Seatbelt light for the front driver continues to turn on even when buckled in and will ding to notify that it’s not buckled despite it buckled in. This is a safety issue as the airbag light also remains on because of it.
The worst 2012 GMC Canyon problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Electrical9
- Brakes3
- Airbags2
- Driver assistance2
- Engine2
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical9
- Brakes3
- Airbags2
- Driver assistance2
- Engine2
- Steering2
- Suspension2
- Body1
- Lights1
- Locks1
- Seat belts1
- Tires1
- Transmission1
- Visibility1
Recalls 2
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
Seat belts: front
- What is wrong
- General motors (gm) is recalling certain model year 2012 chevrolet colorado and gmc canyon vehicles, manufactured from september 9, 2011, through october 19, 2011, for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 208, "occupant crash protection." these vehicles may have been produced with driver safety belt buckle electrical connector terminals that do not fit snugly with the connector pins, causing the connection to be intermittent.
- Risk
- The loose connections may cause the driver to not receive a visual or audible warning that the driver seat belt is not fastened, thereby increasing the risk of personal injury in the event of a crash.
- Remedy
- Gm will notify owners and dealers will replace the seat belt buckle electrical connector terminals free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before december 7, 2011. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438 and gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463.
Recall number 11V552000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2012 GMC Canyon 1,321
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...
2012 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 | 21-23 | 18-19 |
| 5.3L 8‑cyl | RWD | 15 | 20 | 16 |
| 5.3L 8‑cyl | 4WD | 14 | 19 | 16 |
What 2012 GMC Canyon owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2012 GMC Canyon. The contact noticed that there was wiring appearing from the rear end of the vehicle. The contact stated that the rear sub frame was rusted and cracked. Additionally, the parking brake cable was hanging from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact deemed the vehicle unsafe to drive. The dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 139,908. The VIN was not available.
On all chevy / canyon models 05 thru 12 there is an issue called "passlock" which prevents the vehicle from starting, it will leave you stranded. The failure is the ignition housing with the passlock sensor, not the actual key / tumbler, the part has to be replaced. The problem / failure is so common that you can "google" 2005 thru 2012 chevy colorado gmc canyon passlock issue" and find the root and a how to fix / repair guides. I spent almost $600 at the GMC dealer, they found no error or trouble codes in either on board computer, I showed the service advisor the issue, online diagnosis and suggested the repair. This is so dam common it should be a defective part recall and all repairs and costs covered by GM / GMC
Within past year, 2022 to present vehicle will on average 4-5 times a month fail to start. Key in ignition, to accessory mode than fail to turn over. All indicator lamps on dash display. Door chime sounds. Nothing to indicate a problem. Had GMC dealership troubleshoot. They found no codes and vehicle would start fine for them (of course). New battery had been installed, starter was tested, fuel injectors cleaned. MY online research has found a similar problem with multiple year GMC vehicles beginning in 2009 thru 2014. Ignition lock cylinder issue due to pass lock sensor. Passlock sensor malfunctions thus requiring a 10 minute wait prior to restarting vehicle. A vehicle requiring 10 minute wait time is a safety issue if we needed this vehicle in an emergency. It's my understanding GMC is aware of this issue but considers it a nuisance and not a critical issue. My thoughts are its a safety issue they"re aware of but don"t care.
The Passcode Anti-theft system randomly triggers when attempting to start the vehicle. When it triggers, the vehicle cannot be started for at least 10 minutes. I have had this system trigger multiple times at home, at the grocery store, and at a gas station. I am afraid that the device will eventually leave me stranded, so I am having the device replace for the cost of over $700.
BRAKES: I purchased vehicle September 25, 2012. This problem has occurred since I purchased the vehicle. It does not happen all the time. The problem is the brakes lockup and the steering wheel shudders and the vehicle pulls to the right. The vehicle makes a griding noise. It will NOT stop immediately when you put on the brakes. The brake pedal jumps up and down and makes a grinding noise. The vehicle pulls to the right and jumps up and down. In answer to the next question: This problem has happened since I purchased the vehicle.
Clicking noise in the steering wheel when turning left or right.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 gmc canyon. The contact stated that while driving and turning the steering wheel, there was a ticking sound heard. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to barton chevrolet cadillac (800 auto park pl, newburgh, ny 12550), to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the clicking sound noise was coming from a multiplication switch from the steering and that the steering needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the replacement part was ordered from the dealer, and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be repaired however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer, but was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,966.
The weight on the keyring and road conditions or a jarring event causes the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. The vehicle will not stay in the run position and there are no other mechanical/electrical problems with the vehicle. This began about a year ago and has progressively got worse. This is similar to the recall of gmc's cadillac cts.
While driving on I 71 at 70 MPH in a pouring rain my wipers stopped working almost causing me to wreck
Compare the 2012 GMC Canyon
Canyon vs Toyota TacomaCanyon vs Ford RangerCanyon vs Chevrolet ColoradoCanyon vs Nissan FrontierCanyon vs Honda RidgelineCanyon vs Jeep Gladiator
Other model years
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Questions about the 2012 GMC Canyon
Is the 2012 GMC Canyon reliable?
Owners have filed 23 complaints about the 2012 GMC Canyon, fewer than a typical Canyon model year.
What is the 2012 GMC Canyon year score?
The 2012 GMC Canyon scores 82 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 2012 GMC Canyon?
Electrical system, with 9 complaints, typically around 45,000 miles. Next is brakes (3).
How many recalls does the 2012 GMC Canyon have?
2 recalls, covering latches/locks/linkages and seat belts.
What gas mileage does the 2012 GMC Canyon get?
Official estimates for the 2012 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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