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2009 GMC Canyon Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2009 GMC Canyon has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Intermittent no-start tied to anti-theft security system.” GMC trucks and SUVs use the GM Oil Life System (OLS) — the same algorithm as Chevrolet. Because GMC's lineup is exclusively trucks and SUVs, severe-service intervals apply to most owners (towing, hauling, off-roading). The schedule below surfaces the items most relevant to GMC's truck-focused buyer.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2009 GMC Canyon.

Reported to NHTSA

Intermittent no-start tied to anti-theft security system

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

8 NHTSA complaints · 2011-05 → 2021-12

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 GMC CANYON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START UNTIL AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE SECURITY PASSLOCK FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10885040
“FOR SEVERAL MONTHS NOW, VEHICLE WILL NOT START. TURN KEY, NO CLICK, NO CRANK, NOTHING. ALL STANDARD DASH LIGHT COME ON, HEADLIGHTS ARE BRIGHT, ALL ACCESSORY ITEMS WORK FINE, JUST NO START. HAVE TAKEN TRUCK IN TO DEALERSHIP TWICE NOW FOR PROBLEM, AND NO RESOLUTION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10817116
“ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM WOULD NOT ALLOW THE TRUCK TO START, THEN ONCE STARTED THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD COMPONENTS FAILED NO SPEEDOMETER, FUEL, TEMP OR AIR CONDITIONER WOULD WORK, ALSO THE TRACTION CONTROL WENT INTO ALARM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10401855

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake light and cruise control switch failure

EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES

2 NHTSA complaints · 2012-07 → 2021-12

“My husband recently asked if I had encountered any problems using the cruise control in this vehicle. Since I seldom drive any distance with that vehicle, I never noticed anything”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11445613
“MY HUSBAND'S BRAKE LIGHTS WENT OUT ON HIS 2009 GMC CANYON. HE TOOK IT TO A DEALER TO HAVE IT FIXED. WE READ ONLINE THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR HIS BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. THEY CHECKED HIS VIN AND SAID THERE WASN'T ANYTHING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10468516

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Accelerator pedal sticking during gear shifts

POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 NHTSA complaints · 2013-07 → 2014-03

“I SENT IN THIS COMPLAINT A YEAR AGO AND NEVER HEARD BACK FROM YOU. THROTTLE STICKS ON MY CANYON AND IT APPEARS TO BE COMPUTER RELATED. IT CONTINUES TO ACCELERATE EVEN AFTER TAKING MY FOOT "OFF THE GAS." IT WILL REV DOWN AFTER HITTING THE BRAKE PEDAL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10573366
“THIS INCIDENT HAS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. WHEN TAKING OFF FROM A STOPPED POSITION AND GOING THROUGH THE GEARS WHEN ACCELERATING QUICKLY, THE ACCELERATOR HAS STUCK EVEN WHEN MY FOOT IS TAKEN OFF OF THE PEDAL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10525733

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake pedal proximity to accelerator pedal

SERVICE BRAKES

2 NHTSA complaints · 2009-06 → 2014-02

“WHEN STEPPING ON BRAKE PEDAL YOU STEP ON GAS PEDAL AT SAME TIME, NO PROPER SPACE BETWEEN THE TWO PEDALS. INSTEAD OF SLOWING DOWN VEHICLE KEEPS GOING. SEEMS UNSAFE. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10566208
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 GMC CANYON. WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT 10 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THERE WAS AIR IN THE BRAKE LINE, AND THAT THE AIR SHOULD BE BLED FROM THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10273632

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel pump flow control module stall

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

5 NHTSA complaints · 2010-08 → 2020-11

“I WAS DRIVING APPROX. 65 MPH IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ON THE NEW YORK STATE THRUWAY WHEN I LOST ALL POWER TO MY TRUCK AND WAS BARELY ABLE TO MANUEVER OFF THE ROAD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11374161
“TO START OUT I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THAT THIS IS MY FIRST BRAND NEW VEHICLE I HAVE EVER BOUGHT. I WAS ON I 475 DRIVING APPROX. 65 MPH WHEN I LOST ALL POWER TO MY TRUCK AND WAS BARELY ABLE TO COAST OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10618085
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 GMC CANYON. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 65 MPH WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE FUEL CONTROL MODULAR WOULD NEED REPLACING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10352000

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag warning light from rear door wiring fault

AIR BAGS

2 NHTSA complaints · 2014-08 → 2018-07

“MY AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON, I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND THEY FOUND A BROKEN WIRE IN THE REAR DRIVERSIDE DOOR THEY SPLICED THE WIRE AND THAT WORKED FOR ABOUT A MONTH AND NOW IT IS COMING BACK ON AGAIN BUT IT SEEMS TO ONLY COME ON WHEN IT IS DAMP OR RAINING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11114369
“MY AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON UNEXPECTEDLY AND REMAINED ON. THE CAUSE WAS DUE TO BROKEN AIRBAG (ORANGE WIRING IN THE EXTENDED CAB DRIVERS SIDE REAR DOOR. UPON INSPECTION, SEVERAL WIRES (AIR BAG (ORANGE), A SPEAKER WIRE (BROWN) WERE COMPLETELY BROKEN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10622255

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended 4WD/transfer case engagement

POWER TRAIN

2 NHTSA complaints · 2010-06 → 2017-08

“MY PICKUP HAS WHAT GM REFERS TO AS "PHANTOM SHIFT". WHILE TRAVELING ON I5 @ 70 MILES PER HR, MY PICKUP THRU NO ACTION ON MY PART, SHIFTED INTO 4 WHEEL DRIVE. PREVIOUSLY THIS HAPPENED WHILE TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT AT SLOWER SPEEDS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11014506
“WAS DRIVING SLOWLY IN A PARKING LOT AND WAS STARTING THE TURN INTO A PARKING STALL WHEN THE STEERING BECAME VERY DIFFICULT AND THE VEHICLE HAD DIFFICULTY MOVING FORWARD. TRANSMISSION HAD GONE INTO 4X4 LOW WITHOUT ANYONE PUSHING THE BUTTON ON THE DASH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10336031

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (per Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change oil when OLS reaches 0% or every 12 months. dexos1-approved synthetic required on Sierra 1500 5.3L/6.2L; dexos2 specified on Duramax diesel.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Sierra and Yukon owners running 4x4 should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Towing accelerates pad wear by 30-50%; check more often if towing regularly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

DOT 3 brake fluid: test annually, replace when moisture exceeds 3% or fluid is darker than copper.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

Long-life cellulose filter rated 45,000 miles. Trucks driven on unpaved roads or construction sites should inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Severe service (towing 5,000+ lbs regularly, heavy stop-and-go): every 45,000 miles. Normal: 97,500 miles. Use Dexron-VI for 6L80/6L90, Mobil 1 LV ATF HP for 10L80/10L1000.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 45,000 mi

On 4WD models, replace every 45,000 miles. Use GM Auto-Trak II for active 4WD; GM 9986115 for selectable 4WD.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Differential Fluid (front + rear)

Every 50,000 mi

Replace front and rear axle fluid every 50,000 miles, or 25,000 miles if towing. G80 limited-slip rear axles require GM friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs on the L83/L84 5.3L and L86/L87 6.2L V8 are rated 100,000 miles. AFM/DFM cylinder deactivation can cause uneven plug wear — check at 75,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Dex-Cool Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Dex-Cool (orange): first change at 150,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000. Duramax diesel uses ELC (red) — different chemistry, do not mix.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 22,500 miles. Sierra HD and Yukon XL owners in dusty work environments should replace at 15,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

8 crashes 1990–2024

How the 8 occupant deaths break down

8

driver deaths

0

passenger deaths

8

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2010 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

1

complaints mentioning a crash

1

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2009 GMC Canyon reflects GMC's published service intervals and the Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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