2012 GMC Canyon Problems

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Complaints Reported

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Complaints by Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

6 complaints

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 vehicle would start fine for them (of course). New battery had been installed, starter was tested, fuel injectors cleaned. MY online research has found a similar problem with multiple year GMC vehicles beginning in 2009 thru 2014. Ignition lock cylinder issue due to pass lock sensor. Passlock sensor malfunctions thus requiring a 10 minute wait prior to restarting vehicle. A vehicle requiring 10 minute wait time is a safety issue if we needed this vehicle in an emergency. It's my understanding GMC is aware of this issue but considers it a nuisance and not a critical issue. My thoughts are its a safety issue they"re aware of but don"t care.

Jan 23, 2023

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 eventually leave me stranded, so I am having the device replace for the cost of over $700.

Aug 05, 2022

THE WEIGHT ON THE KEYRING AND ROAD CONDITIONS OR A JARRING EVENT CAUSES THE IGNITION SWITCH TO MOVE OUT OF THE RUN POSITION, TURNING OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT STAY IN THE RUN POSITION AND THERE ARE NO OTHER MECHANICAL/ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. THIS BEGAN ABOUT A YEAR AGO AND HAS PROGRESSIVELY GOT WORSE. THIS IS SIMILAR TO THE RECALL OF GMC'S CADILLAC CTS.

Nov 26, 2019

TRUCK WILL NOT START INTERMITTENTLY. COMPLETELY INOPERABLE FOR SEVERAL MINUTES, THEN WILL START UP WITH ABSOLUTELY NOTHING DIFFERENTLY DONE TO IT. LEFT ME AND MY KIDS STRANDED SEVERAL TIMES. APPEARS TO BE A PASSLOCK ANTI THEFT PROBLEM. MANY, MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS UNSAFE FOR CHILDREN TO BE SUBJECTED TO!!! IF ANYTHING HAPPENS TO MY CHILDREN WHILE STRANDED THIS COMPLAINT WILL BE USED IN A LAWSUIT AGAINST GENERAL MOTORS!!! SPENT HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS TO FIX PROBLEMS TO NO AVAIL. IT'S NO LONGER ABOUT THE MONEY, BUT THE GENERAL SAFETY OF THE PUBLIC AND THEIR CHILDREN!!! RECALL THIS VEHICLE AND MAKE US WHOLE!!!

Dec 19, 2018

THERE IS A PROBLEM WHIT THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM . OFTEN 3 TIMES IN THE PAST 3 DAYS THE TRUCK WILL NOT START. THE SECURITY LOCK DASH LIGHT FLASHES AND THE SECURITY SYSTEM WILL NOT ALLOW THE TUCK TO START . AFTER EXACTLY 10 MIN THE SECURITY SYSTEM TIMES-OUT AND RESETS ALLOWING THE TRUCK TO START . THIS IS A PROBLEM ON MANY CHEVY AND GMC VEHICLES AND HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE 1998..OFTEN I AM IN SITUATIONS WHERE I JUST CANT SIT AND WAIT THE 10 REQUIRED MINUTES. TWICE I WAS AT THE AIRPORT. ONCE I WAS AT THE HOSPITAL . I HAVE BEEN TO THE GMC DEALERS FOR THEIR HELP . YET THE DEALERS CLAIM NOT TO HAVE EVER HEARD OF SUCH A PROBLEM . I DO NOT BELIEVE THEM . THERE ARE FAR TOO MANY PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUE .BUT THEIR SOLUTION IS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE S1TEERING COLOM THERE REALLY NEEDS TO BE A FIX AND THE MANUFACTURES MUST HAVE A FIX THAT DOES NOT REQUIRE REPLACING PARTS WILLY-NILLY IN SOME HOPE OF GETTING OWNERS JUST OUT OF THE SHOP . YOUTUBE HAS MANY VIDEOS OF DESPERATE OWNERS TRYING TO FIND A FIX. MOST REQUIRE DISABLING THE SECURITY SYSTEM . .PLEASE HELP.

Oct 15, 2018

+ 1 more complaint for this component

STRUCTURE

2 complaints

The contact owns a 2012 GMC Canyon. The contact noticed that there was wiring appearing from the rear end of the vehicle. The contact stated that the rear sub frame was rusted and cracked. Additionally, the parking brake cable was hanging from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact deemed the vehicle unsafe to drive. The dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 139,908. The VIN was not available.

May 07, 2024

MY DASH IS CRACKING FOR NO APPARENT REASON. IT'S TO A POINT NOW OF NEEDING REPLACED AND HAS RAISED MY SAFETY CONCERN FOR MYSELF AND PASSENGER IF I WAS TO COME INVOLVED IN A CRASH BY BROKEN LARGE PLASTIC FRAGMENTS.

Apr 04, 2018

STEERING

2 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC CANYON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL, THERE WAS A TICKING SOUND HEARD. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BARTON CHEVROLET CADILLAC (800 AUTO PARK PL, NEWBURGH, NY 12550), TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CLICKING SOUND NOISE WAS COMING FROM A MULTIPLICATION SWITCH FROM THE STEERING AND THAT THE STEERING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REPLACEMENT PART WAS ORDERED FROM THE DEALER, AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 121,966.

Jun 22, 2020

CLICKING NOISE IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT. *TR

Jun 22, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

THE DASH HAS CRACKED ABOVE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND BY THE AIR BAG. UNSURE WHEN IT ACCORDED. NOTICED IT WAS MAKING A SOUND AND IN 2 WEEKS HAS GOTTEN MUCH WORSE

Feb 19, 2019

CRACK IN PASSENGER SIDE OF DASHBOARD....VEHICLE WAS STATIOARY

Sep 06, 2018

SUSPENSION

2 complaints

THE WELD TO THE FRAME FOR THE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND TORSION BAR BROKE CAUSING A LOSS OF CONTROL WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. WELD APPEARED DEFECTIVE. 60, 000 MILES ON VEHICLE.

Aug 28, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC CANYON. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE HUB BEARING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT COVER THE REPAIRS DUE TO THE VEHICLE BEING OVER 100,000 MILES. THE FAILURE MILLAGE WAS 161,000.

Sep 14, 2016

AIR BAGS

2 complaints

DASH BOARD HAS CRACKED AROUND AIRBAG. CONCERNED THAT IF THERE WAS A COLLISION THAT TYE AIRBAG WOULD EXPLODE AND ENTIRE DASH WOULD EXPLODE WITH IT

Jun 25, 2017

IN FRESNO, CA AT 5:30 P.M., I WAS HEADING EAST ON SHAW AVE., A THREE LANE STREET, NEAR BRAWLEY AVE. A VAN, WAITING FOR CROSS TRAFFIC AT THE CENTER ISLAND, SUDDENLY JOLTED INTO THREE LANES OF HEAVY CHRISTMAS TRAFFIC. THE CAR DRIVER IN THE FIRST LANE SLAMMED ON HER BRAKES AND STOPPED SAFELY. I WAS IN THE CENTER LANE AND UNABLE TO VEER LEFT OR RIGHT, SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES AND CRASHED BROADSIDE, TOTALING BOTH VEHICLES. MY AIRBAG EXPLODED AND CAUGHT FIRE. I SUSTAINED A HEAD AND ANKLE WOUND ABOVE MY LEFT EYE AND ABRASIONS AND BURNS ON BOTH HANDS AND ARMS. MY RIGHT SHOULDER SUSTAINED MUSCLE TEARS FROM THE EXPLOSIVE BAG. THE DRIVER IN LANE ONE, A WITNESS, REPORTED THE VAN'S UNSAFE LEFT TURN, TO THE ATTENDING POLICE WOMAN, WHO FILED A REPORT AND PROVIDED AN INCIDENT NUMBER. I WAS IN SHOCK AND DID NOT KNOW I HAD BEEN BLEEDING ABOVE THE EYE, SHOULDER INJURY, OR CUT ANKLE, NOW SCARRED, UNTIL I GOT HOME AND FELT PAIN AND BLOODY SOCKS, ABOUT 90 MINUTES LATER. I REFUSED EMERGENCY MEDICAL TREATMENT ON THE SPOT, BUT SELF-ADMINISTERED FIRST AID AT HOME, AND WENT IN TO REPORT THE ABRASIONS,BURNS, AND SHOULDER INJURY, TO MY DOCTOR, AS SOON AS I COULD ARRANGE AN APPOINTMENT. A SUBSEQUENT MRI REVEALED MICRO-MUSCULAR TEARS IN THE IMPACTED SHOULDER MUSCLE. THIS 2012 GMC CANYON(TOTALED BY CSAA) WAS RECALLED FOR A HOODLATCH AND FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH. IT IS PROBABLY INCLUDED IN THE IN THE CURRENT AIR BAG RECALL, BUT NOT POSTED YET--5/28/15? I HAVE ANOTHER 2012 CANYON, WHICH REPLACED THE FIRST, AND SUSPECT I HAVE THE SAME DEFECTIVE AIRBAGS? *TR

May 29, 2015

Crash: 1

Fire: 1

Injuries: 1

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

Seatbelt light for the front driver continues to turn on even when buckled in and will ding to notify that it’s not buckled despite it buckled in. This is a safety issue as the airbag light also remains on because of it.

Sep 20, 2025

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

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 common that you can "google" 2005 thru 2012 chevy colorado gmc canyon passlock issue" and find the root and a how to fix / repair guides. I spent almost $600 at the GMC dealer, they found no error or trouble codes in either on board computer, I showed the service advisor the issue, online diagnosis and suggested the repair. This is so dam common it should be a defective part recall and all repairs and costs covered by GM / GMC

Mar 03, 2024

SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

BRAKES: I purchased vehicle September 25, 2012. This problem has occurred since I purchased the vehicle. It does not happen all the time. The problem is the brakes lockup and the steering wheel shudders and the vehicle pulls to the right. The vehicle makes a griding noise. It will NOT stop immediately when you put on the brakes. The brake pedal jumps up and down and makes a grinding noise. The vehicle pulls to the right and jumps up and down. In answer to the next question: This problem has happened since I purchased the vehicle.

Feb 20, 2022

AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

DASH CRACKS EVERYWHERE, ALL ATTACHMENT POINTS ARE CRACKING. NO APPARENT REASON OTHER THAN USING A UN U.V PROTECTED PLASTIC.

Feb 11, 2021

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 complaint

WHILE DRIVING ON I 71 AT 70 MPH IN A POURING RAIN MY WIPERS STOPPED WORKING ALMOST CAUSING ME TO WRECK

Feb 07, 2019

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

WHEN THE VEHICLE IS AT 50 60 OR ANY SPEED - THE TACHOMETER JUMPS AND THE CAR SURGES FEELS LIKE IT GOING TO STOP

Sep 11, 2017

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC CANYON. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, AN ABNORMAL NOISE EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MANIFOLD WAS FRACTURED AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNAVAILABLE.

Sep 09, 2016

TIRES

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC CANYON. THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH GOODYEAR WRANGLER AT/S TIRES, SIZE LT265/70R17. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE LOW TIRE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARDS, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WENT FLAT. THE CONTACT HAD TO STOP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT PULLED THE TIRE OFF AND BROUGHT IT TO THE TIRE SHOP WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A BUBBLE THE SIZE OF A BASEBALL WAS PRESENT IN THE CENTER OF THE TREAD. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE VEHICLE AND TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,500.

Mar 09, 2016

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE

1 complaint

1/29/2015 NO CRANK..DISPLAYED MESSAGE "SERVICE STAB SYS TRACTION FAULT" HAD IT TOWED TO DEALER AND THEY REPLACED ECU REPAIR COST WAS GOING TO BE MORE THAN$500.00 UNTIL I CONTACTED GM CUSTOMER SERVICE IT WAS THEN REDUCED TO $100.00. MILEAGE WAS 33478. THIS WAS THREE MONTHS AGO. AND THE NO CRANK PROBLEM CONTINUED HOWEVER TURNED KEY BACK TO OFF FOR A FEW SECONDS THEN VEHICLE WOULD.. TODAY HAD THIS PROBLEM BUT WHEN IT STARTED ENGINE MISFIRE AND ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON ALONG WITH THE MESSAGE "SERVICE STAB SYS TRACTION FAULT REDUCED POWER". WAS ABLE TO LIMP HOME AT 25 MPH ONCE THERE SHUT ENGINE OF THEN RESTARTED SEEMED TO BE RUNNING OK THEN BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS NOW ON. I HAVE TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER IN THE MORNING IF IT WILL START. I ALSO CONTACTED GM CUSTOMER SERVICE AGAIN. MILEAGE NOW IS 39650

Jun 15, 2015

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC CANYON. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT HAD TO PUMP THE BRAKE PEDAL EACH TIME TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED FOR THE THIRD TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,000. UPDATED 8/19/15*CN UPDATED 10/19/2017*CN

Jun 11, 2015

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

BRAKE LIGHTS AND CRUISE CONTROL FAIL TO FUNCTION VEHICLE WAS RETURN TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE AND THE FUSE BOX WAS REPLACED 2 YEARS AND 40,000 MILES SAME ISSUE AND AFTER MANY RETURN VISITS TO THE DEALER FUSE BOX WAS REPLACED AGAIN. *TR

Feb 27, 2014

POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 complaint

WHILE DRIVING, THE SECURITY LIGHT CAME ON. ENGINE POWER WAS REDUCED OR COMPLETELY ELIMINATED. HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT EVERY THING RESET IN ABOUT THIRTY SECONDS. POWER LOSS COULD BE DEADLY IF ENTERING A HIGHWAY FROM A SIDE STREET IF THERE IS ONCOMING TRAFFIC. *TR

Feb 12, 2014

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 complaint

THERE IS AN EXTREME UNSAFE CONDITION THAT EXIST ON ALL 2012 GMC CANYON PICKUPS. THERE IS NO WAY TO TURN OFF THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS ON THESE PICKUPS. IF THESE TRUCK ARE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND NO ONE INSIDE IS COHERENT ENOUGH TO PUT THE TRUCK IN PARK THE TRUCK WILL REMAIN LOCKED, THIS COULD PREVENT BYSTANDERS FROM BEING ABLE TO OPEN THE DOORS AND RESCUE ANY ONE. IF THERE IS A FIRE INVOLVED THE PASSENGERS WILL BURN TO DEATH NEEDLESSLY. GENERAL MOTORS WILL NOT MAKE ANY EFFORT TO RESOLVE THIS SERIOUS PROBLEM. PLEASE EXIBITE THIS REQUEST TO HAVE GMC REPROGRAM THE TRUCK SO THAT THE LOCKS CAN BE TURNED OFF. THE 2004 CANYONS HAD THIS CHOICE IN THEIR PROGRAMMING. *JS

Jun 07, 2012

4.2/5.0

29 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2012 GMC Canyon have?

The 2012 GMC Canyon currently has 29 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2012 GMC Canyon?

The most common problems reported for the 2012 GMC Canyon are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2012 GMC Canyon problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2012 GMC Canyon comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.