CarBrief

The 2026 GMC Canyon has 8 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, and none mention a crash, fire or injury[1]. It has 2 recalls, and EPA combined fuel economy runs from 16 to 20 MPG depending on the version[2][3].

8owner complaints[1]
2recalls[4]
16–20MPG combined (EPA)[3]
4★NHTSA overall rating[5]

Most reported problems

NHTSA has 8 owner complaints for this model year, with 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries and 0 deaths reported[1]. That is a small pile, and these are unverified owner reports. One complaint can name more than one component, so the groups below add up to more than 8[1].

In the small sample of power train complaints we read, 2 of 3 describe transmission behavior. One owner describes a delayed upshift followed by a hard shift. Another describes a shudder at highway speed[6]. The third describes a front axle failure early in the truck's life, which the owner linked to missing lubricant[6].

Both steering complaints we read describe a noise or rattle from the steering column. In both, the owner says the repair part was not yet available[7]. One owner of a forward collision avoidance complaint says front bumper sensors and auto start-stop stopped working after a software update[9].

With so few reports, none of these can be called a pattern. They are things owners describe, nothing more.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2026 Canyon[13][14]. They are below, newest first.

Notification letters for these recalls were mailed in 2026[13][14]. You can check a specific truck by VIN on NHTSA.gov.

Fuel economy

Every version in the EPA data uses a 2.7L 4-cylinder turbo with an 8-speed automatic and regular gas[2][15][16][3][17]. Ratings change with version and drive.

Version City / Hwy / Combined MPG EPA annual fuel cost
2WD[3] 19 / 23 / 20 $3,350
4WD[16] 17 / 22 / 19 $3,550
Mud Terrain Tires 4WD[17] 17 / 20 / 18 $3,700
AT4X 4WD[15] 17 / 17 / 17 $3,950
AT4X AEV 4WD[2] 16 / 16 / 16 $4,200

The gap between the 2WD and the AT4X AEV is 4 MPG combined and $850 a year in estimated fuel cost[3][2]. EPA's cost uses its current fuel price assumptions, not necessarily what you pay.

Safety ratings

NHTSA rates the 4WD and rear-wheel-drive versions it tested the same[5][18]. Overall is 4 stars, frontal is 4 stars, side is 5 stars and rollover is 3 stars[5][18].

Engine and size

The EPA test car list rates the 2.7L 4-cylinder at 310 hp[19]. The sizes below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US trucks. They are converted to inches and pounds.

Variant Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
Crew cab 2WD[20] 213 in 75 in 80 in 131 in 4,716 lb
Crew cab 4WD[21] 213 in 75 in 80 in 131 in 4,971 lb
Crew cab 4WD AT4[22] 213 in 76 in 80 in 131 in 4,971 lb
Crew cab 4WD AT4X[23] 213 in 76 in 81 in 131 in 5,298 lb

How 2026 compares with other years

2004: 80 complaints, 3 recalls20042005: 113 complaints, 3 recalls2006: 48 complaints, 4 recalls20062007: 42 complaints, 3 recalls2008: 38 complaints, 2 recalls20082009: 27 complaints, 3 recalls2010: 8 complaints, 2 recalls20102011: 12 complaints, 5 recalls2012: 23 complaints, 2 recalls20122015: 303 complaints, 8 recalls2016: 271 complaints, 4 recalls20162017: 66 complaints, 1 recalls2018: 53 complaints, 1 recalls20182019: 17 complaints, 0 recalls2020: 14 complaints, 0 recalls20202021: 12 complaints, 2 recalls2022: 27 complaints, 1 recalls20222023: 62 complaints, 3 recalls2024: 207 complaints, 3 recalls20242025: 8 complaints, 2 recalls2026: 8 complaints, 2 recalls82026
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Canyon model year. The 2026 is highlighted[4].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
2004803
20051133
2006484
2007423
2008382
2009273
201082
2011125
2012232
20153038
20162714
2017661
2018531
2019170
2020140
2021122
2022271
2023623
20242073
202582
202682

Among the Canyon model years NHTSA lists, 2026 has 8 complaints and 2 recalls[4]. 2010 and 2025 also have 8 complaints[4]. The highest counts are 303 complaints for 2015, 271 for 2016 and 207 for 2024[4]. For recalls, 2015 has 8 and 2011 has 5, both above the 2 for 2026[4]. 2013 and 2014 are not in the list. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide.

Should you buy a 2026 GMC Canyon?

The federal record for this model year is light, with 8 complaints and no reported crashes, fires or injuries[1]. The two recalls both have free dealer remedies[13][14]. Check any truck by VIN for open recalls. The complaints we read mention transmission behavior and a steering column noise, so a test drive that includes highway speeds is reasonable[6][7]. Fuel cost depends heavily on version, from $3,350 a year for the 2WD to $4,200 for the AT4X AEV[3][2].

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2026 GMC Canyon have?
NHTSA has 8 owner complaints, led by power train with 3 and steering with 2[1][6][7]. None mention a crash, fire or injury[1].
Are there recalls on the 2026 GMC Canyon?
Yes, 2 recalls: 26V114 for the owner's manual download and 25V856 for passenger air bag software on the AT4X AEV[13][14]. Dealers fix both free[13][14].
What is the gas mileage of the 2026 GMC Canyon?
EPA combined ratings run from 16 MPG for the AT4X AEV 4WD to 20 MPG for the 2WD[2][3].
What is the NHTSA safety rating of the 2026 GMC Canyon?
NHTSA gives 4 stars overall, with 5 stars for side and 3 stars for rollover[5][18].
How much horsepower does the 2026 GMC Canyon have?
The EPA test car list rates the 2.7L 4-cylinder at 310 hp[19].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 8 owner complaints on file for the 2026 GMC Canyon (0 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 0 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. EPA rating for Canyon AT4X AEV 4WD, 2.7L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 16 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  3. EPA rating for Canyon 2WD, 2.7L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 23 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  4. Owner complaints and recalls for every GMC Canyon model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  5. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/CC 4WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars. NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 3 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 2 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 1 complaints name the wheels component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 1 complaints name the forward collision avoidance component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 1 complaints name the brakes component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 1 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 1 complaints name the back over prevention component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. Recall 26V114, filed February 26, 2026: Equipment › Other › Owners / Service / Other Manual . NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 25V856, filed December 11, 2025: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  15. EPA rating for Canyon AT4X 4WD, 2.7L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 17 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  16. EPA rating for Canyon 4WD, 2.7L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 22 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for Canyon Mud Terrain Tires 4WD, 2.7L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 20 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/CC RWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars. NHTSA vehicle records
  19. EPA Test Car List, 2026 GMC Canyon with 2.7L 4-cylinder: rated 310 hp. www.epa.gov
  20. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CANYON CREWCAB 2WD: length 213 in, width 75 in, height 80 in, wheelbase 131 in, curb weight 4,716 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  21. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CANYON CREWCAB 4WD: length 213 in, width 75 in, height 80 in, wheelbase 131 in, curb weight 4,971 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  22. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CANYON CREWCAB 4WD AT4: length 213 in, width 76 in, height 80 in, wheelbase 131 in, curb weight 4,971 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  23. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CANYON CREWCAB 4WD AT4X: length 213 in, width 76 in, height 81 in, wheelbase 131 in, curb weight 5,298 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.