2015 Gmc Canyon Safety Report

The 2015 GMC Canyon presents a mixed safety picture, with strong crash test performance but significant, recurring issues related to its steering system. NHTSA awarded the vehicle an overall 4-star safety rating, including 4 stars for frontal crash, 5 stars for side crash, and 3 stars for rollover. However, the vehicle has accumulated 315 total complaints, with a striking 161 complaints (over 50%) specifically concerning the STEERING component, and an additional 29 complaints for STEERING, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC). These complaints frequently describe sudden loss of power steering assist, making the vehicle extremely difficult to steer, particularly at lower speeds, and have been linked to 8 crashes and 5 injuries. The recall history for the 2015 GMC Canyon is extensive, with 8 recalls issued. A significant portion of these recalls directly addresses the prevalent steering issues. For instance, multiple recalls (e.g., 'STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM') were issued for loss of power steering due to poor electrical connections or issues within the steering gear assembly, which directly correlates with the high volume of consumer complaints. Other recalls cover critical safety components such as the fuel system (risk of fire), airbags (improper inflation, inflator separation, non-deployment), and service brakes (increased stopping distance). Despite the good crash test ratings, the high number of complaints and multiple recalls, particularly concerning the steering system, indicate a notable safety concern. The recurring nature of power steering failures, even after recall repairs, suggests a persistent underlying problem. While the vehicle performs well in controlled crash scenarios, the real-world risk posed by sudden steering loss is a serious consideration for potential owners. The 4 fires and 5 injuries reported further underscore the severity of some of the vehicle's issues.

Our recommendation: Given the persistent and severe power steering issues, even after multiple recalls, potential buyers should exercise extreme caution and thoroughly investigate if all recalls have been performed and if the steering system shows any signs of intermittent failure. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, specifically focusing on the steering and electrical systems, is highly recommended.