2011 GMC Canyon
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Brakes
Brakes leads by volume: 4 of 12 complaints (33%) mention it.
Complaints filed rose from 8 in 2010 to 12 in 2011.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | vs. 2011 Small Pickup Trucks 2WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,100–3,900 | 2,950–3,900 | 2,950–3,900 | 2,950–3,900 | |
| Combined MPG | 16–20 | 16–21 | 16–21 | 16–21 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 14–18 / 19–24 | 14–18 / 19–25 | 14–18 / 19–25 | 14–18 / 19–25 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 444–555 | 423–555 | 423–555 | 423–555 | |
| Complaints filed | 27 | 8 | 12 | 23 | |
| Recalls issued | 3 | 2 | 5 | 2 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
| Injuries reported | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2011 GMC Canyon have?
5 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2011 GMC Canyon?
Brakes: 4 of 12 NHTSA complaints (33%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2011 GMC Canyon get?
EPA rates it 16–21 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2011 GMC Canyon?
EPA estimates $2,950–$3,900 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (16)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.9L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Pickup Trucks 2WD | 18 mpg (high) | 24 mpg | 21 mpg (high) | $2,950 (low) | 423 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.9L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Pickup Trucks 2WD | 18 mpg (high) | 25 mpg (high) | 21 mpg (high) | $2,950 (low) | 423 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 4-spd | 5 | 3.7L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Pickup Trucks 2WD | 17 mpg | 23 mpg | 19 mpg | $3,300 | 468 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic 4-spd | 8 | 5.3L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Pickup Trucks 2WD | 15 mpg | 20 mpg | 16 mpg (low) | $3,900 (high) | 555 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic 4-spd | 5 | 3.7L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Pickup Trucks 2WD | 15 mpg | 20 mpg | 17 mpg | $3,650 | 523 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.9L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Pickup Trucks 2WD | 18 mpg (high) | 24 mpg | 21 mpg (high) | $2,950 (low) | 423 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 7 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.9L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Pickup Trucks 2WD | 18 mpg (high) | 25 mpg (high) | 21 mpg (high) | $2,950 (low) | 423 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 8 | Automatic 4-spd | 5 | 3.7L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Pickup Trucks 2WD | 17 mpg | 23 mpg | 19 mpg | $3,300 | 468 g/mi |
| Configuration 9 | Automatic 4-spd | 8 | 5.3L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Pickup Trucks 2WD | 15 mpg | 20 mpg | 16 mpg (low) | $3,900 (high) | 555 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 10 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.9L | 4-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Pickup Trucks 4WD | 17 mpg | 23 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,100 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 11 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.9L | 4-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Pickup Trucks 4WD | 18 mpg (high) | 24 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,100 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 13 | Automatic 4-spd | 8 | 5.3L | 4-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Pickup Trucks 4WD | 14 mpg (low) | 19 mpg (low) | 16 mpg (low) | $3,900 (high) | 555 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 16 | Automatic 4-spd | 8 | 5.3L | 4-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Pickup Trucks 4WD | 14 mpg (low) | 19 mpg (low) | 16 mpg (low) | $3,900 (high) | 555 g/mi (high) |
Show 3 more configurations
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 12 | Automatic 4-spd | 5 | 3.7L | 4-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Pickup Trucks 4WD | 17 mpg | 22 mpg | 19 mpg | $3,300 | 468 g/mi |
| Configuration 14 | Automatic 4-spd | 5 | 3.7L | 4-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Pickup Trucks 4WD | 16 mpg | 21 mpg | 18 mpg | $3,450 | 494 g/mi |
| Configuration 15 | Automatic 4-spd | 5 | 3.7L | 4-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Pickup Trucks 4WD | 16 mpg | 21 mpg | 18 mpg | $3,450 | 494 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (5)
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH · Campaign 12V594000 · Dec 19, 2012
Defect: General Motors is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles manufactured from November 9, 2009, through August 28, 2012, for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 113, "Hood Latch System." The hood may be missing the secondary hood latch.
Consequence: If the primary hood latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly. During vehicle operation, this could obstruct the view of the driver and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: General Motors will notify owners and instruct them to inspect their vehicle for the presence of a secondary hood latch. Dealers will replace the hood on any affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on January 17, 2013. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC at 1-866-996-9463.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL) · Campaign 11V337000 · Jun 28, 2011
Defect: GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CHEVROLET COLORADO AND GMC CANYON PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.9 OR 3.7 LITER ENGINE AND A FOUR-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FOR FAILING TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT," AND FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ADJUSTMENT CLIP THAT MAY NOT RETAIN THE SHIFT CABLE IN THE CORRECT POSITION. IF THE SHIFT CABLE IS NOT IN THE CORRECT POSITION, THE PRNDL SHIFT LEVER MAY NOT ACCURATELY REFLECT THE POSITION OF THE TRANSMISSION GEAR. THE DRIVER COULD MOVE THE SHIFTER TO "PARK" AND REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY, BUT THE TRANSMISSION GEAR MAY NOT BE IN "PARK."
Consequence: THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, AND THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AWAY AS THE DRIVER OR OTHER OCCUPANTS EXIT THE VEHICLE OR HAVE EXITED, RESULTING IN THE POSSIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE STRIKING THEM OR SOMEONE AROUND THE VEHICLE, OR COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy: GM DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ADJUSTMENT CLIP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT JULY 19, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR · Campaign 11V276000 · May 6, 2011
Defect: GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CHEVROLET COLORADO AND GMC CANYON VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 22, 2010, THROUGH NOVEMBER 5, 2010. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE THE CONDITION IN WHICH THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR CRANK ARM NUT MAY NOT BE TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION. WHEN THE WIPERS ARE OPERATED WITH A BUILD-UP OF SNOW OR ICE, OR IF THE WIPERS ARE OPERATED ON A DRY WINDSHIELD, THE NUT COULD LOOSEN. IF THERE IS SUFFICIENT LOOSENING OF THE NUT, THE WIPERS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE.
Consequence: DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL SECURE THE WIPER MOTOR CRANK ARM NUT FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE MAY 11, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 OR WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:SPINDLE · Campaign 11V007000 · Jan 11, 2011
Defect: GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, COLORADO, EXPRESS, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; AND GMC CANYON, SIERRA, SAVANA, YUKON AND YUKON XL VEHICLES. THE REAR AXLE CROSS PINS WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND COULD FRACTURE AND BECOME DISPLACED WITHIN THE REAR AXLE. SHOULD THE PIN SHIFT OUT OF POSITION, IT COULD CREATE AN INTERFERENCE CONDITION AND CAUSE THE REAR AXLE TO LOCK.
Consequence: THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW REAR AXLE CROSS PIN FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 11, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 AND AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
CHILD SEAT · Campaign 10V575000 · Nov 19, 2010
Defect: 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 TETHER ANCHOR FOR THE FRONT CENTER SEAT IS NOT ACCESSIBLE AND THE OWNER MANUAL DOES NOT INCLUDE INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING HOW TO USE THE TOP TETHER.
Consequence: BOTH NHTSA AND GM DISCOURAGE PLACEMENT OF A CHILD IN A FRONT SEAT. NEVERTHELESS, THERE ARE INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES THAT MAY REQUIRE PLACEMENT OF A CHILD IN A RESTRAINT IN THE FRONT CENTER SEATING POSITION OF THIS VEHICLE THAT DOES NOT OFFER A REAR SEAT. LACK OF ACCESS TO THE TOP TETHER ANCHOR AND A LACK OF INSTRUCTIONS AS TO HOW TO USE IT, MAY RESULT IN IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF A CHILD RESTRAINT. IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF A CHILD RESTRAINT CAN RESULT IN A REDUCTION IN THE RESTRAINT'S PERFORMANCE IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH AND AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH TO THE CHILD SEATED IN THE RESTRAINT.
Remedy: 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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727 OR VISIT GM'S WEBSITE AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.