2009 GMC Canyon Problems
Compared with other GMC Canyon years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
30/100 0.6× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.6× that of a typical GMC Canyon year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 5 of its 27 complaints were filed by the end of 2011.
- Most reported part: Electrical system (8 complaints, median 55,000 mi).
- 3 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 27filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 49,928miles, 22 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 20 mpgcombined, 2.9L 4-cyl RWD · 18 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2009 GMC Canyon (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 27 consumer complaints for the 2009 GMC Canyon. The part named most often is electrical system, with 8 complaints (30% of the total), followed by fuel system (6) and transmission and drivetrain (5). 22 of the complaints include a mileage, and 50% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 49,928 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 1,041 technical service bulletins for this model year. Electrical system complaints overlap with 197 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Fuel system complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign and 57 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Compared with the other 7 GMC Canyon model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 30 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system8 30%
- Fuel system6 22%
- Brakes4 15%
- Air bags3 11%
- Engine3 11%
- Exterior lighting2 7.4%
- Vehicle speed control2 7.4%
- Body and structure1 3.7%
Example complaints
Electrical system: “It times it wont start have to wait 15-20 min to start while parked I also had a 2004 colorado that did the same thing .now for the safety end .if your in the country an you or someone is haveing a medical issue an it wont start their is a possible life or death situation that person has a greater chance of dieing .I have talked to dealers about this problem all they said we can try different things but at my expence. I was told it has something to do with the security lock system . …”
NHTSA complaint #11377882, filed 2020-12, 45,000 milesFuel system: “I was driving approx. 65 MPH in heavy traffic on the new york state thruway when I lost all power to my truck and was barely able to manuever off the road. I had my truck towed to my mechanic & was told that it was the fuel pump flow control module. Recall no. 08411 2009 Gmc canyons were recalled because of this problem. The recall stated that the fuel system control modules have a condition in which an adhesive separation of the rtv seal between the seal and the housing may allow water to seep into the module. …”
NHTSA complaint #11374161, filed 2020-11, 54,856 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “I sent in this complaint a year ago and never heard back from you. Throttle sticks on my Canyon and it appears to be computer related. It continues to accelerate even after taking my foot off the gas. It will rev down after hitting the brake pedal. Have you heard of this before? Truck is standard shift and usually happens when going through the gears .”
NHTSA complaint #10573366, filed 2014-03, 15,000 milesBrakes: “My husband recently asked if I had encountered any problems using the cruise control in this vehicle. Since I seldom drive any distance with that vehicle, I never noticed anything. But he had traveled onto the interstate, and when attempting to set the cruise, noticed it didn't work. Yesterday, I had to follow him somewhere, and I noticed the brake lights weren't coming on. We tested all the other things (tail lights, back up lights, turn signals), and everything was working properly. …”
NHTSA complaint #11445613, filed 2021-12Mileage when problems were reported
50% of the 22 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 15,000 and 87,686 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2009 GMC Canyon. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canyon · regular cab RWD/AWD | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | 4 · 17.9% risk |
| Canyon · sedan RWD/AWD | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | 4 · 17.9% risk |
| Canyon · extended cab RWD/AWD | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | 4 · 17.9% risk |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2009 GMC Canyon version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canyon 2WD | 2.9L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Canyon 2WD | 2.9L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Canyon 2WD | 3.7L 5-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Canyon 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Canyon 4WD | 2.9L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 23 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Canyon 4WD | 2.9L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 17 | 23 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Canyon 4WD | 3.7L 5-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Canyon 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Canyon Crew Cab 2WD | 2.9L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Canyon Crew Cab 2WD | 2.9L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Canyon Crew Cab 2WD | 3.7L 5-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Canyon Crew Cab 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Canyon Crew Cab 4WD | 3.7L 5-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Canyon Crew Cab 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 10V575000Nov 18, 2010Child seatCovers: GMC Canyon 2004–2011, Chevrolet Colorado 2004–2011, Isuzu I-290/I-370 2007–2008 +1 more
Gm is recalling certain model year 2004-2011, chevrolet colorado, gmc canyon, model year 2006, isuzu I-280/I-350, and model year 2007-2008, I-290/I-370, regular cab vehicles and extended cab vehicles without a rear seat and equipped with a front 60/40 split…
- 09V310000Jul 29, 2009Exterior lighting › Brake lights › SwitchCovers: GMC Canyon 2004–2009, Chevrolet Colorado 2004–2009, Isuzu I-290 2007–2008 +3 more
Gm is recalling 185,903 model year 2004-2009 colorado, gmc model year 2009-2004 canyon, model year 2006 I-280, I-350, model year 2007-2008 I-290, and I-370, passenger vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of alabama, arizona…
- 09V154000May 6, 2009Fuel system, gasolineCovers: GMC Canyon 2009, Chevrolet Tahoe 2009, Cadillac Escalade 2009 +7 more
Gm is recalling 27,188 my 2009 cadillac escalade, escalade hybrid, escalade esv, and escalade ext; chevrolet avalanche, suburban, tahoe, tahoe hybrid, and colorado; and gmc yukon, yukon hybrid, yukon xl, and canyon vehicles. The fuel system control modules…
Recall details for the 2009 GMC Canyon → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,041 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- 11021792Aug 7, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming…
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11019074May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019073May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019072May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11014455Feb 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get…
- 11011782Dec 7, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is…
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024Electrical system. This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester…
- 11009531Sep 27, 2024Engine. This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
Other model years of the GMC Canyon
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8 | 350 | 2 | 4 | 20 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 8 | 13,500 | 2 | 4 | 20 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 207 | 4,000 | 3 | 4 | 20 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 62 | 3,000 | 3 | 4 | 20 | 99 · More | Too new |
| 2022 | 28 | 22,212 | 1 | 4 | 22 | 40 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 12 | 46,500 | 2 | 4 | 22 | — | Not enough data |
| 2020 | 14 | 18,500 | 0 | 4 | 22 | — | Not enough data |
| 2019 | 17 | 36,082 | 0 | 4 | 22 | — | Rising |
| 2018 | 53 | 22,000 | 1 | 4 | 22 | 43 · Typical | Stable |
| 2017 | 66 | 27,803 | 1 | 4 | 22 | 56 · Typical | Falling |
| 2016 | 271 | 46,523 | 4 | 4 | 22 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2015 | 303 | 54,680 | 8 | 4 | 22 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2012 | 23 | 45,000 | 2 | — | 21 | — | Stable |
| 2011 | 12 | 51,073 | 5 | — | 21 | — | Not enough data |
| 2010 | 8 | 10,000 | 2 | — | 21 | — | Not enough data |
| 2009 | 27 | 49,928 | 3 | — | 20 | 30 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 38 | 68,000 | 2 | — | 20 | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2007 | 42 | 73,651 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 48 | 60,000 | 4 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 113 | 50,106 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 80 | 74,456 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All GMC Canyon model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2009 GMC Canyon have?
NHTSA recorded 27 consumer complaints for the 2009 GMC Canyon as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2009 GMC Canyon is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 8 complaints (30% of the total), followed by fuel system with 6.
Has the 2009 GMC Canyon been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2009 GMC Canyon get?
The EPA rates the 2009 GMC Canyon (Canyon 2WD, 2.9L 4-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 18 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,350 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2009 GMC Canyon reported?
Among the 22 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 49,928 miles and the middle half falls between 15,000 and 87,686 miles; 50% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.