NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 GMC Canyon Safety Ratings
The 2023 GMC Canyon scores 78 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 53 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 GMC Canyon presents a safety profile that has notably declined from the prior model year. Its NHTSA Safety Index of 78/100 positions it in the Average band, a meaningful three-point drop from the 2022 model's 81/100 Strong rating. This assessment is compounded by a mixed record in NHTSA crash testing and the presence of three distinct recall campaigns.
The 2023 GMC Canyon received a NHTSA Safety Index of 78 out of 100 and a 4-out-of-5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating, according to NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 92 Sedans from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 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 | 0% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 53 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 77 of 92 Sedans tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 GMC Canyon?
The 2023 GMC Canyon marks a notable shift in the safety profile of this generation. The NHTSA Safety Index fell from 81/100 in 2022, a Strong band score, to 78/100 in 2023, dropping the vehicle into the Average band. That three-point slide is driven in part by a defect record subscore of 15.75 out of 20, which reflects the weight of three distinct recall campaigns filed against this specific model year. The crash protection subscore of 57 out of 70 is supported by solid NHTSA results, particularly the 5-star side rating, but the 3-star rollover score limits the ceiling. The avoidance tech subscore of 5 out of 10 is modest despite forward collision warning and lane departure warning being standard equipment, suggesting the system as calibrated draws scrutiny, a point echoed by the 17 unverified Forward Collision Avoidance complaints and the recall specifically targeting false FCM activations. Together, the recall mix, covering seat belts, wheel hardware, and a safety-critical driver-assistance camera, gives this model year a more complex safety story than the prior year's cleaner record.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 GMC Canyon perform in crash tests?
The 2023 GMC Canyon achieved an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Its side-impact protection is particularly strong, earning a perfect 5-star rating. Frontal crash protection also performed well, rated at 4 stars. The lowest assessment came in the rollover category, at 3 out of 5 stars, despite the dynamic tip test recording no tip and a 0 percent rollover risk.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18254
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 GMC Canyon have any recalls?
Yes, three recall campaigns cover this model year. The first addresses front seat belt critical fasteners that may not hold properly. The second targets front wheel hub bolts that may have been over-torqued. The third involves the front camera module, which may falsely activate the automatic emergency braking system. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data provided.
SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS24V703000
Risk: A loose seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will tighten the left and right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 30, 2024. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N242453720.
Reported 2024-09-19
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS24V237000
Risk: Damaged bolts may loosen or break, which can result in a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the left and right front wheel hub bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232431480.
Reported 2024-03-28
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:DRIVER MONITORING:CAMERA/SENSOR24V133000
Risk: Unexpected automatic emergency braking can cause the vehicle to abruptly stop or slow down, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the front camera module (FCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 5, 2024. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A232424660.
Reported 2024-02-22
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 GMC Canyon?
Owners have filed 53 unverified allegations with NHTSA. The most frequently reported components are the Electrical System with 18 alleged issues and Forward Collision Avoidance with 17. Engine concerns account for 10 reported complaints. All figures are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
53 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 GMC Canyon?
A critical safety concern for the 2023 GMC Canyon involves its recall record. Shoppers considering a used model should verify, via the VIN, that all three recall campaigns have been remedied. These recalls addressed issues with the seat belts, wheel hub bolts, and the front camera module, each posing a distinct safety risk. Confirmation of remedy completion should be obtained directly from a GM dealer.
- The 2023 GMC Canyon's Safety Index dropped three points year over year, falling from the Strong band in 2022 to the Average band in 2023, a shift tied directly to this model year's recall activity and avoidance-tech subscore.
- Three recalls specific to this model year target seat belt critical fasteners, over-torqued front wheel hub bolts, and a front camera module that may falsely trigger automatic emergency braking, all filed in 2024.
- The rollover rating of 3 out of 5 stars is the weakest crash-test score for this model year and is the primary factor preventing a higher crash protection subscore despite a perfect 5-star side result.
- Fifty-three unverified owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA, with Electrical System and Forward Collision Avoidance together accounting for 35 of those alleged reports, a concentration worth monitoring given the FCM recall.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 GMC Canyon places
The 2023 GMC Canyon qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 GMC Canyon safety questions
Was the 2023 GMC Canyon crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 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 2023 GMC Canyon crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 0%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 GMC Canyon have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 GMC Canyon. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 GMC Canyon?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 53 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 GMC Canyon. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Canyon years
Rivals in Sedan (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Audi S4 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model S Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18254), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the GMC Canyon 2023.
- 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 92 in the Sedan class for 2023.
- 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.