GMC Denali Best and Worst Years (2010–2015)
Across 2010-2015, GMC Denali model years to avoid are 2011 and 2015, with complaint index scores of 80 and 100. Best years are 2010 and 2013, each with a complaint index of 0 and 20 respectively. No recall campaigns are listed for any year.
- Model years
- 6
- 2010–2015
- NHTSA complaints
- 50
- Recall campaigns
- 0
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 0
- Top problem area
- Electrical System
Denali Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
GMC Denali problems and recalls by year
Denali years to avoid: what went wrong
2015 GMC Denali Index 100 · 18 complaints · 0 recalls
The 2015 GMC Denali has the worst complaint index of the lineup at 100, with 18 total complaints, one crash, and one injury reported. Electrical System issues lead at 50% of complaints, with a median mileage at failure of 50,000 miles, followed by Transmission & Powertrain problems at 28% (median mileage 37,207.5). Owners describe taillights failing or filling with moisture, seat vibration alerts stopping working, rear wiper failure, and transmission replacements. One owner also reported brakes failing to stop the vehicle after being pressed hard, resulting in a rear-end collision. No recall campaigns are listed for this year.
2011 GMC Denali Index 80 · 11 complaints · 0 recalls
The 2011 GMC Denali carries a complaint index of 80, the second-worst of the six model years covered, with 11 total complaints. Airbags are the top problem area, making up 45% of complaints for the year. Owners describe cracking developing near the passenger-side airbag compartment on the dashboard, with the crack spreading over time toward the steering wheel area. Some owners report concern that a cracked dash could interfere with airbag deployment. The median mileage at failure for this year is 114,239 miles. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2011 model year Denali.
Most common GMC Denali problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Other19 (38%)
- Electrical System12 (24%)
- Airbags11 (22%)
- Brakes5 (10%)
- Transmission & Powertrain5 (10%)
- Engine4 (8%)
- Structure & Body4 (8%)
- Fuel System3 (6%)
- Steering2 (4%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (2%)
Frequently asked questions
- What GMC Denali years should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, 2011 and 2015 are the GMC Denali years to avoid, with complaint index scores of 80 and 100. The 2012 model year is a caution year with a complaint index of 60.
- What are the best GMC Denali years?
- 2010 and 2013 are the best GMC Denali years in this dataset, with complaint index scores of 0 and 20. The 2014 model year is also rated Good with a complaint index of 40.
- What is the most common problem with the GMC Denali?
- Across all years covered, Electrical System issues account for 24% of complaints and Airbags account for 22%, making these the two most reported problem areas.
- Does the GMC Denali have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists zero recall campaigns across all six model years covered, 2010 through 2015.
- What problems were reported on the 2015 GMC Denali?
- The 2015 Denali's top issue is the Electrical System, at 50% of that year's complaints, including taillight failures and moisture in lights, plus Transmission & Powertrain problems at 28%.