While driving my 2021 GMC Canyon (current mileage: 78,465), the engine-driven brake booster vacuum pump drive gear housing catastrophically shattered without warning. This structural component explosion caused an immediate, sudden loss of power braking assist while the vehicle was in motion, creating a severe and dangerous safety hazard on the road. Upon a professional diagnostic tear-down, it was confirmed that the self-destruction of the vacuum pump violently introduced heavy metallic shrapnel throughout the cylinder head and engine oiling system. The entire engine block is now heavily contaminated with metal debris, requiring a complete engine replacement estimated at $14,000. This is a severe, premature failure of a critical safety component driven directly by the engine's camshaft. General Motors is facing ongoing class-action litigation regarding these exact mechanical vacuum pump explosions, which pose a dual threat of total power brake failure and complete engine destruction. I am logging this complaint to urge the federal safety agency to investigate this systemic material defect before it causes a fatal accident due to sudden brake loss.
The worst 2021 GMC Canyon problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Driver assistance3
- Airbags2
- Brakes2
- Engine2
- Steering2
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Driver assistance3
- Airbags2
- Brakes2
- Engine2
- Steering2
- Transmission2
- Electrical1
- Lights1
- Seat belts1
Recalls 2
Equipment: other: labels
- What is wrong
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 GMC Canyon vehicles. The load carrying capacity printed on the Tire and Loading Information placard is 22.5 kg (51 lbs.) more than intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Risk
- An incorrect label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 21V497000 · Recall details
Seat belts: critical fasteners
- What is wrong
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.
- Risk
- If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8785, Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.
Recall number 20V811000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2021 GMC Canyon 749
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Special Coverage
- This service bulletin provides information about GM Accessories
- Unknown or other
- • Improvements to OnStar functionality.
- This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- This PI communicates the proper part numbers for transmission connectors and internal harness to prevent...
- Unknown or other
- Unknown or other
- This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.
- PI to help diagnose A/C concern
2021 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8L 4‑cyl Diesel | RWD | 20 | 30 | 23 |
| 2.5L 4‑cyl | RWD | 19 | 25 | 22 |
| 2.8L 4‑cyl Diesel | 4WD | 19 | 28 | 22 |
| 3.6L 6‑cyl | RWD | 18 | 25 | 21 |
| 2.5L 4‑cyl | 4WD | 19 | 24 | 21 |
| 3.6L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 16 | 22 | 18 |
What 2021 GMC Canyon owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes became inoperable and the vehicle shut off. The contact repeatedly pumped the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that there was a large cloud of white smoke and immediately associated the failure with the vacuum pump. The contact over safely, the vehicle was towed. The contact became aware that there was no oil in the engine. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The manufacturer and the dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,378.
While driving a few days ago, power steering abruptly stopped working and a service power steering message appeared. It was very difficult to steer the vehicle back home. I've tried replacing the battery and resetting the steering sensor to no avail.
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the driver’s side low beam headlight failed to illuminate as intended. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that upon further inspection, an unknown electrical fuse was burned. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed; however, a cause for the failure was not found. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,121.
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while reversing, the back over prevention screen image was solid blue, and there was no image displayed, creating a visibility hazard for the driver. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and it was determined that the rearview camera coaxial cable connectors were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V709000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 46,000.
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 became a recurring failure. The contact stated that the check engine warning light had recently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics who informed the contact of a known transmission failure and a national recall. The contact searched online and related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train); however, the local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included, and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.
The electric power steering motor stopped working while driving on the highway. The vehicle was almost impossible to control and almost caused me to enter the oncoming lane of traffic.
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 was zero warning...no lights or warning messages. No major injuries occurred (only small minor burns to my right hand). I then brought the vehicle to the dealership where it was purchased. I was told it was a known issue, and I was prompted to file a claim with my insurance company. Someone from the insurance company, along with the service department at the dealership, inspected the vehicle. Insurance has agreed to cover the parts damaged but not replace the part(s) that actually caused the fire. The dealership will address the actual problem, but only if I pay for the repairs ($1100-1500 estimated cost).
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
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while driving 6 MPH and going over a speed bump, the contact heard an abnormal knocking sound emanating from the driver’s side suspension. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the upper control arm was striking the suspension spring. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 47,000.
Compare the 2021 GMC Canyon
Canyon vs Toyota TacomaCanyon vs Ford RangerCanyon vs Chevrolet ColoradoCanyon vs Nissan FrontierCanyon vs Honda RidgelineCanyon vs Jeep Gladiator
Other model years
200420052006200720082009201020112012201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026
Questions about the 2021 GMC Canyon
Is the 2021 GMC Canyon reliable?
Owners have filed 13 complaints about the 2021 GMC Canyon, fewer than a typical Canyon model year.
What is the 2021 GMC Canyon year score?
The 2021 GMC Canyon scores 80 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 2021 GMC Canyon?
Driver assistance and stability, with 3 complaints. Next is airbags (2).
How many recalls does the 2021 GMC Canyon have?
2 recalls, covering equipment and seat belts.
What year does the GMC Canyon have the most driver assistance problems?
The GMC Canyon model years with the most driver assistance complaints are 2015 (38 complaints), 2023 (24 complaints) and 2016 (15 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2021 GMC Canyon get?
Official estimates for the 2021 GMC Canyon range from 18 to 23 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.8L 4-cyl diesel, RWD) gets 20 city and 30 highway.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2021 GMC Canyon?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history