What are the most common problems with the 2005 GMC Canyon?

Owners name the electrical system most often, followed by brakes and the engine.

Does the 2005 GMC Canyon have recalls?

Yes, recalls exist for this model year. They are listed in the Recalls section of this page.

What is the gas mileage of the 2005 GMC Canyon?

See the fuel economy section on this page for the EPA figures.

Is the 2005 GMC Canyon reliable?

NHTSA has 113 owner complaints on file. Read the problems section to see which parts owners name, and check the by-year comparison on this page.

Are there frame or rust complaints on the 2005 GMC Canyon?

Owners describe frame rust in the structure group. It is worth inspecting the underbody before buying.

2005 GMC Canyon Problems, Recalls and MPG

NHTSA has 113 owner complaints on file for the 2005 GMC Canyon^[1]. The electrical system is named most often, with 23 complaints^[2].

113owner complaints^[1]

3recalls^[3]

17–21MPG combined (EPA)^[4]

Problems
Recalls
Fuel economy
Safety
Engine and size
By year
Verdict
FAQ

Most reported problems

Owners filed complaints across several parts of the truck. Here are the groups, biggest first.

Electrical System. 23 complaints^[2]. Owners describe a heater and air conditioning fan that works only on its highest setting, with a burned resistor or wiring harness behind it. Some also describe brake lights that stay on and a wire bundle that rubbed through and caused smoke.
Brakes. 20 complaints^[5]. In the stories we read, owners describe rear drums and shoes wearing out early and needing repeated repair. Others mention squealing, grinding and brakes that grab or lock.
Engine. 16 complaints^[6]. Owners describe stalling, a check engine light that keeps returning, and sensor or solenoid parts replaced more than once. One story describes a cylinder that lost compression.
Structure. 13 complaints^[7]. In the stories we read, owners describe a frame that rusted badly underneath and body bolts that caused a groaning noise when turning. Others mention a limited view in the rear mirror.
Visibility. 11 complaints^[8].
Exterior Lighting. 11 complaints^[9].
Air Bags. 10 complaints^[10].
Power Train. 7 complaints^[11].

These are unverified reports sent to NHTSA, and one complaint can name more than one part.

Recalls

Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2005 Canyon is necessarily included.

Child Seat (10V575), November 2010. About 192,676 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, death, stalling.^[12]
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch (09V310), July 2009. About 185,903 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, reduced braking. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[13]
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch (06V139), April 2006. About 404,733 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, reduced braking.^[14]

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Version	City / highway / combined MPG	Annual fuel cost
Canyon 2WD, 2.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[15]	16 / 23 / 18	$3,700
Canyon 2WD, 2.8L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[4]	18 / 24 / 21	$3,200
Canyon 2WD, 3.5L 5-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[16]	16 / 22 / 18	$3,700
Canyon 2WD, 3.5L 5-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[17]	17 / 23 / 19	$3,550
Canyon Crew Cab 2WD, 2.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[18]	16 / 23 / 18	$3,700
Canyon Crew Cab 2WD, 2.8L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[19]	18 / 24 / 21	$3,200
Canyon Crew Cab 2WD, 3.5L 5-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[20]	16 / 22 / 18	$3,700
Canyon 4WD, 2.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[21]	15 / 21 / 17	$3,950
Canyon 4WD, 2.8L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[22]	17 / 22 / 19	$3,550
Canyon 4WD, 3.5L 5-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[23]	16 / 21 / 18	$3,700
Canyon 4WD, 3.5L 5-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[24]	17 / 22 / 19	$3,550
Canyon Crew Cab 4WD, 2.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[25]	15 / 21 / 17	$3,950
Canyon Crew Cab 4WD, 2.8L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[26]	17 / 22 / 19	$3,550
Canyon Crew Cab 4WD, 3.5L 5-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[27]	16 / 21 / 18	$3,700

Safety ratings

Version	Overall	Frontal	Side	Rollover	Rollover risk
4 DR None^[28]	n/a	n/a	n/a	4	17.9%
2 DR None^[29]	n/a	n/a	n/a	4	17.9%

Engine and size

These are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US models can differ slightly.

Version	Length	Width	Height	Wheelbase	Curb weight
CANYON CREW CAB S/BOX 2WD /SL^[30]	207 in	69 in	65 in	126 in	3,752 lb
CANYON CREW CAB S/BOX 4X4 /SL^[31]	207 in	69 in	68 in	126 in	4,001 lb
CANYON EXT CAB S/BOX 2WD /SL/SLE^[32]	207 in	68 in	65 in	126 in	3,607 lb
CANYON EXT CAB S/BOX 4X4 /SL/SLE^[33]	207 in	68 in	68 in	126 in	3,803 lb
CANYON REG CAB S/BOX 2WD /SL/SLE^[34]	192 in	68 in	65 in	111 in	3,358 lb
CANYON REG CAB S/BOX 4X4 /SL/SLE^[35]	192 in	68 in	68 in	111 in	3,622 lb

How 2005 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Canyon model year. The 2005 is highlighted^[3].

Show the numbers

Model year	Complaints	Recalls
2004	80	3
2005	113	3
2006	48	4
2007	42	3
2008	38	2
2009	27	3
2010	8	2
2011	12	5
2012	23	2
2015	303	8
2016	271	4
2017	66	1
2018	53	1
2019	17	0
2020	14	0
2021	12	2
2022	27	1
2023	62	3
2024	207	3
2025	8	2
2026	8	2

NHTSA's counts for the Canyon show 113 complaints and 3 recalls for 2005^[3]. Among the 21 model years listed, 17 have fewer complaints than 2005 and 3 have more^[3]. The fewest complaints are for 2010 (8) and the most are for 2015 (303)^[3]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.

Should you buy a used 2005 Canyon?

The 2005 Canyon has 113 owner complaints on file^[1]. The electrical system and the brakes lead the list^[2]^[5]. Engine and frame problems also show up in the stories we read^[6]^[7]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a guide and not a score. Check the electrical system, brakes and underbody closely before you buy.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2005 GMC Canyon?: Owners name the electrical system most often^[2], followed by brakes^[5] and the engine^[6].
Does the 2005 GMC Canyon have recalls?: Yes, recalls exist for this model year^[3]. They are listed in the Recalls section of this page.
What is the gas mileage of the 2005 GMC Canyon?: See the fuel economy section on this page for the EPA figures.
Is the 2005 GMC Canyon reliable?: NHTSA has 113 owner complaints on file^[1]. Read the problems section to see which parts owners name, and check the by-year comparison on this page.
Are there frame or rust complaints on the 2005 GMC Canyon?: Owners describe frame rust in the structure group^[7]. It is worth inspecting the underbody before buying.

Keep exploring

Other model years of the GMC Canyon

2005 this page
2015 303 complaints, 8 recalls
2016 271 complaints, 4 recalls
2018 53 complaints, 1 recall
2019 17 complaints, 0 recalls
2022 27 complaints, 1 recall
2025 8 complaints, 2 recalls
2026 8 complaints, 2 recalls

Compare all model years of the GMC Canyon

Other GMC models from 2005

2005 GMC Envoy 511 complaints, 2 recalls

All GMC models

Similar cars from 2005: pickup trucks

2005 Chevrolet Colorado 356 complaints, 3 recalls
2005 Dodge Dakota Pickup 470 complaints, 6 recalls
2005 Ford Ranger 289 complaints, 9 recalls
2005 Nissan Frontier 532 complaints, 3 recalls
2005 Nissan Titan 891 complaints, 4 recalls
2005 Toyota Tacoma 707 complaints, 10 recalls

All pickup trucks we cover

Facts and sources

NHTSA has 113 owner complaints on file for the 2005 GMC Canyon (6 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 5 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
23 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 58,000). NHTSA vehicle records
Owner complaints and recalls for every GMC Canyon model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Canyon 2WD, 2.8L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 24 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
20 complaints name the brakes component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 50,000). NHTSA vehicle records
16 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 50,000). NHTSA vehicle records
13 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 91,900). NHTSA vehicle records
11 complaints name the visibility component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 32,460). NHTSA vehicle records
11 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 52,000). NHTSA vehicle records
10 complaints name the air bags component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 101,000). NHTSA vehicle records
7 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 8,800). NHTSA vehicle records
Recall 10V575, filed November 18, 2010: Child Seat. NHTSA recall database
Recall 09V310, filed July 29, 2009: Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch. NHTSA recall database
Recall 06V139, filed April 27, 2006: Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch. NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Canyon 2WD, 2.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 23 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Canyon 2WD, 3.5L 5-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Canyon 2WD, 3.5L 5-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Canyon Crew Cab 2WD, 2.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 23 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Canyon Crew Cab 2WD, 2.8L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 24 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Canyon Crew Cab 2WD, 3.5L 5-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Canyon 4WD, 2.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 21 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Canyon 4WD, 2.8L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 22 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Canyon 4WD, 3.5L 5-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 21 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Canyon 4WD, 3.5L 5-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 22 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Canyon Crew Cab 4WD, 2.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 21 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Canyon Crew Cab 4WD, 2.8L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 22 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Canyon Crew Cab 4WD, 3.5L 5-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 21 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 2 DR None: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CANYON CREW CAB S/BOX 2WD /SL: length 207 in, width 69 in, height 65 in, wheelbase 126 in, curb weight 3,752 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CANYON CREW CAB S/BOX 4X4 /SL: length 207 in, width 69 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 126 in, curb weight 4,001 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CANYON EXT CAB S/BOX 2WD /SL/SLE: length 207 in, width 68 in, height 65 in, wheelbase 126 in, curb weight 3,607 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CANYON EXT CAB S/BOX 4X4 /SL/SLE: length 207 in, width 68 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 126 in, curb weight 3,803 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CANYON REG CAB S/BOX 2WD /SL/SLE: length 192 in, width 68 in, height 65 in, wheelbase 111 in, curb weight 3,358 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CANYON REG CAB S/BOX 4X4 /SL/SLE: length 192 in, width 68 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 111 in, curb weight 3,622 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

2005 GMC Canyon: problems, recalls and fuel economy