no report yet
Hood: latch
Risk. If the primary hood latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly.
2012 GMC CanyonProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 23 owner complaints about the 2012 GMC Canyon, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 20, 2025. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 GMC Canyon has problems
23 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
9Electrical system
2Steering
2Electronic stability control (ESC)
2Suspension
2Service brakes
2Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
1Seat belts
1Service brakes, hydraulic
1Structure
77 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 9 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 2 | 0 |
| Suspension | 2 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 0 |
| Air bags | 2 | 1 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 |
| 7 other systems | 7 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2012 GMC Canyon recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
no report yet
Seat belts: front
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…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with GMC.
Best & worst years
2012 vs. every other Canyon year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Canyon median. How we score
'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2012 GMC Canyon safety ratings
2012 GMC Canyon PU/CC AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Rollover: 4 stars (17.9% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Canyon owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
Within past year, 2022 to present vehicle will on average 4-5 times a month fail to start. Key in ignition, to accessory mode than fail to turn over. All indicator lamps on dash display. Door chime sounds. Nothing to indicate a problem. Had GMC dealership troubleshoot. They found no codes and…
The Passcode Anti-theft system randomly triggers when attempting to start the vehicle. When it triggers, the vehicle cannot be started for at least 10 minutes. I have had this system trigger multiple times at home, at the grocery store, and at a gas station. I am afraid that the device will…
Own a 2012 Canyon?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.