The Lemon Index
2011
20151st generation
Complaints only. Too few sold to score: 8,735 in the U.S. in 2012 (sales source), under the 20,000 a fair per-car score needs. Owners filed 6 complaints in its first 3 years.
6 owner complaints, first 3 years 16–21 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2012 Toyota Tacoma 342012 Chevrolet Colorado 382012 Nissan Frontier 58
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
Only 6 complaints listed a mileage: too few to say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 12V594000 (latches/locks/linkages) and 11V552000 (seat belts) done? Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Is the stability-control light off on a test drive?
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- GMC sent dealers 1321 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “On some trucks and passenger vehicles, accessory power outlets (apo) and trailer lighting are”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and GMC's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 6 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 1K to 39K miles (2K to 63K km) on the car (6 of all 6 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Problems GMC told dealers about
GMC sent dealers 1321 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- On some trucks and passenger vehicles, accessory power outlets (apo) and trailer lighting are
- 15111 - special coverage
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 2
- Latches/locks/linkages · recall issued 2012
113, "Hood Latch System." The hood may be missing the secondary hood latch.
- Seat belts · recall issued 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 M…
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GMC Canyon PU/CC AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★☆ |
| GMC Canyon PU/EC AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★☆ |
| GMC Canyon PU/RC AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★☆ |
| GMC Canyon PU/CC RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★☆ |
| GMC Canyon PU/EC RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★☆ |
| GMC Canyon PU/RC RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,850–$3,750 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 2.9L 4-cyl, 3.7L 5-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl.
Every GMC Canyon year. 2012 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average, too new (2023+: a partial score, marked “partial”) or too few complaints to score.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2012 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/gmc-canyon/?y=2012" title="GMC Canyon reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="491" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/gmc-canyon/2012/">Lemon Index</a> (2012 GMC Canyon reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2012 GMC Canyon reliable?
We can't score it: only 8,735 were sold in the U.S. in 2012 (calendar-year sales), under the 20,000 we need for a fair per-car score. Owners filed 6 complaints with NHTSA in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2012 GMC Canyon problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are stability control (33%), electrical (33%) and doors, locks & latches (17%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2012 GMC Canyon have?
2 safety recalls (latest: latches/locks/linkages). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2012 GMC Canyon get?
16 to 21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Does the 2012 GMC Canyon have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 17% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2012 GMC Canyon cost in fuel a year?
About $2,850 to $3,750 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2012 GMC Canyon have?
2.9L 4-cyl, 3.7L 5-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl.
What GMC Canyon year is better than the 2012?
No year within 3 model years of it drew fewer complaints. Across every year, 2019 drew the fewest (about a fifth as many complaints as the average car).
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works