2012 GMC Canyon
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › GMC › Canyon › 2012
These records cover every 2012 GMC Canyon. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2012 GMC Canyon. Newest first.
General Motors is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles manufactured from November 9, 2009, through August 28, 2012, for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 113, "Hood Latch System." The hood may be missing the secondary hood latch.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the primary hood latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly. During vehicle operation, this could obstruct the view of the driver and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
General Motors will notify owners and instruct them to inspect their vehicle for the presence of a secondary hood latch. Dealers will replace the hood on any affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on January 17, 2013. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC at 1-866-996-9463.
General motors (gm) IS recalling certain model year 2012 chevrolet colorado and GMC canyon vehicles, manufactured from september 9, 2011, through october 19, 2011, for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 208, "occupant crash protection." these vehicles may have been produced with driver safety belt buckle…
Risk and remedy
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 personal injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy
Gm will notify owners and dealers will replace the seat belt buckle electrical connector terminals free of charge. the safety recall IS expected to begin on or before december 7, 2011. owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and GMC at 1-866-996-9463.
Owner complaints
23 complaints1 involved a crash1 involved a fire1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags · Seat belts
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.
- Structure › Frame and members
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 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.
- Electrical system · Unknown or other
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…
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
- Electrical system
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…
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.
- Electrical system › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control module
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.
- Service brakes
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…
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.
- Steering
Clicking noise in the steering wheel when turning left or right. *tr
- Steering
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…
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.
- Electrical system
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.
- Visibility/wiper
While driving on I 71 at 70 mph in a pouring rain my wipers stopped working almost causing me to wreck
- Electrical system
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…
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!!!
- Electrical system
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…
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.
- Suspension
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.
- Electrical system
My mother has been left stranded in parking lots or drive ways many times. The engine won't start, and the security light IS flashing, wait ten minutes then it will finally start. The flashing light will eventually go off then she will try to start the engine. She can now get to her destination or should be able to make it home. This IS only a temporary fix and gm needs to fix this.
- Suspension › Front › Hub
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.
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor
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.
- Tires › Tread/belt
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…
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.
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc) · Engine
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…
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
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
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…
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
- Air bags
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 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
- Electrical system · Service brakes
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
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Exterior lighting · Power train
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
- Latches/locks/linkages
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…
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
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11011805This Preliminary information communicates a GM part number forreflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.
- 11011782This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking tension or probing the .64 series terminals. The test probe terminal has been released in the terminal repair kit (J-38125-620H) located in Lear Tray 7 part number 963716-2. There are 5 terminated leads in a package part number is 13505346, which can be ordered through your normal General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales parts channel.
- 11011709This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11011444This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer a process for accessing the procedure to add attachments to a GM technical assistance case using the dealer case management tool.
- 11011205This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010545This service bulletin provides information on key code security rules and information on GM keycode look-up applications (U.S).
- 11010491This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
- 11010490This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11010421This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
- 11009764This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 11009756This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and information on Submission of Warranty Transaction in Global Warranty Management.
- 11009532This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009531This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009156This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 11009088This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.
- 11009039This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information, proper labor operation selection and causal part identification for warranty transactions (U.S. Only).
- 11008956This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 11008906This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 11008898The bulletin provides direction on how to locate the Temporary Service Part (TSP) form in GlobalConnect.
- 11007936This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007935This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007744This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007743This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11007196This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, and/or B3935. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. If unable to duplicate the concern ask if the customer uses any Radio Frequency Identification Devices when the concern is present. Dealer should also direct their customers to the appropriate section in the Owner manuals that references that the device complies.
- 11007121This bulletin provides information on Engine Concerns that could result from lack of scheduled maintenance, improper service or aftermarket calibrations.
- 11007116This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11007115This service bulletin provides information on Internal Engine Noise or Damage After Oil Filter Replacement.
- 11007095This bulletin provides information on the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Licensed Brands and the TOP TIER Diesel Fuel Licensed Brands that are recommended for use in all GM vehicles and the TOP TIER FUELS website URL.
- 11007091This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11006682This service bulletin provides information on a guide to help reduce repeat visits for the same customer concern.
- 11006670This service bulletin advises about the possible issues that may occur when using a scotch brite pad or highly abrasive disk on gasket sealing surfaces or reused parts.
- 11006644This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides information for dealers/Service advisors on when and how to submit a Pre-Repair Authorization (PRA).
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11006511This PI provides information on Rear and Side Tempered Glass Spots (Quench Marks) and that they are a normal characteristic.
- 11006421GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
- 11006282This service bulletin provides information on Chemical Staining, Pitting, Corrosion and/or Spotted Appearance of Chromed Aluminum Wheels.
- 11006278This service bulletin describes the U.S. Dealer Special Tool Loan Program process.
- 11005339This service bulletin explains the difference in oil filters for gas engines with new oil pump control systems and the possibilities of what may happen using the incorrect filter.
- 11005311This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
Every GMC Canyon model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.