Recall 21V497 affects 7,199 2021 GMC Canyon trucks for an incorrect load label. GMC mailed free labels, or a GMC dealer installs one free.
GMC is recalling 7,199 2021 Canyon pickups because the tire and loading placard lists a load capacity 22.5 kg (51 lbs.) higher than intended. The wrong label can lead owners to overload the truck and raise crash risk, and GMC dealers will install a corrected label free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The Tire and Loading Information placard on the 2021 GMC Canyon is the door-frame label that tells an owner how much weight the truck is designed to carry. That capacity figure covers people, cargo, and added load in the vehicle. Dealers and owners use it to keep loading within the truck's certified limit.
On affected Canyon trucks, the printed capacity is 22.5 kg (51 lbs.) more than intended. GM traced the error to vehicle-development content changes that added weight, but the vehicle capacity weight was not recalculated before the placard was printed. The corrected label gives the lower capacity figure, so the truck's posted load limit matches its actual configuration.
This is a labeling problem, not a part that wears out or gives a gradual symptom. There is no warning sign before failure because the incorrect capacity appears on the placard from the start.
Who's affected?
| 2021 GMC Canyon | vehicle label (placard or certification) |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 7,199 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2021 GMC Canyon pickup truck is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific pickup truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
An incorrect load label can make the Canyon appear able to carry more weight than it is rated for, which increases crash risk if the vehicle is overloaded. Use the corrected label before loading the truck, and keep weight within the posted limits. Repair is free at any franchised GMC dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 GMC Canyon is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised GMC dealer to schedule free installation of the new B-pillar Tire and Loading Information label that corrects the load limit.
- Apply the label yourself only if the GM instructions are clear, or bring it to the dealer for free installation.
- Bring the owner letter or reference recall number 21V497 when you call GMC or the dealer.
- Avoid loading the truck from the old placard until the corrected label is installed.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a GMC technician installs the replacement B-pillar Tire and Loading Information label supplied for this recall. GMC also mails the label to owners, so you can apply it yourself if you are comfortable placing it correctly. The corrected label and dealer installation are free under the recall. Any prior out-of-pocket work tied to this label issue is handled through the existing warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because all covered vehicles are under warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| July 1, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 1, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| July 1, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 16, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| August 17, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V497?
Recall 21V497 covers 7,199 2021 GMC Canyon vehicles with a tire and loading label that lists 51 lbs. more load capacity than intended. That incorrect label can lead to unintended overloading and increase crash risk. GM mailed owners a corrected B-pillar label for free.
What should I do if my 2021 GMC Canyon is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Canyon is included in recall 21V497. If it is, use the corrected B-pillar label GM mailed, or bring the label to a franchised GMC dealer for installation. Reference recall number 21V497 or GM recall N212340735 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to fix the defect at no cost, and GM provided the corrected B-pillar label free of charge. A franchised GMC dealer can install the label for free if you do not want to apply it yourself.
Is it safe to drive my 2021 GMC Canyon before the label is replaced?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive order. The risk is tied to unintended overloading from the incorrect tire and loading label, so follow the lower corrected capacity once you receive the new label and avoid loading the truck based on the overstated placard.
When did GMC notify owners about recall 21V497?
GM mailed owner notification letters on August 17, 2021. If you bought the Canyon used or never received the letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included, then contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or a franchised GMC dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V497000 |
|---|---|
| GMC customer service | 1-800-462-8782 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V497 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V497000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →