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Research · Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD · 2 NHTSA variants

2026 GMC CanyonRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 8 owner complaints for the 2026 GMC Canyon. Most complaints involve power train (3) and steering (2). The EPA rates it 17–20 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.

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Combined MPG
17–20mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Feb 2026
Owner complaints
8
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$3,200est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Equipment: owners

Free remedy

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.”

EquipmentReported Feb 26, 2026NHTSA 26V114000

Air bags: inflator module

Free remedy

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."

Air bagsReported Dec 11, 2025NHTSA 25V856000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

8 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2026 – Sep 2026
  1. Power train3
  2. Steering2
  3. Back over prevention1
  4. Service brakes, hydraulic1
  5. Forward collision avoidance1
  6. Wheels1
  7. Other / unknown1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Canyon model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
200480
2005113
200648
200745
200842
200929
201013
201123
201229
2015321
2016271
201766
201853
201917
202015
202112
202228
202363
2024208
20258
20268
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

3 reports
“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 dealer Jack Hanaia at [XXX] (I believe it was in XXX). I expressed my concerns, and they couldn’t find any issues with the transmission, along with the coolant leak. They claimed they couldn’t find a leak, but the service advisor could smell a strong coolant leak. Later on March 5th the coolant leaked, and I got a different advisor. She could smell the leak but the tech couldn’t replicate the issue. A few months later, around August, I took the truck to a different dealership, the Buick GMC dealership at [XXX]. I informed them that I had a coolant leak smell, a transmission shutter, and other issues listed on the repair order They couldn’t find the transmission problem or the coolant leak, but the advisor could also smell the coolant leak. I’m getting tired of going to the dealership and…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 9, 2026Power train, Unknown or other, Back over preventionODI 11763030

Steering

2 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 approximately 1,500 miles.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 17, 2026SteeringODI 11765143

Back over prevention

1 report
Send a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

4 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD, Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD
Engines
2.7L 4-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic 8-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Canyon 2WD
Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
192320$3,200443
Canyon 4WD
Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive
172219$3,400462
Canyon Mud Terrain Tires 4WD
Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive
172018$3,550494
Canyon AT4X 4WD
Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive
171717$3,800527
  • Canyon 2WD
    Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo
    19 city · 23 hwy · $3,200/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • Canyon 4WD
    Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo
    17 city · 22 hwy · $3,400/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • Canyon Mud Terrain Tires 4WD
    Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo
    17 city · 20 hwy · $3,550/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
  • Canyon AT4X 4WD
    Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo
    17 city · 17 hwy · $3,800/yr
    17
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5
GMC CANYON PU/CC N/A 4WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
3 of 5
Rollover risk
0.0%
Overall
4 / 5
GMC CANYON PU/CC N/A RWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
3 of 5
Rollover risk
0.0%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 21796Vehicle 21795
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2026 Canyon questions

How many recalls does the 2026 GMC Canyon have?

2 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2026 GMC Canyon problems?

Owners filed 8 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (3), steering (2), back over prevention (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2026 GMC Canyon get?

The EPA rates the 2026 GMC Canyon at 17–20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

How safe is the 2026 GMC Canyon?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2026 GMC Canyon 4 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026