MODEL
GMC Canyon
NHTSA safety across every GMC Canyon model year we cover.
Across the 8 model years of the GMC Canyon we cover (2019 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2026 at 85 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2024 at 76. 13 recalls have been issued across those years.
The GMC Canyon is a mid-size pickup truck aimed at buyers who want capability and everyday usability without stepping up to a full-size rig. Positioned between compact and heavy-duty segments, it competes in one of the most competitive corners of the American market, attracting contractors, outdoor enthusiasts, and dual-purpose commuters who need a truck that earns its keep on weekdays and weekends alike.
At MotorCaliber, we focus strictly on safety, and the Canyon's record across the 2019 to 2025 model years presents a genuinely mixed picture. The model's best NHTSA Safety Index sits at 82 out of 100, recorded in 2019, with ratings ranging across Strong and Average bands depending on the year. Crash-test results tell a familiar truck story: a solid 4 out of 5 stars in frontal testing and an impressive 5 out of 5 in side impact, but only 3 out of 5 in rollover resistance, a persistent challenge for higher-riding pickups across the segment. Shoppers should weigh that rollover figure seriously, particularly for mixed highway and off-road use. Across the covered model years, the Canyon has accumulated 11 recalls, a number that warrants attention and makes checking the NHTSA recall database by VIN an essential step before any purchase. Owner complaints total 327, with 4 alleged crashes, 3 alleged fires, and 9 reported injuries tied to those filings. These are unverified allegations, but the fire-related complaints in particular deserve a closer look. The Canyon is a capable, well-positioned mid-sizer, but its safety profile is not uniformly strong. Buyers should prioritize later model years where recall resolution is more likely and verify open recalls before signing.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Canyon as a well-rounded mid-size truck with strong everyday usability and a refined driving character relative to its competition. Most praise its interior quality and powertrain options while noting that ride comfort and some technology execution are areas where opinions vary. It is broadly seen as a competitive choice in its segment rather than a class leader.
- The Canyon earns only 3 out of 5 stars in rollover resistance, which is worth serious consideration for drivers who regularly carry passengers or travel at highway speeds on curved or uneven roads.
- Eleven recalls have been issued across the 2019 to 2025 model years. Always run the specific vehicle's VIN through the NHTSA recall database before purchase to confirm all recalls have been properly remedied.
- Owner complaint filings include 3 alleged fire-related incidents across the covered years. While these are unverified allegations, prospective buyers of used examples should ask for full service records and inspect for any signs of electrical or fuel system issues.
- The model's best Safety Index of 82 was achieved in 2019, and scores have varied across years. If maximizing NHTSA performance is a priority, compare individual model year scores rather than relying on a single headline number.
Most-recalled year on record: 2024 GMC Canyon with 3 recalls.