2016 GMC Canyon Complaints

STEERING — Filed 07/28/2026

I was driving around a windy road up a canyon with sheer cliffs, and my power steering suddenly went out. It took almost all my strength to steer it clear of me going off the canyon. It has since then gone out intermittently for months now. I’m waiting for the warranty to approve a replacement. I know this is a common issue with this year vehicle and there was a recall for the previous years version. Seeing how many complaints about this year make and model online for the same issue makes me wonder if a recall should be in place.

STEERING — Filed 09/26/2026

The power steering on the truck we purchased for our son for college went out while he driving, I had him take it to a local shop and they said this is a known issue from GM and a safety alert was issue under NHTSA 21V213000/GM Recall N202325410. However, even though GM used the exact same steering rack parts, they excluded 2016 models from the recall and issue TSB #16-NA-065 as an instruction guide for mechanics. The local shop that is doing the work also sited TSB-N202325410-01 issued from GM. I'm now having to pay $3,597 to have the steering rack replaced the truck, which has no other issues, so that it can be driven safely. This is more than a little surprising and has caused us to have to take money out of a line of credit we have against our home to cover this unexpected and undisclosed cost when we purchased the truck as a used vehicle from the a Hendrick dealer.

STEERING — Filed 09/10/2026

2016 GMC Canyon Power Steering failure exactly the same as the recall done on the 2015 GMC Canyon in 2021. While I am driving, for the last 5 days, my power steering and stabilitrac will shut off, and a warning sign will appear on my dash. I have researched it fully and the same exact recall was done on the 2015 model, and a lot of people have complained about this issue. It is not safe and very difficult to steer while driving, especially at slow speeds.

STEERING — Filed 07/02/2026

Was in my garage and started up my truck and seen an alert regarding the steering. Reversed truck and was un-able to steer the truck. Steering wheel would not move at all.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 06/30/2026

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the infotainment system and screen display became inoperable. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that an unknown part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 06/19/2026

Power steering and StabiliTrack warning pops-up randomly and cuts off power steering assistance while I'm driving on the highway or on country roads. The power steering is very hard to maneuver. However, when it's safe to do so, I have to pull over on a safe place and have to restart my truck twice, in order to regain power steering. I have taken it to an independent mechanic and to a Chevy dealership on Merced. The dealership service tech informed me that in order to service the vehicle and find the code that is making this issue, that I would have to continue driving the truck and bring it in to the dealership with the power steering and StabiliTrack warning. According to the technician, they can't do much due to that they don't know what is causing the power steering to malfunction. I haven't been able to take it to the dealership because the warnings have occurred while I'm far away from a dealership or diagnosis area. Also, I will not risk my safety maneuvering a vehicle that has lost electric power steering around a city where lots of left or right turns are necessary to drive to a locality. This is the only vehicle I have to go to work or travel and fear for my safety when this happens. PLEASE HELP.

STEERING — Filed 05/13/2026

This is a constant issue where the power steering issues disabled while driving and its very damgerous usually i just turn it off and on it fixes it, but then it happens again and frequently

STEERING — Filed 06/10/2026

Recurring Stabilitrack issues while driving. Reset system replaced fuses and issue keeps happening. Bringing for further service.

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 04/01/2025

The power steering and Stabilitrak systems intermittently fail while the vehicle is in operation. The issue occurs unpredictably, both immediately after startup and while driving. On several occasions, the systems have failed during turns, requiring sudden corrective action and increased steering effort to maintain control and avoid veering off the road or colliding with nearby vehicles. No warning signs or noticeable symptoms are present prior to the failure occurring.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 03/01/2018

Transmission shudder that is causing Drivability issues. Multiple mechanics have told me to drive it and maintain it until the transmission gives out.

STEERING — Filed 02/02/2026

1. The power steering failed when I was driving my 2016 GMC Truck. 2. The failure caused the steering of the truck to be very difficult putting myself and any passengers at risk. 3. This issue occurred on 2/19/26 at about 3:00PM Central time while driving. Power steering warning lights did illuminate. 4. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone at this time. Please note there is a safety recall associated with the 2015 GMC Canyons for the exact same problem. Instructions were given to submit a report to the NHTSA and the vehicle's owner may be eligible for reimbursement or free repair is a "hidden," warranty extension or "customer satisfaction program" covers it.

STEERING — Filed 02/09/2026

Loss of power steering. This is a known problem with the 2015 GMC Canyon models. My 2016 GMC Canyon has the same problem. This is a serious issue. A recall should be issued. It has happened to me several times.

STEERING — Filed 02/06/2026

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the steering wheel seized, with the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering gear had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 102,000.

STEERING — Filed 01/21/2024

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering feature suddenly malfunctioned, causing the steering wheel to become difficult to turn in either direction. After the failure occurred, the traction control warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic, who diagnosed that the steering column was faulty and needed to be replaced. The steering column was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer was aware of the failure involving the steering column on similar vehicles, but had not issued a recall for the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC — Filed 11/26/2025

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH in a parking lot, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the brake pedal was very firm while being depressed. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the vacuum pump and brake booster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE — Filed 07/27/2024

On [XXX] at approximately 5:30p, I was driving normal highway speed when I saw what I thought was exhaust trailing behind. There were NO dash warning lights, engine temperature showing normal range, car was performing normally. I pulled over to shoulder, turned off car, released the hood latch. My husband tried to open hood but it was too hot. We then realized it was smoke coming from under hood, not exhaust. Smoke began to come inside car through vents. I quickly exited the car, and within a minute the entire front end engine area was engulfed in flames. 911 was called, fire, police, highway patrol responded. Fortunately there was no injury to myself or husband. There was also concern of starting a brushfire risk here in SoCal, but it was all extinguished thoroughly. Truck was towed to Al’s Towing, 475 W Vermont Ave, Escondido CA 92025, ph 760-745-5933. A report has been filed with our insurance USAA, inspection by adjuster is pending. I also notified Temecula GMC, where I purchased vehicle from, of the incident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS — Filed 08/14/2022

I have a power steering failure.I also have a fuel problem while pumping gas, the truck doesn’t want to start.

STEERING — Filed 04/22/2022

Alarmed Power Steering System Failure lost all steering while driving

AIR BAGS — Filed 09/14/2021

On September 14, 2021, my 2016 GMC Canyon struck another vehicle from behind going approximately 55 MPH and the airbags did not deploy. Every mechanic and insurance adjuster has stated that the airbags should have deployed in this collision.

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS — Filed 05/28/2020

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN TWO VEHICLE ACCIDENT. DRIVER AIRBAG IN 2016 CANYON FAILED TO DEPLOY UPON IMPACT WITH OTHER VEHICLE. ACCIDENT OCCURRED ON A CITY STREET IN GULFPORT, MS. WAS GOING STRAIGHT AT POSTED SPEED OF 35MPH, SECOND VEHICLE FAILED TO YIELD AT CROSS STREET. "T" BONED 2ND VEHICLE IN DRIVER DOOR. *TR

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE — Filed 01/07/2019

VEHICLE IGNITION KEY CAN NOT BE REMOVED AND IT DOES NOT STAY IN PARK. VEHICLE CAN CRASH CAUSING INJURIES AND PROPERTY DAMAGE VEHICLE HAS ABOUT 35000K MILES UNDER WARRENTY AND GMC REFUSES TO DO ANY THING ABOUT IT.

ENGINE — Filed 04/16/2017

I PURCHASED A GM 2016 CANYON IN OCTOBER, 2016 AND HAD DRIVEN IT NEARLY SIX MONTHS WHEN THE EVENT DECRIBED HERE OCCURRED. UP UNTIL APRIL 16, 2017, I HAD HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH THE TRUCK. HOWEVER, ON EASTER SUNDAY AFTERNOON, WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SLOW MY CANYON DOWN AND PREPARING TO STOP AT A STOP LIGHT, THE ENGINE SEEMED TO GO FORWARD OF IT'S OWN VOLITION AND THE TRUCK DID NOT RESPOND TO MY EFFORTS TO BRING IT TO A COMPLETE STOP. CONSEQUENTLY, MY VEHICLE STRUCK THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY IN FRONT OF IT. A SUBSEQUENT INTERNET SEARCH REVEALED THAT A TECHNICAL SAFETY BULLETIN ISSUED BY GM IN SEPTEMBER OF 2016 DESCRIBED THIS EVENT AS HAVING OCCURRED TO 2016 CANYON DIESEL ENGINES. MY VEHICLE HAS A GASOLINE ENGINE; NONETHELESS THE CONDITION WAS DESCRIBED IN THE BULLETIN (TSB 16-NA-276) AS: "SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT ON A SHUDDER AT LOW SPEEDS, AN IDLE SURGE WHEN STOPPED OR APPROACHING A STOP." THIS IDLE SURGE DESCRIBES EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED TO MY VEHICLE AS I WAS ATTEMPTING TO SLOW DOWN AND STOP AT A RED LIGHT. ALTHOUGH THERE WAS NO DAMAGE DONE TO MY VEHICLE, THE OFFICER WHO INVESTIGATED THE ACCIDENT WOULD NOT LET US DRIVE OUR VEHICLE UNTIL IT HAD BEEN EXAMINED AND EVALUATED BY OUR LOCAL GM SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THE SERVICE PERSONNEL ADAMANTLY MAINTAINED THEN (AND NOW) THAT THE ACCIDENT DID NOT HAPPEN AS I DESCRIBED IT. I HAD TO CONTACT GMC CUSTOMER CARE CENTER TO HAVE 15 MINUTES WORTH OF DIAGNOSTICS DONE PER COMPUTER, ESP THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE. THE TSB STATES: "IF YOU ENCOUNTER A VEHICLE WITH THE ABOVE CONCERN, REPROGRAM THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE WITH THE LATEST CALIBRATIONS." LUCKILY, THE GENTLEMAN AT THE CUSTOMER CARE SERVICE WAS ABLE TO INTERVENE AND HAVE THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE EVALUATED AND DOCUMENTATION THAT THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS WITH IT OR ANY OTHER "CONTROL MODULES" PROVIDED TO US BY OUR LOCAL GM SERVICE DEPARTMENT.

SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE — Filed 09/05/2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 GMC CANYON. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKES ENGAGED WITHOUT WARNING AND WITHOUT THE ASSISTANCE OF THE DRIVER. THE VEHICLE DECREASED TO SPEEDS OF 20-30 MPH. THE CONTACT COULD NOT ACCELERATE BEYOND 30 MPH. IN ADDITION, OIL LEAKED ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND CREATED A BURNING ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 4,000.

STEERING — Filed 12/29/2015

ON 12/29.2015 AT APPROXIMATELY 8:00 AM ON A CLEAR BRIGHT DAY I WAS DRIVING NEAR MY MY HOME RETURNING FROM AND ERRAND. I WAS APPROXIMATELY 90% THROUGH A SLIGHT RIGHT TURN WHEN THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING WENT OUT CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LEAVE THE ROAD, CONTINUE DOWN A DITCH HITTING A CONCRETE DRIVE, CONCRETE MAIL BOX AND A POWER POLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND I HAD SOFT TISSUE BRUISING, CUTS AND ABRASIONS.

STEERING — Filed 12/29/2015

FAULTY ELECTRIC POWER STEERING CAUSED VEHICLE VEER OFF THE RODE HITTING A CONCRETE WALL, CONCRETE MAIL BOX AND TELEPHONE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE VEHICLE WAS NORTH BOUND A TWO BLACK TOP ROAD AT A SLIGHT RIGHT HAND TURN.