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Engine coolingPart report

2001 GMC Denali Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
3about this part
Share
14%of 22 total for the year
Median mileage
80,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2001 GMC Denali, 14% of the 22 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Vehicle idles then cuts off, especially on a turn or a incline. I have to small children and the vehicle will cut off in the middle of traffic. Last night I thought I was going to be in major car accident.”

NHTSA complaint #10047418, filed 2003-11

“The contact owns a 2001 Gmc Denali. While making turns at less than 5 MPH, the engine makes a rumbling noise and the vehicle stalls. The dealer stated that there were no recalls for the vehicle; however, the contact has found complaints for her vehicle regarding the same failure. The dealer also stated that they would diagnose the vehicle at $96 per hour. The contact would have to pay for the repairs. The vehicle is currently parked at her residence. The failure mileage was 70,000 and current mileage was 85,000.”

NHTSA complaint #10255315, filed 2009-01, 70,000 miles

“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 driving at various speeds, the 4 wheel drive spontaneously engages. Lastly, the vehicle idles roughly when it is started. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on numerous occasions, but they could not correct the failure. The contact has copies of the vehicle's service history. …”

NHTSA complaint #10231471, filed 2008-06, 90,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200326%
2002626%
2001314%
2000210%
199917%

Other parts of the 2001 GMC Denali

Brakes
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2001 GMC Denali

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology