2011 GMC Canyon: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2011 GMC Canyon: 5 recalls, 12 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
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.
Suspension Vehicle recall #11V007000 · 2011 · 30,566 vehicles
What's wrong: The rear axle cross pins were not properly heat treated and could fracture and become displaced within the rear axle. Should the pin shift out of position, it could create an interference condition and cause the rear axle to lock.
Why it matters: The driver May not be able to maintain directional control of the vehicle and a crash could occur without warning.
The fix: Dealers will install a new rear axle cross pin free of charge. The safety recall began on January 11, 2011.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #11V276000 · 2011 · 4,674 vehicles
What's wrong: Some of these vehicles have the condition in which the windshield wiper motor crank arm nut May not be tightened to specification. When the wipers are operated with a build-up of snow or ice, or if the wipers are operated on a dry windshield, the nut could loosen. If there is sufficient loosening of the nut, the wipers could become inoperative.
Why it matters: Driver visibility could be reduced increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will secure the wiper motor crank arm nut free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before May 11, 2011.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #11V337000 · 2011 · 6,768 vehicles
What's wrong: 9 or 3.7 liter engine and a four-speed automatic transmission for failing to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no 102, "transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect," and Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 114, "theft protection." these vehicles May have been built with an automatic transmission adjustment clip that May not retain the…
Why it matters: The driver May not be able to restart the vehicle, and the vehicle could roll away as the driver or other occupants exit the vehicle or have exited, resulting in the possibility of the vehicle striking them or someone around the vehicle, or could result in a crash without prior warning.
The fix: Gm dealers will install a new automatic transmission adjustment clip free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about July 19, 2011.
Latches & locks Vehicle recall #12V594000 · 2012 · 118,800 vehicles
What's wrong: 113, "hood latch system." the hood May be missing the secondary hood latch.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (3): the most common themes are warning light on (2).
- Engine (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Airbags (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Exterior lights (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2011 GMC Canyon has 12 owner complaints, ranking #17 of 21 Canyon model years for complaints (well below the 68 average). Complaints peaked in 2014 (3 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 51,073 miles. Neighboring years: 2010 (8 complaints, 2 recalls), 2012 (23 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.9 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 21 | Regular |
| 2.9 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 21 | Regular |
| 2.9 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 20 | Regular |
| 2.9 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 20 | Regular |
| 3.7 L 5-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | Regular |
| 3.7 L 5-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 17 | 22 | 19 | Regular |
| 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 16 | Regular |
| 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | 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 2011 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 2011 GMC Canyon have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 2011 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 2011 GMC Canyon problems?
Owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (3), engine (3), airbags (3).
What gas mileage does the 2011 GMC Canyon get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (2.9 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 8 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2011 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.