2008 GMC Yukon Denali
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 27 |
| 2000 | 18 |
| 2001 | 35 |
| 2002 | 29 |
| 2003 | 72 |
| 2004 | 109 |
| 2005 | 49 |
| 2006 | 21 |
| 2007 | 120 |
| 2008 | 58 |
| 2009 | 46 |
| 2010 | 53 |
| 2011 | 96 |
| 2012 | 28 |
| 2013 | 29 |
| 2015 | 73 |
| 2016 | 18 |
| 2017 | 12 |
| 2018 | 2 |
| 2019 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
40% of complaints: air bags — 23 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing sensor/control module.
Show complaint excerpts
I HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED THAT THERE IS A RECALL SINCE MAY 27, 2016 ON THE AIRBAGS TO MY DENALI. HOWEVER, EACH TIME I HAVE SPOKEN TO BARKLEY GMC IN TUSCALOOSA AL I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THERE IS NO PARTS AVAILABLE OR THAT THERE IS NO REMEDY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171113
TAKATA RECALL-I HAVE CONTACTED OUR LOCAL GMC DEALER TO HAVE THE AIRBAGS FIXED FOR THIS RECALL AND I HAVE BEEN TOLD THERE ARE NO PARTS TO FIX THIS POTENTIALLY FATAL ISSUE AND THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHEN THEY WILL GET THE PARTS...TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171106
TAKATA RECALL - HAVE RECEIVED NOTICE AFTER NOTICE OF RECALL AROUND TAKATA INFLATORS AND DEALER SPECIFIES THEY ARE NOT AUTHORIZED TO FIX? JUST RECEIVED LEGAL NOTICE THAT TAKATA HAS FILED FOR CHAPTER 11 AND DEALERS WILL STILL NOT FIX??
NHTSA ODI report, 20171031
14% of complaints: structure — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and door.
12% of complaints: electrical system — 7 distinct reports on file.
12% of complaints: latches/locks/linkages — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing latch.
Show complaint excerpts
THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR DOES NOT LOCK OR OPEN WITH THE REMOTE OR FRONT DRIVE DOOR SWITCHES. TURNS OUT THAT THE LOCK ACTUATOR HAS GONE BAD AND HAS TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120925
2008 GMC DENALI. CONSUMER STATES MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED STARTING IN JUNE 2011, THE DRIVER'S DOOR LOCK/ACTUATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED. THEN IN MAY 2012, THE REAR LEFT PASSENGER DOOR LOCK/ACTUATOR WAS REPLACED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120924
9% of complaints: power train — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
VEHICLE HAS TRANSMISSION DEFECT. MERGING INTO TRAFFIC IS VERY DANGEROUS. THE TRANSMISSION OFTEN SELECTS TOO HIGH OF A GEAR AND THERE IS NO POWER FOR THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE. THIS PUTS THE DRIVER/PASSENGERS IN DANGER DUE TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100706
TRANSMISSION GEAR INDICATOR, PRND3, AND DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER IMPOSSIBLE TO READ UNDER CONDITIONS OF BRIGHT SUNLIGHT. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20100615
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 GMC Yukon Denali — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (23 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (7 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2008 GMC Yukon Denali reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 GMC Yukon Denali is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 GMC Yukon Denali?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 GMC Yukon Denali have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.