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GMC Canyon
Reliability, NHTSA Complaints & Recall History

10 model years analyzed (2017–2026). All data sourced directly from the NHTSA public complaints and recall database β€” the same data used by federal regulators.

πŸ“‹
441
Total Complaints
NHTSA filed
πŸ””
15
Safety Recalls
federal campaigns
πŸ’₯
8
Crash-Related
crash complaints
πŸ”₯
2
Fire-Related
fire complaints
πŸ₯
13
Injuries Reported
across all years
πŸ€–
Average
AI Rating
reliability score

Checking a specific GMC Canyon? Run a VIN check for its exact history.

⭐ NHTSA NCAP Crash Test Ratings

New Car Assessment Program

NCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.

2026
2026 GMC CANYON PU/CC N/A 4WD
Overall Safety
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…4/5
Frontal Crash
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…4/5
Side Crash
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…5/5
Rollover Risk
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…3/5
2025
2025 GMC Canyon PU/CC 4WD
Overall Safety
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…4/5
Frontal Crash
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…4/5
Side Crash
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…5/5
Rollover Risk
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…3/5
2024
2024 GMC Canyon PU/CC 4WD
Overall Safety
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…4/5
Frontal Crash
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…4/5
Side Crash
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…5/5
Rollover Risk
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…3/5
How to Read NCAP Stars
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…5 stars - Excellent
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…4 stars - Good
β˜…β˜…β˜…3 stars - Average
β˜…β˜…2 stars - Below average
β˜…1 star - Poor
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
πŸ€–

AI Interpretation

High ConfidenceAverage
AI interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

NHTSA complaint data for the GMC Canyon (2017–2026) shows a high volume of reports concentrated in exterior lighting and electrical system components. Complaints are heavily skewed toward the 2024 model year, which accounts for nearly half of all submissions. Crash-related complaints are relatively low at 8 out of 441 total.

πŸ“Š Key Findings
  • Exterior lighting accounts for the largest share of complaints with 168 reports.
  • The 2024 model year has the highest number of complaints at 204.
  • Power train and engine complaints together total 120 reports.
⚠️ Top Concerns
  • Exterior lighting issues are the most frequently reported component.
  • Electrical system problems are the second most common complaint.
  • Power train concerns are the third most reported category.
⚠️ Worst Years

The 2024 model year has the highest complaint count at 204, driven largely by exterior lighting and electrical system issues. The 2017 model year also has elevated complaints at 65.

βœ… Best Years

The 2021, 2025, and 2026 model years show the fewest complaints, with 10, 8, and 2 respectively, suggesting potentially better reliability in those years.

βœ… Before You Buy β€” Checklist
  • Inspect exterior lighting for reported issues.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for electrical system and power train.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect. Complaint counts may be influenced by reporting bias or vehicle sales volume.

πŸ“… NHTSA Complaints by Model Year

2017
65
2018
49
2019
16
2020
13
2021
10
2022
22
2023
52
2024
204
2025
8
2026
2
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: May 2026

πŸ”” NHTSA Safety Recalls

15 recalls found

Safety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.

Campaign #25V856000November 12, 2025

Safety Recall

Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Campaign #25V856000November 12, 2025

Safety Recall

Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Campaign #25V856000November 12, 2025

Safety Recall

Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Campaign #24V673000December 9, 2024

Safety Recall

Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Campaign #21V497000January 7, 2021

Safety Recall

Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Campaign #26V114000

Safety Recall

Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Campaign #20V811000

Safety Recall

Component: SEAT BELTS
Campaign #22V375000

Safety Recall

Component: SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
Campaign #26V114000

Safety Recall

Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Campaign #24V133000

Safety Recall

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:DRIVER MONITORING:CAMERA/SENSOR
Campaign #24V237000

Safety Recall

Component: WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
Campaign #24V703000

Safety Recall

Component: SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
Campaign #18V358000

Safety Recall

Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Campaign #18V358000

Safety Recall

Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Campaign #24V491000

Safety Recall

Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.

πŸ”§ Most-Reported Problem Areas

Based on component keywords extracted from all 441 NHTSA complaints.

1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
168 complaints
2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
83 complaints
3
POWER TRAIN
67 complaints
4
ENGINE
53 complaints
5
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
41 complaints
6
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
31 complaints
7
SERVICE BRAKES
29 complaints
8
STEERING
28 complaints

πŸ“‹ NHTSA Complaint Reports

441 total

These are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.

POWER TRAINMay 2026

With 94 Miles my brand new GMC Canyon AT4 I leased had a catastrophic failure while i was driving it, the front axle essentially exploded. The findings were that their was no oil/lubricant installed in it from the factory which made this happen. I now have to wait many months for the dealership to repair my vehicle while i have a "loaner" with a bunch of restrictions on it. And i have to pay my lease the entire time it is being worked on because of a factory fault. If i had been going more than 25 mph this would have resulted in a crash/injury.

WHEELSMar 2026

when apply GM update V661.10. tire pressure sensors are wipe out. resulting in 4 flat tire being indicated on the display. GM has no answers for this. this is a safety system that should not be disabled

EXTERIOR LIGHTINGFeb 2026

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the driver’s side low beam headlight failed to illuminate as intended. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that upon further inspection, an unknown electrical fuse was burned. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed; however, a cause for the failure was not found. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,121.

BACK OVER PREVENTIONNov 2025

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while reversing, the back over prevention screen image was solid blue, and there was no image displayed, creating a visibility hazard for the driver. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and it was determined that the rearview camera coaxial cable connectors were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V709000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 46,000.

POWER TRAINAug 2025

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle vibrated and shuddered abnormally. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent at first but became a recurring failure. The contact stated that the check engine warning light had recently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics who informed the contact of a known transmission failure and a national recall. The contact searched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train); however, the local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included, and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.

STEERINGFeb 2025

The electric power steering motor stopped working while driving on the highway. The vehicle was almost impossible to control and almost caused me to enter the oncoming lane of traffic.

πŸ”₯ FireELECTRICAL SYSTEMNov 2024

While driving, a fire started inside the vehicle between the rear passenger side seat belt and the rear window. My daughters were in the back seat and started screaming. I immediately stopped the vehicle and ran to put the fire out by smothering and throwing water on it. There was zero warning...no lights or warning messages. No major injuries occurred (only small minor burns to my right hand). I then brought the vehicle to the dealership where it was purchased. I was told it was a known issue, and I was prompted to file a claim with my insurance company. Someone from the insurance company, along with the service department at the dealership, inspected the vehicle. Insurance has agreed to cover the parts damaged but not replace the part(s) that actually caused the fire. The dealership will address the actual problem, but only if I pay for the repairs ($1100-1500 estimated cost).

SEAT BELTS,UNKNOWN OR OTHERMay 2024

unknown the gmc dealership refuses to repair recalls as they say, theres no recalls on the vehicle. There are 2 recalls and were not told of these recalls when purchasing

POWER TRAINFeb 2024

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while driving 6 MPH and going over a speed bump, the contact heard an abnormal knocking sound emanating from the driver’s side suspension. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the upper control arm was striking the suspension spring. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 47,000.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTUREJul 2023

The rear camera and wire harness for the Rear Backup Camera became corroded and stopped working months ago. This is vital technology that our children have grown up with to ensure the safety of backing up in case something is behind the vehicle including young children, toys, equipment or someone simply walking by your driveway while you're backing up. The Service Manager at Billion GMC in Sioux Falls, SD (Dan Dunnagan) said they are replacing tons of the rear cameras due to corrosion, which might be caused by water getting into the system or faulty parts and faulty wiring from the product manufacturer. This is certainly a safety issue. I had it repaired at a cost of $591.84 for the rear camera and wire harness plus labor. This issue on GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500 pickups should be investigated as the Rear Camera is a vital piece of safety equipment and if a large number of these are faulty, subject to corrosion or poor manufacturing, it should be brought forward to protect consumers.

πŸ’₯ CrashπŸ₯ 4 InjuriesAIR BAGS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCEOct 2021

I was involved in a MVA with another car. The other car had all their airbags deploy after they struck me. None of my airbags deployed. I was hit in the right front corner ahead of my right tire. The secondary impact was to my right side between my rear passenger door and rear tire. They hit me with enough force to bend the frame of my truck, crack my engine block and the appraisal from the repair shop came to over $34K without any engine work. I was the only one in my vehicle, thankfully. I am not sure how many occupants were in the other vehicle. But they were transported to the hospital by ambulance. My wife took me in our other vehicle. I was diagnosed with a concussion, assorted bruises, aches and pains. What troubles me is that while my airbags didn't deploy, the other vehicles did! I was spun 90* to 180* from the way I was traveling. (I don't recall any portion of the accident, I was planning on making a right hand turn and I ended up the opposite way from the way I intended to go. I fell that there was sufficient force involved to have my airbags deploy and I did contact GMC to make them aware of it as well.

πŸ’₯ CrashπŸ₯ 1 InjuryAIR BAGSMay 2021

I WAS INVOLVED IN A SERIOUS FRONT END COLLISION THAT TOTALED MY VEHICLE. MY TRUCK WAS DEEMED NOT REPAIRABLE AND DECLARED TOTAL BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. I WAS DRIVING ON THE NJ GARDEN STATE PARKWAY WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. NOT ONE AIRBAG WAS DEPLOYED!

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTIONMar 2026

At various times key can not be removed from the ignition. I understand this to be a common problem on these trucks, but dealer does not agree.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTIONFeb 2026

The contact owns a 2022 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the instrument cluster failed operate as designed and the speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and turn signals failed to display as intended. The contact stated that a message to service several systems was displayed. The radio screen was blank, and the back over prevention system was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that several software updates were needed; however, it was then determined that all the software was up to date. A software refresh was performed, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 39,500

AIR BAGSJan 2026

To Whom It May Concern, This letter is submitted to report a safety-related defect involving an airbag sensor failure on a 2022 GMC Canyon. The vehicle experienced a failure of an airbag sensor that is part of the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). The sensor is required for proper airbag deployment and system readiness. Failure of this component compromises the operation of the airbag system and presents a potential safety risk to vehicle occupants. The failure occurred on a vehicle approximately four years in service and was diagnosed as an airbag sensor defect. The sensor assembly includes an integral gasket, and the failure of that gasket resulted in sensor malfunction and airbag system fault indications. General Motors and the administrator of the GMC Platinum Protection Plan were notified of the defect. Coverage for the repair was refused on the basis that a component of the sensor assembly was allegedly excluded, despite the fact that the gasket is integral to the sensor and the failure affects a federally regulated safety system. As a result of this refusal, a safety-related defect involving an airbag system was not repaired. The matter was treated as a contractual coverage issue rather than addressed as a potential defect impacting occupant protection. This submission is intended to notify NHTSA of a failure involving an SRS component that may affect other similarly manufactured vehicles. An airbag sensor failure raises concerns regarding component durability, system reliability, and compliance with applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). This complaint is submitted for logging, review, and any action the Office of Defects Investigation deems appropriate.

UNKNOWN OR OTHERJan 2026

I have been dealing with a sweet/Christmas-like smell in my car occasionally for the last several months. This is a health & safety concern for me involving ethylene glycol fumes in the cabin. These fumes could be linked to why I have experienced increased sinus headaches over the past several month. I took it into CarMax (where I purchased the vehicle) and they were able to diagnose the issue and state that my heater core needed to be replaced. However, since my vehicle was under 36,000 miles, it needed to go to the dealer. The dealer that has been working on the vehicle is Hendrick Hoover Chevrolet. I have taken the vehicle to the dealer twice already and they have not been able to diagnose it the same as CarMax nor recreate the smell. Both times I have picked up the vehicle, I smelled the same thing within 1 day of having the vehicle back. Today (1/22/26) I took the vehicle back to CarMax to have them take it to the dealer for the THIRD because I have not only smelled the same smell, I have 2 new issues that need to be addressed. They are not the reason for this complaint, however. But for documentation purposes, it involves servicing the safety restraint system and error codes P0018 and P0021. I do not have any records of the first time I took the vehicle to CarMax/Dealer in November of 2025, but I have attached the records from the latest visit where I dropped the vehicle off on 12/10/25 and picked it up on 1/14/26.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCEDec 2025

The contact called on behalf of her son who owned a 2022 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, and the brakes failed to engage. Additionally, the infotainment screen was inoperable. The front camera module warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the front camera module needed to be replaced. The dealer made the contact aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V133000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE); however, the VIN was not included in the recal. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

UNKNOWN OR OTHERJun 2025

The ignition key intermittently will not extract. I'm seeing a number of complaints on-line regarding this. I have to often restart the truck back up or forward, turn the steering wheel hard left and right, then put in park to extract the key. I believe this is a danger as you would have to leave the key in the ignition of you cannot extract it. This happens multiple times a week.

STEERINGJan 2025

After driving vehicle and parking vehicle turn key off key will not turn all the way off to pull key out of ignition switch. The vehicle had 35,750 miles when brought to dealership I had told them this has happened multiple times I had to restart vehicle move vehicle shift vehicle manually or drive around block park again and then key would turn all the way off and come out, When I was contacted from the GMC dealership they said they could not duplicate the problem but I have paperwork from them and the mileage during drop off which was 35,750 miles and pickup at 35,751 miles I also told them to drive the truck it is not going to happen sitting in the dealership parking lot but they only went 1 mile, The warranty for this problem will be up at 36,000 miles. I drove the vehicle 8 miles from the dealership to my house no problems drove another drove another 6 miles to the car wash and went through the car wash went to park to vacuum and wipe exterior the key would not turn all the way off stuck in the accessory position had to back up and move vehicle to another spot park and then the key turned all the way off so I could get key out

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMDec 2024

The ECU electric control model has now burned up 3 times and the dealership just keeps replacing it the only thing they keep saying not to fill up the gas tank all the way? The gas gauge just goes dead

Showing 20 of 441 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

Check a Specific GMC Canyon

This page shows fleet averages across all 10 model years. Enter a VIN to see the exact accident history, odometer records, title brands, and open recall status for a specific car.

πŸ“– Understanding This Data

πŸ“‹

What is an NHTSA Complaint?

An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is β€” but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The GMC Canyon has 441 complaints on record across 10 model years.

πŸ””

What is a Safety Recall?

A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The GMC Canyon has 15 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.

πŸ’₯

What Are Crash Complaints?

Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 8 of the GMC Canyon's 441 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions β€” a key safety signal beyond general reliability.

πŸ€–

How Is the AI Rating Calculated?

The AI reliability rating (Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. The rating provides a plain-English summary for buyers who want a quick verdict without parsing raw numbers. It is one input in your buying decision β€” always verify with a VIN-specific report.

πŸ“Š

Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?

Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable β€” simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.

πŸ”

Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN

Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all GMC Canyon vehicles on the road β€” not any specific car. Two GMC Canyon vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.

πŸ”Ž

What Are NHTSA Investigations?

When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage β€” NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The GMC Canyon has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.

Other GMC Models

All GMC Models β†’

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