Recall 25V856 affects 1,120 2024-2026 GMC Canyon vehicles for passenger air bag software that can deploy incorrectly. Repair is free at any franchised GMC dealer.
GMC is recalling 1,120 2024-2026 Canyon AT4X AEV trucks because incorrect sensing and diagnostic module software can trigger a second-stage passenger air bag deployment when only the first stage is intended. An air bag that deploys improperly increases the risk of injury in a crash, and GMC dealers will update the software free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The sensing and diagnostic module in the 2024-2026 GMC Canyon is the air bag control computer. It reads crash sensors, decides how severe a crash is, and commands the passenger frontal air bag to deploy at the stage the software calls for. The Canyon AT4X AEV variant needs calibration that matches its build.
On affected trucks, the SDM calibration file is wrong for the AEV variant. The software uses crash-sensing settings tied to non-AEV Canyon variants, so in certain crash situations it can command a second-stage passenger air bag deployment when the correct response is first-stage deployment. That mismatch is why the trucks fail the occupant crash protection standard.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem is in the calibration loaded into the module, not a loose part an owner can hear, smell, or see. A dashboard warning light is not identified as part of this recall condition.
Who's affected?
The same air bag control module calibration file appears across the front air bag and air bag system software listings for each model year.
| 2024 GMC Canyon | front air bag |
|---|---|
| 2024 GMC Canyon | air bag system |
| 2025 GMC Canyon | front air bag |
| 2025 GMC Canyon | air bag system |
| 2026 GMC Canyon | front air bag |
| 2026 GMC Canyon | air bag system |
| Units affected | 1,120 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific pickup truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
NHTSA campaign 25V856 identifies an air bag deployment problem that increases the risk of injury in a crash. Confirm whether your VIN is included and schedule the software update soon, especially before relying on the vehicle for regular trips. Repair is free at any franchised GMC dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2024-2026 GMC Canyon is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised GMC dealer to schedule the free SDM software update that corrects passenger air bag deployment staging.
- Bring the recall notice if you received one. If not, reference recall number 25V856 when you call.
- Call GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 with questions and mention GM recall N252533510.
- Drive with the recall unrepaired only as needed until the GMC dealer completes the software update.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a GMC technician updates the sensing and diagnostic module software. The software update is free under the recall, with parts and labor covered by GM. The update corrects the air bag control logic so the passenger air bag deploys at the intended stage. GM is not offering a separate reimbursement notice for this campaign because owners would not have known about the software issue before the recall.
| Reimbursement | No separate reimbursement |
|---|
Timeline
| December 11, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 11, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| December 11, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 11, 2025 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| January 30, 2026 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V856?
Recall 25V856 covers 1,120 2024-2026 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV vehicles with SDM software that can command a second-stage passenger air bag deployment when only first-stage deployment is intended. An improper passenger air bag deployment increases injury risk in a crash.
What should I do if my 2024-2026 GMC Canyon is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Canyon is included in recall 25V856. If it is, contact a franchised GMC dealer and ask for the SDM software update. Reference GM recall number N252533510 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and GMC dealers will update the SDM software free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for vehicles included in recall 25V856.
Is it safe to drive my GMC Canyon before the repair?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive order. The safety concern is crash-related: the passenger air bag can deploy with the wrong stage, increasing injury risk in a crash. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free SDM software update with a GMC dealer.
When were owners notified about recall 25V856?
GMC mailed owner notification letters on January 30, 2026. If you own a 2024-2026 GMC Canyon AT4X AEV and never received a letter, check your VIN and reference recall 25V856 or GM recall number N252533510 when you contact the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V856000 |
|---|---|
| GMC customer service | 1-800-462-8782 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V856 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V856000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →