2004 GMC Canyon recalls and problems

The 2004 GMC Canyon has 3 safety recalls and 80 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any GMC dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
80
Crashes / fires
3 / 4
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2004 GMC Canyon vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2004 GMC Canyon recalls

Recall 10V-575: Child Seat

Reported Nov 18, 2010 · 192,676 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

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.

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.

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.

Recall 09V-310: Exterior Lighting

Reported Jul 29, 2009 · 185,903 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: Gm is recalling 185,903 model year 2004-2009 colorado, gmc model year 2009-2004 canyon, model year 2006 I-280, I-350, model year 2007-2008 I-290, and I-370, passenger vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of alabama, arizona, florida, georgia, hawaii, louisiana, mississippi, nevada, new mexico, puerto rico, south carolina, texas, U.S. Virgin islands and utah. Some of these vehicles have a brake lamp switch that may not work as designed due to contamination in the switch.

Risk: This condition could cause the simultaneous loss of all brake lamps or cause all of the brake lamps to stay on continuously. Both of these conditions could fail to warn others of the driver's intentions and could lead to a vehicle crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the necessary components as specified in the recall bulletin free of charge. Gm anticipates that parts will be available by june 2010. A special coverage for vehicles registered in all other states will be implemented in the same time frame. In the interim, owners who experience the failure can obtain a free repair, however they will be required to return when the new design part becomes available. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463, isuzu at 1-800-255-6727 or at www.gmownercenter.com.

Recall 06V-139: Exterior Lighting

Reported Apr 27, 2006 · 404,733 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: Certain pickup trucks may experience the permanent loss of brake lamp function or brake lamps that are illuminated at all times. The center high-mounted stop lamp (Chmsl) is affected in both instances. Also, if equipped, the cruise control will become inoperative. Any trailer brake lamps which are connected to the vehicle's brake lamp wiring will mimic the vehicle's brake lamps when either condition occurs.

Risk: A following driver may not know when the brakes have been applied, and a rear-end crash could occur without prior warning.

Fix: Dealers will replace the brake lamp switch assembly. The recall began on december 5, 2006. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438; gmc at 1-866-996-9463 or isuzu at 1-800-255-6727.

2004 GMC Canyon problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Structure16
Electrical System14
Suspension13
Engine and Engine Cooling8
Exterior Lighting8
Unknown or Other5
Air Bags5
Latches/Locks/Linkages4
Service Brakes, Hydraulic4
Power Train4
Wheels4
Tires4

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 9
  • Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch — 5
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 3
  • Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields — 2
  • Suspension › Front — 2
  • Structure › Body › Door — 2
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Abs Warning Light — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 74,456 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2004 GMC Canyon complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Structure · reported Jun 12, 2024
The frame has rust through and broke on rear front leafspring mount of frame on both side . A very know problem with almost every one of these trucks
Suspension · at 89,000 miles · reported Feb 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2004 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that after work was completed on the tires, the independent mechanic informed him that due to severe undercarriage corrosion, the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The contact also took the vehicle to a dealer who provided the same information as the independent mechanic. The manufacturer was then notified of the failure and informed him that there were no open recalls on the vehicle. No additional assistance was offered. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
Suspension · at 106,500 miles · reported Mar 13, 2020
The chassis has become severely rusted on left side where front of leaf spring is bolted to it. It is about to break off and it has been denoted as "unsafe to drive" by the local gmc dealership. Truck has been well-maintained and is in good condition otherwise. It has been garage-kept for the last 10 years. I bought it new 9/2004. The dealership just discovered problem today when I was having other routine work done.
Structure · at 98,000 miles · reported Dec 15, 2019
We had some repair work done and were told that the frame was rusted out so badly it was ready to break in half, leaving us with a car that is undriveable. This appears to be a common issue with other models of gmc trucks and the issue is not being addressed. Major safety issue!
Structure · at 119,730 miles · reported Nov 8, 2019
The contact owns a 2004 gmc canyon. While driving 35 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal rattling noise coming from the rear frame. The contact drove home and then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who determined that the frame was severely corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 119,730. The VIN was unknown.

Other GMC Canyon years

Compare all GMC Canyon years · All GMC models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 GMC Canyon have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2004 GMC Canyon: 10V-575 (child seat), 09V-310 (exterior lighting), 06V-139 (exterior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 GMC Canyon?

Owners report structure problems most often (16 reports), followed by electrical system (14). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 74,456 miles.

Are GMC recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized GMC dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.