Model year guide

2004 GMC Canyon

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2004 GMC Canyon is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 10 on record.

2004 GMC Canyon — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2004 GMC Canyon at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints80
Combined17–21 mpg
Typical price$4,433

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2004 GMC Canyon recalls 3

Child Seat NHTSA Campaign #10V575000 · manufacturer #10367 · 18/11/2010

GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2011, CHEVROLET COLORADO, GMC CANYON, MODEL YEAR 2006, ISUZU I-280/I-350, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2008, I-290/I-370, REGULAR CAB VEHICLES AND EXTENDED CAB VEHICLES WITHOUT A REAR SEAT AND EQUIPPED WITH A FRONT 60/40 SPLIT BENCH SEAT. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE TOP TE…

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. OWNER…

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch NHTSA Campaign #09V310000 · manufacturer #09049 · 29/07/2009

GM IS RECALLING 185,903 MODEL YEAR 2004-2009 COLORADO, GMC MODEL YEAR 2009-2004 CANYON, MODEL YEAR 2006 I-280, I-350, MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 I-290, AND I-370, PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALABAMA, ARIZONA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, HAWAII, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NEVADA, NEW MEXICO, PUERTO RICO, SOUTH CAROLINA, TEXAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS AND UTAH. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A…

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 W…

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch NHTSA Campaign #06V139000 · manufacturer #06030 · 27/04/2006

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.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH ASSEMBLY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 5, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 OR ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2004 GMC Canyon common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 80 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

2004 GMC Canyon safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★
Side — front seat★★★★★
Side — rear seat★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2004 GMC Canyon Crew Cab. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2004 GMC Canyon MPG & running costs

Combined17–21 mpg
City16 mpg
Highway22 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,625
EPA size classStandard Pickup Trucks 2WD
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd or Manual 5-spd
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$6,125 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 14 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

What's a 2004 GMC Canyon worth?

Low
$2,800
Typical price
$4,433
High
$7,800

From 9 comparable 2004 GMC Canyon listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2004 GMC Canyon costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$18,125
Fuel only$18,125
Per mile$0.24

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
191.7–207.1 in
Width
67.7–68.5 in
Height
65.0–68.1 in
Wheelbase
111.0–126.0 in
Curb weight
3,358–4,001 lb
Front track
58.3–59.8 in
Rear track
58.3–60.2 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2004 GMC Canyon — ranges cover the 6 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 2

BRAKE LAMP SWITCH MALFUNCTION Closed

ON JULY 28,2009, GM INITIATED A REGIONAL RECALL CAMPAIGN ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2004-2009 CHEVROLET COLORADO AND GMC CANYON VEHICLES AND MY2006-2008 ISUZU I-SERIES VEHICLES. THE STATES AND U.S. TERRITORIES INVOLVED ARE AL, AZ, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, NV, NM, PR, SC, TX, VI AND UT. A TOTAL OF 185,903 VEHICLES WILL BE RECALLED WITH 92,272 VEHICLES WITHIN THE SCOPE OF THIS INVESTIGATION. IN ADDITION, A SPECIAL COVERAGE/…

NHTSA #RQ09001 · Exterior Lighting · opened Feb 2009 · closed Jul 2009

INADVERTENT FRONT AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT Closed

ALL REPORTS INDICATE INADVERTENT DEPLOYMENT DURING IGNITION START-UP (KEY-ON) AND WITH THE VEHICLE NOT IN MOTION. REPORTED INJURIES WERE MINOR AND CONSIST OF SKIN ABRASION AND BRUISES. THE INCIDENT DATES RANGED FROM JULY THROUGH NOVEMBER 2004. ODI HAS RECEIVED NO ADDITIONAL REPORTS SINCE OPENING THIS INVESTIGATION. A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES N…

NHTSA #PE04076 · Air Bags · opened Nov 2004 · closed Mar 2005

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 602

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 602.

This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.

Bulletin PIP5601C · Jul 2025

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment…

Bulletin PIP5358D · Feb 2025

This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester  and Vehicle Data Record…

Bulletin PIP4723J · Electrical System · Oct 2024

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures…

Bulletin PIT5099H · Sep 2024

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures…

Bulletin PIT5099H · Sep 2024

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in que…

Bulletin PIT3271P · Sep 2024

Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exc…

Bulletin General Communication · Electrical System · Aug 2024

This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.

Bulletin 18-NA-073 · Engine · Aug 2024

GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more caref…

Bulletin 24-NA-141 · Power Train · Jul 2024

This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce c…

Bulletin 16-NA-383 · Fuel/propulsion System, Engine · Jun 2024

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the CANYON. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 4

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2004 GMC Canyon. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Accessories

*** This notice is provided for information purposes only as the subject equipment is not regulated under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act *** A safety defect may exist in aftermarket ACDelco brake shoes manufactured between April 1st 2013 to April 19 2014, sold and/or installed as service replacement parts. The lining of the rear brake shoe may detach from the steel shoe during no…

Transport Canada #2014492 · Oct 2014

Seats And Restraints

Certain vehicles with regular or extended cab without a rear seat, and equipped with a front 60/40 split bench seat, fail to conform to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 210.1 - User-ready Tether Anchorages for Restraint Systems. The child restraint top tether anchor for the front centre seat position in these vehicles is not accessible as required by the Standard. Without t…

Transport Canada #2010418 · Nov 2010

Electrical

On certain vehicles the brake lights may fail to illuminate or stay illuminated at all times. In addition the cruise control will be inoperative. A following driver may not know when the brakes have been applied, and a rear-end crash could occur without prior warning. Correction: Dealers will replace the stop light switch.

Transport Canada #2006096 · Apr 2006

Lights And Instruments

Certain vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of CMVSS 101 & 108. The Body Control Module (BCM) was programmed incorrectly during vehicle assembly. The program that was installed resulted in an odometer reading that indicates miles per hour rather than kilometres per hour. It also allowed the daytime running lamps (DRL) to be manually turned off. Correction: Dealers wil…

Transport Canada #2006087 · Apr 2006

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the GMC Canyon

The Chevrolet Colorado is a series of compact pickup trucks and mid-size pickup trucks marketed by American automaker General Motors. They were introduced in 2004 to replace the Chevrolet S-10 and GMC S-15/Sonoma compact pickups. The Colorado is named after the U.S. state of Colorado, while the Canyon took its name from the deep chasm between cliffs.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

2004 GMC Canyon trims & engines on record

Trims
Z71 SLE · Z71 SL
Engines
3.5L 5-cyl

2004 GMC Canyon vehicles on record

Other GMC Canyon model years

2004 GMC Canyon — frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 GMC Canyon have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2004 GMC Canyon. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2004 GMC Canyon?

Across all 80 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are structure, electrical system, suspension.

What is the 2004 GMC Canyon safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2004 GMC Canyon crash-test ratings of frontal 4★, side 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2004 GMC Canyon get?

The 2004 GMC Canyon has U.S. EPA estimates of 17–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (14 versions).

How much is a 2004 GMC Canyon worth?

Comparable 2004 GMC Canyon listings run roughly $2,800–$7,800, typically around $4,433 (from 9 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.