2012 GMC Yukon Denali problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2012 GMC Yukon Denali sits mid-pack among Yukon Denali years: 32 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 40, with no recalls and no defect investigations.
Other leads the complaint categories with 11 reports (34% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.
32
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
4
NCAP overall · of 5 stars
How does 2012 compare to other Yukon Denali years?
What are the most common 2012 GMC Yukon Denali problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other | 11 | 34% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 8 | 25% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 8 | 25% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 2 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 2 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 1 | 3% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“DASH BOARD CRACKED ON PASSENGER SIDE RIGHT ON THE AIRBAG'S LEFT HAND CORNER. CRACK IS GETTING WORSE AS TIME GOES BY. DEALER WONT ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY UNLESS GMC WILL APPROVE TO DO SO. VEHICLE IS AT ALL TIMES ON GARAGE OR UNDER SHADE SO SUN HAS NO EFFECT TO THE DIFFECT. BOUGHT THE 2012 YUKON DENALI…”
“DASH BOARD CRACKED ON PASSENGER SIDE RIGHT ON THE AIRBAG'S LEFT HAND CORNER. CRACK IS GETTING WORSE AS TIME GOES BY. DEALER WONT ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY UNLESS GMC WILL APPROVE TO DO SO. VEHICLE IS AT ALL TIMES ON GARAGE OR UNDER SHADE SO SUN HAS NO EFFECT TO THE DIFFECT. BOUGHT THE 2012 YUKON DENALI…”
“THE PLASTIC DASHBOARD STRUCTURE OF THE FRONT DASH (ABS PLASTIC) IS CRACKING AND SEPARATING SPONTANEOUSLY. LARGE CRACK DEVELOPED IN FROM OF THE DRIVER AND IS EXPANDING WITH MULTIPLE OFFSHOOTS CAUSING THE DASH STRUCTURE TO SPLIT IN TWO AND IS IN DANGER OF FRAGMENTING. CRACK OCCURRED WHILE VEHICLE WAS…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC YUKON DENALI. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO HESITATE AND LOSE POWER, BUT THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV. THE FAILURE OCCURRED RANDOMLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT…”
“I HAVE A 2012 GMC YUKON DENALI. I'VE HAD SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHERE I'M DRIVING AND THE TRUCK TURNS OFF/OR EXPERIENCES A "SHORT" FOR A FEW SECONDS. I HAVE CHECKED ALL ELECTRICAL CABLES AND HAVE EXCHANGED BATTERIES TWICE (AS THEY "DRAINED"). A FEW MONTHS BACK MY DASHBOARD STARTED CRACKING AS WELL,…”
2012 GMC Yukon Denali — common questions
Is the 2012 GMC Yukon Denali reliable?
It is close to typical for the Yukon Denali: 32 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 2012 Yukon Denali problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (11 complaints), airbags (8 complaints), body & structure (8 complaints).
Does the 2012 GMC Yukon Denali have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2012 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.
How safe is the 2012 GMC Yukon Denali?
In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2012 GMC Yukon Denali earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
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.