NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 GMC Canyon Safety Ratings
The 2025 GMC Canyon scores 77 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 8 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
For the 2025 model year, the GMC Canyon presents as a reasonable, though not exceptional, safety performer. Its NHTSA Safety Index of 77/100 positions it firmly within the Average band. This assessment stems from solid crash-test protection and a clean defect record, which are, however, offset by a weak score in avoidance technology.
The 2025 GMC Canyon received a 4-out-of-5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 77/100, derived exclusively from NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 90 Sedans from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 GMC Canyon ranks 83 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 77 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 0% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 8 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 83 of 90 Sedans tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 GMC Canyon?
The 2025 GMC Canyon's performance in crash protection provides its primary safety strength, with 57 out of a possible 70 points in this category. The truck achieved a 5-star side impact rating and a 4-star frontal crash rating from NHTSA. This robust passive safety showing positions the Canyon in the Average band of our Safety Index, with an overall score of 77/100, a minor but positive one-point increase from the 2024 model's 76/100. The defect record further bolsters this standing, contributing 17.75 out of 20 points, reflecting just two recall campaigns at this early stage of the model year. However, a significant area for improvement lies in avoidance technology, which scored only 2 out of 10 points. This low score for active safety features stands in sharp contrast to the strong crash-test results. A specific recall regarding the airbag SDM software affects only AT4X AEV trim buyers. This particular recall is critical, as it concerns a system vital for occupant protection in a frontal crash. Prospective buyers of the AT4X AEV trim should prioritize VIN-level recall verification.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 GMC Canyon perform in crash tests?
The 2025 GMC Canyon demonstrates a notable disparity in its crash safety performance. While side-impact protection is a clear strength, earning a perfect 5 out of 5 stars, the vehicle's overall rating stands at 4 stars. Frontal crash performance also registers 4 stars. The most significant area for concern lies in the rollover assessment, which received 3 stars. This rating is given despite NHTSA's dynamic tip test recording no tip and a 0 percent rollover risk.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20504
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 GMC Canyon have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2025 GMC Canyon. The first involves an owner and service manual error affecting a broad group of 2025-2026 GM vehicles. The second, and more safety-critical, targets Canyon AT4X AEV units specifically for incorrect airbag sensing and diagnostic module software that could affect frontal passenger-side inflator deployment. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive directive based on available data.
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 2025 GMC Canyon?
Eight owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA against the 2025 GMC Canyon. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Service Brakes with 3 reports, followed by the Electrical System, Forward Collision Avoidance, and Unknown or Other categories with 2 reports each. One complaint alleges an injury. All are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
8 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 GMC Canyon?
A critical airbag SDM software recall affects specific trims of the 2025 GMC Canyon, necessitating careful verification for any potential owner. Before purchase, prospective buyers should run the vehicle's VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool. It is imperative to obtain written confirmation from a GM dealer that all open recall campaigns have been fully remedied.
- The 2025 GMC Canyon's rollover rating of 3 out of 5 stars is the lowest individual NHTSA score this model year, making it the most notable weak point in an otherwise above-average crash-test profile.
- The airbag sensing and diagnostic module software recall, issued for 2024-2026 Canyon AT4X AEV vehicles, is the single most safety-critical campaign specific to this model year and directly involves frontal crash protection.
- The avoidance-tech component of the Safety Index scores only 2 out of 10 for this model year, dragging the overall index down despite strong passive crash-protection numbers.
- Eight unverified NHTSA complaints have been filed against this model year, with Service Brakes the most frequently alleged problem area at 3 reports, and one complaint alleging an injury.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 GMC Canyon places
The 2025 GMC Canyon qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 GMC Canyon safety questions
Was the 2025 GMC Canyon crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 GMC Canyon, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 77 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 2025 GMC Canyon crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 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 2025 GMC Canyon have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2025 GMC Canyon. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 GMC Canyon?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 8 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 GMC Canyon. 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 years
Rivals in Sedan (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Audi A4 Allroad | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Audi S4 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Cadillac CT5 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Subaru Impreza | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20504), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the GMC Canyon 2025.
- 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 83 of 90 in the Sedan class for 2025.
- 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.