2021 Gmc CANYON problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
11 owner complaints analyzed
2 distinct recall campaigns
46,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2021 model year. Data snapshot: . 5 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 2 of 11 complaints (18.2%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical and battery issues | 3 | 27.3% |
| Steering behavior | 2 | 18.2% |
| Transmission and shifting | 1 | 9.1% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Air Bags | 2 |
| Power Train | 2 |
| Steering | 2 |
| Unknown Or Other | 2 |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 |
| Electrical System | 1 |
| Exterior Lighting:Headlights | 1 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 1 |
Air Bags: 2; Power Train: 2; Steering: 2; Unknown Or Other: 2; Back Over Prevention: 1; Electrical System: 1; Exterior Lighting:Headlights: 1; Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 1 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 3 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 1 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 3; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
25,000 to 49,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (3). 6 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 2 |
2021: 2; 2023: 1; 2024: 3; 2025: 3; 2026: 2
Pattern summary
Air Bags leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 3 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11532732 · 2023-07-17 (July 17, 2023)
The rear camera and wire harness for the Rear Backup Camera became corroded and stopped working months ago. This is vital technology that our children have grown up with to ensure the safety of backing up in case something is behind the vehicle including young children, toys, equipment or someone simply walking by your driveway while you're backing up. The Service Manager at Billion GMC in Sioux Falls, SD (Dan Dunnagan) said they are replacing tons of the rear cameras due to corrosion, which might be caused by water getting into the system or f…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11532732 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11715755 · 2026-02-05 (February 5, 2026)
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.
Owner-reported narrative. 36,121 miles reported. Look up ODI 11715755 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11643163 · 2025-02-17 (February 17, 2025)
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.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11643163 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11753891 · 2026-07-30 (July 30, 2026)
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.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11753891 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11679892 · 2025-08-11 (August 11, 2025)
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…
Owner-reported narrative. 69,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11679892 at NHTSA ↗