The Lemon Index
202020222nd generation
One of the most reliable · most complaints: airbags
Better years to buy
6 owner complaints, first 3 years 18–23 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2021 Toyota Tacoma 222021 Chevrolet Colorado 492021 Ford Ranger 61
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
No complaints for this year listed a mileage, so we can't say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 21V497000 (equipment) and 20V811000 (seat belts) done? Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Is the airbag light off, and were any airbag recalls done?
- Has it ever braked hard for no reason? Ask whether the safety-system software was updated.
- Do the lane-keeping warnings work without false alerts?
- GMC sent dealers 748 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “This preliminary information shows how to inspect for and correct a rattle from the rear seat…”?
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 →
Problems GMC told dealers about
GMC sent dealers 748 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This preliminary information shows how to inspect for and correct a rattle from the rear seat…
- This informational bulletin provides information on Transmission Adaptive Functions and…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 2
- Equipment · recall issued 2021
The load carrying capacity printed on the Tire and Loading Information placard is 22.5 kg (51 lbs.) more than intended.
- Seat belts · recall issued 2020
Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle.
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 2WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| GMC Canyon PU/EC 2WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| GMC Canyon PU/CC 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| GMC Canyon PU/EC 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
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. 2021 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.
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Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2021 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/gmc-canyon/?y=2021" 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/2021/">Lemon Index</a> (2021 GMC Canyon reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2021 GMC Canyon reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew about a quarter as many complaints as the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 25; 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 2021 GMC Canyon problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (33%), automatic emergency braking (17%) and lane assist (17%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 GMC Canyon have?
2 safety recalls (latest: equipment). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2021 GMC Canyon get?
18 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 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 2021 GMC Canyon have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 17% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2021 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 2021 GMC Canyon have?
2.5L 4-cyl, 2.8L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
What GMC Canyon year is better than the 2021?
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