2011 GMC Canyon recalls and problems

The 2011 GMC Canyon has 5 safety recalls and 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any GMC dealer.

Recalls
5
Complaints
12
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2011 GMC Canyon vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2011 GMC Canyon recalls

Recall 12V-594: Latches/Locks/Linkages

Reported Dec 19, 2012 · 118,800 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

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.

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.

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.

Recall 11V-337: Power Train

Reported Jun 28, 2011 · 6,768 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS LLC

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."

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.

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.

Recall 11V-276: Visibility

Reported May 6, 2011 · 4,674 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS LLC

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.

Risk: Driver visibility could be reduced increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

Recall 11V-007: Suspension

Reported Jan 6, 2011 · 30,566 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

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.

Risk: The driver may not be able to maintain directional control of the vehicle and a crash could occur without warning.

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.

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.

2011 GMC Canyon problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System3
Engine3
Air Bags3
Exterior Lighting2
Power Train2
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1
Service Brakes1
Vehicle Speed Control1
Structure1
Unknown or Other1

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 57,500 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 2011 GMC Canyon complaints

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

Engine · reported Sep 28, 2024
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 interferes with my daily life. I believe GMC should correct this problem.
Engine · reported Sep 9, 2022
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 wait 15-20 minutes and then it will start. This recall is not being honored at a GMC dealership because of no longer available, they say. Can you help us with this issue? Again, the recall # is 11181.
Unknown or Other · reported Mar 11, 2019
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 with the car with the lock on it. I have videotaped what comes across the dash and hasn't shown it to the dealership and they have not done anything because they can't find anything. Shuts off again. Or will start right up in the shut right back down. Safety belt like comes on or…
Electrical System · at 59,000 miles · reported Oct 26, 2016
The contact owns a 2011 gmc canyon. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated on and off at various times, moreso when the vehicle was started. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
Electrical System · at 57,500 miles · reported Mar 20, 2015
The contact owns a 2011 gmc canyon. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The failure recurred on many occasions. The dealer diagnosed that the ignition switch caused the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 57,500.

Other GMC Canyon years

Compare all GMC Canyon years · All GMC models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2011 GMC Canyon have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2011 GMC Canyon: 12V-594 (latches/locks/linkages), 11V-337 (power train), 11V-276 (visibility), 11V-007 (suspension), 10V-575 (child seat). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2011 GMC Canyon?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (3 reports), followed by engine (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 57,500 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.