2012 GMC Denali Problems & Complaints

Better than average50% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Denali at the same age

Owners have filed 6 complaints about the 2012 GMC Denali with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 50% fewer than a typical Denali model year at the same age, making the 2012 one of the better Denali years. The most reported problem area is the air bags (2 complaints, typically around 82,000 miles).

6complaints
0recalls
0crashes
0fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 2012 GMC Denali problems

  • Other / not specified~60,000 miles
    350%
  • Air bags~82,000 miles
    233%
  • Body & structure
    233%
  • Electrical system~100,000 miles
    117%
  • Engine & cooling~100,000 miles
    117%
  • Fuel & propulsion system~100,000 miles
    117%

Share of the 6 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

GMC Denali complaints by model year

19992000200120022003201020112012201320142015142122233251165518
Owner complaints per model year, GMC Denali. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best Denali years: 2010, 2013, 2014. Years to avoid: 2003, 2002, 2015, 2000. Compare all years →

2012 GMC Denali engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
6.0L 8-cyl hybridCVT4WD20 / 23 / 21
6.2L 8-cyl6-speed automaticAWD13 / 18 / 15

EPA ratings. Class: SUV.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2012 GMC Denali a good car?

Based on 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Denali rates better than average: 50% 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 2012 GMC Denali?

The air bags — 2 complaints, 33% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the body & structure (2) and electrical system (1).

How many recalls does the 2012 GMC Denali have?

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2012 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 2012 GMC Denali problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 82,000 miles; 0% 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.