2016 GMC Canyon problems: engine and transmission complaints and recalls
NO ELEVATED SIGNAL
24%
64 of 270 relevant owner complaints are about the engine, transmission or fuel system
No elevated drivetrain complaint concentration in the available NHTSA records for the 2016 GMC Canyon. Engine, transmission and fuel system account for 24% of relevant complaints.
Better than 81% of the 1,789 model years we track (2010–2023).
Does the 2016 GMC Canyon have engine or transmission problems?
Not as a pattern, going by owner complaints. 64 of 270 relevant complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2016 GMC Canyon concern the engine, transmission or fuel system (24%). For comparison, the 2015 scores 19% and the 2017 scores 54%. This describes the model year, not any one car: a well-maintained or already-repaired example can be fine, and a clean model year can still have a bad car in it.
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 TRAIN03/10/2026
Transmission shudder that is causing Drivability issues. Multiple mechanics have told me to drive it and maintain it until the transmission gives out.
STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM10/21/2025
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 t…
Three of 64 drivetrain complaints. The full report shows more, with quotes about the engine in the car you are looking at first.
Recall campaigns on the 2016 GMC Canyon (4)
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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 i…
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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 LaC…
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
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 manufactu…
This does not say whether a particular car has an open, unrepaired recall. That depends on the VIN.
Before you buy a 2016 GMC Canyon
No elevated drivetrain pattern for this model year. That describes the model, not the car in front of you.
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
4 recall campaigns on this model year. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on the VIN; the report checks that.
Ask for service records. A transmission already replaced under warranty is a different car from one that was not.
Questions people ask about the 2016 GMC Canyon
Does the 2016 GMC Canyon have engine or transmission problems?
Not as a pattern, going by owner complaints. 64 of 270 relevant complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2016 GMC Canyon concern the engine, transmission or fuel system (24%). It describes the model year, not any one car, so an inspection still matters.
Are there engine or transmission recalls on the 2016 GMC Canyon?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns on the 2016 GMC Canyon. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
Which GMC Canyon years are better?
Among the GMC Canyon years we track, the 2012 (16%) and the 2015 (19%) have a lower engine and transmission complaint share than the 2016 (24%). Manufacturers fix things mid-generation, so the year before or after can be a different car.
Should I buy a 2016 GMC Canyon?
That depends on the car in front of you, not just the model year. The 2016 GMC Canyon shows no elevated engine or transmission pattern in owner complaints, which is a good starting point. It is still one car with its own history, so get an independent pre-purchase inspection and a vehicle history report before you commit.
Have the VIN?Paste it and get the full report for that car. First report free, then a 30-day pass covers a whole car search.
Experimental model-level information. This is not a vehicle inspection, vehicle-history
report, financial advice or purchase recommendation. It describes patterns across a model year, not the condition
of any individual vehicle.