2021 Gmc Canyon Safety Report

2021 GMC Canyon: Average crash ratings, low complaint volume, but serious airbag and fire concerns.

10Complaints
2Recalls
★★★★☆Safety Rating
65/100Reliability Score
2Crash Reports
1Fire Reports
5Injuries
Most reported components: Power Train (2)Exterior Lighting (1)Back Over Prevention (1)Steering (1)Electrical System (1)Seat Belts,Unknown Or Other (1)Unknown Or Other,Lane Departure (1)Air Bags,Forward Collision Avoidance (1)Air Bags (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Gmc Canyon

The 2021 GMC Canyon presents a mixed safety picture, with a relatively low number of NHTSA complaints but some serious reported issues and average crash test performance. With only 10 total complaints, the vehicle has seen 2 crashes, 1 fire, and 5 injuries reported. A significant concern is the 1 reported fire incident, which occurred between the rear passenger side seat belt and the rear window, and the 2 complaints detailing airbag non-deployment in serious front-end collisions. These incidents raise questions about critical safety systems. Recall history includes two campaigns: one for an incorrect load carrying capacity label (EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS) that could lead to overloading and increased crash risk, and another for potentially improperly attached seat belt assemblies (SEAT BELTS) which could compromise occupant restraint during a crash. The seat belt recall is particularly relevant given the reported fire near a seat belt and the general importance of proper restraint. NHTSA crash test ratings show an Overall 4-star rating, with 4 stars for Frontal crash, 5 stars for Side crash, but only 3 stars for Rollover. This indicates strong side-impact protection but a less robust performance in rollover scenarios. Common complaint patterns, despite the low volume, include issues with the POWER TRAIN (2 complaints), EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1 complaint for low beam failure), and BACK OVER PREVENTION (1 complaint for a solid blue rearview camera screen). The reported electrical power steering motor failure on the highway is also a high-severity concern.

Reliability Score

The 2021 Gmc Canyon receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2021 Gmc Canyon

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Gmc Canyon:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Airbag Non-Deployment
Multiple complaints detail airbags failing to deploy in serious front-end collisions, despite significant vehicle damage.
High Rare unknown miles
Rear Passenger Seat Fire
One complaint describes a fire starting inside the vehicle between the rear passenger side seat belt and the rear window.
High Rare unknown miles
Electrical Power Steering Failure
A driver reported the electric power steering motor stopped working on the highway, making the vehicle almost impossible to control.
High Rare unknown miles
Rearview Camera Failure
Complaints mention the back over prevention screen displaying a solid blue image or the camera becoming corroded and non-functional.
Medium Occasional unknown miles
Low Beam Headlight Failure
One complaint details the driver's side low beam headlight failing to illuminate due to a burned electrical fuse.
Medium Rare unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Gmc Canyon:

Power Train 20% of complaints

Two complaints related to power train issues, including abnormal vibration and shuddering at approximately 50 MPH.

Air Bags 20% of complaints

Two complaints regarding airbags failing to deploy in serious collisions, including one front-end collision that totaled the vehicle.

Back Over Prevention 10% of complaints

One complaint about the rearview camera displaying a solid blue screen or becoming corroded and non-functional.

Exterior Lighting 10% of complaints

One complaint concerning the driver's side low beam headlight failing to illuminate.

Steering 10% of complaints

One complaint detailing the electric power steering motor stopping while driving on the highway.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Gmc Canyon

Is the 2021 GMC Canyon safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 GMC Canyon has an Overall 4-star safety rating, with good side-impact protection (5 stars) but only 3 stars for rollover. While the total complaint volume is low (10 complaints), there are serious concerns including 2 reports of airbags failing to deploy in crashes and 1 report of a vehicle fire, which are critical safety system failures.

What are common problems?

The most reported issues, despite the low complaint count, include POWER TRAIN problems (2 complaints), AIR BAGS (2 complaints for non-deployment), and individual reports for EXTERIOR LIGHTING (low beam failure), BACK OVER PREVENTION (rearview camera issues), and STEERING (power steering failure). There's also a concerning report of a fire originating near a rear seat belt.

Are there any recalls for the 2021 GMC Canyon?

Yes, there are 2 recalls for the 2021 GMC Canyon. One recall (EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS) addresses an incorrect load carrying capacity label that could lead to vehicle overloading. The second recall (SEAT BELTS) concerns potentially improperly attached seat belt assemblies that may not properly restrain an occupant in a crash.

How does the 2021 GMC Canyon perform in crash tests?

The 2021 GMC Canyon received an Overall 4-star safety rating from NHTSA. It scored 4 stars for Frontal crash, an excellent 5 stars for Side crash, but only 3 stars for Rollover, indicating a moderate risk in rollover scenarios.

What should I look out for when buying a used 2021 GMC Canyon?

When considering a used 2021 GMC Canyon, ensure all 2 recalls, particularly the SEAT BELTS recall, have been addressed. Pay close attention to the functionality of the rearview camera, check for any unusual power train vibrations, and be aware of the reported airbag non-deployment issues, though these are difficult to verify in a pre-purchase inspection.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the serious reported issues like airbag non-deployment and a vehicle fire, alongside average rollover ratings, thoroughly verify all recalls are completed and consider an independent inspection focusing on critical safety systems before purchasing a 2021 GMC Canyon.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Gmc Canyon

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Gmc Canyon. The data includes 10 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 5 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2021 Gmc Canyon an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 3 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.