Is the 2016 GMC Canyon reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 GMC Canyon is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2016 GMC Canyon?

The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2016 GMC Canyon have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

2016 GMC Canyon

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2016 GMC Canyon
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 270
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Steering

Complaints per year

2016: 270 complaints

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	302
2016	270
2017	66
2018	52
2019	17
2020	14
2021	11
2022	27
2023	61
2024	206
2025	8
2026	8

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Steering

67% · 181 reports

Most commonly citing electric power assist system and column.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

On 12/29.2015 at approximately 8:00 am on a clear bright day I was driving near my my home returning from and errand.

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-07-03

Faulty electric power steering caused vehicle veer off the rode hitting a concrete wall, concrete mail box and telephone. Vehicle was totaled. The vehicle was north bound a two black top road at a slight right hand turn.

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-01-21

I was driving around a windy road up a canyon with sheer cliffs, and my power steering suddenly went out. It took almost all my strength to steer it clear of me going off the canyon. It has since then gone out intermittently for months now.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-01

Power train

14% · 39 reports

Electrical system

14% · 37 reports

Most commonly citing ignition and switch.

CRASHFIRE

Show complaint excerpts

On [XXX] at approximately 5:30p, I was driving normal highway speed when I saw what I thought was exhaust trailing behind. There were NO dash warning lights, engine temperature showing normal range, car was performing normally.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-07-29

Also filed under Engine

Vehicle ignition key can not be removed and it does not stay in park. Vehicle can crash causing injuries and property damage vehicle has about 35000K miles under warrenty and GMC refuses to do any thing about it.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-02-19

Also filed under Engine

Engine

8% · 21 reports

CRASHFIRE

Electronic stability control (esc)

5% · 13 reports

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2016Complaint volume 270 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2016-01-05Latches/locks/linkages15V807000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Colorado trucks manufactured August 25, 2015 to September 24, 2015, and GMC Canyon trucks manufactured August 28, 2015 to September 24, 2015.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the console compartment door latch assembly, free of charge. The recall began on January 5, 2016.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-04-14Air bags16V125000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Colorado vehicles manufactured January 19, 2016, to February 2, 2016, Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured January 9, 2016, to January 26, 2016, and 2016 GMC Canyon vehicles...

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on April 14, 2016.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-11-08Air bags17V621000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado, and 2016 Chevrolet Volt vehicles. The driver's frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2017. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-07-02Fuel system, gasoline18V358000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2016 GMC Canyon — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Steering: 181 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 39 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 37 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 15V807000 · Latches/locks/linkages
Recall 16V125000 · Air bags
Recall 17V621000 · Air bags
Recall 18V358000 · Fuel system, gasoline

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2016 GMC Canyon reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 GMC Canyon is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 GMC Canyon?: The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 GMC Canyon have?: 4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.