2023 Gmc Canyon Safety Report

2023 GMC Canyon: Strong crash ratings, but significant ADAS and cooling system issues, plus three recalls.

51Complaints
3Recalls
★★★★☆Safety Rating
65/100Reliability Score
1Injuries
Most reported components: Electrical System,Forward Collision Avoidance (10)Engine (5)Forward Collision Avoidance (4)Structure (3)Unknown Or Other,Engine (2)Steering,Vehicle Speed Control,Service Brakes (2)Power Train,Engine (2)Electrical System,Lane Departure (2)Lane Departure (2)Exterior Lighting (2)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2023 Gmc Canyon

The 2023 GMC Canyon presents a mixed safety picture, with strong crash test performance but notable concerns regarding its advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and certain mechanical components. 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 51 complaints, with 1 reported injury, despite being a relatively new model. A significant portion of these complaints, specifically 10 related to 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE' and 4 to 'FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE', directly align with a critical recall concerning the front camera module (FCM) system falsely detecting obstacles and causing unexpected automatic emergency braking. This recall highlights a serious safety risk that could lead to abrupt stops and increase crash risk. Beyond ADAS issues, the complaint data reveals a concerning pattern with the engine cooling system, specifically the upper radiator hose. Multiple complaints describe premature failure and coolant leaks, with some owners reporting issues at mileages as low as 28,708 to 37,000 miles. This suggests a potential manufacturing defect that could lead to engine overheating if not addressed. Other recurring issues include electrical system malfunctions (e.g., blacked-out radio screens, dashboard issues) and transmission problems, such as harsh shifting or lurching. The presence of three recalls, including one for loose seat belt buckle attachment bolts and another for over-tightened front wheel hub bolts, further indicates initial quality control challenges. In summary, while the 2023 GMC Canyon performs well in controlled crash tests, its real-world safety is impacted by significant issues with its automatic emergency braking system, a known recall, and a pattern of premature radiator hose failures. The high number of complaints for a new model year, particularly concerning critical safety systems and engine components, warrants careful consideration. Buyers should be aware of these specific issues and ensure all recalls have been addressed.

Reliability Score

The 2023 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 2023 Gmc Canyon

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2023 Gmc Canyon:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Automatic Emergency Braking (Aeb) False Activation
The front camera module (FCM) system may falsely detect an obstacle, causing unexpected automatic emergency braking, increasing crash risk. This is subject to a recall.
High Common all miles
Upper Radiator Hose Failure/Coolant Leak
Premature failure of the upper radiator hose, leading to coolant leaks, with many reports around 30,000-37,000 miles.
Medium Common 28000-40000 miles
Electrical System Malfunctions (Dashboard/Radio)
Dashboard and radio screens going completely black, with mechanics sometimes unable to diagnose the issue.
Medium Occasional all miles
Transmission Harsh Shifting/Lurching
Vehicle lurches strongly when almost stopped (2nd to 1st gear) or slams into 2nd from 1st under light acceleration.
Medium Occasional all miles
Loose Seat Belt Buckle Attachment Bolt
Front seat belt buckle attachment bolt may not be tightened, increasing injury risk in a crash. Subject to recall.
High Rare all miles
Over-Tightened Front Wheel Hub Bolts
Front wheel hub bolts may have been over-tightened and damaged, potentially leading to loss of vehicle control. Subject to recall.
High Rare all miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2023 Gmc Canyon:

Electrical System,Forward Collision Avoidance 19% of complaints

Frequent false activations of the automatic emergency braking system and issues with forward collision avoidance, aligning with a major recall.

Engine 13% of complaints

Recurring issues with the engine cooling system, specifically premature failure and leaks of the upper radiator hose.

Electrical System 7% of complaints

Problems with the infotainment screen and dashboard going black, and other general electrical glitches.

Power Train 3% of complaints

Reports of harsh or erratic transmission shifting, including lurching at low speeds.

Service Brakes 3% of complaints

Complaints about brake failure warnings, ineffective braking, and steering wheel shaking during braking.

Lane Departure 3% of complaints

Issues with lane keep assist and blind spot monitoring systems giving false alerts or failing to operate correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2023 Gmc Canyon

Is the 2023 GMC Canyon safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2023 GMC Canyon received a 4-star overall safety rating, with 5 stars for side impact. However, it has 51 complaints, including 1 injury, and three recalls. A significant concern is the recall for the automatic emergency braking system, which can falsely activate and cause unexpected stops, and numerous complaints about premature radiator hose failures.

What are common problems with the 2023 GMC Canyon?

The most reported issues are related to the automatic emergency braking system (10 complaints), which can falsely activate, and engine cooling system problems, specifically upper radiator hose failures (5 complaints). Other common problems include general electrical system malfunctions (e.g., blacked-out screens) and transmission shifting issues.

Are there any recalls for the 2023 GMC Canyon?

Yes, there are three recalls for the 2023 GMC Canyon. These include a recall for the front camera module (FCM) system causing unexpected automatic emergency braking, a recall for loose front seat belt buckle attachment bolts, and a recall for over-tightened front wheel hub bolts.

How does the 2023 GMC Canyon perform in crash tests?

The 2023 GMC Canyon received a 4-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. It scored 4 stars for frontal crash, 5 stars for side crash, and 3 stars for rollover resistance.

Should I be concerned about the engine in the 2023 GMC Canyon?

There are concerns regarding the engine's cooling system, specifically the upper radiator hose. Multiple complaints indicate premature failure and coolant leaks, with some occurring at relatively low mileage (e.g., 28,000-37,000 miles). This suggests a potential manufacturing defect that could lead to overheating if not addressed.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the significant recalls and recurring complaints regarding the automatic emergency braking system and engine cooling, prospective buyers should ensure all recalls have been addressed and be vigilant for signs of radiator hose leaks or ADAS malfunctions.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2023 Gmc Canyon

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2023 Gmc Canyon. The data includes 51 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2023 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.