Most common 2011 GMC Denali problems
Share of the 11 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
GMC Denali complaints by model year
Best Denali years: 2010, 2013, 2014. Years to avoid: 2003, 2002, 2015, 2000. Compare all years →
What 2011 GMC Denali owners say
Air bags
My Denali has gotten a crack on the dash that runs down to the airbag on the passenger's side airbag. This happened while sitting in my garage in 2016. I have contacted GM about the problem but was informed that there wasn't a recall on this. It appears to me and others that there is a problem because all of the dashes are cracked on the one piece dashes (2007-2014) either above the instrument cluster or at the airbag. I'm afraid that if the airbag deploys that there will be pieces of the dash coming with it causing injury. I keep my vehicle garage kept or at work I put a deflector in the window to keep the sun off the dash. I feel like GM should be responsible for replacing the dash due to the possibility of injury. ([redacted]) parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 U.S.c. 552(b)(6)
The dash board on my Denali has cracked and goes down into the airbag. I am afraid if the airbag were to deploy the dash would further shatter and cause parts of the plastic to come loose from the dash causing injury to myself or one of my granddaughters. I have spoken with several people who have had the same problem with the dash cracking. I feel like there is a problem with the dash board and should be addressed by GM. I would think there would be a recall on this problem but as of late there isn't one. With the cost involved with these vehicles there shouldn't be a problem like this. I contacted GM but I was told they saw no problem and would not fix the dash but would be glad to set up an appointment to have it fixed but that the cost would be mine. Please consider looking into this matter.
2011 GMC Denali engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.0L 8-cyl hybrid | CVT | 4WD | 20 / 23 / 21 |
| 6.2L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 13 / 18 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2011 GMC Denali a good car?
Based on 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 Denali rates average: 19% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Denali at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2011 GMC Denali?
The air bags — 5 complaints, 45% of all complaints for this model year.
How many recalls does the 2011 GMC Denali have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2011 GMC Denali. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the GMC Denali?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2010, 2013 and 2014. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2003, 2002, 2015 and 2000. See the full GMC Denali years comparison.
At what mileage do 2011 GMC Denali problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 114,000 miles; 29% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.