NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 GMC Canyon - At4x Aev Safety Ratings
The 2026 GMC Canyon - At4x Aev scores 91 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), 2 recalls, and 3 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV has two active recalls, including one for the airbag sensing module, a critical component. Shoppers must address these recalls before driving this truck. This model earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 91 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band.
The 2026 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV received a 5-out-of-5-star NHTSA side-crash rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 91/100, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 72 Sedans from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 GMC Canyon - At4x Aev ranks 36 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 91 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 0% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 3 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 36 of 72 Sedans tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 GMC Canyon - At4x Aev?
A notable absence of overall and rollover ratings means the crash-test picture for the 2026 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV remains incomplete. However, the available data provides a clear safety profile, with a Safety Index score of 91/100, mirroring the 2025 model year. The vehicle achieved a strong 5-star rating in side-impact protection and a solid 4-star rating in frontal crash tests. Its crash protection contributed 63 of a possible 70 points to the Safety Index. Avoidance technology earned a full 10 out of 10 points, reflecting the standard inclusion of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. The defect record accounted for 18 of 20 points. This two-point deduction directly correlates with the two active recalls on record. Of particular safety significance is the recall addressing incorrect SDM software in the frontal airbag system, a defect that directly impacts occupant protection during a collision. Owner complaints are minimal at this stage, with only three reported incidents and no alleged injuries.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 GMC Canyon - At4x Aev perform in crash tests?
The 2026 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV distinguishes itself with a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in the side-crash test, as awarded by NHTSA. The frontal crash test yielded a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. NHTSA has not published overall or rollover risk ratings for this model.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21797
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 GMC Canyon - At4x Aev have any recalls?
Yes, two recalls affect this model year. The more critical campaign covers the airbag frontal passenger-side inflator module, citing incorrect sensing and diagnostic module software across 2024-2026 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV vehicles. A second recall involves owners, service, and other manual documentation across several 2025-2026 GM models. Neither recall has been publicly designated a do-not-drive order, but the airbag SDM software issue warrants prompt attention.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL26V114000
Risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-467-9700, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. The manufacturer's number for this recall is N252540430. Vehicle
Reported 2026-02-26
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE25V856000
Risk: An air bag that deploys improperly increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the SDM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 30, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252533510. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 11, 2025.
Reported 2025-12-11
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 GMC Canyon - At4x Aev?
Three unverified consumer allegations have been reported to NHTSA for this model year, spanning Steering, Power Train, and Wheels, one complaint each. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged in these reports. All are unverified allegations, not established facts.
3 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 GMC Canyon - At4x Aev?
As a current-model-year vehicle with two open recall campaigns, any shopper should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase or delivery. Confirm that both recall remedies, especially the airbag SDM software correction, have been completed at a GM dealership.
- The airbag frontal passenger-side inflator module recall, affecting 2024-2026 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV vehicles, cites incorrect sensing and diagnostic module software, a direct occupant-protection concern that should be remedied before the vehicle is driven.
- The 2026 Safety Index of 91/100 is unchanged from the 2025 score of 91/100, indicating no improvement or decline in the safety data profile between these two model years.
- NHTSA has not published an overall star rating or a rollover star rating for this model year, so shoppers cannot rely on those figures when comparing this truck to competitors.
- All three crash-avoidance technologies tracked by MotorCaliber, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are standard equipment on this model year, earning a perfect 10 out of 10 in the avoidance-tech index component.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 GMC Canyon - At4x Aev places
The 2026 GMC Canyon - At4x Aev qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 GMC Canyon - At4x Aev safety questions
Was the 2026 GMC Canyon - At4x Aev crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 GMC Canyon - At4x Aev, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 91 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2026 GMC Canyon - At4x Aev crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 GMC Canyon - At4x Aev earned 4 out of 5 stars for frontal and 5 out of 5 stars for side. Its measured rollover risk is 0%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2026 GMC Canyon - At4x Aev have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 GMC Canyon - At4x Aev. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 GMC Canyon - At4x Aev?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 3 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 GMC Canyon - At4x Aev. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Canyon - At4x Aev years
Rivals in Sedan (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Acura Integra | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2026 Acura Integra Type-S | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Honda Accord | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus IS 350 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Subaru Impreza | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21797), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the GMC Canyon - At4x Aev 2026.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 36 of 72 in the Sedan class for 2026.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.