2012 GMC Canyon recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2012 GMC Canyon and 29 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are electrical system (10), air bags (4), unknown or other (4). EPA-rated fuel economy is 16–21 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
The 2012 ranks #7 of 13 Canyon model years for fewest complaints (2012–2026), with fewer complaints than the average year (84). It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 2.2 per model year.
Recalls 2
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2012 GMC Canyon. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Latches/locks/linkages · hood · latch
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Seat belts · front
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
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.
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 t…
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"…
Safety ratings
2012 GMC Canyon PU/CC AWD
2012 GMC Canyon PU/EC AWD
2012 GMC Canyon PU/RC AWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2012 GMC Canyon.
Canyon 2WD
Auto 4-spd · 4 cyl · 2.9 L
Regular
Canyon 2WD
Auto 4-spd · 8 cyl · 5.3 L
Regular
Canyon 4WD
Auto 4-spd · 4 cyl · 2.9 L
Regular
Canyon 4WD
Auto 4-spd · 8 cyl · 5.3 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2012 GMC Canyon have?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2012 GMC Canyon, most recently for latches/locks/linkages · hood · latch (12/19/2012). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 GMC Canyon?
Based on 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are electrical system (10), air bags (4), unknown or other (4).
Is the 2012 GMC Canyon safe?
NHTSA hasn't published an overall 5-star rating for the 2012 GMC Canyon.
Is the 2012 a good year for the GMC Canyon?
The 2012 ranks #7 of 13 Canyon model years for fewest complaints (2012–2026), with fewer complaints than the average year (84). It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 2.2 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2012 GMC Canyon get?
EPA ratings for the 2012 GMC Canyon range from 16 to 21 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
Own a 2012 GMC Canyon in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved November 2, 2026. NHTSA model names used: CANYON, Canyon.