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2016 GMC Canyon Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 273 complaints about the 2016 GMC Canyon with NHTSA, most often about the steering (182) and the transmission & drivetrain (39). Those complaints describe 8 crashes, 2 fires and 4 injuries. It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in May 2018 for the fuel pump. For comparison, the 2015 has 322 and the 2017 has 66.

NHTSA data checked

FFar more problems than a typical Canyon year, for its age

#47 most complained-about 2016 vehicle

Complaints
273
Recalls
4
Crashes
8
Fires
2
Injuries
4
Deaths
0

Most common 2016 GMC Canyon problems

Share of all 273 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2016 GMC Canyon recalls 4

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

Fuel system: fuel pump

18V358000895 vehicles affected

The 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.
The risk
A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
The 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

17V62100016 vehicles affected

The 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.
The risk
An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury in a crash.
The 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

16V1250001,579 vehicles affected

The 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.
The risk
An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury.
The 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

15V8070008,763 vehicles affected

The 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."
The 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.
The 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.

What owners say

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273 complaints about the 2016 GMC Canyon

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 11.

Other & unknown

Stabilitrak, and Power Steering Nearly died? It hasn't it keeps happening randomly, and the mechanic cannot reproduce it. They have checked my battery, and other systems and cant tell whats wrong. Nothing prior to failure

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11777000
Steering

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist, requiring manual steering effort. The failure also occurred while idling and while parked. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to perform repairs and advised that the vehicle be serviced by an authorized dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure or determine the cause of the failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V213000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11776735
SteeringElectrical systemEngine & cooling

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, my son was driving and when he turned right, the vehicle shut off. Same issue, the vehicle went black but after a few minutes, he was able...

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to turn it back on. Third time, my other son was driving. Arrived at his destination and when he was about to leave, the vehicle did not turn on. It was completely dead. The battery was good but all the electrical systems were dead. I had to tow the vehicle to the dealership. They changed the fuse box and that fixed the issue. It is dangerous because the vehicle can shut off anywhere at any time. Safety issue. Issue #2: Oil leak. The vehicle is a 2016 Canyon. It has about 76,000 miles on it. An oil leak was found in the engine. Had to take it to the dealership to fix it. Another high expense and repair. Issue #3: Power steering. While driving in the city, I got a warning saying that the power steering needed service. The wheel became extremely hard and it was difficult to steer the vehicle. I was able to bring the vehicle to a parking lot near to where the issue occurred but had to use a lot of strength to steer the vehicle to safety. I can not imagine what would've happened if I was driving on the highway or in a busy street. Apparently there is a recall for the 2015 vehicles but not for the 2016 even though it uses the same system and parts. Lots of complains online from 2016 vehicle owners reporting this same issue. Cost to repair the issue: $3,500 out of pocket. Issue #4: Media screen. The media screen keeps failing. This is the second screen installed by the dealership and it still have the same issues. At times it got black.

Filed Incident Steering · Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11771503
Steering

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 previous years version. Seeing how many complaints about this year make and model online for the same issue makes me wonder if a recall should be in place.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11768398
Steering

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 as an instruction guide for mechanics. The local shop that is doing the work also sited TSB-N202325410-01 issued from GM. I'm now having...

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to pay $3,597 to have the steering rack replaced the truck, which has no other issues, so that it can be driven safely. This is more than a little surprising and has caused us to have to take money out of a line of credit we have against our home to cover this unexpected and undisclosed cost when we purchased the truck as a used vehicle from the a Hendrick dealer.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11768003
Steering

2016 GMC Canyon Power Steering failure exactly the same as the recall done on the 2015 GMC Canyon in 2021. While I am driving, for the last 5 days, my power steering and stabilitrac will shut off, and a warning sign will appear on my dash. I have researched it fully and the same exact recall was done on the 2015 model, and a lot of people have complained about this issue. It is not safe and very difficult to steer while driving, especially at slow speeds.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11764576
Steering

Was in my garage and started up my truck and seen an alert regarding the steering. Reversed truck and was un-able to steer the truck. Steering wheel would not move at all.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11748199
Electrical system

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the infotainment system and screen display became inoperable. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that an unknown part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11747456
Steering

This is a constant issue where the power steering issues disabled while driving and its very damgerous usually i just turn it off and on it fixes it, but then it happens again and frequently

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11745392
SteeringElectrical systemFuel system

Power steering and StabiliTrack warning pops-up randomly and cuts off power steering assistance while I'm driving on the highway or on country roads. The power steering is very hard to maneuver. However, when it's safe to do so, I have to pull over on a safe place and have to restart my truck twice, in order to regain power steering. I have taken it to an independent mechanic and to a Chevy dealership on Merced. The dealership service tech informed me that in order to service the vehicle and find the code that is...

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making this issue, that I would have to continue driving the truck and bring it in to the dealership with the power steering and StabiliTrack warning. According to the technician, they can't do much due to that they don't know what is causing the power steering to malfunction. I haven't been able to take it to the dealership because the warnings have occurred while I'm far away from a dealership or diagnosis area. Also, I will not risk my safety maneuvering a vehicle that has lost electric power steering around a city where lots of left or right turns are necessary to drive to a locality. This is the only vehicle I have to go to work or travel and fear for my safety when this happens. PLEASE HELP.

Filed Incident Steering · Electrical system · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11745386
Steering

Recurring Stabilitrack issues while driving. Reset system replaced fuses and issue keeps happening. Bringing for further service.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11744842
SteeringElectrical system

The power steering and Stabilitrak systems intermittently fail while the vehicle is in operation. The issue occurs unpredictably, both immediately after startup and while driving. On several occasions, the systems have failed during turns, requiring sudden corrective action and increased steering effort to maintain control and avoid veering off the road or colliding with nearby vehicles. No warning signs or noticeable symptoms are present prior to the failure occurring.

Filed Incident Steering · Electrical systemNHTSA 11736748
Transmission & drivetrain

Transmission shudder that is causing Drivability issues. Multiple mechanics have told me to drive it and maintain it until the transmission gives out.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11723200
Steering

1. The power steering failed when I was driving my 2016 GMC Truck. 2. The failure caused the steering of the truck to be very difficult putting myself and any passengers at risk. 3. This issue occurred on 2/19/26 at about 3:00PM Central time while driving. Power steering warning lights did illuminate. 4. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone at this time. Please note there is a safety recall associated with the 2015 GMC Canyons for the exact same problem. Instructions were given to submit a report to the NHTSA and the vehicle's owner may be eligible for reimbursement or free repair is a "hidden," warranty extension or "customer satisfaction program" covers it.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11719183
Steering

Loss of power steering. This is a known problem with the 2015 GMC Canyon models. My 2016 GMC Canyon has the same problem. This is a serious issue. A recall should be issued. It has happened to me several times.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11717197
Steering

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the steering wheel seized, with the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering gear had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 102,000.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11716223
Steering

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering feature suddenly malfunctioned, causing the steering wheel to become difficult to turn in either direction. After the failure occurred, the traction control warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic, who diagnosed that the steering column was faulty and needed to be replaced. The steering column was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer was aware of the failure involving the steering column on similar vehicles, but had not issued a recall for the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11712330
Brakes

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH in a parking lot, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the brake pedal was very firm while being depressed. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the vacuum pump and brake booster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 11702307
Steering

Power steering goes out intermittently while driving, almost causing wrecks. A warning pops up that power steering needs to be serviced...but when truck is turned off and restarted the issue goes away. This is an extremely dangerous situation and seems to be affecting thousands of vehicles according to internet research. GM needs to be held accountable and recall and fix the issues immediately.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11696623
Steering

Power steering turned off while driving Pulled over cycled the key it came back on Has happened 3 times in two weeks

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11695291
SteeringTransmission & drivetrainElectrical system

At random the power steering and traction control turn off making it difficult to drive.. This happens randomly and has become unable to steer. Once the vehicle is turned off for a period of time you can start it up and the steering returns. The issue was reported in the 2015 models. That recall needs to extend into the 2016 models since most of the parts were most likely manufactured tot eh same specs as the 2015. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent repair shop. The dealership wanted $200 for just the...

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diagnostics. Every time this happens it becomes very difficult to drive and is a safety issue. The issue first appeared 2 months ago and after the restart stopped. Then all of a sudden it seems to occur daily.

Filed Incident Steering · Power train · Electrical systemNHTSA 11694867
SteeringDriver assistanceEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that upon attempting to leave the driveway, the vehicle was shifted into drive and the engine experienced a complete loss of automotive power, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the vehicle lost power steering functionality while driving at 65 MPH, and the traction control and vehicle stabilization warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was...

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diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the 4-WD assembly, steering electronic motor, steering angle sensor, and the electric belt drive rack and pinion steering needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,263.

Filed Incident Steering · Electronic stability control (ESC) · EngineNHTSA 11692164
SteeringElectrical system

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that the headlights failed to activate automatically. Additionally, one of the phone charger ports had become inoperable. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. A message advising that the power steering was inoperable and to drive carefully was displayed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the power steering functionality returned....

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Additionally, the contact stated while driving 50-55 MPH after the power steering failure, the vehicle was pulling to the right. The dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

Filed Incident Steering · Electrical systemNHTSA 11690384
Steering

I believe the steering gear torque sensor cover assembly is causing my power steering to intermittently stop working I read the report for the 2015 model year and my truck is doing the exact same thing truck was produced in 10/15 but is not part of the recall after further searching online I've found other people owning the 2016 model year that has the same issue I believe the recall needs to be moved to cover the 2016 model year as well

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11686977
SteeringBrakesEngine & cooling

EPS becomes difficult to steer occasionally, Brakes seem to lose stopping ability Leaking oil @ either oil pan or transmission

Filed Incident Steering · Service brakes · EngineNHTSA 11683769

GMC Canyon: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
202015010Transmission & drivetrainA
201917001Transmission & drivetrainA
201853120Transmission & drivetrainC
201766130Transmission & drivetrainC
2016273482SteeringF
2015322884SteeringF
201229211Electrical systemB
All Canyon years

2016 GMC Canyon vs rivals

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.

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Questions about the 2016 GMC Canyon

Does the 2016 GMC Canyon have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 GMC Canyon: fuel pump (May 2018); frontal (October 2017); frontal (March 2016); latches / locks / linkages (December 2015). 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 2016 GMC Canyon?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the steering (182), transmission & drivetrain (39), electrical system (38).

How many complaints has the 2016 GMC Canyon had?

273 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on January 21, 2016 and the latest on November 10, 2026. Of these, 8 describe a crash and 2 a fire, and together they report 4 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2016 GMC Canyon a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 10 out of 100 (grade F: far 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 2016 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

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