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2004 GMC Canyon problems

The most common problem on the 2004 GMC Canyon is body and structure, typically around 94,000 miles. It has 1.9 times the complaints of a typical Canyon model year.

Typical year1.9x the typical complaints
Year score
50/100
Owner complaints
80
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
602
Worst area
Body
Fuel economy
17-21mpg

The worst 2004 GMC Canyon problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Body
    16
  • Electrical
    13
  • Suspension
    13
  • Engine
    8
  • Lights
    8
  • Brakes
    6
  • Airbags
    5
  • Locks
    4
  • Tires
    4
  • Transmission
    4
  • Wheels
    4
  • Fuel system
    3
  • Seats
    2
  • Visibility
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Seat belts
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2004 GMC Canyon

Won't start 5

Recalls 3

Child seatReported November 18, 2010 · 192,676 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
Both the federal safety agency 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.

Recall number 10V575000 · Recall details

Exterior lighting: brake lights: switchReported July 29, 2009 · 185,903 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 a brake lamp switch that may not work as designed due to contamination in the switch.
Risk
This condition could cause the simultaneous loss of all brake lamps or cause all of the brake lamps to stay on continuously. Both of these conditions could fail to warn others of the driver's intentions and could lead to a vehicle crash.
Remedy
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 who experience the failure can obtain a free repair, however they will be required to return when the new design part becomes available. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463, isuzu at 1‑800‑255‑6727 or at www.gmownercenter.com.

Recall number 09V310000 · Recall details

Exterior lighting: brake lights: switchReported April 27, 2006 · 404,733 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
A following driver may not know when the brakes have been applied, and a rear-end crash could occur without prior warning.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 06V139000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2004 GMC Canyon

Defect investigations

Brake lamp switch malfunctionOpened February 25, 2009, closed July 30, 2009

On july 28,2009, gm initiated a regional recall campaign on certain model year (my) 2004-2009 chevrolet colorado and gmc canyon vehicles and my2006-2008 isuzu I-series vehicles.the states and u.s. Territories involved are al, az, fl, ga, hi, la, ms, nv, nm, pr, sc, tx, vi and ut.a total of 185,903 vehicles will be recalled with 92,272 vehicles within the scope of this investigation.in addition, a special coverage/extended warranty program will be initiated forvehicles registered in all other states. Gm determined that brake lamp switch failures are more likely to occur in vehicles in which customers used interior cleaners containing silicon and that reside in hot geographical locations.brake lamp switch contamination failure can cause loss of the brake lamps or the brake lamps to stay on continuously, increasing the risk of rear-end crashes.gm has reported no crashes or injuries due to the failure of the brake lamp switch.odi initially reported one crash incident, but later downgraded the report due to the absence of actual property damage or cost incurred when the vehicle was lightly tapped from behind at low speed.this investigation is closed (see recall campaign 09v0310).

RQ09001

Inadvertent front airbag deploymentOpened November 10, 2004, closed March 14, 2005

All reports indicate inadvertent deployment during ignition start-up (key-on) and with the vehicle not in motion.reported injuries were minor and consist of skin abrasion and bruises.the incident dates ranged from july through november 2004.odi has received no additional reports since opening this investigation. A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

PE04076

Technical service bulletins for the 2004 GMC Canyon 602

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 602 bulletins for the 2004 GMC Canyon

2004 GMC Canyon fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.8L 4‑cylRWD16-1823-2418-21
3.5L 5‑cylRWD16-1722-2318-19
2.8L 4‑cyl4WD16-1721-2218-19
3.5L 5‑cyl4WD15-162117-18

What 2004 GMC Canyon owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 12, 2024 · Body · WI

The frame has rust through and broke on rear front leafspring mount of frame on both side . A very know problem with almost every one of these trucks

Filed Feb 26, 2023 · Suspension · MI

Frame front passenger cracked while driving. Was able to avoid near accident with another vehicle.

Filed Feb 1, 2022 · Body, Suspension · 89,000 miles · WI

The contact owns a 2004 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that after work was completed on the tires, the independent mechanic informed him that due to severe undercarriage corrosion, the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The contact also took the vehicle to a dealer who provided the same information as the independent mechanic. The manufacturer was then notified of the failure and informed him that there were no open recalls on the vehicle. No additional assistance was offered. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.

Filed Mar 13, 2020 · Suspension · 106,500 miles · NJ

The chassis has become severely rusted on left side where front of leaf spring is bolted to it. It is about to break off and it has been denoted as "unsafe to drive" by the local gmc dealership. Truck has been well-maintained and is in good condition otherwise. It has been garage-kept for the last 10 years. I bought it new 9/2004. The dealership just discovered problem today when I was having other routine work done.

Filed Dec 15, 2019 · Body · 98,000 miles · IL

We had some repair work done and were told that the frame was rusted out so badly it was ready to break in half, leaving us with a car that is undriveable. This appears to be a common issue with other models of gmc trucks and the issue is not being addressed. Major safety issue!

Filed Nov 8, 2019 · Body · 119,730 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 gmc canyon. While driving 35 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal rattling noise coming from the rear frame. The contact drove home and then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who determined that the frame was severely corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 119,730. The VIN was unknown.

Filed Jul 14, 2019 · Electrical · 183,000 miles · CA

After reading a post from the 116 affected gmc canyon owners I have the exact same problem. Last month june 2019 while driving home from work my AC just quit working (hot weather in sacramento), no matter what speed it was on 1 through 4. I also smelt a burning smell. Today while driving my truck to the realer to get it analyzed I hit a bump and the blower started working again on speed 4. Bob from john l sullivan chevy just called to confirm the diagnosis...the connector that connects to the blower was melted and the resister was burnt.

Filed Mar 2, 2019 · 280,000 miles · OH

Rear frame has rusted completely out. Now sitting and cannot drive. I love driving this truck but now it is just sitting. Hope gm will sell me a frame at cost so I can fix it.

Filed Feb 25, 2019 · Body, Wheels · 68,000 miles · MA

Undercarriage rust caused spare tire/wheel to fall from under the vehicle.

Filed Dec 7, 2018 · Electrical · 68,762 miles · SC

The gmc passlock lockout feature is a pain in the rear of nearly every car/truck owner having this feature. Today, for the umpteenth time, my vehicle would not start when I tried to start it up after fueling. My truck was stuck at the gas pumps, obstructing other patrons waiting to gas up. I sat waiting for about 5 minutes and tried starting it again, while getting dirty looks from other people waiting to gas up. Of, course it didn't start because I hadn't waited the requisite 10 minutes. Finally, I got out and pushed the truck away from the pumps by myself (I am 72 years old) and then waited 10 minutes and finally re-started my vehicle. I have experienced this aggravation of my vehicle not starting many, many times during the 14 years that I have owned this vehicle. I will never buy another gmc product! Gmc should be required to issue a recall and fix this problem once and for all.

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Compare the 2004 GMC Canyon

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Other model years

200420052006200720082009201020112012201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026

Questions about the 2004 GMC Canyon

Is the 2004 GMC Canyon reliable?

Owners have filed 80 complaints about the 2004 GMC Canyon, 1.9 times a typical Canyon model year.

What is the 2004 GMC Canyon year score?

The 2004 GMC Canyon scores 50 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the GMC Canyon: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 GMC Canyon?

Body and structure, with 16 complaints, typically around 94,000 miles. Next is electrical (13).

How many recalls does the 2004 GMC Canyon have?

3 recalls, covering child seat and exterior lighting.

What year does the GMC Canyon have the most body problems?

The GMC Canyon model years with the most body complaints are 2004 (16 complaints) and 2005 (13 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2004 GMC Canyon get?

Official estimates for the 2004 GMC Canyon range from 17 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.8L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 16-18 city and 23-24 highway.

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