2009 GMC Yukon Denali problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Worth extra scrutiny
The 2009 GMC Yukon Denali sits mid-pack among Yukon Denali years: 59 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 40, with no recalls and no defect investigations.
Airbags leads the complaint categories with 23 reports (39% of the total).
59
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2009 compare to other Yukon Denali years?
What are the most common 2009 GMC Yukon Denali problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 23 | 39% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 15 | 25% | ▲ up |
| Other | 13 | 22% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 4 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 1 | 2% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TAKATA RECALL. I CONTACTED WEST POINT BUICK GMC IN HOUSTON AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT THEY CAN'T GET THE AIRBAGS AND THAT THEY HAVE NO CLUE WHEN THEY WILL. THEY TOLD ME OVER A YEAR AGO WHEN I CALLED THEM AND THEY TOLD ME THE SAME I AM TRYING TO GET MY AIRBAGS DONE BUT NOBODY SEEMS TO WANT TO HELP.…”
“WHEN NOT IN USE MY AUTO IS STORED INSIDE AN ATTACHED GARAGE. ONE MORNING WHEN I ENTER THE VEHICLE TO GO TO WORK I NOTICE A CRACK ON THE DASH ABOVE THE GLOVE BOX. IT WAS NOT THERE THE DAY BEFORE. NO ONE HAD BEEN IN THE VEHICLE EXCEPT ME AND THAT WAS THE DAY BEFORE TO DRIVE TO WORK AND TO DRIVE HOME.…”
“MY DASH STARTED CRACKING ON THE DRIVER SIDE IN FRONT OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CRACK IS NOW ABOUT 2 INCHES LONG VERTICAL TO THE STEERING WHEEL. I STARTED CONTACTING UPHOLSTERY REPAIR SHOPS AND FOUND OUT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES. I'M SO DISAPPOINTED BECAUSE IT HAS BEEN SO…”
“OUR 2009 GMC YUKON DENALI WAS TOTALED IN A CRASH. THE BATTERY WAS DESTROYED ,CUTTING ALL ELECTRICAL POWER TO THE VEHICLE. THE DOORS,WHICH AUTOMATICALLY LOCK WHEN IN DRIVE, WERE LOCKED, AND IN HER CONFUSION COULD NOT EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT WAS ALSO USELESS. THERE NEEDS TO BE…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 GMC YUKON DENALI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LOCKS WERE NOT OPERATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE DOOR SENSORS WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND…”
2009 GMC Yukon Denali — common questions
Is the 2009 GMC Yukon Denali reliable?
It is close to typical for the Yukon Denali: 59 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 2009 Yukon Denali problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (23 complaints), body & structure (15 complaints), other (13 complaints).
Does the 2009 GMC Yukon Denali have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2009 GMC Yukon Denali.
Which GMC Yukon Denali years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Yukon Denali years to avoid are 2007, 2004, 2011, 2003, 2015, 2010, 2008, 2005. The cleanest record among Yukon Denali years belongs to 2018.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.