- The problem
- Gm is recalling certain model year 2004-2011, chevrolet colorado, gmc canyon, model year 2006, isuzu i-280/i-350, and model year 2007-2008, i-290/i-370, regular cab vehicles and extended cab vehicles without a rear seat and equipped with a front 60/40 split bench seat. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, "Child restraint anchorage systems." The top tether anchor for the front center seat is not accessible and the owner manual does not include instructions regarding how to use the top tether.
- The risk
- Both nhtsa and gm discourage placement of a child in a front seat. Nevertheless, there are individual circumstances that may require placement of a child in a restraint in the front center seating position of this vehicle that does not offer a rear seat. Lack of access to the top tether anchor and a lack of instructions as to how to use it, may result in improper installation of a child restraint. Improper installation of a child restraint can result in a reduction in the restraint's performance in the event of a crash and an increased risk of injury or death to the child seated in the restraint.
- The fix
- Dealers will cut a hole into the back panel trim cover to allow access to the top tether anchor for the front center seat position and will provide supplemental information as to use in the owner's manual. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule for this campaign. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463, isuzu at 1-800-255-6727 or visit gm's website at www.Gmownercenter.Com.
Vehicle safety record
2004 GMC Canyon Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 80 complaints about the 2004 GMC Canyon with NHTSA, most often about the body, doors & structure (20) and the electrical system (13). Those complaints describe 3 crashes, 4 fires and 1 injury. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in November 2010 for the child seat. For comparison, the 2005 has 113.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical Canyon year, for its age
#127 most complained-about 2004 vehicle
- Complaints
- 80
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 3
- Fires
- 4
- Injuries
- 1
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2004 GMC Canyon problems
Share of all 80 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2004 GMC Canyon recalls 3
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Gm is recalling 185,903 model year 2004-2009 colorado, gmc model year 2009-2004 canyon, model year 2006 i-280, i-350, model year 2007-2008 i-290, and i-370, passenger vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of alabama, arizona, florida, georgia, hawaii, louisiana, mississippi, nevada, new mexico, puerto rico, south carolina, texas, u.S. Virgin islands and utah. Some of these vehicles have a brake lamp switch that may not work as designed due to contamination in the switch.
- The risk
- This condition could cause the simultaneous loss of all brake lamps or cause all of the brake lamps to stay on continuously. Both of these conditions could fail to warn others of the driver's intentions and could lead to a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the necessary components as specified in the recall bulletin free of charge. Gm anticipates that parts will be available by june 2010. A special coverage for vehicles registered in all other states will be implemented in the same time frame. In the interim, owners who experience the failure can obtain a free repair, however they will be required to return when the new design part becomes available. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463, isuzu at 1-800-255-6727 or at www.Gmownercenter.Com.
- The problem
- Certain pickup trucks may experience the permanent loss of brake lamp function or brake lamps that are illuminated at all times. The center high-mounted stop lamp (chmsl) is affected in both instances. Also, if equipped, the cruise control will become inoperative. Any trailer brake lamps which are connected to the vehicle's brake lamp wiring will mimic the vehicle's brake lamps when either condition occurs.
- The risk
- A following driver may not know when the brakes have been applied, and a rear-end crash could occur without prior warning.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the brake lamp switch assembly. The recall began on december 5, 2006. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438; gmc at 1-866-996-9463 or isuzu at 1-800-255-6727.
What owners say
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80 complaints about the 2004 GMC Canyon
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 4.
The frame has rust through and broke on rear front leafspring mount of frame on both side . A very know problem with almost every one of these trucks
Frame front passenger cracked while driving. Was able to avoid near accident with another vehicle.
The contact owns a 2004 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that after work was completed on the tires, the independent mechanic informed him that due to severe undercarriage corrosion, the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The contact also took the vehicle to a dealer who provided the same information as the independent mechanic. The manufacturer was then notified of the failure and informed him that there were no open recalls on the vehicle. No additional assistance was offered. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
The chassis has become severely rusted on left side where front of leaf spring is bolted to it. It is about to break off and it has been denoted as "unsafe to drive" by the local gmc dealership. Truck has been well-maintained and is in good condition otherwise. It has been garage-kept for the last 10 years. I bought it new 9/2004. The dealership just discovered problem today when I was having other routine work done.
We had some repair work done and were told that the frame was rusted out so badly it was ready to break in half, leaving us with a car that is undriveable. This appears to be a common issue with other models of gmc trucks and the issue is not being addressed. Major safety issue!
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 gmc canyon. While driving 35 mph, the contact heard an abnormal rattling noise coming from the rear frame. The contact drove home and then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who determined that the frame was severely corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 119,730. The vin was unknown.
After reading a post from the 116 affected gmc canyon owners I have the exact same problem. Last month june 2019 while driving home from work my ac just quit working (hot weather in sacramento), no matter what speed it was on 1 through 4. I also smelt a burning smell. Today while driving my truck to the realer to get it analyzed I hit a bump and the blower started working again on speed 4. Bob from john l sullivan chevy just called to confirm the diagnosis...The connector that connects to the blower was melted and the resister was burnt.
Rear frame has rusted completely out. Now sitting and cannot drive. I love driving this truck but now it is just sitting. Hope gm will sell me a frame at cost so I can fix it.
Undercarriage rust caused spare tire/wheel to fall from under the vehicle.
The gmc passlock lockout feature is a pain in the rear of nearly every car/truck owner having this feature. Today, for the umpteenth time, my vehicle would not start when I tried to start it up after fueling. My truck was stuck at the gas pumps, obstructing other patrons waiting to gas up. I sat waiting for about 5 minutes and tried starting it again, while getting dirty looks from other people waiting to gas up. Of, course it didn't start because I hadn't waited the requisite 10 minutes. Finally, I got out and...
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pushed the truck away from the pumps by myself (i am 72 years old) and then waited 10 minutes and finally re-started my vehicle. I have experienced this aggravation of my vehicle not starting many, many times during the 14 years that I have owned this vehicle. I will never buy another gmc product! Gmc should be required to issue a recall and fix this problem once and for all.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 gmc canyon. While the vehicle was being serviced at an independent mechanic, the technician noticed that the entire frame was corroded. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to nhtsa. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000. *Tt *jb
Frame is rusting and collapsing in area between cab and bed on both sides I had atoyotatacoma with this condition and manufacturer bought it back . My vehicle was never in a collision. 95000 Miles
THE DASH WARNING FOR SEATBELT IS LIT UP
Brake lights stopping working and door locks and controllable to and windows to
Truck frame has totally rusted out with only 80,000 miles on the truck. Body shows nothing, but the frame is disintegrating. I recently purchased this based on pictures which showed an extremely clean body and interior (true). Got it delivered to my mechanic who called me to show me the holes in the frame!
The frame has totally rusted and is breaking apart while the rest of the truck is in very good condition. See photos. This was noticed on 09-18-17. I bought this truck new in 2004 and as you can tell by the mileage it has been driven very little. Please contact me with any questions.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 gmc canyon. While the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for routine maintenance, the contact was informed that the rear subframe and the truck bed were severely corroded. The contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe and should not be driven. The local dealer stated that there were issues reported about rust to the rear subframe of some similar vehicles; however, there were no recalls to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 154,000.
Frame rotted out where leaf spring connects to frame
A portion of the frame has completely rusted through right in front of the rear tire on the driver side. Water must have gotten trapped inside of the box frame due to lack of drainage holes and a 12 inch section on the bottom of the frame has completely rusted off. One of the vertical welds going up the side of the frame has also rusted through in this spot. This vehicle is only driven on paved roads in urban minnesota.
My 2004 gmc canyon caught fire yesterday about 1:12 pm and burned up. The fire dept. Indicated a strong smell of gas. This event happened about 20 minutes after I arrived home in the vehicle. The fire was put out by the eastside fire dept under inciident number 17-1594. Their phone number is 425-313-3200.
Has been a problem for some time and was told to report to this site my passenger air bag light stays on, truck is a extended cab so checked the wiring in the doors and they were broke in passenger door so I repaired them thinking I found the problem and light still stays on and radio will not shut off when drivers side door is opened also dome light does not come on but will when the passenger side door is opened?????? Dealership just wants $$$$$ to check the codes and more $$$$ to repair the problem that is...
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occurring from their poor design from what I have read I am not the only one that has this problem. I'm afraid the air bag will not work on passenger side if an accident happens? Also checked the wires under seat and they look fine?
On october 5, 2016, I took my truck over to my mechanic to have my brake lines bled as I replaced the right front caliper. When they took the right front tire off, they had shown me that the lower left control arm mount was going to fail. There was no failure as of yet and the vehicle was stationary when the problem was found. It was severely rusted out and cracked, as well as the frame and area around it was severely rusted and holes were visible. So I drove it home and took it over to a welder that has done...
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repairs on the truck before and he said that it was too close to the suspension components and he wasn't going to fix it. So, as of now, I am looking for someone who specializes in automotive welding, but there not too many people here in my area who specialize in this kind of work. Inspection is coming up and I doubt it passes. Mechanically, I have has few problems with this truck and would much rather fix it than get rid of it. Pictures I am posting show the severity of the damage.
Got recall notice in late 2014 early 2015 notice of recall on truck for ignition switch. I have owned the truck since I bought it in 2004. I got a recall notice in the time frame above to bring it in. I took it to then stanly gmc in sherman texas, now parkway gmc. The parts manager said because I was outside the mileage there was nothing they could do. To day I saw an article in our newspaper about the poor recall percentage on your notices. I took mine in as the article said you would like me to do. The service...
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manager at that time made me feel like I was a nuisance. I have had no problem yet and intend to keep the truck for another 10 years or so. If I do ever decide to trade for a new truck I'll keep this event in mind. I'm 72 and would like to know why you put a limit on the time before the recall expires. A problem can be a problem no matter how old the truck or car is as long as the original owner has it. Thank you [[redacted]] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr
Tl* the contact owned a 2004 gmc canyon. While driving 45 mph, the contact's vehicle was rear ended. As a result, the contact's vehicle crashed into the preceding vehicle. The air bags did not deploy and the seat belt pre-tensioner failed to secure the contact, which caused her face to strike the steering wheel. A police report was filed. The contact sustained injuries that required medical attention. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and carried out an investigation. The failure mileage was unknown.
I just read a jalopnik article on a recall of the g3 hummer and the question why the canyon/colorado was not included. A few years back the blower fan quit working on low settings. I found a tech tip that suggested I replace the fan resistor, which I did. I remember when I replaced it there was brown marks on the resistor and plug at the electrical connectors. While I did not suffer a fire like some others, this is a real problem with these rigs. Thought you should know...
GMC Canyon: every year compared
All Canyon years2004 GMC Canyon vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 GMC Canyon | 80 | 3 | D | |
| 2004 Nissan Frontier | 66 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 2004 Honda Ridgeline | 0 | 1 | A | Compare |
| 2004 Toyota Tacoma | 0 | 5 | B | Compare |
| 2004 Chevrolet Colorado | 0 | 3 | A | Compare |
| 2004 Ford Ranger | 0 | 12 | D | Compare |
| 2004 GMC Envoy XL | 718 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 2004 GMC Envoy Xuv | 718 | 0 | - | Compare |
| 2004 GMC Envoy | 374 | 2 | C | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2004 GMC Canyon
Does the 2004 GMC Canyon have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2004 GMC Canyon: child seat (November 2010); switch (July 2009); switch (April 2006). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 GMC Canyon?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the body, doors & structure (20), electrical system (13), suspension (13).
How many complaints has the 2004 GMC Canyon had?
80 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on March 8, 2004 and the latest on June 12, 2024. Of these, 3 describe a crash and 4 a fire, and together they report 1 injury and 0 deaths.
Is the 2004 GMC Canyon a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 36 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical GMC Canyon year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which GMC Canyon years have the most complaints?
2015 (322), 2016 (273), 2024 (208). See every GMC Canyon year compared.
What should I do if my 2004 GMC Canyon has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data