2016 GMC Canyon recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 GMC Canyon and 271 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are steering (181), power train (39), electrical system (38). It earned a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 20–22 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
The 2016 ranks #12 of 13 Canyon model years for fewest complaints (2012–2026), with more complaints than the average year (84). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 2.2 per model year.
Recalls 4
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2016 GMC Canyon. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Fuel system, gasoline · delivery · fuel pump
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
Risk: A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.
Air bags · frontal
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado, and 2016 Chevrolet Volt vehicles. The driver's frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash.
Risk: An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2017. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17387.
Air bags · frontal
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Colorado vehicles manufactured January 19, 2016, to February 2, 2016, Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured January 9, 2016, to January 26, 2016, and 2016 GMC Canyon vehicles manufactured January 21, 2016, to February 4, 2016. The driver frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash.
Risk: An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on April 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 28030.
Latches/locks/linkages
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Colorado trucks manufactured August 25, 2015 to September 24, 2015, and GMC Canyon trucks manufactured August 28, 2015 to September 24, 2015. The affected vehicles have a console compartment lid latch assembly that may fail to keep the compartment door closed in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact."
Risk: If the console compartment door does not remain closed in a crash, the contents stored in the console may strike the vehicle occupants, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the console compartment door latch assembly, free of charge. The recall began on January 5, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16370.
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
Issue #1: While driving on the highway, the screens flickered once in a while. While stopping at a gas station, the vehicle did not turn on. Everything was black as if there was no power. After a several minutes of trying, it came back. Apparently it was an electrical issue. Took it to the dealership shop, but they couldn't find anything wrong with it. A couple of month after,…
I was driving around a windy road up a canyon with sheer cliffs, and my power steering suddenly went out. It took almost all my strength to steer it clear of me going off the canyon. It has since then gone out intermittently for months now. I’m waiting for the warranty to approve a replacement. I know this is a common issue with this year vehicle and there was a recall for the…
The power steering on the truck we purchased for our son for college went out while he driving, I had him take it to a local shop and they said this is a known issue from GM and a safety alert was issue under NHTSA 21V213000/GM Recall N202325410. However, even though GM used the exact same steering rack parts, they excluded 2016 models from the recall and issue TSB #16-NA-065…
Safety ratings
2016 GMC Canyon PU/CC 4WD
2016 GMC Canyon PU/CC RWD
2016 GMC Canyon PU/EC RWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2016 GMC Canyon.
Canyon 2WD
Auto 6-spd · 4 cyl · 2.5 L
Regular
Canyon 2WD
Auto 6-spd · 6 cyl · 3.6 L
Regular
Canyon 4WD
Auto 6-spd · 4 cyl · 2.5 L
Regular
Canyon 4WD
Auto 6-spd · 6 cyl · 3.6 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2016 GMC Canyon have?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 GMC Canyon, most recently for fuel system, gasoline · delivery · fuel pump (05/31/2018). 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 2016 GMC Canyon?
Based on 271 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are steering (181), power train (39), electrical system (38).
Is the 2016 GMC Canyon safe?
The 2016 GMC Canyon earned a 4-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2016 a good year for the GMC Canyon?
The 2016 ranks #12 of 13 Canyon model years for fewest complaints (2012–2026), with more complaints than the average year (84). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 2.2 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2016 GMC Canyon get?
EPA ratings for the 2016 GMC Canyon range from 20 to 22 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
Own a 2016 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.