2021 GMC Canyon recalls and problems

The 2021 GMC Canyon has 2 safety recalls and 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any GMC dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
13
Crashes / fires
2 / 1
Injuries / deaths
5 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2021 GMC Canyon vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2021 GMC Canyon recalls

Recall 21V-497: Equipment

Reported Jul 1, 2021 · 7,199 vehicles affected · General Motors, LLC

Problem: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 GMC Canyon vehicles. The load carrying capacity printed on the Tire and Loading Information placard is 22.5 kg (51 lbs.) more than intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Risk: An incorrect label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: GM will mail owners a new B-pillar label, free of charge. Owners may apply the label, or bring it to a dealer for installation. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 17, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212340735.

Recall 20V-811: Seat Belts

Reported Dec 23, 2020 · 470 vehicles affected · General Motors, LLC

Problem: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.

Risk: If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.

2021 GMC Canyon problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Air Bags2
Unknown or Other2
Power Train2
Steering2
Forward Collision Avoidance1
Lane Departure1
Seat Belts1
Electrical System1
Back Over Prevention1
Exterior Lighting1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1
Engine and Engine Cooling1

Most reported parts

  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 1
  • Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 1
  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 47,000 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 2021 GMC Canyon complaints

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

Engine · reported Nov 9, 2026
While driving my 2021 GMC Canyon (current mileage: 78,465), the engine-driven brake booster vacuum pump drive gear housing catastrophically shattered without warning. This structural component explosion caused an immediate, sudden loss of power braking assist while the vehicle was in motion, creating a severe and dangerous safety hazard on the road. Upon a professional diagnostic tear-down, it was confirmed that the self-destruction of the vacuum pump violently introduced heavy metallic shrapnel throughout the cylinder head and engine oiling system. The entire engine block is now heavily…
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 78,378 miles · reported Oct 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes became inoperable and the vehicle shut off. The contact repeatedly pumped the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that there was a large cloud of white smoke and immediately associated the failure with the vacuum pump. The contact over safely, the vehicle was towed. The contact became aware that there was no oil in the engine. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The manufacturer and the dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,378.
Steering · reported Jul 30, 2026
While driving a few days ago, power steering abruptly stopped working and a service power steering message appeared. It was very difficult to steer the vehicle back home. I've tried replacing the battery and resetting the steering sensor to no avail.
Exterior Lighting · at 36,121 miles · reported Feb 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the driver’s side low beam headlight failed to illuminate as intended. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that upon further inspection, an unknown electrical fuse was burned. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed; however, a cause for the failure was not found. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,121.
Back Over Prevention · at 46,000 miles · reported Nov 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while reversing, the back over prevention screen image was solid blue, and there was no image displayed, creating a visibility hazard for the driver. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and it was determined that the rearview camera coaxial cable connectors were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V709000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). The contact stated that the vehicle…

Other GMC Canyon years

Compare all GMC Canyon years · All GMC models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 GMC Canyon have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 GMC Canyon: 21V-497 (equipment), 20V-811 (seat belts). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2021 GMC Canyon?

Owners report air bags problems most often (2 reports), followed by unknown or other (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 47,000 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.