NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 GMC Canyon Safety Ratings
The 2020 GMC Canyon scores 82 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 13 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 GMC Canyon achieved a 3-star rating in rollover protection, a point of concern for consumers prioritizing this specific safety metric. Despite this, the model secured a NHTSA Safety Index of 82/100, placing it in the Strong performance band. This overall assessment is supported by a robust crash test performance and a clean record of federal defect recalls.
The 2020 GMC Canyon received a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100 and a 5-star NHTSA side-crash rating, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 GMC Canyon ranks 74 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 82 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 21.2% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 13 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 74 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 GMC Canyon?
A 3-star rollover rating, paired with a 21 percent rollover risk, is the most pointed caution flag for the 2020 GMC Canyon, particularly relevant for a body-on-frame pickup. While dynamic testing resulted in "No Tip," the statistical risk figure remains. The model's overall Safety Index stands at 82 out of 100, matching the 2019 model year. This flat year-over-year result signals stability. A perfect defect-record sub-score of 19.25 out of 20, driven by zero recall campaigns, contributes significantly to the Canyon's safety profile. Its crash-protection sub-score is 57 out of 70, anchored by a 5-star side impact result. However, the avoidance-tech sub-score of 6 out of 10 reflects a meaningful limitation. Both forward collision warning and lane departure warning are listed as optional equipment. Buyers must therefore verify the presence of these features on any individual truck. Electronic stability control is standard, providing a baseline active-safety floor. The 2020 Canyon is a structurally sound safety performer with one clear weak point.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 GMC Canyon perform in crash tests?
The 2020 GMC Canyon earned a 4 out of 5 stars overall from NHTSA. Its side protection registered a perfect 5 stars, while frontal protection received 4 stars. Rollover was the weakest result at 3 stars, carrying a 21 percent rollover risk; however, dynamic tip testing concluded with a No Tip result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14374
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 GMC Canyon have any recalls?
The 2020 GMC Canyon carries zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. There are no open safety defect campaigns, no park-outside advisories, and no do-not-drive directives associated with this model year. That clean recall record contributes directly to its strong defect-record sub-score of 19.25 out of 20.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 GMC Canyon?
NHTSA has logged 13 unverified owner complaints for the 2020 GMC Canyon. Alleged problem areas include Power Train (5 reports), Electrical System (3), and Engine (3), with single reports each touching Service Brakes and Engine And Engine Cooling. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
13 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 GMC Canyon?
Because this truck is now six years old, run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database before purchase to confirm no new campaigns have been added since the data snapshot. Verify whether optional forward collision warning and lane departure warning were actually installed on the specific unit you are considering.
- The 2020 GMC Canyon has zero NHTSA recall campaigns on file, contributing to a near-perfect defect-record sub-score of 19.25 out of 20 within the 82-point Safety Index.
- Side crash protection earned a perfect 5 stars from NHTSA, while rollover protection rated only 3 stars with a 21 percent measured rollover risk, the single most notable safety gap for this model year.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional, not standard, on this configuration, so buyers of used examples must confirm whether those systems are physically present on the specific vehicle.
- NHTSA has received 13 unverified complaints for this model year, with Power Train allegations (5 reports) leading all categories, followed by Electrical System and Engine concerns at 3 reports each.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 GMC Canyon places
The 2020 GMC Canyon qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 GMC Canyon safety questions
Was the 2020 GMC Canyon crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 GMC Canyon, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 GMC Canyon crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 GMC Canyon earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 3 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 21.2%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 GMC Canyon have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 GMC Canyon as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 GMC Canyon?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 13 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 GMC Canyon. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Canyon years
Rivals in Sedan (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14374), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the GMC Canyon 2020.
- 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 74 of 105 in the Sedan class for 2020.
- 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.