CarBrief

NHTSA has 271 owner complaints on file for the 2016 GMC Canyon, and steering is the largest component group[1][2]. The truck also has 4 recalls, and each one lists a free dealer repair[3][4][5][6].

271owner complaints[1]
4recalls[7]
16–25MPG combined (EPA)[8]
4★NHTSA overall rating[9]

Most reported problems

Owners filed 271 complaints with NHTSA[1]. Of those, 8 mention a crash, 2 a fire and 4 an injury, and none report a death[1]. These are unverified reports, and one complaint can name more than one component, so the group counts below do not add up to the total.

Component group Complaints
Steering[2] 181
Power train[10] 39
Electrical system[11] 38
Engine[12] 22
Unknown or other[13] 19
Electronic stability control[14] 13
Speed control[15] 11
Fuel/propulsion system[16] 10

Steering. This group stands out. The 181 steering complaints include 4 crashes and 2 injuries, with a median mileage at failure of 63,000[2]. In a sample of steering complaints we read, owners describe power steering assist cutting out, sometimes with a dashboard warning. A few describe the truck pulling hard to one side[2].

Power train. The 39 power train complaints report no crashes, fires or injuries, and the median mileage at failure is 6,941[10]. In the sample we read, owners describe hesitation, a delay before the truck accelerates, and shifting that feels confused at low speeds[10]. One sample text describes a four-wheel-drive warning that kept coming back after repairs[10].

Electrical system. Of the 38 electrical complaints, 2 mention a crash and 1 a fire[11]. In the sample we read, owners describe the touch screen, gauges or whole dash glitching, rebooting or going dark while driving[11].

Engine. The 22 engine complaints include 2 crashes and 2 fires[12]. In the sample we read, owners describe loss of power, surging or the engine shutting off. Some of them read much like the power train and steering descriptions, which fits the fact that one complaint can name several components[12].

The other groups each have 19 complaints or fewer[13][14][15][16]. We do not call any of them a common problem.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 4 recalls for this model year[7]. Newest first:

The data does not say whether any single truck has had its recall work done.

Fuel economy

EPA lists these ratings for the 2016 Canyon. Fuel costs use EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the truck was new.

Version City / highway / combined MPG EPA annual fuel cost
2WD, 2.5L 4-cyl, manual 6-spd[17] 19 / 26 / 22 $3,050
2WD, 2.5L 4-cyl, automatic 6-spd[18] 20 / 26 / 22 $3,050
2WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, automatic 6-spd[19] 18 / 25 / 21 $3,200
4WD, 2.5L 4-cyl, automatic 6-spd[20] 19 / 24 / 21 $3,200
4WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, automatic 6-spd[21] 17 / 24 / 20 $3,350
2WD, 2.8L 4-cyl turbo diesel, automatic 6-spd[8] 22 / 30 / 25 $3,850
4WD, 2.8L 4-cyl turbo diesel, automatic 6-spd[22] 20 / 28 / 23 $4,150
Cab chassis 2WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, automatic 6-spd[23] 15 / 17 / 16 $4,200

The diesel versions get the best combined MPG, but their estimated yearly fuel cost is higher than for the gasoline pickup versions in the table, and the cab chassis is the exception[8][22][17][18][19][23][20][21]. The cab chassis version has the lowest ratings in the list[23].

Safety ratings

NHTSA rated four configurations of the 2016 Canyon. All four got the same stars: 4 overall, 4 frontal, 5 side and 3 rollover[9][24][25][26]. The rollover risk is listed as 21.2% for PU/CC 4WD[9], 21.4% for PU/EC 4WD[24], 21.9% for PU/CC RWD[25] and 22.0% for PU/EC RWD[26].

Engine and size

EPA lists a 2.8L 4-cylinder rated at 181 hp[27] and a 3.6L 6-cylinder rated at 305 hp[28].

The sizes below are Canadian-market specifications, so US trucks can differ slightly. Length, width, height and wheelbase are in inches, and curb weight is in pounds.

Variant Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
Crew cab, long box, 2WD[29] 225 74 70 141 4,259
Crew cab, long box, 4x4[30] 225 74 70 141 4,480
Crew cab, short box, 2WD[31] 213 74 70 128 4,041
Crew cab, short box, 4x4[32] 213 74 70 128 4,411
Extended cab, long box, 2WD[33] 213 74 70 128 3,948
Extended cab, long box, 4x4[34] 213 74 70 128 4,169

How 2016 compares with other years

2004: 80 complaints, 3 recalls20042005: 113 complaints, 3 recalls2006: 48 complaints, 4 recalls20062007: 42 complaints, 3 recalls2008: 38 complaints, 2 recalls20082009: 27 complaints, 3 recalls2010: 8 complaints, 2 recalls20102011: 12 complaints, 5 recalls2012: 23 complaints, 2 recalls20122015: 303 complaints, 8 recalls2016: 271 complaints, 4 recalls27120162017: 66 complaints, 1 recalls2018: 53 complaints, 1 recalls20182019: 17 complaints, 0 recalls2020: 14 complaints, 0 recalls20202021: 12 complaints, 2 recalls2022: 27 complaints, 1 recalls20222023: 62 complaints, 3 recalls2024: 207 complaints, 3 recalls20242025: 8 complaints, 2 recalls2026: 8 complaints, 2 recalls2026
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Canyon model year. The 2016 is highlighted[7].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
2004803
20051133
2006484
2007423
2008382
2009273
201082
2011125
2012232
20153038
20162714
2017661
2018531
2019170
2020140
2021122
2022271
2023623
20242073
202582
202682

Among the model years in NHTSA's data, 2016 has 271 complaints and 4 recalls[7]. Only 2015 has more complaints, with 303[7]. For recalls, 2015 has 8 and 2011 has 5, and 2016 ties 2006 with 4[7]. Later years look lighter. 2017 has 66 complaints and 1 recall, and 2018 has 53 complaints and 1 recall[7]. 2024 is the next busiest for complaints after 2016, with 207[7]. The data has no 2013 or 2014 entries[7].

Should you buy a used 2016 Canyon?

The record is mixed. The complaint count is among the highest of the model years listed, and steering has the largest share of it[1][2][7]. Owners in the sample we read describe power steering and shifting problems, so test drive any truck with that in mind. All 4 recalls list a free dealer repair, so check the VIN to see if the work was done[3][4][5][6]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales and these are unverified reports, so treat them as a list of things to check, not a verdict.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2016 GMC Canyon?
Steering has the most complaints by far, with 181 of 271 on file[1][2]. In a sample we read, owners describe power steering cutting out[2]. Power train has 39 complaints and owners in the sample describe hesitation and odd shifting[10].
Does the 2016 GMC Canyon have any recalls?
Yes, 4 recalls are listed: fuel pump 18V358, driver air bag 17V621 and 16V125, and console latch 15V807[3][4][5][6]. Each lists a free dealer repair, and some only cover certain build dates[5][6].
What is the gas mileage of the 2016 GMC Canyon?
EPA combined ratings run from 16 to 25 MPG depending on version[23][8]. The 2.5L 2WD gets 22 combined[17][18].
How does the 2016 Canyon rate for safety?
NHTSA gave all four rated configurations 4 stars overall, 4 frontal, 5 side and 3 rollover[9][24][25][26].
Is 2016 a bad year for the GMC Canyon?
It has the second most complaints of the years listed, 271 against 303 for 2015[7]. Complaints are unverified and not adjusted for sales[1].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 271 owner complaints on file for the 2016 GMC Canyon (8 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 4 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 181 complaints name the steering component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 63,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Recall 18V358, filed May 31, 2018: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump. NHTSA recall database
  4. Recall 17V621, filed October 5, 2017: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
  5. Recall 16V125, filed March 2, 2016: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
  6. Recall 15V807, filed December 1, 2015: Latches / Locks / Linkages. NHTSA recall database
  7. Owner complaints and recalls for every GMC Canyon model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  8. EPA rating for Canyon 2WD, 2.8L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 6-spd, Diesel, Rear-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 30 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  9. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/CC 4WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 21.2%. NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 39 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 6,941). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 38 complaints name the electrical system component group (2 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 32,528). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 22 complaints name the engine component group (2 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 36,028). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 19 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 35,185). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 13 complaints name the electronic stability control (esc) component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 66,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. 11 complaints name the speed control component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 11,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  16. 10 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 35,315). NHTSA vehicle records
  17. EPA rating for Canyon 2WD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. EPA rating for Canyon 4WD, 2.8L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 6-spd, Diesel, 4-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 28 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. EPA rating for Canyon Cab Chassis 2WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 17 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  24. 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
  25. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/CC RWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 21.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  26. 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
  27. EPA Test Car List, 2016 GMC Canyon with 2.8L 4-cylinder: rated 181 hp. www.epa.gov
  28. EPA Test Car List, 2016 GMC Canyon with 3.6L 6-cylinder: rated 305 hp. www.epa.gov
  29. 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
  30. 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
  31. 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
  32. 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
  33. 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
  34. 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

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.