2011 GMC Sierra Denali Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 36%of 28 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 57,625miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the air bags of the 2011 GMC Sierra Denali, 36% of the 28 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 57,625 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.
“The dashboard in my 2011 Gmc Sierra Denali 1500 has multiple cracks in the dashboard, they have appeared significantly within in the last year and gotten much larger to the point where a hole has opened up due to a piece of the dashboard breaking loose and falling inside of the dash console. The cracks and loose debris have caused me concern because if the airbags were to deploy during a motor vehicle accident the occupants of the vehicle would be subjected to flying debris/ shrapnel from the dashboard. …”
NHTSA complaint #11132067, filed 2018-09, 97,000 miles“The dash cracked near the passenger side airbag. The dealership said they know all about this and said it is safe to drive. Fearing plastic pieces flying in the event of an airbag deployment, I paid to have the dash replaced. Later, I drove into a pothole at a very low rate of speed. The second dash cracked in the same spot. The dealer says it is my fault and that there are no safety concerns. Gm is aware of this and is unwilling to pay for a new dash. They are jeopardizing the lives of my passengers so that they do not lose profits. …”
NHTSA complaint #11030752, filed 2017-10, 120,000 miles“Hit a deer while driving, airbags did not deploy but made a noise and sounds liked gas was released. Like the airbags tried to deploy but didn't. Now my airbag light is on and says to check airbag system or something to that effect.”
NHTSA complaint #11375913, filed 2020-11, 55,250 miles“Dashboard on my Gmc Sierra Denali has 2 major cracks. This is a known defect with these vehicles dashboards. First crack is over the gauges on the dash, and the second is right over top of the air bag. This is a serious issue with no recalls or assistance from vehicle manufacturers. The cracks are either started via driving and cracking due to vibration of the road, or they crack from premature wear via the sun fading the materials. …”
NHTSA complaint #11083845, filed 2018-04, 51,000 miles“Cracked dashboard started at left corner of passenger side airbag then cracked above instrument panel afraid of flying debris and puncture of airbag. Constantly hear popping in the dash my p/u had approx 57000 mi at time of incident”
NHTSA complaint #10818852, filed 2016-01Related service bulletins
- 10252974Apr 5, 2024This service bulletin provides information on Takata Air Bag Courtesy Transportation Reimbursement Program - Applicable to GM Recalls listed in bulletin.
- 10251345Feb 26, 2024This service bulletin provides information on Takata Air Bag Completion Rate Improvement Program - Applicable to GM Recalls 14491, 14735,15040, 15041, 15043,15044, 15045, 15046…
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 1 | 7% |
| 2015 | 1 | 5% |
| 2014 | 2 | 14% |
| 2013 | 2 | 25% |
| 2011 | 10 | 36% |
| 2010 | 2 | 20% |
| 2009 | 2 | 29% |
| 2008 | 3 | 17% |
| 2004 | 1 | 9% |
| 2002 | 1 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2011 GMC Sierra Denali
17 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 GMC Sierra Denali
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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