2016 GMC Sierra Denali

○ Not enough data
2016 GMC Sierra Denali
RENDERED 2026-11-01T11:39:14.850Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Complaints
30
Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Power train

30% of complaints

Complaints per year

2002: 13 complaints 2002 2004: 11 complaints 2005: 4 complaints 2006: 5 complaints 2006 2007: 1 complaint 2008: 18 complaints 2009: 7 complaints 2009 2010: 10 complaints 2011: 28 complaints 2012: 10 complaints 2012 2013: 8 complaints 2014: 14 complaints 2015: 22 complaints 2016: 30 complaints 2016 30 2017: 14 complaints 2018: 17 complaints 2019: 26 complaints 2020: 9 complaints
2002: 13 complaints 2002 2004: 11 complaints 2005: 4 complaints 2005 2006: 5 complaints 2007: 1 complaint 2007 2008: 18 complaints 2009: 7 complaints 2009 2010: 10 complaints 2011: 28 complaints 2011 2012: 10 complaints 2013: 8 complaints 2013 2014: 14 complaints 2015: 22 complaints 2016: 30 complaints 2016 30 2017: 14 complaints 2018: 17 complaints 2019: 26 complaints 2019 2020: 9 complaints
2002: 13 complaints 2002 2004: 11 complaints 2004 2005: 4 complaints 2005 2006: 5 complaints 2006 2007: 1 complaint 2007 2008: 18 complaints 2008 2009: 7 complaints 2009 2010: 10 complaints 2010 2011: 28 complaints 2011 2012: 10 complaints 2012 2013: 8 complaints 2013 2014: 14 complaints 2014 2015: 22 complaints 2015 2016: 30 complaints 2016 30 2017: 14 complaints 2017 2018: 17 complaints 2018 2019: 26 complaints 2019 2020: 9 complaints 2020

2016: 30 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
200213
200411
20054
20065
20071
200818
20097
201010
201128
201210
20138
201414
201522
201630
201714
201817
201926
20209

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Power train

30% · 9 reports
INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

This issue started a few months after I purchased the truck took it to two dealers they say its normal. Called GMC & they have no recall.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-09-15

Service brakes

27% · 8 reports
CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra Denali. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being reversed at under 5 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to operate as intended.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-07-29

Steering

20% · 6 reports
INJURY

Engine

10% · 3 reports
INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Since I've owned this vehicle I have had transmission problems. Once it went from 70 to 20 on the highway.. It kicks or jerks at any speed... Especially going slow.. The shifting is horrible!!!

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-09-02

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 GMC Sierra Denali. The contact stated that while driving at 5 MPH, the vehicle stalled and rolled backwards. The contact was able to restart the vehicle but the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-03-31

Wheels

7% · 2 reports
CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

Hit post at parking speed an wheel split into two sections

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-07-06

Safety timeline

No recalls on file for this model year.

0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

Buy-smart checklist

2016 GMC Sierra Denali — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Power train: 9 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 8 reports on file for this year.
  • Steering: 6 reports on file for this year.

FAQ

Is the 2016 GMC Sierra Denali reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 GMC Sierra Denali?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 GMC Sierra Denali have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.