Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 15 of 23 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Electrical System. Review the 9 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Air Bags. Review the 2 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electronic Stability Control (esc). Review the 2 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
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 t…
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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 suggested the repair. This is so dam common it should be a defective part recall and all repairs and costs covered by GM / GMC
NHTSA ODI #11575200
Mileage unknown · Jan 23, 2023
Electrical System
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 …
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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 malfunctions thus requiring a 10 minute wait prior to restarting vehicle. A vehicle requiring 10 minute wait time is a safety issue if we needed this vehicle in an emergency. It's my understanding GMC is aware of this issue but considers it a nuisance and not a critical issue. My thoughts are its a safety issue they"re aware of but don"t care.
NHTSA ODI #11503124
Mileage unknown · Aug 5, 2022
Electrical System
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 …
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11477739
110,000 miles · Nov 26, 2019
Electrical System
THE WEIGHT ON THE KEYRING AND ROAD CONDITIONS OR A JARRING EVENT CAUSES THE IGNITION SWITCH TO MOVE OUT OF THE RUN POSITION, TURNING OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT STAY IN THE RUN POSITION AND THERE ARE NO OTHER MECHANICAL/ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. THIS BEGAN ABOUT A YEAR AGO AND HAS PROGRESSIVELY GOT WORSE. …
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THE WEIGHT ON THE KEYRING AND ROAD CONDITIONS OR A JARRING EVENT CAUSES THE IGNITION SWITCH TO MOVE OUT OF THE RUN POSITION, TURNING OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT STAY IN THE RUN POSITION AND THERE ARE NO OTHER MECHANICAL/ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. THIS BEGAN ABOUT A YEAR AGO AND HAS PROGRESSIVELY GOT WORSE. THIS IS SIMILAR TO THE RECALL OF GMC'S CADILLAC CTS.
NHTSA ODI #11282444
70,000 miles · Dec 19, 2018
Electrical System
TRUCK WILL NOT START INTERMITTENTLY. COMPLETELY INOPERABLE FOR SEVERAL MINUTES, THEN WILL START UP WITH ABSOLUTELY NOTHING DIFFERENTLY DONE TO IT. LEFT ME AND MY KIDS STRANDED SEVERAL TIMES. APPEARS TO BE A PASSLOCK ANTI THEFT PROBLEM. MANY, MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS UNSAFE FOR CHILDREN TO BE SU…
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TRUCK WILL NOT START INTERMITTENTLY. COMPLETELY INOPERABLE FOR SEVERAL MINUTES, THEN WILL START UP WITH ABSOLUTELY NOTHING DIFFERENTLY DONE TO IT. LEFT ME AND MY KIDS STRANDED SEVERAL TIMES. APPEARS TO BE A PASSLOCK ANTI THEFT PROBLEM. MANY, MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS UNSAFE FOR CHILDREN TO BE SUBJECTED TO!!! IF ANYTHING HAPPENS TO MY CHILDREN WHILE STRANDED THIS COMPLAINT WILL BE USED IN A LAWSUIT AGAINST GENERAL MOTORS!!! SPENT HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS TO FIX PROBLEMS TO NO AVAIL. IT'S NO LONGER ABOUT THE MONEY, BUT THE GENERAL SAFETY OF THE PUBLIC AND THEIR CHILDREN!!! RECALL THIS VEHICLE AND MAKE US WHOLE!!!
NHTSA ODI #11162554
Mileage unknown · Oct 15, 2018
Electrical System
THERE IS A PROBLEM WHIT THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM . OFTEN 3 TIMES IN THE PAST 3 DAYS THE TRUCK WILL NOT START. THE SECURITY LOCK DASH LIGHT FLASHES AND THE SECURITY SYSTEM WILL NOT ALLOW THE TUCK TO START . AFTER EXACTLY 10 MIN THE SECURITY SYSTEM TIMES-OUT AND RESETS ALLOWING THE TRUCK TO START . THIS IS A PROBLEM ON MANY CHEVY AND …
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THERE IS A PROBLEM WHIT THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM . OFTEN 3 TIMES IN THE PAST 3 DAYS THE TRUCK WILL NOT START. THE SECURITY LOCK DASH LIGHT FLASHES AND THE SECURITY SYSTEM WILL NOT ALLOW THE TUCK TO START . AFTER EXACTLY 10 MIN THE SECURITY SYSTEM TIMES-OUT AND RESETS ALLOWING THE TRUCK TO START . THIS IS A PROBLEM ON MANY CHEVY AND GMC VEHICLES AND HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE 1998..OFTEN I AM IN SITUATIONS WHERE I JUST CANT SIT AND WAIT THE 10 REQUIRED MINUTES. TWICE I WAS AT THE AIRPORT. ONCE I WAS AT THE HOSPITAL . I HAVE BEEN TO THE GMC DEALERS FOR THEIR HELP . YET THE DEALERS CLAIM NOT TO HAVE EVER HEARD OF SUCH A PROBLEM . I DO NOT BELIEVE THEM . THERE ARE FAR TOO MANY PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUE .BUT THEIR SOLUTION IS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE S1TEERING COLOM THERE REALLY NEEDS TO BE A FIX AND THE MANUFACTURES MUST HAVE A FIX THAT DOES NOT REQUIRE REPLACING PARTS WILLY-NILLY IN SOME HOPE OF GETTING OWNERS JUST OUT OF THE SHOP . YOUTUBE HAS MANY VIDEOS OF DESPERATE OWNERS TRYING TO FIND A FIX. MOST REQUIRE DISABLING THE SECURITY SYSTEM . .PLEASE HELP.
NHTSA ODI #11140511
45,000 miles · May 24, 2018
Electrical System
MY MOTHER HAS BEEN LEFT STRANDED IN PARKING LOTS OR DRIVE WAYS MANY TIMES. THE ENGINE WON'T START, AND THE SECURITY LIGHT IS FLASHING, WAIT TEN MINUTES THEN IT WILL FINALLY START. THE FLASHING LIGHT WILL EVENTUALLY GO OFF THEN SHE WILL TRY TO START THE ENGINE. SHE CAN NOW GET TO HER DESTINATION OR SHOULD BE ABLE TO MAKE IT HOME.…
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MY MOTHER HAS BEEN LEFT STRANDED IN PARKING LOTS OR DRIVE WAYS MANY TIMES. THE ENGINE WON'T START, AND THE SECURITY LIGHT IS FLASHING, WAIT TEN MINUTES THEN IT WILL FINALLY START. THE FLASHING LIGHT WILL EVENTUALLY GO OFF THEN SHE WILL TRY TO START THE ENGINE. SHE CAN NOW GET TO HER DESTINATION OR SHOULD BE ABLE TO MAKE IT HOME. THIS IS ONLY A TEMPORARY FIX AND GM NEEDS TO FIX THIS.
NHTSA ODI #11097804
39,650 miles · Jun 15, 2015
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Engine
1/29/2015 NO CRANK..DISPLAYED MESSAGE "SERVICE STAB SYS TRACTION FAULT" HAD IT TOWED TO DEALER AND THEY REPLACED ECU REPAIR COST WAS GOING TO BE MORE THAN$500.00 UNTIL I CONTACTED GM CUSTOMER SERVICE IT WAS THEN REDUCED TO $100.00. MILEAGE WAS 33478. THIS WAS THREE MONTHS AGO. AND THE NO CRANK PROBLEM CONTINUED HOWEVER TURNED …
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1/29/2015 NO CRANK..DISPLAYED MESSAGE "SERVICE STAB SYS TRACTION FAULT" HAD IT TOWED TO DEALER AND THEY REPLACED ECU REPAIR COST WAS GOING TO BE MORE THAN$500.00 UNTIL I CONTACTED GM CUSTOMER SERVICE IT WAS THEN REDUCED TO $100.00. MILEAGE WAS 33478. THIS WAS THREE MONTHS AGO. AND THE NO CRANK PROBLEM CONTINUED HOWEVER TURNED KEY BACK TO OFF FOR A FEW SECONDS THEN VEHICLE WOULD.. TODAY HAD THIS PROBLEM BUT WHEN IT STARTED ENGINE MISFIRE AND ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON ALONG WITH THE MESSAGE "SERVICE STAB SYS TRACTION FAULT REDUCED POWER". WAS ABLE TO LIMP HOME AT 25 MPH ONCE THERE SHUT ENGINE OF THEN RESTARTED SEEMED TO BE RUNNING OK THEN BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS NOW ON. I HAVE TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER IN THE MORNING IF IT WILL START. I ALSO CONTACTED GM CUSTOMER SERVICE AGAIN. MILEAGE NOW IS 39650
NHTSA ODI #10725269
1,500 miles · Feb 27, 2014
Electrical SystemService Brakes
BRAKE LIGHTS AND CRUISE CONTROL FAIL TO FUNCTION VEHICLE WAS RETURN TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE AND THE FUSE BOX WAS REPLACED 2 YEARS AND 40,000 MILES SAME ISSUE AND AFTER MANY RETURN VISITS TO THE DEALER FUSE BOX WAS REPLACED AGAIN. *TR
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0
No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
2012 GMC Canyon Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year