Is the 2021 Gmc CANYON reliable?

The 2021 Gmc CANYON has 13 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.3x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: excellent. Most common issue: DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS problems.

What are common problems with the 2021 Gmc CANYON?

Top problems: DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS (3 complaints, avg repair $500); AIR BAGS (2 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (2 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2021 Gmc CANYON?

Yes, there are 2 recall(s): SEAT BELTS, EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS. Contact any Gmc dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Gmc CANYON?

The 2021 Gmc CANYON gets 22 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2182. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2021 Gmc CANYON?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2021 Gmc CANYON is approximately $1,860/year (truck-fullsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2021 Gmc CANYON

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Excellent Reliability

Quick Summary

The 2021 Gmc CANYON has 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.3x the segment average of 39. The most common issue is driver assist/cameras problems (23% of all complaints), specifically: i was involved in a mva with another car. the other car had all their airbags deploy after they struck me. none of my airbags deployed. i was hit in the right front corner ahead of my right tire. the secondary impact was to my right side between my rear passenger door and rear tire. they hit me wi. There are 2 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 1 fire report filed.

1 fire report 3 crash reports 9 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

4/5

Safety Stars

0.3x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS

3 complaints

23%

• I was involved in a MVA with another car. The other car had all their airbags deploy after they struck me. None of my airbags deployed. I was hit in the right front corner ahead of my right tire. The secondary impact was to my right side between my rear passenger door and rear tire. They hit me wi
• The rear camera and wire harness for the Rear Backup Camera became corroded and stopped working months ago. This is vital technology that our children have grown up with to ensure the safety of backing up in case something is behind the vehicle including young children, toys, equipment or someone si
• The contact owns a 2021 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while reversing, the back over prevention screen image was solid blue, and there was no image displayed, creating a visibility hazard for the driver. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and it was determined that the rearview camera

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 1 crashes

“I was involved in a MVA with another car. The other car had all their airbags deploy after they struck me. None of my airbags deployed. I was hit in the right front corner ahead of my right tire. The secondary impact was to my right side between my rear passenger door and rear tire. They hit me wi”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (2)

SEAT BELTS23/12/2020

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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2021 Gmc CANYON

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,182

Per month

$182

Per mile

18.2¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,667/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,600/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Gmc CANYON

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,860

Full coverage / month

$155

Liability only / year

$635

vs US avg

+11%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (truck-fullsize)1.08x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.98x

× vehicle age1.05x

= Full coverage estimate$1860

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Gmc CANYON Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

45K mi

Engine coolant

150K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

23K mi

Engine air filter

45K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

45K mi

Uses GM Oil Life System. Full-size trucks may have shorter differential and transfer case intervals if used for towing.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Gmc New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

6 yr / 100K mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Gmc. If you're buying a used 2021 CANYON, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Gmc dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

SEATS/RESTRAINTS(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 13 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: I was involved in a MVA with another car. The other car had all their airbags deploy after they struck me. None of my airbags deployed. I was hit in the right front corner ahead of my right tire. The secondary impact was to my right side between my rear passenger door and rear tire. They hit me wi
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
AIR BAGS: I WAS INVOLVED IN A SERIOUS FRONT END COLLISION THAT TOTALED MY VEHICLE. MY TRUCK WAS DEEMED NOT REPAIRABLE AND DECLARED TOTAL BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. I WAS DRIVING ON THE NJ GARDEN STATE PARKWAY WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. NOT ONE AIRBAG WAS DEPLOYED!
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: The rear camera and wire harness for the Rear Backup Camera became corroded and stopped working months ago. This is vital technology that our children have grown up with to ensure the safety of backing up in case something is behind the vehicle including young children, toys, equipment or someone si
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: The contact owns a 2021 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while driving 6 MPH and going over a speed bump, the contact heard an abnormal knocking sound emanating from the driver’s side suspension. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the upper con
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Gmc dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)