2011 GMC Canyon recalls and problems

5 recalls and 12 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2011 GMC Canyon.

5
recalls
12
owner complaints
0
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2011 GMC Canyon recalls

Latches/locks/linkages: hood, latch

NHTSA campaign 12V594000 · reported December 19, 2012 · General Motors LLC · 118,800 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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 requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 113, "Hood Latch System." The hood may be missing the secondary hood latch.
The risk
If the primary hood latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly. During vehicle operation, this could obstruct the view of the driver and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix
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 recall is expected to begin on January 17, 2013. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC at 1-866-996-9463.

Power train: automatic transmission, gear position indication (prndl)

NHTSA campaign 11V337000 · reported June 28, 2011 · GENERAL MOTORS LLC · 6,768 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 chevrolet colorado and gmc canyon passenger vehicles equipped with a 2.9 or 3.7 liter engine and a four-speed automatic transmission for failing to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no 102, "transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect," and federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 114, "theft protection." these vehicles may have been built with an automatic transmission adjustment clip that may not retain the shift cable in the correct position. If the shift cable is not in the correct position, the prndl shift lever may not accurately reflect the position of the transmission gear. The driver could move the shifter to "park" and remove the ignition key, but the transmission gear may not be in "park."
The risk
The driver may not be able to restart the vehicle, and the vehicle could roll away as the driver or other occupants exit the vehicle or have exited, resulting in the possibility of the vehicle striking them or someone around the vehicle, or could result in a crash without prior warning.
The fix
Gm dealers will install a new automatic transmission adjustment clip free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about july 19, 2011. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and gmc at 1-866-996-9463.

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer, motor

NHTSA campaign 11V276000 · reported May 6, 2011 · GENERAL MOTORS LLC · 4,674 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 chevrolet colorado and gmc canyon vehicles manufactured from september 22, 2010, through november 5, 2010. Some of these vehicles have the condition in which the windshield wiper motor crank arm nut may not be tightened to specification. When the wipers are operated with a build-up of snow or ice, or if the wipers are operated on a dry windshield, the nut could loosen. If there is sufficient loosening of the nut, the wipers could become inoperative.
The risk
Driver visibility could be reduced increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will secure the wiper motor crank arm nut free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before may 11, 2011. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463 or www.gmownercenter.com.

Suspension: rear, axle, spindle

NHTSA campaign 11V007000 · reported January 6, 2011 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 30,566 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 cadillac escalade, escalade esv, escalade ext; chevrolet avalanche, colorado, express, silverado, suburban, tahoe; and gmc canyon, sierra, savana, yukon and yukon xl vehicles. The rear axle cross pins were not properly heat treated and could fracture and become displaced within the rear axle. Should the pin shift out of position, it could create an interference condition and cause the rear axle to lock.
The risk
The driver may not be able to maintain directional control of the vehicle and a crash could occur without warning.
The fix
Dealers will install a new rear axle cross pin free of charge. The safety recall began on january 11, 2011. Owners may contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463 and at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.

Child seat

NHTSA campaign 10V575000 · reported November 18, 2010 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 192,676 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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 bench seat. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, "child restraint anchorage systems." the top tether anchor for the front center seat is not accessible and the owner manual does not include instructions regarding how to use the top tether.
The risk
Both NHTSA and gm discourage placement of a child in a front seat. Nevertheless, there are individual circumstances that may require placement of a child in a restraint in the front center seating position of this vehicle that does not offer a rear seat. Lack of access to the top tether anchor and a lack of instructions as to how to use it, may result in improper installation of a child restraint. Improper installation of a child restraint can result in a reduction in the restraint's performance in the event of a crash and an increased risk of injury or death to the child seated in the restraint.
The fix
Dealers will cut a hole into the back panel trim cover to allow access to the top tether anchor for the front center seat position and will provide supplemental information as to use in the owner's manual. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule for this campaign. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463, isuzu at 1-800-255-6727 or visit gm's website at www.gmownercenter.com.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Sep 28, 2024 · Engine

Since I purchased this Canyon in 2019, I've had many occurrences (at least twice a week) of the truck not starting. Through my research on line, I've found other Canyon owners experiencing the same problem. Long story short, the ignition locks and the truck cannot be started unless I wait 10 minutes. This problem…

Sep 9, 2022 · Engine

Recall #11181 for 2011 Canyon SLE says GM will replace the automatic transmission adjustment CLIP for free. Recall was established in a GMC assembly plant when a truck would not start. Our truck randomly does not start and we’ve had it looked at with no problems found to indicate why it randomly does not start. We…

Mar 11, 2019 · Unknown or other

TAKATA RECALL AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON . TRUCK WILL SHUT DOWN WHEN THE TRUCK IS GOING DOWN THE ROAD AT 60 MILES AN HOUR LESS OR MORE. WHEN YOU START THE TRUCK IT SHUTS OFF AGAIN. OR WILL START RIGHT UP AND WASH IT RIGHT BACK DOWN. THE SAFETY BELT LIGHT COMES ON OR IS THE CAR LOCKED I SHOULD SAY. WHICH IS THE LITTLE PICTURE…

Nov 2, 2018 · Air bags · 100,000 miles

MY AIR BAG SENCER IS KEEPING ME FROM GETTING A STICKER AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT

Feb 28, 2018 · Structure · 77,089 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 GMC CANYON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS PREMATURE DETERIORATION ON THE LOWER FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BUMPER AND FRAME. THE DETERIORATION SPREAD TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE BUMPER TO THE POINT THAT IT COULD FRACTURE. THE DEALER (FAIRFIELD CHEVROLET, 2501 MARTIN RD, FAIRFIELD, CA 94534, [phone…

Canyon model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2008 23811
2009 32711
2010 2810
2011 51200
2012 22311

Across all years, the 2015 Canyon has the most complaints (303). All GMC Canyon years →

Questions

Does the 2011 GMC Canyon have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2011 GMC Canyon, the most recent reported on December 19, 2012 (Latches/locks/linkages: hood, latch). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 GMC Canyon?
Owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (3 complaints), followed by electrical system (3).
How many 2011 GMC Canyon complaints mention a crash or fire?
0 of 12 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received September 28, 2024.