2012 GMC Canyon recalls and problems

The 2012 GMC Canyon has 2 safety recalls and 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any GMC dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
23
Crashes / fires
1 / 1
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2012 GMC Canyon vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2012 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-552: Seat Belts

Reported Nov 17, 2011 · 5,593 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS LLC

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.

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.

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.

2012 GMC Canyon problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System9
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)2
Service Brakes2
Air Bags2
Suspension2
Steering2
Latches/Locks/Linkages1
Power Train1
Exterior Lighting1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1
Engine1
Tires1

Most reported parts

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder — 1
  • Tires › Tread/Belt — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor — 1
  • Suspension › Front › Hub — 1
  • Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Control Module — 1
  • Structure › Frame and Members — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 45,000 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 2012 GMC Canyon complaints

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

Air Bags · reported Sep 20, 2025
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.
Structure · at 139,908 miles · reported May 7, 2024
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 vehicle unsafe to drive. The dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 139,908. The VIN was not available.
Electrical System · reported Mar 3, 2024
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 "google" 2005 thru 2012 chevy colorado gmc canyon passlock issue" and find the root and a how to fix / repair guides. I spent almost $600 at the GMC dealer, they found no error or trouble codes in either on board computer, I showed the service advisor the issue, online diagnosis and…
Electrical System · reported Jan 23, 2023
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 for them (of course). New battery had been installed, starter was tested, fuel injectors cleaned. MY online research has found a similar problem with multiple year GMC vehicles beginning in 2009 thru 2014. Ignition lock cylinder issue due to pass lock sensor. Passlock sensor…
Electrical System · reported Aug 5, 2022
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 stranded, so I am having the device replace for the cost of over $700.

Other GMC Canyon years

Compare all GMC Canyon years · All GMC models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 GMC Canyon have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2012 GMC Canyon: 12V-594 (latches/locks/linkages), 11V-552 (seat belts). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 GMC Canyon?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (9 reports), followed by electronic stability control (esc) (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 45,000 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.