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2001 GMC DenaliProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 22 owner complaints about the 2001 GMC Denali, most often about the power train. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints223 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage64kPower train, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 18, 2016. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2001 GMC Denali has problems

22 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Power train50
Service brakes, hydraulic30
Steering30
Engine and engine cooling30
Fuel system, gasoline30
Service brakes20
Air bags22
Electrical system20
Exterior lighting10
5 other systems51

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

2001 GMC Denali recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Front assembly: head restraint

Recall 02V-253 · Sep 17, 2002 · 558,904 vehicles

Risk. IF A PERSON WERE TO INSERT THEIR FINGER(S) INTO THE PINCH POINT WHEN THE HEAD RESTRAINT FOLDS, IT COULD TRAP AND PINCH THE FINGER(S) CAUSING INJURY.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with GMC.

Best & worst years

2001 vs. every other Denali year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Denali median. How we score

'99'00'01'02'03'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2001 GMC Denali, and the recalls they led to.

  1. PARKING BRAKE FAILUREDP05009 · closed May 31, 2006
    No recall
In owners' words

What Denali owners report

Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 GMC DENALI. EVERYTIME THE VEHICLE UNDERGOES A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE, THE CONTACT HAS TO PLACE AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF OIL BACK IN THE ENGINE SHORTLY AFTERWARDS. IN ADDITION, THE BATTERY TERMINAL CABLES SPORADICALLY LOOSEN AND CAUSE THE ALTERNATOR TO FAIL. THIRDLY, WHILE…
Complaint 10231471 · Jun 18, 2008 · 90,000 miles
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60MPH UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, THERE WAS A RATTLING NOISE FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO STALL WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO PULL OVER AND PARK THE VEHICLE. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, THE DRIVELINE DIFFERENTIAL UNIT…
Complaint 10149867 · Feb 9, 2006 · 68,640 miles
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE TRANSMISSION SEAL WAS DEFECTIVE AFTER A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF MILES, IT ALLOWED THE COOLING SYSTEM TO LEAK INTO THE TRANSMISSION. WHEN ACCELERATING THE TRANSMISSION WOULD DOWN SHIFT INTO FIRST GEAR, THIS WOULD MAKE THE VEHICLE JUMP. THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AT AN INTERSECTION.…
Complaint 10140731 · Oct 25, 2005 · 64,300 miles

Own a 2001 Denali?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.