2012 GMC Canyon
Only 23 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 23 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 80 |
| 2005 | 113 |
| 2006 | 48 |
| 2007 | 42 |
| 2008 | 38 |
| 2009 | 27 |
| 2010 | 8 |
| 2011 | 12 |
| 2012 | 23 |
| 2015 | 300 |
| 2016 | 267 |
| 2017 | 65 |
| 2018 | 51 |
| 2019 | 16 |
| 2020 | 13 |
| 2021 | 10 |
| 2022 | 23 |
| 2023 | 54 |
| 2024 | 204 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 23 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
8 of 23 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240303
THERE IS A PROBLEM WHIT THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM . OFTEN 3 TIMES IN THE PAST 3 DAYS THE TRUCK WILL NOT START. THE SECURITY LOCK DASH LIGHT FLASHES AND THE SECURITY SYSTEM WILL NOT ALLOW THE TUCK TO START .
NHTSA ODI report, 20181015
MY MOTHER HAS BEEN LEFT STRANDED IN PARKING LOTS OR DRIVE WAYS MANY TIMES. THE ENGINE WON'T START, AND THE SECURITY LIGHT IS FLASHING, WAIT TEN MINUTES THEN IT WILL FINALLY START.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180524
2 of 23 total reports mention: steering.
2 of 23 total reports mention: service brakes.
2 of 23 total reports mention: electronic stability control (esc).
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING, THE SECURITY LIGHT CAME ON. ENGINE POWER WAS REDUCED OR COMPLETELY ELIMINATED. HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT EVERY THING RESET IN ABOUT THIRTY SECONDS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140212
2 of 23 total reports mention: air bags.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
IN FRESNO, CA AT 5:30 P.M., I WAS HEADING EAST ON SHAW AVE., A THREE LANE STREET, NEAR BRAWLEY AVE. A VAN, WAITING FOR CROSS TRAFFIC AT THE CENTER ISLAND, SUDDENLY JOLTED INTO THREE LANES OF HEAVY CHRISTMAS TRAFFIC.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150529
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 REQUI
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 CO
Campaign 11V552000 — check if this car was fixed
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 requirem
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 re
Campaign 12V594000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 GMC Canyon — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 11V552000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 12V594000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2012 GMC Canyon reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 GMC Canyon?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 GMC Canyon have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.