2016 GMC Canyon Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 8%of 271 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 36,028miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the engine of the 2016 GMC Canyon, 8% of the 271 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 36,028 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“Front passenger side floor-carpet and floor boards wet, engine light on, intel link computer failed had to reboot took to dale earnhardt tallahassee fl they fixed the engine light it was the purge valve and it had shorted out, they stated that we would need to take to a body shop as the leak is coming in at the bottom of the a-pillar filling up and then streaming out of a christmas tree hole at bottom of fuse box on right side. This happens anytime anywhere driving or stationary when it rains. We just purchased this truck on 04/02/2019. …”
NHTSA complaint #11230885, filed 2019-07, 50,000 miles“I purchased a 2016 Gmc Canyon in july 2016. I noticed hesitation when I accelerate, especially when in traffic, going uphill or rounding corner. I researched many forums and found the transmission has a learning period where it does this and adapts to your driving, normally within the first 1000 miles. However, it has been 13,000 miles later and almost a year, and it continues to have this hesitation as bad if not worse than it did initially. Gmc has checked it out, gave it a test drive and said it shows no codes so they offer no help. …”
NHTSA complaint #10958245, filed 2017-03, 13,000 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“Traveling down city street approx 35mph vehicle unexpectedly shut off, dash went dark but infotainment system continued to work. Loss of all power. Brakes shuttered when attempting to come to a stop. Put the vehicle in park, turned it off, and back on. Vehicle drove normally after that.”
NHTSA complaint #11311756, filed 2020-02, 30,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11026017Jun 5, 2025This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
- 11024485May 15, 2025The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 11020254May 7, 2025This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000 miles that may not pass California smog inspection or smog inspection in…
- 11017263Mar 25, 2025This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to…
- 11016942Mar 4, 2025This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to…
- 11014230Jan 31, 2025This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11014233Jan 30, 2025This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011900Nov 22, 2024This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 11011709Nov 5, 2024This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 13% |
| 2024 | 14 | 7% |
| 2023 | 10 | 16% |
| 2022 | 2 | 7% |
| 2020 | 3 | 21% |
| 2019 | 3 | 18% |
| 2018 | 6 | 11% |
| 2017 | 14 | 21% |
| 2016 | 22 | 8% |
| 2015 | 13 | 4% |
| 2012 | 1 | 4% |
| 2011 | 3 | 25% |
| 2009 | 3 | 11% |
| 2008 | 14 | 37% |
| 2007 | 5 | 12% |
| 2006 | 6 | 13% |
| 2005 | 5 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2016 GMC Canyon
181 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
39 complaintsElectrical system
38 complaintsOther or unknown
20 complaintsElectronic stability control
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsForward collision avoidance
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 GMC Canyon
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology