The GMC Canyon is the mid-size pickup truck in General Motors’ lineup. Virtually the same model exists as the Chevrolet Colorado. The Canyon is considered to be the more upscale of the two marquees.
The Canyon was built as a compact truck in previous model years. You can get them in 2- and 4-door extended or crew cab body style models. The first generation of the GMC Canyon was introduced in 2004.
Its driver assistance features and good highway safety score have been well-received by the market. It’s been heralded as a relatively good truck, giving its rivals like the Ford Ranger a run for their money. However, like all vehicles, any Canyon will eventually show its age and may need more frequent repairs as it puts on the miles.
But overall, is the GMC Canyon reliable? Let’s find out.
GMC Canyon Lifespan
The lifespan of GMC Canyon models is around 20 years or 200,000 miles. Of course, this is just an estimate from most Canyon owners who have kept their vehicles over several years or driven them for many miles. Some trucks may last much longer, while others may start having problems sooner. With proper care, maintenance, and repairs, it’s not uncommon for a GMC Canyon to last well over 15 years.
Warranty
Standard: The standard GMC Canyon bumper-to-bumper warranty is three years or 36,000 miles.
Powertrain: The standard powertrain warranty covering the engine and transmission is five years or 60,000 miles.
Rust: The standard rust warranty is six years or 100,000 miles.
Accessories: The standard accessories warranty is one year.
The GMC Canyon has a wide range of coverage, including towing, scheduled maintenance, and roadside assistance.
Major Components
Engine: The engine in the GMC Canyon is expected to last around 200,000 miles with proper maintenance
Transmission: The transmission should last around 100,000 miles.
Suspensions: The suspensions can last anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on how often and how carefully the truck is driven.
Will a GMC Canyon Last 200,000 Miles?
There are reports of GMC Canyons lasting well over 200,000 miles.
Will a GMC Canyon Last 300,000 Miles?
The GMC Canyon is a reliable truck that can last for many years with proper maintenance. Many Canyons have gone beyond the 300,000-mile mark and are still going strong. With regular oil changes and other routine maintenance, your Canyon should be able to last for many years to come.
Maintenance to Extend GMC Canyon Lifespan
The GMC Canyon is a workhorse of a truck, but like any other vehicle, it requires regular maintenance to keep it running strong.
Fortunately, there are some easy and affordable ways to extend the lifespan of your Canyon. Here are a few maintenance tips that will help you get the most out of your truck:
Keep Up with Oil Changes: This is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your truck. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended interval for oil changes, and don’t hesitate to take it in sooner if you notice any signs that your oil needs to be changed. Running you truck with gunky oil can damage the engine. In the least, you’d suffer from poor performance and dismal fuel economy.
Inspect Brakes Regularly: Brakes are an incredibly vital safety feature on any vehicle. It’s essential to make sure that they function optimally at all times. You need to examine your brakes at least once a year or more often if you notice any unusual noise or vibration when braking.
Check Your Tires Regularly: Properly inflated tires can help improve your fuel economy, and they will also last longer. Check your tire pressure at least once a month, and don’t forget to inspect the tread for wear and tear.
Keep Up with Scheduled Maintenance: In addition to regular oil changes and brake inspections, your truck will need other types of maintenance from time to time. Consult your owner’s manual or talk to your dealer to determine what scheduled maintenance is recommended for your truck.
By following these simple tips, you can help extend the lifespan of your GMC Canyon and keep it running like new for years to come.
Preventive Maintenance Service Intervals
The following are the most important preventive maintenance service intervals for your GMC Canyon:
Oil Changes: Every 3,000 miles or three months, whichever comes first.
Tune-Ups: Every 30,000 miles or 30 months, whichever comes first.
Fluid Changes: Transmission fluid should be changed every 30,000 miles or 30 months, whichever comes first. Coolant should be changed every 60,000 miles or 60 months, whichever comes first.
These are only general guidelines. Always consult your GMC Canyon owner’s manual for specific maintenance interval recommendations based on your vehicle’s age and mileage.
When performing parts replacements and repairs, it’s advisable to use only genuine OEM GMC parts. These parts are designed specifically for your Canyon and will fit perfectly, and function just like the original parts did.
Note, however, that some aftermarket parts, especially those built for performance and off-roading, can perform better and last longer than GMC parts.
Major Components that Need Replacement
Here are some of the major components that will need to be replaced over the lifespan of your GMC Canyon:
Battery: The battery powers all the electronics inside the Canyon. Depending on how often you use your truck, you may need to replace the battery every 2-3 years.
Brake Pads: Brake pads need to be replaced every 3-5 years. Depending on how you drive, this can be done sooner.
Filters and Pumps: Air cleaner filters are often cleaned and replaced every oil change. As for the fuel filter, you may need to change them every five years. The fuel pump may need replacing every five to seven years, depending on how well it still performs. A pressure test can be done to check if the pump is still to spec.
Timing Belt: You may need to replace the timing belt in Canyon models that have them (2012 to 2017 model years) every 60,000 miles. Other model years have engines that feature timing chains. Timing chains last pretty much the lifespan of the engine.
GMC Canyon Common Problems
There are several reported GMC Canyon problems, particularly in the model years to avoid. For example, it’s a common occurrence for the AC blower to fail due to a failed resistor. When this happens, the air-conditioning system will not be able to cool the vehicle properly.
Depending on the model year, the engine can also suffer from certain problems, including wear in the valve seats and gasket failures. These more serious issues can lead to worse problems if left unaddressed. Fortunately, it is possible to have these areas checked every maintenance so that they can be fixed immediately.
If you experience any problems with your 2021 GMC Canyon, you can easily claim against the warranty. If you have an older vehicle, take it to a qualified mechanic for diagnosis and perform any major repairs.
It’s also important to note that GMC has issued recalls on various components of the Canyon over the years. While most of these recalls are for relatively minor issues, like power adjustable driver’s seat, a few were more serious, such as those involving airbag and power steering problems.
With Regular Maintenance Comes Reliability
Recalls aside, the GMC Canyon is a pretty reliable truck. However, like any vehicle, it will only last as long as you take care of it. Performing regular maintenance is the best way to prolong the life of your Canyon. This means keeping up with oil changes, checking fluid levels, and getting regular tune-ups.
Additionally, you should regularly inspect your GMC Canyon (or Chevy Colorado) for any signs of wear and tear. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, take it to a certified GMC mechanic immediately. By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your GMC Canyon will provide you with many years of dependable service.
