NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 GMC Canyon Safety Ratings
The 2021 GMC Canyon scores 78 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 10 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 GMC Canyon's NHTSA Safety Index of 78/100 places it firmly in the Average band, a meaningful decline from the 2020 model year. This score primarily reflects a defect record that significantly impacts its overall safety assessment. While the crash-test structure presents mixed results, it does not raise immediate alarm.
The 2021 GMC Canyon holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 78 out of 100 and a 3-star NHTSA rollover rating, based on federal NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 GMC Canyon ranks 77 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 78 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 21.9% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 10 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 77 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 GMC Canyon?
For the 2021 model year, the GMC Canyon demonstrated a notable regression in its safety profile, with the NHTSA Safety Index decreasing to 78, placing it in the Average band. This decline from the 2020 model's Strong band score of 82 was primarily influenced by its defect record. The Canyon earned 14.75 out of 20 possible points in this component, making it the weakest of the three scoring pillars for this iteration. Crash protection for the 2021 Canyon received 57 out of 70 points. This score was bolstered by a 5 out of 5-star side impact rating from NHTSA, a clear strength in the vehicle's passive safety. However, this was tempered by a 3 out of 5-star rollover rating and a 22 percent rollover risk, which indicate structural concerns limiting a higher overall crash protection assessment. The vehicle's avoidance technology score was 6 out of 10. Both forward collision warning and lane departure warning were offered as optional features, not standard equipment. This means the presence of these safety technologies varies by individual vehicle configuration, a practical consideration for buyers evaluating this now used model year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 GMC Canyon perform in crash tests?
The 2021 GMC Canyon's weakest performance in NHTSA testing is its 3-star rollover rating, accompanied by a 22 percent rollover risk, despite a "No Tip" result in the dynamic test. This stands in contrast to its stronger side-crash performance, which achieved a perfect 5 stars. The vehicle's frontal crash rating aligns with its overall assessment, both receiving 4 out of 5 stars.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15157
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 GMC Canyon have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2021 GMC Canyon. The first targets seat belts, grouping this truck with several other GM models including the 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 Sierra and Yukon lines. The second addresses a labeling issue, specifically incorrect load-carrying capacity information printed on the Tire and Loading Information label. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive designation based on available data.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS21V497000
Risk: An incorrect label may lead to unintentionally overloading the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will mail owners a new B-pillar label, free of charge. Owners may apply the label, or bring it to a dealer for installation. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 17, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212340735.
Reported 2021-07-01
SEAT BELTS20V811000
Risk: If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.
Reported 2020-12-23
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 GMC Canyon?
NHTSA has received 10 owner complaints for the 2021 GMC Canyon. These are unverified consumer allegations. The most frequently reported components are Power Train, Unknown Or Other, and Air Bags, each alleged in two reports. Additional allegations involve Exterior Lighting, Back Over Prevention, and Steering.
10 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 GMC Canyon?
For potential owners of the 2021 GMC Canyon, a critical step before purchase involves verifying recall completion. Two distinct campaigns have been issued: one addresses a seat belt issue, and the other concerns a load-label error. It is imperative to check the specific VIN against the NHTSA recall database to ascertain the status of these remedies. Any open recall should be addressed by a GM dealership to ensure the vehicle meets safety standards.
- The 2021 model year Safety Index of 78/100 marks a four-point decline from the 2020 Canyon's 82/100, moving the vehicle from the Strong band into the Average band, driven by a weaker defect record component score of 14.75 out of 20.
- NHTSA's rollover rating for this specific model year is 3 out of 5 stars, with a measured rollover risk of 22 percent, making rollover the single lowest crash-test result for the 2021 Canyon.
- Both recall campaigns active on this model year involve safety-critical or regulatory items: a seat belt defect shared across multiple 2021 GM trucks and SUVs, and a Tire and Loading Information label error affecting load-carrying capacity data.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning were optional, not standard, on the 2021 GMC Canyon, so used-market buyers should verify whether a specific vehicle was equipped with these features before assuming their presence.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 GMC Canyon places
The 2021 GMC Canyon qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 GMC Canyon safety questions
Was the 2021 GMC Canyon crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 GMC Canyon, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 78 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 GMC Canyon crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 21.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 GMC Canyon have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 GMC Canyon. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 GMC Canyon?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 10 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 GMC Canyon. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Canyon years
Rivals in Sedan (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15157), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the GMC Canyon 2021.
- 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 77 of 94 in the Sedan class for 2021.
- 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.