Does the 2012 GMC Canyon have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2012 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 2012 GMC Canyon?

Owners have filed 23 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (9 complaints), followed by air bags (2).

How many 2012 GMC Canyon complaints mention a crash or fire?

1 of 23 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2012 GMC Canyon recalls and problems

2 recalls and 23 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2012 GMC Canyon.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

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.

2012 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.

Seat belts: front

NHTSA campaign 11V552000 · reported November 17, 2011 · GENERAL MOTORS LLC · 5,593 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: General motors (gm) is recalling certain model year 2012 chevrolet colorado and gmc canyon vehicles, manufactured from september 9, 2011, through october 19, 2011, for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 208, "occupant crash protection." these vehicles may have been produced with driver safety belt buckle electrical connector terminals that do not fit snugly with the connector pins, causing the connection to be intermittent.
The risk: The loose connections may cause the driver to not receive a visual or audible warning that the driver seat belt is not fastened, thereby increasing the risk of personal injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Gm will notify owners and dealers will replace the seat belt buckle electrical connector terminals free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before december 7, 2011. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and gmc at 1-866-996-9463.

Most reported problems

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

Electrical system9
Air bags2
Electronic stability control (ESC)2
Service brakes2
Steering2
Suspension2
Engine1
Engine and engine cooling1
Exterior lighting1
Latches/locks/linkages1

What owners report

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

Sep 20, 2025 · Air bags
Seatbelt light for the front driver continues to turn on even when buckled in and will ding to notify that it’s not buckled despite it buckled in. This is a safety issue as the airbag light also remains on because of it.

May 7, 2024 · Structure · 139,908 miles
The contact owns a 2012 GMC Canyon. The contact noticed that there was wiring appearing from the rear end of the vehicle. The contact stated that the rear sub frame was rusted and cracked. Additionally, the parking brake cable was hanging from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact deemed the…

Mar 3, 2024 · Electrical system
On all chevy / canyon models 05 thru 12 there is an issue called "passlock" which prevents the vehicle from starting, it will leave you stranded. The failure is the ignition housing with the passlock sensor, not the actual key / tumbler, the part has to be replaced. The problem / failure is so common that you can…

Jan 23, 2023 · Electrical system
Within past year, 2022 to present vehicle will on average 4-5 times a month fail to start. Key in ignition, to accessory mode than fail to turn over. All indicator lamps on dash display. Door chime sounds. Nothing to indicate a problem. Had GMC dealership troubleshoot. They found no codes and vehicle would start fine…

Aug 5, 2022 · Electrical system
The Passcode Anti-theft system randomly triggers when attempting to start the vehicle. When it triggers, the vehicle cannot be started for at least 10 minutes. I have had this system trigger multiple times at home, at the grocery store, and at a gas station. I am afraid that the device will eventually leave me…

Canyon model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2009	3	27	1	1
2010	2	8	1	0
2011	5	12	0	0
2012	2	23	1	1
2015	8	303	7	4

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

Questions

Does the 2012 GMC Canyon have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2012 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 2012 GMC Canyon?: Owners have filed 23 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (9 complaints), followed by air bags (2).
How many 2012 GMC Canyon complaints mention a crash or fire?: 1 of 23 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 1 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 20, 2025.