Canyon · airbags Crash
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…
10/29/2021 · NHTSA ODI #11438689.0
2021 Canyon · powertrain
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…
08/11/2025 · at 69,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11679892.0
2021 Canyon · seatbelts
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
05/22/2024 · NHTSA ODI #11590247.0
View all 10 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2021 GMC Canyon? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 21V497000 July 1, 2021

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 GMC Canyon vehicles

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.

Common questions

Is the 2021 GMC Canyon reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.6 out of 10 based on 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2021 GMC Canyon is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

Should you avoid the 2021 GMC Canyon?

On the NHTSA data, the 2021 GMC Canyon does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 8.6/10 — above the segment average; 1 recall campaign on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

What's the most common problem on the 2021 GMC Canyon?

No problem area has crossed our reporting threshold yet, which is a good sign for this vehicle.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

Major repair items haven't been flagged often enough on this vehicle to single one out.

How do I check if my GMC Canyon has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2021 GMC Canyon?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 10 complaints on file, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 9 hours ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/GMC/Canyon. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with GMC. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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