2009 GMC Yukon Denali
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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
50% of complaints: air bags — 23 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
TAKATA AIR BAGS. GMC TUSTIN HAS BEEN SAYING THEY DO NOT HAVE PARTS "YET" SINCE MAY 2016. WHEN WILL PARTS BE AVAILABLE? CLEARLY GMC JUST DON'T WANT TO SPEND THE MONEY TO KEEP IT'S CUSTOMERS SAFE. WHAT DO WE DO TO GET NEW SAFE AIRBAGS INSTALLED??
NHTSA ODI report, 20171110
TAKATA RECALL - RECEIVED NOTICE OF TAKATA CHAPTER 11 FILING TODAY. GMC INVESTIGATION TO HAVE BEEN COMPLETED BY END OF AUGUST 2017; TO DATE NOTHING; HAVE SPOKEN WITH DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAVE HEARD NOTHING
NHTSA ODI report, 20171109
TAKATA RECALL. WE HAVE BEEN ATTEMPTING TO HAVE THE AIRBAGS REPLACED BY GMC SINCE BEING NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL AND WERE TOLD THEY WERE NOT AVAILABLE YET TO KEEP CHECKING BACK.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171030
17% of complaints: structure — 8 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: structure — 4 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: structure — 3 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
THE OUTER DOOR HANDLE ON THE DRIVERS DOOR AND FRONT PASSENGER DOOR ARE COMING OFF THE VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20130102
7% of complaints: electrical system — 3 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 GMC YUKON DENALI. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE FOR 20 HOURS WHEN IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE STARTED IN THE ELECTRICAL FUSE BOX.
NHTSA ODI report, 20110725
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100809
VEHICLE DOES NOT START BECAUSE OF DEAD BATTERY. VEHICLE TAKEN TO THE DEALER. DEALER STATES BATTERY IS FINE. ON THE SECOND INCIDENT A NEW BATTERY IS PURCHASED. DEALER CONTINUES TO STATE OF NOT SEEING AN ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140111
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2009 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 structure issues (4 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2009 GMC Yukon Denali reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 GMC Yukon Denali is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2009 GMC Yukon Denali?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 GMC Yukon Denali have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.