Since I purchased this Canyon in 2019, I've had many occurrences (at least twice a week) of the truck not starting. Through my research on line, I've found other Canyon owners experiencing the same problem. Long story short, the ignition locks and the truck cannot be started unless I wait 10 minutes. This problem interferes with my daily life. I believe GMC should correct this problem.
The worst 2011 GMC Canyon problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Airbags3
- Electrical3
- Engine3
- Brakes2
- Driver assistance2
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Airbags3
- Electrical3
- Engine3
- Brakes2
- Driver assistance2
- Lights2
- Transmission2
- Acceleration1
- Body1
Recalls 5
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 12V594000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)
- What is wrong
- 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."
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 11V337000 · Recall details
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 11V276000 · Recall details
Suspension: rear: axle: spindle
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 11V007000 · Recall details
Child seat
- 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
Technical service bulletins for the 2011 GMC Canyon 1,262
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size...
- This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have...
- New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have...
- This service bulletin provides information on Tire Sidewall Irregularities.
- This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of...
- The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle...
2011 GMC Canyon fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.9L 4‑cyl | RWD | 18 | 24-25 | 21 |
| 2.9L 4‑cyl | 4WD | 17-18 | 23-24 | 20 |
| 3.7L 5‑cyl | RWD | 15-17 | 20-23 | 17-19 |
| 3.7L 5‑cyl | 4WD | 16-17 | 21-22 | 18-19 |
| 5.3L 8‑cyl | RWD | 15 | 20 | 16 |
| 5.3L 8‑cyl | 4WD | 14 | 19 | 16 |
What 2011 GMC Canyon owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Recall #11181 for 2011 Canyon SLE says GM will replace the automatic transmission adjustment CLIP for free. Recall was established in a GMC assembly plant when a truck would not start. Our truck randomly does not start and we’ve had it looked at with no problems found to indicate why it randomly does not start. We wait 15-20 minutes and then it will start. This recall is not being honored at a GMC dealership because of no longer available, they say. Can you help us with this issue? Again, the recall # is 11181.
Takata recall airbag light is on . Truck will shut down when the truck is going down the road at 60 miles an hour less or more. When you start the truck it shuts off again. Or will start right up and wash it right back down. The safety belt light comes on or is the car locked I should say. Which is the little picture with the car with the lock on it. I have videotaped what comes across the dash and hasn't shown it to the dealership and they have not done anything because they can't find anything. Shuts off again. Or will start right up in the shut right back down. Safety belt like comes on or is the car lock I should say. Which is the little picture with the car with the lock on it. I have videotaped what comes across the dash and his showing it to the dealership and they have not done anything because they can't find anything. All of this is going on right now with my truck and has been since late fall of last year. I take it to my dealership twice with no results .
My air bag sencer is keeping me from getting a sticker and I don't know what to do about it
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 gmc canyon. The contact stated that there was premature deterioration on the lower front passenger side bumper and frame. The deterioration spread to the driver's side bumper to the point that it could fracture. The dealer (fairfield chevrolet, 2501 martin rd, fairfield, ca 94534, (707) 422-7777) was notified and indicated that the vehicle was not covered by a warranty. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer issued 14 tsbs regarding the structure and 12 tsbs for the suspension; however, no recalls were issued. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 77,089.
The brake lights and cruise control have suddenly stopped working - see nthsa bulletin 06v139000. As evidence of a systemic problem with gmc canyon vehicles. Was not even aware brake lights were out until I came across the federal safety agency bulletin. Additionally, the electronically activated 4 wheel drive has sporatically started trying to engage when the vehicle is first beginning to move from a dead stop. This started a month ago when I first noticed the cruise control would not work. Discovered the brake lights were not coming on last night 12/16/16. Checked bulbs and fuses and that is not the problem. Believe there is an underlying issue likely related to the federal safety agency bulletin 06v139000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 gmc canyon. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated on and off at various times, moreso when the vehicle was started. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 gmc canyon. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The failure recurred on many occasions. The dealer diagnosed that the ignition switch caused the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 57,500.
I am experiencing problems with this vehicle that are terrifying as it is putting my family in jeopardy. My first indication of a problem occurred in august 2013 and continued until may, 2014, the problem seemed to have fixed itself as I did not experience any more serious problems after may 2014 until october 2014. This leads me to believe the problem seems to have some connection to colder weather. The stalling problem is now occurring regularly and the error messages tend to disappear overnight before I can get to a dealer. I am keeping my driving to a bare minimum until a satisfactory solution is found. I do not want to spend more money on parts and ?fixes? That do not resolve the problem. Problem: car suddenly reduces speed with numerous error messages running across the dash screen. I fortunately have been able to pull over to the side of the road as speed was very slow; the car begins to shudder and I have to shut down the engine. I noted the following error messages: reduced power, trac fault, ser stab, sist traction. After a few minutes I have been able to re-start the engine. When restarted all the error messages disappeared, but the check engine light stayed on. Various error messages: p0657 (dealer installed peddle position sensor 1/23/14 @ $229.63); same problem occurred 2/19/14. P0615 (dealer installed throttle position sensor @ $100); same problem again occurred 3/13/14. I cannot afford to keep replacing ?out of warranty? Parts that do not correct this serious problem. Reduced power has occurred a number of times but the error messages disappear before I can get to a dealer. Since the dealers were not able to pin point the problem, I appealed to gm to advise how to proceed to resolve this serious problem before it results in a serious or fatal accident.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 gmc canyon. The contact stated that the brake lights failed intermittently. Additionally when starting the vehicle there were multiple warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the repairs were unknown. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was unknown.
Compare the 2011 GMC Canyon
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Other model years
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Questions about the 2011 GMC Canyon
Is the 2011 GMC Canyon reliable?
Owners have filed 12 complaints about the 2011 GMC Canyon, fewer than a typical Canyon model year.
What is the 2011 GMC Canyon year score?
The 2011 GMC Canyon scores 88 out of 100 (good). 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 2011 GMC Canyon?
Airbags, with 3 complaints. Next is electrical (3).
How many recalls does the 2011 GMC Canyon have?
5 recalls, covering latches/locks/linkages, power train and visibility.
What gas mileage does the 2011 GMC Canyon get?
Official estimates for the 2011 GMC Canyon range from 16 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.9L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 18 city and 24-25 highway.
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