The Lemon Index
201920212nd generation
One of the most reliable · most complaints: transmission & drivetrain
8 owner complaints, first 3 years 19–23 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2020 Toyota Tacoma 252020 Chevrolet Colorado 312020 Ford Ranger 49
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
Only 5 complaints listed a mileage: too few to say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Any slipping, hard or late shifts, or a transmission warning light? Ask for transmission fluid service records.
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- GMC sent dealers 863 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “This Preliminary information communicatesa noise from the front end over bumps originating at…”?
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 8 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 2K to 14K miles (3K to 23K km) on the car (5 of all 8 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 863 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This Preliminary information communicatesa noise from the front end over bumps originating at…
- This informational bulletin provides information on Internal Engine Noise or Damage After Oil…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 0
No safety recalls on record.
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 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| GMC Canyon PU/EC 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| GMC Canyon PU/CC 2WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| GMC Canyon PU/EC 2WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,750–$4,200 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.8L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
Every GMC Canyon year. 2020 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 2020 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/gmc-canyon/?y=2020" 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/2020/">Lemon Index</a> (2020 GMC Canyon reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2020 GMC Canyon reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew about a third as many complaints as the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 32; 100 is average, lower is better). The GMC Canyon year with the fewest complaints per car sold since 2010 is 2019.
What are the most common 2020 GMC Canyon problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are transmission & drivetrain (50%), engine (25%) and electrical (25%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2020 GMC Canyon have?
None: NHTSA has no safety recalls on record for it.
What gas mileage does the 2020 GMC Canyon get?
19 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2020 GMC Canyon safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2020 GMC Canyon have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 50% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2020 GMC Canyon cost in fuel a year?
About $2,750 to $4,200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2020 GMC Canyon have?
2.5L 4-cyl, 2.8L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
What GMC Canyon year is better than the 2020?
Nearby, the 2019 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (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