2016 Gmc Canyon Safety Report
2016 GMC Canyon Safety and Reliability Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2016 Gmc Canyon
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2016 Gmc Canyon. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (4) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (261) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 10 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Steering | Compare steering issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2021 | Compare against the 2021 Gmc Canyon with 10 complaints and 2 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2015 | Check the 2015 Gmc Canyon before buying across this generation. |
Gmc Canyon Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Gmc Canyon years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Gmc Canyon | 65 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Gmc Canyon | 315 | 8 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2018 Gmc Canyon | 49 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Gmc Canyon | 14 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Gmc Canyon | 13 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Gmc Canyon | 10 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2016 Gmc Canyon Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2016 Gmc Canyon, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Steering
137 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Steering issues Gmc onlyPower Train
22 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Gmc onlyElectrical System
11 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Gmc onlyUnknown Or Other
8 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Gmc onlySteering,Electronic Stability Control (Esc)
8 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Steering,Electronic Stability Control (Esc) issues Gmc onlyEngine
7 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Gmc onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Gmc Canyon
Reliability Score
The 2016 Gmc Canyon receives a reliability score of 8 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates below-average reliability. Significant issues have been reported by owners and should be carefully evaluated before purchase.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2016 Gmc Canyon
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2016 Gmc Canyon
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Gmc Canyon:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Steering Failure Multiple owners have reported power steering failure, making it difficult to steer the vehicle. This is a moderate issue that can occur within the first 60,000 miles. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Transmission Shuddering Transmission shuddering has been reported, especially around 15,000 miles, and is considered a moderate issue that can affect drivability. |
Medium | Occasional | 15k-60k miles |
| Electrical System Issues Electrical system problems, such as EPS difficulties and transmission shuddering, are frequent and can impact the vehicle's performance. |
Low | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Fuel System Recall A recall has been issued for the fuel pump, affecting the fuel system. This is a moderate issue that can occur within the first 60,000 miles. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Gmc Canyon:
23% of owners have reported issues with power steering, including failure and intermittent loss of power steering.
13% of owners have reported transmission shuddering, affecting the vehicle's drivability.
11% of owners have reported electrical system issues, such as EPS difficulties and transmission shuddering.
5% of owners have reported issues with the fuel system, including a recall for the fuel pump.
Recall Details for the 2016 Gmc Canyon
The following 4 recalls have been issued for the 2016 Gmc Canyon by NHTSA:
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
Consequence: A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado, and 2016 Chevrolet Volt vehicles. The driver's frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash.
Consequence: An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2017. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17387.
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Colorado vehicles manufactured January 19, 2016, to February 2, 2016, Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured January 9, 2016, to January 26, 2016, and 2016 GMC Canyon vehicles manufactured January 21, 2016, to February 4, 2016. The driver frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash.
Consequence: An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on April 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 28030.
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Colorado trucks manufactured August 25, 2015 to September 24, 2015, and GMC Canyon trucks manufactured August 28, 2015 to September 24, 2015. The affected vehicles have a console compartment lid latch assembly that may fail to keep the compartment door closed in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 201, "Occupant Protec...
Consequence: If the console compartment door does not remain closed in a crash, the contents stored in the console may strike the vehicle occupants, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the console compartment door latch assembly, free of charge. The recall began on January 5, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16370.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2016 Gmc Canyon
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2016 Gmc Canyon with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 involved fires.
Transmission shudder that is causing Drivability issues. Multiple mechanics have told me to drive it and maintain it until the transmission gives out.
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 re...
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.
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 repai...
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 neede...
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 de...
Power steering goes out intermittently while driving, almost causing wrecks. A warning pops up that power steering needs to be serviced...but when truck is turned off and restarted the issue goes away. This is an extremely dangerous situation and seems to be affecting thousands of vehicles according to internet research. GM needs to be held accountable and recall and fix the issues immediately.
Power steering turned off while driving Pulled over cycled the key it came back on Has happened 3 times in two weeks
At random the power steering and traction control turn off making it difficult to drive.. This happens randomly and has become unable to steer. Once the vehicle is turned off for a period of time you can start it up and the steering returns. The issue was reported in the 2015 models. That recall needs to extend into the 2016 models since most of the parts were most likely manufactured tot eh same...
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that upon attempting to leave the driveway, the vehicle was shifted into drive and the engine experienced a complete loss of automotive power, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the vehicle lost power steering functionality while driving at 65 MPH, and the traction control and vehic...
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that the headlights failed to activate automatically. Additionally, one of the phone charger ports had become inoperable. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. A message advising that the power steering was inoperable and to drive carefully was displayed. The contact pulled over...
I believe the steering gear torque sensor cover assembly is causing my power steering to intermittently stop working I read the report for the 2015 model year and my truck is doing the exact same thing truck was produced in 10/15 but is not part of the recall after further searching online I’ve found other people owning the 2016 model year that has the same issue I believe the recall needs to be m...
EPS becomes difficult to steer occasionally, Brakes seem to lose stopping ability Leaking oil @ either oil pan or transmission
Transmission has been shuddering since 15,000 miles till now. Dealerships says it's normal on these transmissions, 6 fluid and filter changes and now at 72,000 miles the transmission is failing just outside of warranty. They scammed me and kept my transmission barely alive until warranty ran out and now they want 8k-10k for a replacement. They knew. Dash goes crazy from the touch screen to the d...
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became stiff and difficult to turn. The message "Drive with Care" was displayed. The traction control warning light and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the power train torque sensor needed to be repl...
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost electric power steering, and the steering wheel became difficult to steer. The contact pulled to the shoulder of the roadway and turned the vehicle off. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle, the power steering became operable; however, the failure recurred while drivin...
As I was pulling away from the stop sign my power steering quit working and I was almost hit by another vehicle. The dash light flashed and said there was Drive System problems. I was able to get the truck turned back around and headed back home. I got into my garage and checked the power steering fluid and it was full. I started my truck back up and was able to drive to the dealership (Everett GM...
Car repeatedly gives stabilitrack warning while driving and power steering goes out completely. It is incredibly dangerous and it appears this was a problem with the previous model year as well. This has continued to happen and looking online it looks like many owner of this year are plagued with this problem and the cost to fix is very expensive, even though it is a known recall for the previous ...
While driving the truck's stabilitrak and power steering lights came on and I lost the use of power steering. This first happened while going 70 mph on the toll road and I almost lost control of the car it happened so suddenly. I was able to pull over and turned the truck off and back on again. The issue seemed to have resolved itself. Then a week later I was turning right into traffic and it happ...
While driving, power steering system quits providing power assist. This problem is intermittent and can occur at any time without any warning and at any speed. This is a safety concern since no warning is given as to when the power steering system will fail. Have contacted local GMC dealer and was told there is a recall for the 2025 model but not the 2016. Contacted General Motors and was told...
Showing 20 of 261 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Gmc Canyon
Has the 2016 GMC CANYON been recalled?
Yes, the 2016 GMC CANYON has 4 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2016 GMC CANYON have?
The 2016 GMC CANYON has 261 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 8 involved crashes. 4 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 GMC CANYON?
The 2016 GMC CANYON received an overall NHTSA safety rating of good (4/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 3/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 GMC CANYON?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2016 GMC CANYON involve steering (137 complaints), power train (22 complaints), electrical system (11 complaints). Other affected components include unknown or other, steering,electronic stability control (esc), engine.
How many crash reports does the 2016 GMC CANYON have?
There are 8 crash reports associated with the 2016 GMC CANYON out of 261 total complaints (3.1% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2016 GMC CANYON have?
There are 2 fire reports for the 2016 GMC CANYON out of 261 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2016 GMC CANYON?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 GMC CANYON.
How many injuries are reported for the 2016 GMC CANYON?
4 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 GMC CANYON. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2016 GMC CANYON?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 GMC CANYON is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 261 complaints, 4 recalls, and a good (4/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2016 GMC CANYON?
The components with the most failures on the 2016 GMC CANYON are: 1. STEERING (137 complaints), 2. POWER TRAIN (22 complaints), 3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (11 complaints), 4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (8 complaints), 5. STEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) (8 complaints). STEERING is the single most-reported problem area with 137 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2016 GMC CANYON?
Be cautious of power steering and transmission issues, as they are common in this model. Regular maintenance can help mitigate these problems. The 2016 GMC CANYON has 261 NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it good (4/5).
How reliable is the 2016 GMC CANYON?
The 2016 GMC CANYON receives a reliability score of 8/100, indicating below-average reliability. This is based on 261 owner complaints, 4 recalls, and 10 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Power Steering Failure and Transmission Shuddering.
What are the known issues with the 2016 GMC CANYON?
Known issues with the 2016 GMC CANYON include: Power Steering Failure, Transmission Shuddering, Electrical System Issues, Fuel System Recall. These are based on patterns found across 261 NHTSA complaints. 4 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common issues with the 2016 GMC Canyon?
Common issues include power steering failure, transmission shuddering, and electrical system problems.
Is there a recall for the 2016 GMC Canyon?
Yes, there is a recall for the fuel pump, affecting the fuel system.
How can I prevent power steering issues?
Regular maintenance and driving the vehicle until the transmission gives out can help prevent power steering issues.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of power steering and transmission issues, as they are common in this model. Regular maintenance can help mitigate these problems.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Gmc Canyon
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Gmc Canyon. The data includes 261 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 8 reported crashes, 2 fire incidents, 4 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 Gmc Canyon an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 3 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16