GMC Sierra Denali Problems by Year

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 2, 2026 · 250 owner complaints analyzed

Years with far more complaints than usual:

NHTSA has 250 owner complaints and 1 safety recall on file for the GMC Sierra Denali, across 18 model years (2002–2020). The 2016 model year has the most complaints (30). The most reported problem area overall is service brakes.

Peak: 2016, with 30 complaints
2002: 132002132004: 11112005: 4200542006: 552007: 1200712008: 18182009: 7200972010: 10102011: 282011282012: 10102013: 8201382014: 14142015: 222015222016: 30302017: 152017152018: 17172019: 262019262020: 1111

n = 250 complaints · Source: NHTSA

GMC Sierra Denali years to avoid? What the complaint data shows

These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Sierra Denali year: 2011, 2015, 2016, 2019. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.

Model years with the most complaints

  1. 2016 Sierra Denali: 30 complaints, 0 recalls
  2. 2011 Sierra Denali: 28 complaints, 0 recalls
  3. 2019 Sierra Denali: 26 complaints, 0 recalls

Model years with the fewest complaints

  1. 2007 Sierra Denali: 1 complaint, 0 recalls
  2. 2005 Sierra Denali: 4 complaints, 1 recall
  3. 2006 Sierra Denali: 5 complaints, 0 recalls

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.

Most common GMC Sierra Denali problems (all years)

Problem areaComplaintsModel yearsCrashes
Service Brakes44122
Structure34110
Power Train2890
Steering2791
Air Bags26113
Engine2270
Electrical System1891
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1151
Electronic Stability Control (esc)1050
Exterior Lighting1060
Wheels871
Engine and Engine Cooling660
Suspension660
Equipment330
Fuel System, Gasoline330
Seat Belts332
Seats330
Tires330
Visibility330
Forward Collision Avoidance210
Fuel/propulsion System220
Back Over Prevention110
Fuel System, Diesel110
Latches/locks/linkages110
Service Brakes, Electric110
Vehicle Speed Control110
Visibility/wiper110

All GMC Sierra Denali model years

Model yearComplaintsRecallsCrash ratingTop problemCompared with other years
2020 Sierra Denali110—EngineAbout as many complaints as other years
2019 Sierra Denali260—Service BrakesFar more complaints than other years
2018 Sierra Denali170—EngineMore complaints than other years
2017 Sierra Denali150—Power TrainMore complaints than other years
2016 Sierra Denali300—Power TrainFar more complaints than other years
2015 Sierra Denali220—Service BrakesFar more complaints than other years
2014 Sierra Denali140—Unknown or OtherMore complaints than other years
2013 Sierra Denali80—Unknown or Other
2012 Sierra Denali100—SteeringFewer complaints than other years
2011 Sierra Denali280—Unknown or OtherFar more complaints than other years
2010 Sierra Denali100—StructureFewer complaints than other years
2009 Sierra Denali70—Unknown or Other
2008 Sierra Denali180—StructureMore complaints than other years
2007 Sierra Denali10—Air Bags
2006 Sierra Denali50—Fuel System, Gasoline
2005 Sierra Denali41—Service Brakes
2004 Sierra Denali110—Service BrakesAbout as many complaints as other years
2002 Sierra Denali130—Service Brakes, HydraulicAbout as many complaints as other years

More from GMC: all GMC models · GMC VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Which GMC Sierra Denali years should you stay away from?

By NHTSA complaints, 2011 (28), 2015 (22), 2016 (30), 2019 (26) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Sierra Denali year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.

What is the biggest problem with the GMC Sierra Denali?

Service Brakes, with 44 complaints across 12 model years.

How many recalls does the GMC Sierra Denali have?

1 safety recall across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.