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2015 GMC Canyon: problems, recalls and fuel economy
The 2015 GMC Canyon has 303 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, and steering is the group named most often[1][2]. It also has 8 recalls, more than any other Canyon model year in our data[3].
Most reported problems
NHTSA lists 303 owner complaints for the 2015 Canyon[1]. Of those, 7 mention a crash, 4 a fire and 4 an injury, and none report a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one part of the truck.
Here is how the complaints split by component group:
| Component group | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Steering[2] | 226 |
| Power train[6] | 38 |
| Electronic stability control[7] | 36 |
| Electrical system[8] | 32 |
| Engine[9] | 14 |
| Unknown or other[10] | 14 |
| Brakes[11] | 10 |
| Air bags[12] | 7 |
Steering. This group has 226 complaints, with 4 crashes, 1 fire and 3 injuries. The median mileage at failure is 67,764[2]. In a sample of 12 steering complaints we read, 11 describe power steering assist dropping out while driving, with a warning light or message and a wheel that becomes very hard to turn[2]. In at least 7 of those texts, owners say turning the truck off and on brought the assist back for a while[2]. In 3 of the 12, owners say the problem came back after a dealer visit or software update[2].
Stability control. In a sample of 12 stability control complaints, at least 10 mention a stability warning showing up together with the loss of power steering assist[7]. In at least 2 of the 12, owners say their truck was not included in a steering recall[7]. See the recalls section for what each recall covers.
Power train. This group has 38 complaints[6]. The median mileage at failure is 13,066, much lower than for steering[6][2]. In a sample of 12 power train complaints, 10 describe a transmission that hesitates or will not downshift when the driver needs to accelerate, then drops gears hard so the truck lurches[6]. In 3 of the 12, owners say they were told the behavior is normal or that GM told dealers not to try a fix[6].
Electrical system. This group has 32 complaints, including 3 fires and 4 injuries[8]. In a sample of 12 texts, 2 describe the instrument panel or dash going dark on and off, and 2 describe a fire[8]. Power steering assist loss shows up here too, in 3 of the 12[8].
Air bags. Only 7 complaints name air bags, but 4 of them mention a crash and 4 an injury[12]. The truck also has three air bag recalls, covered below[13][14][15].
Brakes, engine and the unknown or other group have 14 complaints or fewer each, so we do not call any of them a common problem[9][10][11].
Recalls
NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2015 Canyon, newest first[16][17][13][18][19][20][14][15]. Each fact states that GM will fix the problem free of charge, and none says the remedy is still pending. Recalls cover certain trucks only, so check your VIN with a dealer or NHTSA. Unit counts are for all trucks in each recall, and all of these recalls also name the Chevrolet Colorado[16][17][13][18][19][20][14][15].
- Steering power assist (21V213). Filed 2021-03-25 for 60,681 units[16]. A poor electrical connection in the steering gear can cause the power steering assist to be lost[16]. Loss of steering assist, especially at low speeds, raises the risk of a crash[16]. Dealers replace the steering gear torque sensor cover assembly[16].
- Fuel pump (18V358). Filed 2018-05-31 for 895 units[17]. This recall also covers other GM models[17]. The high pressure fuel pump can come loose from its mount and damage the fuel line, which can leak fuel and raise the risk of a fire[17]. Dealers replace the pump and the high pressure fuel pipe[17].
- Driver air bag (17V621). Filed 2017-10-05 for 16 units[13]. The driver's front air bag may inflate improperly in a high speed crash, which raises the risk of injury[13]. Dealers replace the air bag module[13].
- Steering power assist (16V054). Filed 2016-02-01 for 2,988 units[18]. It covers 2015 Canyons built January 6, 2015 to March 19, 2015[18]. A poor electrical connection in the steering gear connector may reduce or remove power steering assist, which can raise the risk of a crash[18]. Dealers replace the steering gear torque sensor cover assembly[18].
- Front brake calipers (15V278). Filed 2015-05-12 for 24,380 units[19]. Air pockets in the caliper body may let the front calipers leak brake fluid, which can lengthen stopping distance and raise the risk of a crash[19]. Dealers inspect and replace the front calipers if necessary[19].
- Seat mounting (15V267). Filed 2015-05-08 for 49,980 units[20]. Seat frame hooks on the driver's seat, the front passenger's seat or both may not have been attached to the body correctly at the factory, so the seat may not be anchored well, which raises the risk of injury in a crash[20]. Dealers inspect the seats and correct the installation as needed[20].
- Driver air bag inflator (15V157). Filed 2015-03-18 for 40 units[14]. The inflator may be misaligned and separate from its backplate during deployment, which could send parts into the cabin or keep the air bag from inflating fully[14]. Dealers inspect the module and replace the air bag as needed[14].
- Driver air bag wiring (14V645). Filed 2014-10-09 for 2,283 units[15]. The driver air bag connections may be wired incorrectly, which could disrupt deployment timing and raise the risk of driver injury[15]. Dealers reprogram the sensing and diagnostic module[15].
Fuel economy
EPA lists six versions of the 2015 Canyon. All use regular gasoline. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the truck was new.
| Version | City / Highway / Combined MPG | Est. annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| 2WD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd[21] | 20 / 26 / 22 | $3,050 |
| 2WD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd[4] | 19 / 25 / 22 | $3,050 |
| 4WD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd[22] | 19 / 24 / 21 | $3,200 |
| 2WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd[23] | 18 / 25 / 21 | $3,200 |
| 4WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd[24] | 17 / 24 / 20 | $3,350 |
| Cab Chassis 2WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd[25] | 15 / 18 / 16 | $4,200 |
Combined ratings run from 16 to 22 MPG across these versions[25][4][21].
Safety ratings
NHTSA gives the PU/EC 4WD version 4 stars overall, 4 stars for frontal crashes, 5 for side crashes and 3 for rollover, with a rollover risk of 21.4%[5]. The PU/EC RWD version has the same star ratings and a rollover risk of 22.0%[26]. The PU/CC 4WD and PU/CC RWD versions are not rated[27][28].
Engine and size
The EPA fuel economy listings show a 2.5L 4-cylinder and a 3.6L 6-cylinder engine, both with a 6-speed automatic and the 2.5L also with a 6-speed manual[23][4][21].
Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada via NHTSA vPIC, converted to inches and pounds. They can differ slightly from US trucks.
| Variant | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crew cab L/box 2WD[29] | 225 in | 74 in | 70 in | 141 in | 4,259 lb |
| Crew cab L/box 4X4[30] | 225 in | 74 in | 70 in | 141 in | 4,480 lb |
| Crew cab S/box 2WD[31] | 213 in | 74 in | 70 in | 128 in | 4,041 lb |
| Crew cab S/box 4X4[32] | 213 in | 74 in | 70 in | 128 in | 4,411 lb |
| Extended cab L/box 2WD[33] | 213 in | 74 in | 70 in | 128 in | 3,948 lb |
| Extended cab L/box 4X4[34] | 213 in | 74 in | 70 in | 128 in | 4,169 lb |
How 2015 compares with other years
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 |
Among the Canyon model years in NHTSA data, 2015 has the most complaints at 303 and the most recalls at 8[3]. The 2016 model year is next on complaints with 271 and has 4 recalls[3]. The 2024 model year has 207 complaints and 3 recalls[3]. Every other listed year has 113 complaints or fewer[3].
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many trucks were sold, so they show where reports pile up, not how likely a single truck is to fail.
Should you buy a used 2015 Canyon?
It has the most complaints and recalls of any Canyon year in our data[3]. In the steering sample we read, 11 of 12 complaints describe losing power steering assist, and 2 of the 8 recalls cover that problem[2][16][18]. Before you buy, ask a dealer to check the VIN against every recall listed above and ask for proof that the work was done. On a test drive, pay attention to how the steering feels and how the transmission behaves when you need to accelerate[2][6]. Complaints are unverified and not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a list of things to check, not a verdict on every truck[1].
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2015 GMC Canyon?
- Steering has the most complaints with 226 of the 303 on file[1][2]. In a sample of 12 steering complaints we read, 11 describe power steering assist dropping out[2]. In a sample of 12 power train complaints, 10 describe transmission hesitation or hard downshifts[6].
- How many recalls does the 2015 GMC Canyon have?
- NHTSA lists 8 recalls, covering steering assist, air bags, seats, front brake calipers and the fuel pump[16][17][13][18][19][20][14][15]. Each states a free remedy[16][17][13][18][19][20][14][15].
- What gas mileage does the 2015 GMC Canyon get?
- EPA combined ratings run from 16 to 22 MPG depending on version[25][4][21]. The 2.5L 2WD versions rate 22 MPG combined[4][21], and the 3.6L 4WD version rates 20 MPG combined[24].
- Is the 2015 GMC Canyon the worst Canyon year?
- It has the most complaints (303) and the most recalls (8) of the years listed[3]. The counts are not adjusted for sales, so they do not prove it is the least reliable.
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 303 owner complaints on file for the 2015 GMC Canyon (7 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 4 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 226 complaints name the steering component group (4 crashes, 1 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 67,764). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every GMC Canyon model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Canyon 2WD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 25 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/EC 4WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 21.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 38 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 13,066). NHTSA vehicle records
- 36 complaints name the electronic stability control (esc) component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 61,750). NHTSA vehicle records
- 32 complaints name the electrical system component group (3 crashes, 3 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 35,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 14 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 33,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 14 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 10,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 10 complaints name the brakes component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 28,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 7 complaints name the air bags component group (4 crashes, 1 fires, 4 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 17V621, filed October 5, 2017: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V157, filed March 18, 2015: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 14V645, filed October 9, 2014: Air Bags. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V213, filed March 25, 2021: Steering › Electric Power Assist System. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V358, filed May 31, 2018: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 16V054, filed February 1, 2016: Steering › Electric Power Assist System. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V278, filed May 12, 2015: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V267, filed May 8, 2015: Seats. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Canyon 2WD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Canyon 4WD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 24 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Canyon 2WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Canyon 4WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Canyon Cab Chassis 2WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 18 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/EC RWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 22.0%. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/CC 4WD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/CC RWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CANYON CREW CAB L/BOX 2WD: length 225 in, width 74 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 141 in, curb weight 4,259 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CANYON CREW CAB L/BOX 4X4: length 225 in, width 74 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 141 in, curb weight 4,480 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CANYON CREW CAB S/BOX 2WD: length 213 in, width 74 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 128 in, curb weight 4,041 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CANYON CREW CAB S/BOX 4X4: length 213 in, width 74 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 128 in, curb weight 4,411 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CANYON EXTENDED CAB L/BOX 2WD: length 213 in, width 74 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 128 in, curb weight 3,948 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CANYON EXTENDED CAB L/BOX 4X4: length 213 in, width 74 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 128 in, curb weight 4,169 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov