CARFOCALvehicle research
Research CarsCompareRankingsArticles
  1. Home›
  2. Manufacturers›
  3. GMC›
  4. Canyon›
  5. 2016›
  6. Complaints

2016 GMC Canyon Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20263 Critical Recalls
Daniel Wilson
2016 GMC Canyon Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2016 GMC Canyon has 341 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve steering and power train.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

6.8/ 10

Based on 341 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

STEERING

167 49%

POWER TRAIN

38 11.1%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

31 9.1%

ENGINE

21 6.2%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

19 5.6%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is STEERING, accounting for 49% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 25 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

Subscribe to Recall Alerts

Get notified when a new recall or important ownership update lands for the 2016 GMC Canyon.

Free alerts based on U.S. recall data. Unsubscribe anytime.

Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2016 GMC Canyon

The 2016 GMC Canyon has 341 owner complaints in this dataset. STEERING is the most common complaint category, representing about 49% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2016 GMC Canyon are STEERING (167), POWER TRAIN (38), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (31).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 252 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2016 GMC Canyon?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2017 Canyon complaints2018 Canyon complaints2019 Canyon complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 22 of 22 systems

STEERING

110 Reports44% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

FAULTY ELECTRIC POWER STEERING CAUSED VEHICLE VEER OFF THE RODE HITTING A CONCRETE WALL, CONCRETE MAIL BOX AND TELEPHONE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE VEHICLE WAS NORTH BOUND A TWO BLACK TOP ROAD AT A SLIGHT RIGHT HAND TURN.

1/21/2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 GMC CANYON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V054000 (STEERING) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

6/1/2016

108 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

34 Reports14% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE TRANSMISSION DOES NOT DOWNSHIFT FROM A HIGH GEAR (5 OR 6) TO A LOWER GEAR WHEN SLOWING DOWN FROM 45 MPH TO 20 MPH (OR LOWER). WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS DEPRESSED TO ACCELERATE THE ENGINE BUCKS, VIBRATES, AND DOES NOT ACCELERATE. THE ENGINE RPM DROPS TO 1,000 RPM OR LOWER. IF THE ACCELERATOR IS QUICKLY FLOORED THE TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTS SEVERAL GEARS LOWER AND JERKS FORWARD. THIS CONDITION HAPPENS PRIMARILY ON SECONDARY ROADS WHILE DRIVING ALONG THE ROAD AND WHEN PULLING FROM ONE ROAD INTO TRAFFIC ON ANOTHER ROAD. THE SITUATION WHEN PULLING INTO TRAFFIC IS DANGEROUS BECAUSE THE TRUCK DOES NOT ACCELERATE AS IT SHOULD.

9/27/2016

I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2016 CANYON, TEST DRIVE WENT WELL, ALTHOUGH I ADMIT IT PROBABLY WASN'T LONG ENOUGH. PURCHASED ON SUNDAY, AND DURING THE NEXT WEEK DRIVING I BEGAN NOTICING THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT SHIFTING AT THE PROPER TIMES. LIKE MOST PEOPLE ON HERE, THE TRANSMISSION APPEARS TO BE VERY CONFUSED , ESPECIALLY WHEN DECELERATING INTO THE 20-35 MPG RANGE AND ATTEMPTING TO RE-ACCELERATE BACK UP. IT WILL MISFIRE OR BE VERY UNRESPONSIVE, AND THEN CLUNK AND JERK YOU FORWARD ONCE IT DECIDES TO CHANGE GEARS. IT ALSO DOES SOMETHING THAT I THINK IS EVEN MORE DANGEROUS WHEN YOU ARE GOING AROUND 30-40 MPG AND THEN SIMPLY LET OFF THE ACCELERATOR. IN THIS INSTANCE, I FEEL LIKE IT DOWN SHIFTS INSTANTLY AND IT FEELS LIKE THE TRUCK IS BEING PULLED BACK (INSTEAD OF SIMPLY COASTING LIKE I WOULD WANT), AND THEN AT SOME POINT IT "RELEASES" FROM THIS AND THE TRUCK ACTUALLY STOPS DECELERATING AND SPEEDS UP A BIT, EVEN THOUGH THE GAS HAD BEEN RELEASED MANY SECONDS AGO. THIS IS PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS IN STOP AND GO CITY TRAFFIC. I THINK THE OVERARCHING PROBLEM HERE IS THE SHIFT POINTS THAT THE ECM HAS DETERMINED (OR BEEN PROGRAMMED WITH). YOU CAN TELL THIS WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, MY TRUCK GETS TO THIRD GEAR BY 15 MILES PER HOUR AND NEVER GOES ABOVE 2K RPM'S??? I ADMIT I AM A BIT LIGHT-FOOTED ON DRIVING, WHICH COMPOUNDS THE PROBLEM BECAUSE I EVENTUALLY AM GIVING A SMALL AMOUNT OF ACCELERATION TO A TRUCK IN 4TH GEAR ONLY GOING 20 MPH, WHICH SUCK. I HAVE ALSO READ THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM ON 15 CANYON (OBVIOUSLY READ AFTER PURCHASE), AND GMC EVENTUALLY CAME OUT WITH A FEW FIXES, INCLUDING ECM PATCH UPDATES OR LOWER VALVE REPLACEMENT. I IMAGINE THAT MANY OF THE 2016'S WERE ALREADY OFF THE LINE BY THE TIME THESE '15 FIXES CAME OUT (IN APRIL 15 I BELIEVE), BUT THE DEALERSHIPS HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY OF THESE FOR THE 2016.

10/1/2016

32 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

22 Reports9% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I HAVE A FRIEND WHO HAS A 2016 GMC CANYON WHERE THE RADIO/ONSTAR/REAR VIEW CAMERA ETC CUTS OUT AFTER A SHORT OPERATION TIME -- MY FRIEND HAS TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER WITH NO RESULTS. MY FIEND IS ELDERLY AND DOES NOT HAVE A COMPUTER THAT IS WHY I AM DOING THIS FOR HIM. THE BACK-UP CAMERA DOES NOT OPERATE WHEN THE RADIO/ONSTAR/CAMERA CUTS OUT. THE OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY, IN MOTION, ON A CITY STREET OR A HIGHWAY, TURNING

3/23/2016

REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER ON PASSENGER SIDE OF SLIDING REAR WINDOWS DOES NOT WORK. MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE OF SAME PROBLEM.

2/23/2017

20 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

17 Reports7% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 GMC CANYON. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKES ENGAGED WITHOUT WARNING AND WITHOUT THE ASSISTANCE OF THE DRIVER. THE VEHICLE DECREASED TO SPEEDS OF 20-30 MPH. THE CONTACT COULD NOT ACCELERATE BEYOND 30 MPH. IN ADDITION, OIL LEAKED ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND CREATED A BURNING ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 4,000.

1/24/2017

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. ALL OF MY PASSENGERS NOTICE THIS HESITATION WHEN IT HAPPENS. THE BEST WAY TO DESCRIBE THIS HESITATION IS WHEN YOU PUSH THE GAS, THE TRUCK ACTS LIKE IT DOESN'T WANT TO GO AND IT BECOMES SHAKEY. IN SITUATIONS WHERE I'M MERGING ONTO TRAFFIC, THIS COULD BE DANGEROUS, AS I HAVE HAD TO FLOOR IT TO MAKE IT ACCELERATE. FOR A NEW VEHICLE, THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND I FELT SAFER IN MY 2001 SIERRA THAN I DO IN THIS. THE FACT THAT GMC WILL NOT OFFER ANY WAY TO FIX THIS ADDS TO THE FRUSTRATION. NO MATTER WHAT THEY SAY, IT IS NOT NORMAL FOR A VEHICLE TO DO THIS.

3/2/2017

15 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

16 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

AFTER STARTING MY TRUCK AND DRIVING UNTIL THE ENGINE WARMS UP, I TURN ON JUST THE FAN AND THE A/C LIGHT COMES ON. ACCORDING TO THE MANUAL THAT IS ONLY SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN IF THE AUTO DEFOG IS ACTIVATED. IT DOES NOT TURN ON WHEN I START THE TRUCK IF THE ENGINE IS WARM. ALSO, THE RADIO/USB PORT WILL RANDOMLY TURN ON BY ITSELF WHEN I START THE TRUCK OR SOMETIMES AFTER I END A PHONE CALL. ONCE THE ENTIRE TOUCH SCREEN SYSTEM WAS COMPLETELY INOPERABLE. I THEN COULD NOT TURN THE RADIO VOLUME UP OR DOWN, CHANGE STATIONS, OR USE ANY FEATURES OF THE TOUCH SCREEN.

2/5/2016

TRANSMISSION DOES NOT MOVE INTO NEXT GEAR WHEN DRIVING 20/25 30/35THIS VEHICLE IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN YOU CAN'T PASS ANYONE ALSO IT YOU CAN'T MERGE ON HIGHWAY SAFELY YOU MUST DRIVE VEHICLE IN A ADJUSTED MANNER

2/28/2018

14 more complaints are available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

10 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

ABOUT EVERY 3-5 WEEKS THE ENGINE WILL ACCELERATE BY ITSELF. THE FIRST 3 TIMES IT ACCELERATED TO 3,000 RPM, THE LAST 4 TIMES 4,000 RPM. SO FAR AS I CAN TELL IT DOES THIS WHEN SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM SO THEY COULD NOT FIX IT. HAPPENS IN MOTION ON CITY STREET OR IN PARKING LOTS. I HAVE STANDARD TRANSMISSION SO WHEN IT HAPPENS I CAN LEAVE CLUTCH IN, TURN OFF ENGINE AND RESTART. PROBLEMS STARTED AT ABOUT 3,400 MILES. STILL DOING IT.

1/23/2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 GMC CANYON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS ENGAGED AND THERE WAS A DELAYED RESPONSE OF SEVERAL SECONDS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,000.

2/1/2017

8 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

9 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TRUCK SEEMS TO BE MISSING WHEN CRUISING, THEN HESITATION WHEN ACCELERATING. SEEMS TO BE NOT GETTING ENOUGH FUEL FREQUENTLY WHEN JUST ACCELERATING. DEALER SAYS THEY CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. TOLD THEM THE PROBLEM IS 90% REDUCED WHEN USING PREMIUM FUEL. STILL NO IDEA.

9/8/2016

I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2016 CANYON, TEST DRIVE WENT WELL, ALTHOUGH I ADMIT IT PROBABLY WASN'T LONG ENOUGH. PURCHASED ON SUNDAY, AND DURING THE NEXT WEEK DRIVING I BEGAN NOTICING THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT SHIFTING AT THE PROPER TIMES. LIKE MOST PEOPLE ON HERE, THE TRANSMISSION APPEARS TO BE VERY CONFUSED , ESPECIALLY WHEN DECELERATING INTO THE 20-35 MPG RANGE AND ATTEMPTING TO RE-ACCELERATE BACK UP. IT WILL MISFIRE OR BE VERY UNRESPONSIVE, AND THEN CLUNK AND JERK YOU FORWARD ONCE IT DECIDES TO CHANGE GEARS. IT ALSO DOES SOMETHING THAT I THINK IS EVEN MORE DANGEROUS WHEN YOU ARE GOING AROUND 30-40 MPG AND THEN SIMPLY LET OFF THE ACCELERATOR. IN THIS INSTANCE, I FEEL LIKE IT DOWN SHIFTS INSTANTLY AND IT FEELS LIKE THE TRUCK IS BEING PULLED BACK (INSTEAD OF SIMPLY COASTING LIKE I WOULD WANT), AND THEN AT SOME POINT IT "RELEASES" FROM THIS AND THE TRUCK ACTUALLY STOPS DECELERATING AND SPEEDS UP A BIT, EVEN THOUGH THE GAS HAD BEEN RELEASED MANY SECONDS AGO. THIS IS PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS IN STOP AND GO CITY TRAFFIC. I THINK THE OVERARCHING PROBLEM HERE IS THE SHIFT POINTS THAT THE ECM HAS DETERMINED (OR BEEN PROGRAMMED WITH). YOU CAN TELL THIS WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, MY TRUCK GETS TO THIRD GEAR BY 15 MILES PER HOUR AND NEVER GOES ABOVE 2K RPM'S??? I ADMIT I AM A BIT LIGHT-FOOTED ON DRIVING, WHICH COMPOUNDS THE PROBLEM BECAUSE I EVENTUALLY AM GIVING A SMALL AMOUNT OF ACCELERATION TO A TRUCK IN 4TH GEAR ONLY GOING 20 MPH, WHICH SUCK. I HAVE ALSO READ THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM ON 15 CANYON (OBVIOUSLY READ AFTER PURCHASE), AND GMC EVENTUALLY CAME OUT WITH A FEW FIXES, INCLUDING ECM PATCH UPDATES OR LOWER VALVE REPLACEMENT. I IMAGINE THAT MANY OF THE 2016'S WERE ALREADY OFF THE LINE BY THE TIME THESE '15 FIXES CAME OUT (IN APRIL 15 I BELIEVE), BUT THE DEALERSHIPS HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY OF THESE FOR THE 2016.

10/1/2016

7 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

9 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 GMC CANYON. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE POWER STEERING AND STABILITY CONTROL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK, THE SPEED REDUCED, AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT HAD TO TURN OFF AND RESTART THE VEHICLE IN ORDER FOR THE POWER STEERING AND SPEED CONTROL TO FUNCTION CORRECTLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,300.

10/3/2016

THE STABILITY TRACK LIGHT COMES ON AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND THE CAR REDUCES ITS SPEED TO 25 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY VERY DANGEROUS VERY SCARY THE DEALER CANNOT SEEM TO FIX THE ISSUES AND FIND THE PROBLEMS

5/26/2019

7 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

5 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WE RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2016 CANYON TRUCK FOR ABOUT 45K WITH THE NEW SMALL DIESEL ENGINE. ON 10-19-16 WE TOOK IT IN TO DEALERSHIP FOR ROUTINE SERVICE AND A MAJOR LOUD VIBRATION RATTLING UNDER THE DASH IN THE PASSENGER AIR BAG AREA. WHEN WE PICKED VEHICLE UP WE WERE TOLD THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE A FIX FOR NOISE COMING FROM UNDER DASH AIR BAG AREA AND OTHERS CANYONS HAVE BEEN IN FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AND THAT THEY ARE DEALERSHIP WAITING ON PROCEDURE FROM GMC FOR FIX? WE HAVE A CONCERN THAT THIS COULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE, SINCE NOISE IS COMING FROM AIR BAG AREA AND WOULD LIKE YOUR EXPEDITIOUS ATTENTION REGARDING THIS MATTER.

11/22/2016

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN TWO VEHICLE ACCIDENT. DRIVER AIRBAG IN 2016 CANYON FAILED TO DEPLOY UPON IMPACT WITH OTHER VEHICLE. ACCIDENT OCCURRED ON A CITY STREET IN GULFPORT, MS. WAS GOING STRAIGHT AT POSTED SPEED OF 35MPH, SECOND VEHICLE FAILED TO YIELD AT CROSS STREET. "T" BONED 2ND VEHICLE IN DRIVER DOOR. *TR

6/19/2020

3 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

4 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 GMC CANYON. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKES ENGAGED WITHOUT WARNING AND WITHOUT THE ASSISTANCE OF THE DRIVER. THE VEHICLE DECREASED TO SPEEDS OF 20-30 MPH. THE CONTACT COULD NOT ACCELERATE BEYOND 30 MPH. IN ADDITION, OIL LEAKED ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND CREATED A BURNING ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 4,000.

1/24/2017

As I started the vehicle I got a notification that the power steering has Maldonado I got a few warning lights on the dashboard. As I drove the vehicle the power steering did not work and it makes it hard to steer. This has been happening for a week now

10/21/2021

2 more complaints are available in this category.

SUSPENSION

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE REAR SUSPENSION LEAF PACKS EMIT A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE WHEN MOVING OVER UNEVEN TERRAIN. THIS HAPPENS AT ALL SPEEDS. THE SUSPENSION SOUNDS LIKE IT IS IN A BIND AND THEN SLIPS. THE SOUND CAN BE DESCRIBED AS A SQUEAKING RATTLE OR A LOUD CHIRP. THE DEALER SERVICE BULLETINS SAY TO GREASE THE COMPONENTS AND NOT TO REPLACE THEM. THE ISSUE IS UNRESOLVED AND COULD LEAD TO A SAFETY ISSUE IF ANY PARTS FAIL.

8/13/2018

I WAS DRIVING ON A FREEWAY 80MPH AND THE STEERING WENT OUT. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO VEER FROM THE LEFT LANE INTO THE CENTER LANE, FORTUNATELY THERE WAS NO VEHICLE IN THE CENTER LANE. GMC STATED IT WAS JUST A DEFECTIVE PART. MY OPINION IS THAT IT IS A FAILED DESIGN THAT WOULD ALLOW A VEHICLE TO LOOSE STEERING AT 80MPH. THE VEHICLE HAS 46,700MI. I HAVE HAD NOISES IN THE FRONT AND REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND AM CONCERNED THAT THIS MAY HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE LOSS OF STEERING. I HAVE RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO GM FIVE TIMES TO FIX THE NOISES WITH NO SUCCESS.

9/16/2019

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while the gear shifter was in park(P), the contact was unable to be removed from the ignition. The contact was able to remove the key after several attempts. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 55,223.

7/21/2022

When I put my GMC Canyon into park, the key will not release from the ignition. This does not happen every time, but it is a recurring problem. I first had the issue back on April 6, 2018 and the dealer "fixed" the issue. Three weeks later, April 27, 2018, I had the same issue. This time the dealer replaced the "shift control assembly". The truck was still under warranty so there was no financial burden on me. Then on September 2, 2020 the same issue happened and the shift control assembly had to be replaced again. This time the truck was not under warranty and it cost me $688.72. Now August 2022 the key is not releasing from the ignition once again. This is the 4th time for the same issue. I believe GMC needs to recall this part and come up with a fix that will work.

8/23/2022

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

THIS COMPLAINT IS CONCERNING THE HEADLIGHTS. I DON'T DRIVE MUCH AT NIGHT BUT WHEN I DO IT'S FRIGHTENING. THE NEW PROJECTOR HEADLIGHTS ARE, IN MY OPINION, FLAT OUT DANGEROUS. I LIVE IN A RURAL AREA WITH MANY ROLLING HILLS AND FEW STREET LAMPS. WITH THE LOW BEAMS ON, GOING DOWN A SLOPE, IT ACTUALLY SEEMS LIKE A SHADE IS BEING PULLED DOWN ON MY WINDSHIELD. THE "LIGHT CURTAIN CUTOFF" BASICALLY DISAPPEARS INTO DARKNESS ON A DOWNSLOPE. ON A FLAT STRETCH SIGHT DISTANCE FORWARD AND TO THE SIDES IS MINIMAL. I HAVE SEEN THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY HAS RATED MOST VEHICLES WITH THESE HEADLIGHTS AS "POOR". ITS TIME FOR THE NHTSA TO TAKE ACTION.

12/26/2016

WHEELS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

DRIVING IN LEFT LANE ON US 1 SOUTH BOUND IN SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ AT THE SPEED LIMIT. HEARD SOUND LIKE A BACKFIRE OR SHOTGUN GO OFF. DASH BOARD SHOWED LOSS OF TIRE PRESSURE RIGHT REAR TIRE. PULLED OVER INTO EMPTY PARKING LOT. SIDEWALL HAD EXPLODED. TIRES HAD RECENTLY BEEN ROTATED BY DEALER. ALL TIRE PRESSURES WERE SET TO 35 PSI. TIRES HAVE APPROX 6,600 MILE USE. VEH. NOT DRIVEN MUCH AS I AM RETIRED. THESE ARE OEM GOODYEAR 265/60R18 TIRES.

8/16/2017

STEERING:COLUMN

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 GMC CANYON. EVER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, THE VEHICLE HAS PULLED TO THE RIGHT. ADDITIONALLY, ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AL SERRA GMC (LOCATED AT 6201 SAGINAW RD, GRAND BLANC, MI 48439, (810) 202-0226) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN WAS MISALIGNED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ADDITIONALLY, THE BRAKE ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,735.

2/15/2019

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 GMC CANYON. EVER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, THE VEHICLE HAS PULLED TO THE RIGHT. ADDITIONALLY, ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AL SERRA GMC (LOCATED AT 6201 SAGINAW RD, GRAND BLANC, MI 48439, (810) 202-0226) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN WAS MISALIGNED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ADDITIONALLY, THE BRAKE ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,735.

2/15/2019

STRUCTURE:BODY

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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. 45,710 MILES THEY SAID THEY WOULD NOT FIX IT WE HAD TO TAKE IT TO A AUTOBODY SHOP.

7/10/2019

SEAT BELTS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN TWO VEHICLE ACCIDENT. DRIVER AIRBAG IN 2016 CANYON FAILED TO DEPLOY UPON IMPACT WITH OTHER VEHICLE. ACCIDENT OCCURRED ON A CITY STREET IN GULFPORT, MS. WAS GOING STRAIGHT AT POSTED SPEED OF 35MPH, SECOND VEHICLE FAILED TO YIELD AT CROSS STREET. "T" BONED 2ND VEHICLE IN DRIVER DOOR. *TR

6/19/2020

SEATS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

We are always getting a code P1478 on our truck when we add def fuel in it when it is time to do so. We have tried to clear it out on our own but never goes away and have to end up taking it to the dealership to get it done. They said it's because the soot it built up. We have always used Blue Def in our vehicles. There was a recall on this system where they have to reset the system or a sensor. I don't understand whey this is always happening, The drivers seat was recalled once for it not being manufactured corrected. It fabic held up a few years when we got the few years when we got the vehicle and it is has done it again. We have asked the dealership about about another recall on the seat and they said they haven't seen one. We have tried to get it fixed on our own but no one have the fabic to do it. It isn't but together very well at all.

5/11/2022

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the stabilizer and the steering power assist warning lights illuminated. The vehicle then lost power steering functionality. The contact was able to pull over safely to the side of the road. The contact then turned off and restarted the vehicle. The contact also stated that the vehicle was reset overnight occasionally. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle with steering assist and rack and pinion failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

9/1/2022

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Vehicle Stability Control systems light comes on sporadically and stalls the power steering. In other words, the power steering turns off at any time and dangerously on a highway, when the Vehicle Stability Control lights comes on the dashboard. The first diagnosis (May27, 2023) of the above issue was performed at Green Brooks, a Certified NJ GMC Service Dealership yielded no results from their inspection. A second diagnosis was needed due to the vehicle's malfunctioning danger to me and other drivers on the road. The Certified GMC Service Dealership Ewing Buick/GMC TX diagnosis (June 12, 2023) showed a "STEERING GEAR INTERNAL TORQUE SENSOR" costing two thousand one hundred and eight dollars and fifty cents ($2,108.50) to complete. The codes were C0545 00 stored in DSCM followed by S14849247 requiring Steering Gear Replacement. The total cost including labor cost was two thousand seven hundred and ninety dollars and eighty-eight cents ($2,719.88).

6/27/2023

LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The stabilitrak power steering system fails randomly at high speeds causing loss of control and risk of crashing. This is a known problem to GMC and a recall was issued for 2015 canyon trucks requiring the dealer to replace the steering gear torque sensor cover assembly free of charge due to defective electrical connections within the assembly. They have excluded 2016 and it is a serious problem. This problem is widely reported on GMC and Chevy forums and Reddit for 2016 models. It’s essentially all over the internet for anyone willing to simply look. The error “loss of power steering, proceed with caution” appears as does the lane departure light and check engine light. The errors “Stabilitrack has failed” “Torque sensor failure” Fault Code C0545 also appear. After shutting the car off and restarting , all error codes and lights disappear and do not appear on a code reader. The issue then happens sporadically again at very dangerous times. It is the exact same issue as the 2015 recall # 21V213000 issued on Mar 25, 2021 but GMC refuses to help.The problem is a defective torque censor connection. Please help. I don’t want to die on the freeway.

8/15/2023

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2016 GMC Canyon?

The most reported complaint category for the 2016 GMC Canyon is STEERING, with 167 owner reports. That is about 49% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include STEERING, POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Are complaints about the 2016 GMC Canyon a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 252 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2016 GMC Canyon?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2016 GMC Canyon severe?

252 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

GMC Canyon: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
341
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

We may earn a commission via links on this page.

In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

Start here

Buyer guideMaintenance guideRecall report

Get recall and ownership alerts for the 2016 GMC Canyon

Get our free model-year alerts and ownership updates.

Sign Up

We may earn a commission if you buy parts through our links. Learn more.

Carfocal

Automotive Research

Real data on vehicle reliability, safety, and ownership costs.

  • Used Car Research
  • Reliability Rankings
  • Buying Guides

  • Data Sources & Methodology
  • Editorial Standards
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Legal Disclosures
  • Terms of Service

© 2026 Carfocal · All Rights Reserved