Recalls (2)
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2021 GMC Canyon. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗
Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.
Check on NHTSA ↗Incorrect Load Carrying Capacity Label/FMVSS 110
- Summary
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 GMC Canyon vehicles. The load carrying capacity printed on the Tire and Loading Information placard is 22.5 kg (51 lbs.) more than intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Consequence
- An incorrect label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- GM will mail owners a new B-pillar label, free of charge. Owners may apply the label, or bring it to a dealer for installation. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 17, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212340735.
Incorrect Bolts Used To Attach Seat Belts
- Summary
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.
- Consequence
- If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.
PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.
Owner complaints (11)
11 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The air bags is mentioned most often.
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 2 | 18.2% |
| Power train | 2 | 18.2% |
| Steering | 2 | 18.2% |
| Unknown or other | 2 | 18.2% |
| Back over prevention | 1 | 9.1% |
| Electrical system | 1 | 9.1% |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 9.1% |
| Forward collision avoidance | 1 | 9.1% |
| Lane departure | 1 | 9.1% |
| Seat belts | 1 | 9.1% |
How 2021 compares with other Canyon years
Best and worst Canyon years →| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 66 | 1 |
| 2018 | 52 | 1 |
| 2019 | 17 | 0 |
| 2020 | 14 | 0 |
| 2021 | 11 | 2 |
| 2022 | 26 | 1 |
| 2023 | 62 | 3 |
| 2024 | 206 | 3 |
| 2025 | 8 | 2 |
| 2026 | 8 | 2 |
Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Crash tests: 4 stars overall
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), 2021 GMC Canyon pu/cc 2wd, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Fuel economy: up to 23 mpg combined
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $4,150
- CO₂ tailpipe
- 435 g/mi
- EPA class
- Small Pickup Trucks
What it costs you to run
Miles ÷ 23 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.
EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.
Specs by configuration
| Engine · transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | EPA $/yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 30 / 23 | $4,150 | 435 |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 22 | $3,050 | 413 |
| 2.8 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automatic | 4-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | $4,350 | 455 |
| 3.6 L 6-cyl · 8-speed automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | $3,200 | 424 |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automatic | 4-Wheel Drive | 19 / 24 / 21 | $3,200 | 431 |
| 3.6 L 6-cyl · 8-speed automatic | 4-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | $3,700 | 494 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.
Looking at a 2021 Canyon for sale?
Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.
Where to next
2021 GMC Canyon FAQ
How many recalls does the 2021 GMC Canyon have?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns: 21V497000 (equipment), 20V811000 (seat belt). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 2021 GMC Canyon problems?
Owners filed 11 complaints with NHTSA. Air bags (2), Power train (2), Steering (2) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 2021 GMC Canyon get?
EPA rates the 2.8 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automatic version at 20 city, 30 highway and 23 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.
What safety rating did the 2021 GMC Canyon get?
NHTSA rated the 2021 GMC Canyon pu/cc 2wd 4 stars overall, with 4 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 3 stars rollover (21.9% rollover risk).
How does the 2021 Canyon compare with other years?
Among the 2017–2021 GMC Canyon model years at least five years old, the 2021 drew the fewest complaints (11) and the 2017 the most (66). The 2021 drew 11. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.
How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes
Data sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - US DOT recall completion rates (data.transportation.gov)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA ODI owner complaints
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EPA fuel economy data (licence confirmation pending)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EIA weekly retail gasoline prices
Weekly, all taxes included
Processing
- Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
- Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.
Limitations
- Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
- Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
- Recent model years are still collecting reports.
Review
Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.
Changelog
- 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.