GMC Denali years to avoid
The GMC Denali years to avoid are 2003, 2001 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2009 is the cleanest year on record.
219
Total complaints
2
Recall campaigns
1999–2015
Years covered
2
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
Denali years to avoid
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | High complaint rate | 40 | |
| 2001 | High complaint rate | 31 |
Every Denali year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 27 | 0 | |
| 2014 | 5 | 0 | |
| 2013 | 7 | 0 | |
| 2012 | 10 | 0 | |
| 2011 | 13 | 0 | |
| 2010 | 6 | 0 | |
| 2009 | 2 | 0 | |
| 2008 | 7 | 0 | |
| 2007 | 3 | 0 | |
| 2003avoid | 40 | 0 | |
| 2002 | 28 | 1 | |
| 2001avoid | 31 | 1 | |
| 2000 | 26 | 1 | |
| 1999 | 14 | 1 |
Common questions
What are the worst GMC Denali years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the Denali years to avoid are 2003, 2001. The cleanest year on record is 2009.
What is the best year for the GMC Denali?
By complaint volume, 2009 has the cleanest NHTSA record among Denali years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the GMC Denali have?
Across all model years, the Denali has 2 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 219 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.