NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 GMC Canyon. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the power steering failed. The contact stated that the power steering and stability track warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled off the road and turned off the vehicle and when the vehicle was restarted, the power steering functionality returned. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer who determined that the steering gear box assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
When I put my GMC Canyon into park, the key will not release from the ignition. This does not happen every time, but it is a recurring problem. I first had the issue back on April 6, 2018 and the dealer "fixed" the issue. Three weeks later, April 27, 2018, I had the same issue. This time the dealer replaced the "shift control assembly". The truck was still under warranty so there was no financial burden on me. Then on September 2, 2020 the same issue happened and the shift control assembly had to be replaced again. This time the truck was not under warranty and it cost me $688.72. Now August 2022 the key is not releasing from the ignition once again. This is the 4th time for the same issue. I believe GMC needs to recall this part and come up with a fix that will work.
While driving I was alerted from the vehicle message system that my power steering was out. It then made the vehicle incredibly difficult to turn. This has happened on numerous occasions, some while turning, causing me to almost crash. 2015 GMC Canyon's and Chevrolet Colorado's had recalls for the same issue, however, 2016's have not. I have read numerous articles stating owners of these same vehicles with 2016's are having the same problems but GMC isn't recognizing it and the owners are having to foot the bill at the dealership. This a huge safety concern which could ultimately involve death if not handled.
I have a power steering failure.I also have a fuel problem while pumping gas, the truck doesn’t want to start.
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while her husband was driving approximately 20 MPH, the power steering suddenly malfunctioned causing the steering wheel to become difficult to turn in either direction. During the failure the “Power Steering Failure" message was displayed. After turning off and restarting the vehicle the power steering operated normally; however, the failure reoccurred. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 140,000.
Power steering suddenly goes out while driving. I get a ringing and visual notification notifying me that stabilitrak and power steering are not working properly. I have to steer the truck manually. The next day it drives correctly again for 5-10 miles then the exact same issue reappears, and I lose all power steering while on the road at full speed. This issue is recalled in 2015 GMC Canyons, but not on my 2016 model. Please address this issue asap. I'm being told I have to have the whole rack replaced for $2400.
loss of power steering.
Driving and the Stabilitrak warning comes on as well as the Power steering warning. later after the vehicle is turned off it will not restart (no crank, no Start) and there is no communication with the ECM until it has had the battery disconnected for an extended period. This is very dangerous losing power steering and stabilitrak while driving is going to cause an accident. I would like to see a recall on the 2016 like there is on the 2015 with this same issue. I have not had the issue repaired yet. waiting to get it into a shop who tells me they will likely need to replace the Rack and Pinion on this truck to correct the issue.
DEF Fluid/nox sensor. My truck has 37,000 miles on it. I have been limited to 65mph, 55mph, and then 5mph 3 separate times already because DEF fluid quality poor permanent code. It all comes down to a dirty nox sensor #2 in the exhaust. The DEF fluid is not actually poor quality. I frequently travel long distance. This permanent code should not be limiting my speed. I want a full recall and have this removed from the truck. I did not buy a truck for it to tell me I can't go a certain distance for so many miles because it may be polluting a little extra. This is a safety hazard and a costly hazard when you get stranded on the side of a highway or cannot keep up with traffic because the truck is limited to a certain speed. The message also blocks all digital functions from being accessed at all times.
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while the gear shifter was in park(P), the contact was unable to be removed from the ignition. The contact was able to remove the key after several attempts. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 55,223.
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the stability control and power steering warning lights illuminated. The vehicle then lost stability control functionality and the steering wheel became firm. The contact stopped on the side of road and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted and operated normally. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle needed to diagnosed. The failure mileage was 116,000. The VIN was not available.
I was driving 70 mph on the highway at roughly 6:45 am on Saturday. Luckily there was no traffic due to the early weekend day. There were no indications previous to the power steering going out. Dashboard flashed error after the power steering went out. I was on a bridge and unable to maneuver the steering wheel. I was on a straight patch and slowed down with my hazards on. I stopped my truck and took the keys out and then restarted it and it was fine. I turned around to drive home and it did it again. Twice while I was in the highway at high speeds!!
loss of power steering.While driving.
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the stabilizer and the steering power assist warning lights illuminated. The vehicle then lost power steering functionality. The contact was able to pull over safely to the side of the road. The contact then turned off and restarted the vehicle. The contact also stated that the vehicle was reset overnight occasionally. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle with steering assist and rack and pinion failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
Power steering and stabilitrak intermittently go out. Latest episode resulted in power steering failing at low speeds and continuously chiming for service. Stabilitrak error message also comes in notifying service. This issue has happened in the past where I would turn on the vehicle and the power steering would be out without a service warning. After shutting the vehicle off and on again power steering would be back. In the last attempt to drive this error came up and attempting to turn the vehicle off and on again did not fix. It was not until I was about 15 miles down the road that the power steering kicked back in. I believe this may be the same issue as the recall of the 2015 models.
Power steering loss.Very unsafe.Was taken to dealership could not find problem.This has happened 3 times.Paid a lot of money for this truck very frustrating.please help.Thank you.
It keeps putting my vehicle into limp mode with the def system and tell me that I have poor exhaust quality. I can’t keep taking my vehicle into the shop not sure if it’s a sensor or the soot again or what but something has got to give
Complete loss of power steering while driving, unable to control truck steering at slow speed. Warning lights were Service Power Steering and Service Stabillitrac. GMC dealership repair will be $2200.00. Replace entire steering rack.
At random times, the power steering will cut off making the vehicle very difficult to steer. This can happen when starting or while driving. It will not come back on until the vehicle is shut off. Sometimes restarting works and sometimes it does not. I have put dielectric grease on the connecters behind the airbag. This seems to help for a while. The condition matches NHTSA Campaign number 21V213000 for power steering issues. However, many 2016 models experience the exact same issue. The dealer will not help. This is my daughters truck and she is not big/strong enough to overcome the loss of power steering.
1 inch section of magnetic strip GLUED to outer rim of reluctor rim broke off. For an item that sees such a high rate of speed, gluing anything to the outside is piss poor engineering.
Driving on a freeway at about 60 mph my power steering stopped working. Luckily I was driving and not my wife. I don't think she could have steered the truck since it took a lot to merge out of the freeway. The message on the dash said (power steering service. Drive careful.) I made it into a parking lot nearby and turned the key off then back on and the power steering worked again and the message was gone.
The Stabilitrek system will automatically activate while driving resulting in a loss of power steering when there are no hazards or conditions to cause it. When this happens, I cannot turn it off, and have to pull over and turn my car off for 30 seconds to turn it off and gain power steering again.
Alarmed Power Steering System Failure lost all steering while driving
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway and called a friend for assistance. The contact had experienced the failure on three separate occasions. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 62,000.
In the last 25 days while driving to work the power steering assist has suddenly stopped working and immediately caused the truck to become extremely difficult to handle, this has happened twice. Considering the truck immediately has handling issues I am concerned for my safety and the safety of my passengers.
We are always getting a code P1478 on our truck when we add def fuel in it when it is time to do so. We have tried to clear it out on our own but never goes away and have to end up taking it to the dealership to get it done. They said it's because the soot it built up. We have always used Blue Def in our vehicles. There was a recall on this system where they have to reset the system or a sensor. I don't understand whey this is always happening, The drivers seat was recalled once for it not being manufactured corrected. It fabic held up a few years when we got the few years when we got the vehicle and it is has done it again. We have asked the dealership about about another recall on the seat and they said they haven't seen one. We have tried to get it fixed on our own but no one have the fabic to do it. It isn't but together very well at all.
The incident occurred while I was bringing my 18 month old daughter home from daycare. As I was initiating a left hand turn across traffic, the truck suddenly suffered a total loss of power steering. I had already committed to the maneuver when I realized what was happening, but thankfully was able to complete the turn despite struggling to apply enough force to the wheel. I then immediately pulled to the side of the road and parked. I believe multiple warning messages displayed, but I was concentrating on reaching safety and didn't see them all. I did see that one of the messages indicated Stabilitrack had failed. After the vehicle sat for several hours, I returned and started the vehicle, at which point the errors had cleared and power steering had been restored, at least temporarily. I took the truck to a non-dealer repair shop, who did discover a stored error code: C0545 - Steering Wheel Torque Sensor Malfunction. As the sensor is highly integrated into the steering system, the repair required the replacement of the entire rack and pinion component. In order to avoid living with the threat of intermittent power steering failure endangering my family at any moment, I had no choice but to authorize this very expensive repair.
Power steering randomly goes out and causes safety risk to driver, passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers on/near road
the power steering routinely fails when driving, creating a dangerous road hazard since it obviously makes it next to impossible to control the steering wheel. I've taken it to the dealer several times now, and they have a different solution, but they can't promise that it will fit the issue. no other symptoms of the problem occur prior to the steering control being lost, but the indicator light on the dashboard does note the steering failure simultaneously when the power steering is lost. Up to now, the only solution, which is very temporary, is to turn the car off and wait 15 seconds or so before starting back up, but that only lasts for 10 miles or so before the steering is lost again. this has been going on for 3 months now.
Power steering light come on and then power steering went out while driving.
While driving I experienced sudden loss in powersteering, and it was quite difficult to turn around and drive back home safely.
The brakes locked up and stayed locked for several minutes about 6 times when the brake peddle was lightly touched. I was told by the dealership service department that the computer needed reprogramming. A software glitch caused the brakes to lock up? Not very confident in this product!!! I am trading in this GMC for a Ford.
While driving my power steering warning light comes on and it is hard to turn the wheel. This has happened three times now on 1-3-22, 1-26-22, and 2-3-22. And I am just driving in town.
While driving, the power steering and stabillitrac warnings come on, and I lose power steering. When I stop, turn the vehicle off, and restart the vehicle, the power sterring returns. This has happened three times in the past week, ranging in speed from 5 mph to 65 mph.
This is the 4th time I have had a problem with my brakes. The brake pedal will be extremely hard to push to brake and this has happened while driving. The brake booster has been replaced 3 times now and is now at the dealership, where they have discovered that this is happening due to the break booster pump being bad. Now we get to add another $900 to this truck towards this problem. I am really surprised that there is no recall for this. This truck us not that old and we have had problems since we've owned it.
Ignition key randomly will not release from ignition switch. The key is stuck in the ignition in the accessory position which in turn kills the battery. Unable to remove key! I have read this is a common problem with my vehicle year / model. When placing vehicle in PARK it is not reliably returning the confirmation to the solenoid lock on the ignition switch that the transmission is in PARK. My dealer finally admitted this is a common problem. GM needs to take responsibility and activate a recall.
Alert for emissions control malfunction.
Key is not pulling out of ignition after truck has been put in park. Mechanic has replaced the shifter twice, and yet the problem is more pronounced. The Dealership (Anthony GMC) has now stated there is no problem, and yet the key wont come out for them either.
While driving the power steering stopped functioning and an error message popped up stating that it was not working. I stopped the vehicle turned off the ignition and restarted the vehicle and the power steering began working. This has happened twice in the past month.
While driving on a six lane hwy in heavy traffic at 55 mph the power steering module failed making it dangerously hard to steer. Took the truck to the GMC dealership, the technician determined the power steering module had failed and it was replaced. A warning message did display indicating the power steering was not working.
As I started the vehicle I got a notification that the power steering has Maldonado I got a few warning lights on the dashboard. As I drove the vehicle the power steering did not work and it makes it hard to steer. This has been happening for a week now
power Steering quit while driving.
The power steering stopped working and my wife had to make an emergency stop on I 95. We turned the vehicle off and restarted it and the power steering worked again for awhile. The next day it happened 2 more times. I think this is the same issue as the 2015 recall. I called my GMC dealer and they said they could not help me because my Vin was not on the recall list.
Power steering fails intermittently while driving resulting in difficult steering and potential loss of control of vehicle.
On September 14, 2021, my 2016 GMC Canyon struck another vehicle from behind going approximately 55 MPH and the airbags did not deploy. Every mechanic and insurance adjuster has stated that the airbags should have deployed in this collision.
•Water coolant valve, and torque converter. •my Truck temp gage will fluctuate towards red line and back to normal. Torque converter caused my vehicle to shake, vibrate, slow accelerating, made it seem vehicle will shut off on highway or in heavy traffic. •I went to several mechanics, including the dealerships and they fixed my water coolant valve but issue persisted, the dealerships said my truck was running fine until I had requested to ride along with mechanic, that's when he guessed it would be torque converter. •has not been inspected, just test drove and replaced by mechanic •no lights indicated on dash board and I felt the shake and vibration around 08/01/2021 and reported to dealership. The water temp gage was reported back in Nov 2018 but the problem still persist.
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while his son was driving 55 MPH and making a right turn, the steering became difficult to turn. The contact stated he also experience the failure twice. The contact stated the stabilitrak warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000. Vehicle has a faulty steering. Problem comes on sporadically while driving and making turns. It has happened to me 2 times almost forcing the consumer into the next lane.
Power steering shuts off while driving. I have to stop the vehicle and turn off and then re-start to get the power steering back working. This can happen at any time regardless of when or how long I've been driving. The power steering seems to shut off for no reason.
On three occasions the power steering malfunction warning came on. Brought it to Prime GMC. Both times software updates were performed. On third time they said needs new steering column. The steering is very difficult at low speeds. I can clear situation by turning off and back on.
When turning off vehicle the key will not to “off” mode. It stays in accessories mode and prevents the key from being able to be removed.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026