Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 18 | 1.5× | — | Headlight | Caution |
| 2014 | 5 | −56% | — | Fuel System | Good |
| 2013 | 5 | −56% | — | Airbag | Good |
| 2012 | 6 | −50% | — | Airbag | Good |
| 2011 | 11 | −19% | — | Airbag | Average |
| 2010 | 5 | −63% | — | Body | Good |
| 2003 | 32 | 2.1× | — | Brake | Avoid |
| 2002 | 23 | 1.9× | 1 | Engine | Caution |
| 2001 | 22 | 1.3× | 1 | Brake | Average |
| 2000 | 21 | 1.4× | 1 | Brake | Caution |
| 1999 | 14 | typical | 1 | Brake | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median Denali year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common GMC Denali problems
Latest GMC Denali recalls
Seats › Front assembly › Head restraint
On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with rearward folding head restraints on the second row seats, two potential pinch points exist on each of the folding head restraints when the restraints are folded rearward as the seatback is folded down.
Remedy: Dealers will install protective covers over the pinch points. Owner notification began November 8, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free…
Seat belts › Front › Webbing
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles. These vehicles do not comply with the occupant protection requirements of FMVSS no. 208, "occupant crash protection."
Remedy: Dealers will install a tray insert on the top of the passenger side of the instrument panel. The tray insert corrects the noncompliance.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the GMC Denali should you avoid?
2003, 2002, 2015 and 2000 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Denali years at the same age, led by brakes problems in the 2003.
What is the best year for the GMC Denali?
2010 has the fewest complaints compared with other Denali years at the same age, followed by 2013 and 2014. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common GMC Denali problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the brakes (33), electrical system (20) and transmission & drivetrain (19). Brake complaints peak in the 2000 model year.
How many recalls has the GMC Denali had?
2 recalls across 1999–2015. The model year with the most is 1999.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.