Canyon (3rd)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Reliability Overview
The Canyon was redesigned for 2023 on GM's new midsize truck platform, and the reliability record so far reads very differently from the truck it replaced. Where the previous generation was defined by steering failures, the current Canyon's 264 complaints skew toward the exterior bucket, which accounts for 162 of them at moderate severity. The data shows no reported crashes, fires, or deaths yet. The complaint profile is milder, though the truck is still early in its life.
The redesign dropped the old engine lineup for a single powertrain: the 2.7-liter turbocharged four shared with the Chevrolet Colorado. That removes the engine-choice decision entirely. At 66 complaints per year against a segment median near 22, the Canyon still runs above the midsize-pickup norm, which places the sole engine in caution territory rather than clean.
Seven recalls in the first few model years is typical for a truck on a brand-new platform. The campaigns cover headlights that can flicker (24V673), wheels, seat belts, a fuel-system issue, and an electrical fault, most of them shared with the Colorado twin. A separate airbag recall targets the off-road AT4X AEV trim specifically (25V856). None of these point to a systemic mechanical weakness the way the prior generation's steering problem did.
Anyone looking at a 2023-through-2026 Canyon is shopping a still-young redesign whose long-term durability is not yet settled. The absence of severe safety complaints is encouraging, but the exterior-heavy complaint list and the first-generation recall count both argue for verifying recall completion and inspecting body and trim closely.
Engine Reliability Ratings
L3B
2.7L 4-cyl TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the GMC Canyon regardless of engine variant.
Buyer's Guide
With one engine and a short model run, the decision is mostly about model year and recall status rather than configuration. The earliest 2023 trucks carry the most first-year campaigns; a 2024 or later truck with those recalls closed is the more settled buy. The off-road AT4X AEV trim has its own airbag recall to verify.
Because the exterior bucket is the largest complaint area, inspect the body panels, trim, and exterior hardware for fit and finish problems, and confirm the headlight-flicker recall (24V673) is resolved. Run the VIN through the NHTSA lookup for the wheel, seat-belt, fuel-system, and electrical campaigns, and confirm the 2.7-liter turbo four has a complete service history. As with any GM truck, the dealer completes recalls at no cost.
Recalls (7)
General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Coupe, Corvette Convertible E-Ray, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, Silverado EV, Suburban 1500, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Acadia, Hummer EV Pickup, Hummer EV SUV, Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, Sierra EV, Terrain, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The radio may not have been set to the correct status to download the electronic owner's manual during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, “Occupant Protection.”
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024–2026 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV vehicles. Incorrect sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software may cause a second stage passenger air bag deployment when only a first stage is intended. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, “Occupant Crash Protection."
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles. The lock ring that secures the fuel pump to the fuel tank assembly may not have been fully locked during assembly, which can result in a fuel leak during a crash.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles. The front wheel hub bolts may have been over-tightened and damaged during installation.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles. The front camera module (FCM) system may falsely detect an obstacle, causing the automatic emergency braking (AEB) to engage unexpectedly.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Chevrolet Colorado and 2023 GMC Canyon vehicles. The left or right front seat may have a seat belt buckle attachment bolt that was not tightened properly.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 GMC Canyon vehicles. The headlights may flicker while driving and while the vehicle is in park. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
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Alternatives in Pickup
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2023-2026 GMC Canyon problems?
The 2023-2026 GMC Canyon has accumulated 264 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Exterior, Electrical System, Safety Systems. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which GMC Canyon engine is most reliable?
The 2023-2026 GMC Canyon was offered with 1 engine option. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.7L Turbo 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2023-2026 GMC Canyon a good used car?
The 2023-2026 GMC Canyon can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 264 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2023-2026 GMC Canyon have?
The 2023-2026 GMC Canyon has 264 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2023-2026 GMC Canyon?
There are 7 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2023-2026 GMC Canyon vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used GMC Canyon?
Before buying a used GMC Canyon, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Exterior, Electrical System, Safety Systems, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Canyon?
The 2026 GMC Canyon received an overall 4-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 3 stars. Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 264 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-07-12.