Model year guide

2011 GMC Canyon

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2011 GMC Canyon is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 13 on record.

2011 GMC Canyon — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2011 GMC Canyon at a glance

Safety recalls5
Owner complaints23
Combined16–21 mpg
Typical price$14,140

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

2011 GMC Canyon recalls 5

Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch NHTSA Campaign #12V594000 · manufacturer #12319 · 19/12/2012

General Motors is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles manufactured from November 9, 2009, through August 28, 2012, for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 113, "Hood Latch System." The hood may be missing the secondary hood latch.

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. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC…

Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl) NHTSA Campaign #11V337000 · manufacturer #11181 · 28/06/2011

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CHEVROLET COLORADO AND GMC CANYON PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.9 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, "T…

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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.

Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor NHTSA Campaign #11V276000 · manufacturer #11095 · 06/05/2011

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CHEVROLET COLORADO AND GMC CANYON VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 22, 2010, THROUGH NOVEMBER 5, 2010. 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 LOO…

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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 OR WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

Suspension:rear:axle:spindle NHTSA Campaign #11V007000 · manufacturer #10426A · 06/01/2011

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, COLORADO, EXPRESS, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; AND GMC CANYON, SIERRA, SAVANA, YUKON AND YUKON XL VEHICLES. 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 CON…

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW REAR AXLE CROSS PIN FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 11, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 AND AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

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…

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.

2011 GMC Canyon common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.

2011 GMC Canyon safety ratings

Rollover★★★★★

Rollover risk: 17.9% — NHTSA's estimated chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash (dynamic test: no tip).

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2011 GMC Canyon PU/RC AWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2011 GMC Canyon MPG & running costs

Combined16–21 mpg
City16 mpg
Highway22 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,644
EPA size classSmall Pickup Trucks 2WD
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd or Manual 5-spd
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$6,219 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 16 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

What's a 2011 GMC Canyon worth?

Low
$10,900
Typical price
$14,140
High
$18,200

From 11 comparable 2011 GMC Canyon listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2011 GMC Canyon costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$18,220
Depreciation (5 yrs)$6,500
Total$24,720
Per mile$0.33

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($14,140) with the same model 5 model-years older ($7,639), from CarLogs listing data. 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 2011 GMC Canyon — ranges cover the 6 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 1266

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 1266.

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

Bulletin PIP4902W · Sep 2026

This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.

Bulletin PIT3271Q · Apr 2026

This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.

Bulletin PIP6104 · Mar 2026

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

Bulletin PIP4902V · Mar 2026

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

Bulletin PIP4902U · Jan 2026

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit vibration conditions without utilizing the support of General M…

Bulletin PIT5214G · Nov 2025

New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH

Bulletin 13598 · Sep 2025

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

Bulletin PIP4902T · Aug 2025

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060,…

Bulletin PIC5650M · Aug 2025

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

Bulletin PIP4902S · Jun 2025

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

Canadian recalls 5

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2011 GMC Canyon. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Other

Certain vehicles fail to conform to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 113 – Hood Latch System. Specifically, the hood may be missing the secondary hood latch. If the primary hood latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly. If this occurs while the vehicle is in motion, the hood could contact the windshield and compromise the driver’s ability to see the road and i…

Transport Canada #2012439 · Dec 2012

Other

On certain vehicles, the automatic transmission shift cable adjustment clip may not retain the cable in the correct position. As such, the shift lever indicator may not accurately reflect the actual transmission gear selection. This could allow the driver to move the shifter to PARK and remove the ignition key, even if the transmission gear is not in the PARK position. Should t…

Transport Canada #2011241 · Jun 2011

Visual System

On certain vehicles, the windshield wiper motor crank arm nut may not have received adequate tightening torque during vehicle assembly. If the nut loosens, it could result in a loss of windshield wiping capability which, should it occur during a rainy/snowy day, may compromise the driver's ability to see the road and its users, which could result in a crash causing property dam…

Transport Canada #2011189 · May 2011

Suspension

On certain vehicles, the rear axle cross pin was improperly heat treated (during the manufacturing process) and could fracture and become displaced within the rear differential. As a result the driver may hear a banging noise emanating from the rear axle. Also, if the pin shifts out of position it could create an interference and cause the rear axle to lock. This could cause a…

Transport Canada #2010454 · Dec 2010

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

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.

2011 GMC Canyon trims & engines on record

Trims
SLE · SLT · Work Truck
Engines
3.7L 5-cyl · 2.9L 4-cyl

2011 GMC Canyon vehicles on record

Other GMC Canyon model years

2011 GMC Canyon — frequently asked questions

Does the 2011 GMC Canyon have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2011 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 2011 GMC Canyon?

Across all 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, engine, electrical system.

What is the 2011 GMC Canyon safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2011 GMC Canyon crash-test ratings of rollover 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2011 GMC Canyon get?

The 2011 GMC Canyon has U.S. EPA estimates of 16–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (16 versions).

How much is a 2011 GMC Canyon worth?

Comparable 2011 GMC Canyon listings run roughly $10,900–$18,200, typically around $14,140 (from 11 vehicles).

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