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2012 GMC Canyon

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2012 GMC Canyon do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 38.

About this comparison →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

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.

1 crash reports1 fire reports1 injury reports

What owners actually said

23 reports
Mileage unknown · Sep 20, 2025
Air BagsSeat Belts

Seatbelt light for the front driver continues to turn on even when buckled in and will ding to notify that it’s not buckled despite it buckled in. This is a safety issue as the airbag light also remains on because of it.

NHTSA ODI #11688614

139,908 miles · May 7, 2024
Structure

The contact owns a 2012 GMC Canyon. The contact noticed that there was wiring appearing from the rear end of the vehicle. The contact stated that the rear sub frame was rusted and cracked. Additionally, the parking brake cable was hanging from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact deemed the vehicle un…

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The contact owns a 2012 GMC Canyon. The contact noticed that there was wiring appearing from the rear end of the vehicle. The contact stated that the rear sub frame was rusted and cracked. Additionally, the parking brake cable was hanging from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact deemed the vehicle unsafe to drive. The dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 139,908. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI #11587487

Mileage unknown · Mar 3, 2024
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

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

Mileage unknown · Feb 20, 2022
Service Brakes

BRAKES: I purchased vehicle September 25, 2012. This problem has occurred since I purchased the vehicle. It does not happen all the time. The problem is the brakes lockup and the steering wheel shudders and the vehicle pulls to the right. The vehicle makes a griding noise. It will NOT stop immediately when you put on the b…

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BRAKES: I purchased vehicle September 25, 2012. This problem has occurred since I purchased the vehicle. It does not happen all the time. The problem is the brakes lockup and the steering wheel shudders and the vehicle pulls to the right. The vehicle makes a griding noise. It will NOT stop immediately when you put on the brakes. The brake pedal jumps up and down and makes a grinding noise. The vehicle pulls to the right and jumps up and down. In answer to the next question: This problem has happened since I purchased the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI #11453163

Mileage unknown · Jun 22, 2020
Steering

CLICKING NOISE IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11330154

121,966 miles · Jun 22, 2020
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC CANYON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL, THERE WAS A TICKING SOUND HEARD. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BARTON CHEVROLET CADILLAC (800 AUTO PARK PL, NEWBURGH, NY 12550), TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CLICK…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC CANYON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL, THERE WAS A TICKING SOUND HEARD. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BARTON CHEVROLET CADILLAC (800 AUTO PARK PL, NEWBURGH, NY 12550), TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CLICKING SOUND NOISE WAS COMING FROM A MULTIPLICATION SWITCH FROM THE STEERING AND THAT THE STEERING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REPLACEMENT PART WAS ORDERED FROM THE DEALER, AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 121,966.

NHTSA ODI #11330113

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

136,000 miles · Feb 7, 2019
Visibility/wiper

WHILE DRIVING ON I 71 AT 70 MPH IN A POURING RAIN MY WIPERS STOPPED WORKING ALMOST CAUSING ME TO WRECK

NHTSA ODI #11174995

Official recalls

2

12V594000 · Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch

Dec 19, 2012

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.

11V552000 · Seat Belts:front

Nov 17, 2011

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.