2026 GMC Canyon recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2026 GMC Canyon and 8 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are power train (3), steering (2), unknown or other (1). It earned a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 19–20 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
The 2026 ranks #2 of 13 Canyon model years for fewest complaints (2012–2026), with fewer complaints than the average year (84). It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 2.2 per model year.
Recalls 2
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2026 GMC Canyon. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Equipment · other · owners/service/other manual
Problem: 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.”
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.
Fix: 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 Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 26, 2026.
Air bags · frontal · passenger side · inflator module
Problem: 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."
Risk: An air bag that deploys improperly increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
Intermediate steering column defect causing a pronounced dashboard rattle. The dealer (Putnam GMC, Burlingame, CA) diagnosed the issue under warranty, but the required part is on national backorder with no ship date. The vehicle has been out of service at the dealership since September 2, 2026 awaiting the part. This is a steering-related defect on a brand-new vehicle with appr…
I’ve included all my repair orders regarding to coolant smell/leak and transmission shutter. I purchased my truck on XXX. We had planned a family vacation to [XXX], and we were driving up when I felt the transmission shutter at around 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. while cruising at approximately 55 to 62 mph. Since then, I’ve noticed it happening more frequently. I took the truck to GMC d…
The contact owns a 2026 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while his son was driving approximately 30 MPH, the passenger’s side rear brakes were making an abnormal crunching sound. No warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 100.
Safety ratings
2026 GMC CANYON PU/CC N/A 4WD
2026 GMC CANYON PU/CC N/A RWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2026 GMC Canyon.
Canyon 2WD
Auto 8-spd · 4 cyl · 2.7 L · Turbo
Regular
Canyon 4WD
Auto 8-spd · 4 cyl · 2.7 L · Turbo
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2026 GMC Canyon have?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2026 GMC Canyon, most recently for equipment · other · owners/service/other manual (02/26/2026). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2026 GMC Canyon?
Based on 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are power train (3), steering (2), unknown or other (1).
Is the 2026 GMC Canyon safe?
The 2026 GMC Canyon earned a 4-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2026 a good year for the GMC Canyon?
The 2026 ranks #2 of 13 Canyon model years for fewest complaints (2012–2026), with fewer complaints than the average year (84). It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 2.2 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2026 GMC Canyon get?
EPA ratings for the 2026 GMC Canyon range from 19 to 20 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
Own a 2026 GMC Canyon in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved November 2, 2026. NHTSA model names used: CANYON, Canyon.