NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 GMC Canyon Safety Ratings
The 2026 GMC Canyon scores 85 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 3 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 GMC Canyon achieved an overall Safety Index of 85 out of 100, a strong showing in our analysis. Two active recall campaigns are on record for this model year. While the crash-test performance is solid overall, prospective owners should confirm recall remedy completion by VIN.
The 2026 GMC Canyon received a 4-out-of-5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 72 Sedans from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 GMC Canyon ranks 59 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 85 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 0% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 3 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 59 of 72 Sedans tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 GMC Canyon?
The 2026 GMC Canyon improves its safety profile significantly over the prior model year. Its NHTSA Safety Index score rose to 85 out of 100, landing in the Strong band, an 8-point gain from 2025's 77 out of 100. This improvement stems partly from a perfect 10 out of 10 in avoidance technology, with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all standard. The crash protection score stands at 57 out of 70, complemented by a strong defect-record component of 18 out of 20 points. Two open recall campaigns are on record. The more critical recall addresses the airbag sensing and diagnostic module software on AT4X AEV trims, directly impacting the frontal passenger-side airbag system. A separate recall, broader across the GM lineup, concerns manual documentation, posing less immediate operational risk. Only three consumer complaints have been filed thus far for this current-year truck.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 GMC Canyon perform in crash tests?
The 2026 GMC Canyon earned a perfect 5-star side-crash rating from NHTSA. This strong performance contributed to its 4 out of 5 stars overall. Frontal crash protection was rated at 4 stars. The lowest rating for the Canyon was 3 stars for rollover. Despite this rating, NHTSA recorded a 0% rollover risk for the vehicle and reported a "No Tip" result in dynamic testing.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21796
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 GMC Canyon have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2026 GMC Canyon. The first involves an owner and service manual documentation issue affecting a broad group of GM vehicles. The second, specific to Canyon AT4X AEV trims, addresses incorrect sensing and diagnostic module software in the frontal passenger-side airbag inflator system. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the provided campaign data, but owners should check their VIN at NHTSA immediately.
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 2026 GMC Canyon?
Three unverified consumer allegations have been reported to NHTSA for the 2026 GMC Canyon. The alleged components involve Steering, Power Train, and Wheels, with one report each. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged in these filings. All complaints remain unverified allegations, not established facts.
3 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 GMC Canyon?
Two open recall campaigns currently affect this model-year vehicle, with one specifically addressing airbag software on AT4X AEV trims. Prospective buyers should always verify that all recall remedy work has been completed by running the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool.
- The Safety Index jumped 8 points from the 2025 model year's Average-band score of 77 to an 85 in the Strong band for 2026, a year-over-year improvement driven by perfect avoidance-technology scoring.
- A safety-critical recall covers 2024-2026 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV vehicles for incorrect airbag sensing and diagnostic module software in the frontal passenger-side inflator system, owners should verify remedy status by VIN.
- NHTSA's dynamic rollover test returned a No Tip result and a 0% rollover risk figure, providing important context for the 3-star rollover rating on the standardized scale.
- Forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are all standard on the 2026 Canyon, earning a full 10 out of 10 in the avoidance-technology component of the Safety Index.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 GMC Canyon places
The 2026 GMC Canyon qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 GMC Canyon safety questions
Was the 2026 GMC Canyon crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 GMC Canyon, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 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 2026 GMC Canyon crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 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 2026 GMC Canyon have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 GMC Canyon. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 GMC Canyon?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 3 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 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 (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Acura Integra | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2026 Acura Integra Type-S | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Honda Accord | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus IS 350 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Subaru Impreza | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21796), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the GMC Canyon 2026.
- 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 59 of 72 in the Sedan class for 2026.
- 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.