2016 GMC Canyon Problems
Compared with other GMC Canyon years
More complaints than typical for this model
100/100 4.6× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 4.6× 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.
- 44 of its 271 complaints were filed by the end of 2018.
- Most reported problem: Power steering assist cuts out while driving (175 complaints, median 63,000 mi).
- 4 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with a typical complaint level and no open NHTSA investigation: 2017, 2018
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
- 271filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 46,523miles, 124 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall, 4 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 22 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl RWD · 19 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2016 GMC Canyon (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often report a sudden loss of power steering assist while driving, typically accompanied by a "Service Power Steering" message and, in many cases, a StabiliTrak or traction control light; restarting the truck usually restores assist temporarily. A smaller cluster of complaints covers rough or sluggish transmission behavior, ignition keys that will not release, and intermittent electrical or infotainment glitches. Reports of steering loss appear across a wide mileage range, from under 50,000 to well past 150,000 miles.
- Steering
Power steering assist cuts out while driving
- 175 complaints (65%)
- median 63,000 mi at 5.4 yrs old (62 state mileage)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $2,055 (median of 16 quotes)
- filed 2016–2026
Complaints describe the steering wheel suddenly becoming stiff and hard to turn at highway or parking-lot speeds, often with a "Power Steering Failure" or "Service Power Steering - Drive with Care" message. Many owners say a StabiliTrak, traction control, or ABS light comes on at the same time, and that shutting off and restarting the vehicle restores assist, sometimes only until the next occurrence. Some dealers diagnosed a faulty steering gear, steering column shaft torque sensor, or rack and pinion; others could not duplicate the problem, and several owners report paying for repairs themselves. Reported from roughly 13,000 to over 300,000 miles, most commonly between about 45,000 and 100,000 miles, at highway and low speeds alike.
What to check: Test drive at both low and highway speeds and listen for any steering warning chime or message; ask the seller whether the steering gear or column sensor has been replaced, and have a shop scan for stored steering and StabiliTrak codes before buying.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Latelly I'm having problem it a Gmc Canyon 2016 that cause the vehicle to loose power steering loss, and stability control assist which make the car to become very hard to maneuver, in the highway and local roads the first time this happen was beginning of august I brought to the dealer he reset the controls and problem disappeared just to return one month later.”
NHTSA complaint #11353680, filed 2020-09, 66,000 miles“Driving 65 miles an hours and steering wheel locked, several times, I could of had an accident on the express way, it happened again while I try to take it to the dealer today 09/19/2020. I also have pics of the warning it provided me, 'stabilitrak' and 'power steering drive with care' truck was in motion when this occurred.”
NHTSA complaint #11359946, filed 2020-09, 69,400 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Harsh or delayed transmission shifts
- 59 complaints (22%)
- median 30,000 mi at 3.4 yrs old (41 state mileage)
- owner-quoted repair $1,950 (median of 6 quotes)
- filed 2016–2026
Owners describe shuddering during acceleration, delayed or missing downshifts, and shifts that feel either sluggish or abrupt, sometimes with poor throttle response when pulling into traffic. A few report the vehicle stalling or cutting out when braking or stopped. Some dealers told owners the behavior was normal, while others found no trouble codes; one bulletin notes that a delayed throttle response after rapid pedal movement is considered normal. Reports cluster at low mileage, often under 10,000 to about 60,000 miles, in mixed city and highway driving.
What to check: Drive from a stop and at part throttle on a grade to feel for shudder or hesitation, and ask whether any transmission reprogramming or torque converter work has been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Vehicle does not respond to acceleration command while entering a highway or during highway driving, increasing the risk of collation with other vehicles due to transmission failure, suspect the torque converter not working properly. This is a major and well known issue, GM continues to ignore and I do not want to become the next statistic dead in us highways. …”
NHTSA complaint #11415989, filed 2021-05, 53,210 miles“Vehicle frequently shuts off during braking or while stopped and must be restarted before the vehicle can operate again. Vehicle experiences violent gear changes and significant lagging during periods of moderate acceleration at low speeds. Gear changes result in either severe unresponsiveness and a general lack of acceleration or an aggressive gear change that jerks the vehicle and spins the tires.”
NHTSA complaint #11377276, filed 2020-12, 49,000 miles - Electrical system
Ignition key will not release in park
- 14 complaints (5%)
- median 44,000 mi at 4.8 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2018–2024
Complaints describe the key staying stuck in the ignition after the truck is shifted into park and turned off, requiring several restarts and gear cycling before it releases. In some cases owners also report the ignition area becoming hot to the touch after driving. One dealer replaced the ignition switch; others were told to retry or received no diagnosis. Mostly reported between about 30,000 and 108,000 miles, during ordinary stop-and-park use.
What to check: When test driving, park the truck, turn it off, and confirm the key releases freely on the first try; ask whether the ignition switch or shifter interlock has been serviced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I put the car into park and turn the key to turn the ignition off. Engine turns off but key does not turn in to off position. I have to start and turn the truck off multiple times to release the key.”
NHTSA complaint #11373189, filed 2020-11, 82,710 miles“Ignition will not fully turn off and release key when truck is placed in park. I'm addition ignition and key become very hot to the touch after driving for over 20 minutes (temp outside is cool 50-60). Truck will eventually turn off and release the key after restarting and shifting through all gears multiple times (turning off, back on, shifting, etc.). Already attempted cleaning keys (both sets) with no change in behavior.”
NHTSA complaint #11316374, filed 2020-03, 30,000 miles - Electronic stability control
StabiliTrak and ABS warnings with vibration
- 12 complaints (4%)
- median 68,131 mi at 6.8 yrs old (12 state mileage)
- filed 2016–2025
Complaints describe the StabiliTrak, traction control, or ABS lights illuminating, sometimes with steering wheel vibration and a firm brake pedal. In several cases the warning appeared alongside the power steering message and loss of assist. Dealers variously recommended an alignment, a steering rack, or brake-related repairs, and several vehicles were left unrepaired. Reported from about 45,000 to over 220,000 miles, generally at highway speeds.
What to check: Ask for a scan of ABS and StabiliTrak codes, check for uneven tire wear that might point to alignment, and confirm the brakes feel firm and even during a highway-speed stop.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The contact owns a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the ABS, and service stabili-trak warning lights were illuminated. The steering wheel began to vibrate, and the brake pedal became firm. The contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 220,674.”
NHTSA complaint #11617847, filed 2024-10, 220,674 miles“The contact owns a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The stabili trac warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive safely to his residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V213000 (Steering). The approximate failure mileage was 58,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11483512, filed 2022-09, 58,000 miles - Electrical system
Infotainment and dash display glitches
- 15 complaints (6%)
- median 30,000 mi at 4.4 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
- filed 2016–2026
Owners report the touchscreen changing screens or inputs on its own, unresponsive radio and Bluetooth controls, and Apple CarPlay disconnecting at random. Some describe the instrument cluster and radio lights briefly going dark and then rebooting while the truck keeps running normally. Complaints mention the behavior worsening after the engine warms up, and no consistent dealer fix is described. Reported from very low mileage (under 1,000) up to about 15,000 miles in the sampled complaints, often after the truck reaches operating temperature.
What to check: Spend time with the screen during the test drive — pair a phone, switch inputs, and watch for flicker or a dark cluster; ask whether the infotainment unit or any modules have been replaced or reprogrammed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My wife and I were traveling at approximately 55 miles an hour when all dash lights nav system gauges etc. Turned off. It was as if I turn the ignition off. Then it turned itself back on and seem to function normally. The vehicle had a similar problem previous to this and there was a recall performed on it recently. Also this vehicle is supposed to get close to 30 mpg and now the best I can get is 21 mpg. It has had a rough idle and shut down on me several timesduring the last few years. …”
NHTSA complaint #11396057, filed 2021-02, 101,800 miles“Touch screen and in dash digital speedometer randomly changes on its on, the touch screen will not respond and change radio stations, volume, contact on star, try to use projection option, move the map on GPS, and change the digital speedometer from speed limit to radio stations. …”
NHTSA complaint #11315340, filed 2020-02, 15,000 miles
Buying note. Given how often owners describe intermittent power steering loss, a thorough test drive at multiple speeds and a code scan for steering and StabiliTrak faults are worth doing before purchase. Ask for service records covering steering gear or sensor work, transmission reprogramming, and ignition switch repairs, since several complaints involve repeat visits without a clear fix.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 271 consumer complaints for the 2016 GMC Canyon. 124 of the complaints include a mileage, and 56% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 46,523 miles. Of all complaints, 8 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 4 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 1,577 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 7 GMC Canyon model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 100 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more 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.
- Steering181 67%
- Electrical system38 14%
- Engine22 8.1%
- Other or unknown20 7.4%
- Electronic stability control13 4.8%
- Vehicle speed control11 4.1%
- Fuel system10 3.7%
- Brakes9 3.3%
- Air bags6 2.2%
Also reported: Suspension (4), Exterior lighting (1), Forward collision avoidance (1), Lane departure (1), Seat belts (1), Seats (1), Body and structure (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Steering: “When I am drive, I will get a message on the dash that reads service... Power steering, drive with care and another saying, service... Stabilitrack once I receive the message I will lose power in my steering wheel and it'll get extremely hard. Completely not safe and vehicles of the same make and model, but different year are all having the same problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11343787, filed 2020-08, 60,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “While driving, the engine picks and chooses when to speed up. I press the gas peddle down and have to wait a few seconds before the vehicle responds. I have noticed the vehicle making sounds like it is sputtering almost to the point to seizing all together.”
NHTSA complaint #11112276, filed 2018-07, 20,000 milesElectrical system: “Rodents are eating the wiring in my new truck. I've driven a nissan truck for 18 years with zero issues with rodents. I purchased the new Canyon in july of 2016, and within 6 months, entire wiring harnesses with 7 wires are chewed completely through. The dealer refuses to cover damage under warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10979850, filed 2017-04, 5,000 milesEngine: “I purchased a GM 2016 Canyon in october, 2016 and had driven it nearly six months when the event decribed here occurred. Up until april 16, 2017, I had had no problems with the truck. However, on easter sunday afternoon, while attempting to slow my Canyon down and preparing to stop at a stop light, the engine seemed to go forward of it's own volition and the truck did not respond to my efforts to bring it to a complete stop. Consequently, my vehicle struck the vehicle immediately in front of it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10983898, filed 2017-05, 2,667 milesMileage when problems were reported
56% of the 124 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 9,500 and 66,900 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2016 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 · crew cab 4WD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 21.2% risk |
| Canyon · extended cab 4WD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 21.4% risk |
| Canyon · crew cab RWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 21.9% risk |
| Canyon · extended cab RWD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 22.0% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2016 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2015: same overall rating; 2017: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2016 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 | 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 19 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Canyon 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 20 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Canyon 2WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Canyon 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 19 | 24 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Canyon 4WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Canyon 2WD | 2.8L 4-cyl · diesel | 6-speed automatic | 22 | 30 | 25 | $3,850 |
| Canyon 4WD | 2.8L 4-cyl · diesel | 6-speed automatic | 20 | 28 | 23 | $4,150 |
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
- 18V358000May 31, 2018Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pumpCovers: GMC Canyon 2015–2018, Chevrolet Malibu 2016–2018, Colorado 2016–2018 +6 more
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. The high pressure fuel…
- 17V621000Oct 5, 2017Air bags › FrontalCovers: GMC Canyon 2015–2016, Chevrolet Colorado 2015–2016, Volt 2016
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.
- 16V125000Mar 2, 2016Air bags › FrontalCovers: GMC Canyon 2016, Chevrolet Malibu 2016, Colorado 2016
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…
- 15V807000Dec 1, 2015Latches/locks/linkagesCovers: GMC Canyon 2016, Chevrolet Colorado 2016
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. The affected vehicles have a console…
Recall details for the 2016 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. 1,577 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037555Sep 26, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11035340Jul 21, 2026Other or unknown. PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- 11035308Jul 21, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.
- 11032777May 14, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11027601Jan 8, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11025755Nov 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit…
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 | 27 | 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
What are the most common problems with the 2016 GMC Canyon?
Owners of this model year most often report a sudden loss of power steering assist while driving, typically accompanied by a "Service Power Steering" message and, in many cases, a StabiliTrak or traction control light; restarting the truck usually restores assist temporarily. The issues reported most often: Power steering assist cuts out while driving; Harsh or delayed transmission shifts; Ignition key will not release in park.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2016 GMC Canyon have?
NHTSA recorded 271 consumer complaints for the 2016 GMC Canyon as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2016 GMC Canyon is reported most often?
Steering is named most often, in 181 complaints (67% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 39.
Has the 2016 GMC Canyon been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2016 GMC Canyon do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2016 GMC Canyon 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 4 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2016 GMC Canyon get?
The EPA rates the 2016 GMC Canyon (Canyon 2WD, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 22 mpg combined, 19 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,050 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2016 GMC Canyon reported?
Among the 124 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 46,523 miles and the middle half falls between 9,500 and 66,900 miles; 56% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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.