2001 GMC Denali Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 23%of 22 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 64,300miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2001 GMC Denali, 23% of the 22 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 64,300 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.
“My husband was driving with my four children going about 5mph when he went to make a left turn and lost the power steering. Being so close to home, he was able to drive it home. My husband also noticed that an axle seal was leaking as well and this was also considered common for problems. We use this vehicle as our only family car, so naturally we had it fixed right away. …”
NHTSA complaint #10120581, filed 2005-05, 63,900 miles“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 was broken into pieces. Due to the inability of the vehicle being driven, the vehicle was towed home. A mechanic from a dealership inspected the vehicle. The mechanic suggested replacing the driveline differential unit.”
NHTSA complaint #10149867, filed 2006-02, 68,640 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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 10220319Sep 1, 2022This diagnostic tip advises the tech not to separate the flexplate from the torque convertor or damage my occur if the engine is started while diagnosing for noise from the…
- 10026804Oct 1, 2008Gmc: fluid leak from transmission oil cooler lines due to corrosion. All 2000-2006 light duty trucks equipped with the light duty automatic transmission.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2001 GMC Denali
6 complaintsEngine cooling
3 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 29, 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