2005 GMC Canyon: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2005 GMC Canyon: 3 recalls, 113 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #06V139000 · 2006 · 404,733 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain pickup trucks May experience the permanent loss of brake lamp function or brake lamps that are illuminated at all times. The center high-mounted stop lamp (chmsl) is affected in both instances. Also, if equipped, the cruise control will become inoperative. Any trailer brake lamps which are connected to the vehicle's brake lamp wiring will mimic the vehicle's brake lamps when either condition occurs.
Why it matters: A following driver May not know when the brakes have been applied, and a rear-end crash could occur without prior warning.
The fix: Dealers will replace the brake lamp switch assembly. The recall began on December 5, 2006.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #09V310000 · 2009 · 185,903 vehicles
What's wrong: S. Virgin islands and utah. Some of these vehicles have a brake lamp switch that May not work as designed due to contamination in the switch.
Why it matters: This condition could cause the simultaneous loss of all brake lamps or cause all of the brake lamps to stay on continuously. Both of these conditions could fail to warn others of the driver's intentions and could lead to a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the necessary components as specified in the recall bulletin free of charge. Gm anticipates that parts will be available by June 2010. A special coverage for vehicles registered in all other states will be implemented in the same time frame. In the interim, owners…
Child seat Vehicle recall #10V575000 · 2010 · 192,676 vehicles
What's wrong: These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 225, "child restraint anchorage systems." the top tether anchor for the front center seat is not accessible and the owner manual does not include instructions regarding how to use the top tether.
Why it matters: Both NHTSA and gm discourage placement of a child in a front seat. Nevertheless, there are individual circumstances that May require placement of a child in a restraint in the front center seating position of this vehicle that does not offer a rear seat. Lack of access to the top tether anchor and…
The fix: Dealers will cut a hole into the back panel trim cover to allow access to the top tether anchor for the front center seat position and will provide supplemental information as to use in the owner's manual. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule for this campaign.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 5 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (23): the most common themes are electrical failure (13), door / lock issues (8), fire / smoke (4).
- Body & structure (13): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (9).
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (11): the most common themes are electrical failure (2).
- Exterior lights (11): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2005 GMC Canyon has 113 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 21 Canyon model years for complaints (1.7× the average Canyon year). Complaints peaked in 2006 (18 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 50,106 miles. Neighboring years: 2004 (80 complaints, 3 recalls), 2006 (48 complaints, 4 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 21 | Regular |
| 3.5 L 5-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | Regular |
| 2.8 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 22 | 19 | Regular |
| 3.5 L 5-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 22 | 19 | Regular |
| 2.8 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 18 | Regular |
| 3.5 L 5-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Regular |
| 3.5 L 5-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 21 | 18 | Regular |
| 2.8 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2005 GMC Canyon.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2005 GMC Canyon have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2005 GMC Canyon. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2005 GMC Canyon problems?
Owners have filed 113 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (23), body & structure (13), visibility (wipers, glass) (11).
What gas mileage does the 2005 GMC Canyon get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (2.8 L, Manual 5-spd), across 8 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2005 GMC Canyon repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.