2010 GMC Yukon Denali Problems
Compared with other GMC Yukon Denali years
Typical for this model
43/100 0.9× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.9× that of a typical GMC Yukon Denali year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 2 of its 53 complaints were filed by the end of 2012.
- Most reported problem: Dashboard cracks near the airbag (38 complaints, median 80,000 mi).
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2012, 2013
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 53filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 79,000miles, 39 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 15 mpgcombined, 6.2L 8-cyl · flex-fuel AWD · 13 city / 20 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2010 GMC Yukon Denali (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often report plastic dashboard panels that crack, often starting as a small crack that spreads over time. Other complaints concern an airbag recall where owners say the remedy or replacement parts were not available, and a smaller group describes engine shutdowns or sudden loss of power while driving. Among complaints that state mileage, most dashboard reports fall between about 50,000 and 100,000 miles.
- Body and structure
Dashboard cracks near the airbag
- 38 complaints (72%)
- median 80,000 mi at 6.5 yrs old (28 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2014–2019
Owners describe the plastic dash panel cracking, often from a small crack that spreads across the instrument panel over time, and many worry that loose pieces could fly if an airbag deploys. Cracks are commonly reported above the instrument panel, around the gauge cluster, or beside the passenger airbag cover, and some owners say they appeared even when the vehicle was garaged or shaded. According to complaints, a dealer called the crack cosmetic and said an extended warranty did not cover it, while other owners paid for dash replacement. Most complaints that state mileage fall between about 50,000 and 100,000 miles, with a few below and above that range.
What to check: Inspect the dash for cracks, especially near the passenger airbag cover and along the instrument panel, before buying. Ask the seller or dealer whether the dash has been repaired or replaced and whether any airbag recall remains open for the VIN.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Driving back from a local ski area to home, the dash cracked right in front of my eyes. The temperature was a low of 30 degrees that day and we turned the defroster on to about 69, not liking the car hot. It goes right into the passenger airbag storage which makes me wonder if the dash will explode if the airbag deploys or it could pop the airbag before or during it's use.”
NHTSA complaint #11101957, filed 2018-06, 80,000 miles“My vehicles dashboard is cracked in 2 different locations. I am worried about how this will affect the air bag because it is cracked around the location of the airbag. I am concerned about the safety of myself and my children in the event if, god forbid, we are involved in an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10985681, filed 2017-05, 94,000 miles - Air bags
Airbag recall remedy delays (Takata)
- 9 complaints (17%)
- median 45,000 mi at 4.2 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2014–2019
Owners describe an airbag recall where the remedy was not yet available, with an owner reporting no remedy several months after the recall was announced. Another owner says the dealer found the vehicle was in the campaign but replacement parts had not been available for years. Others question why the repair was delayed, and some say they feel anxious driving while the airbag recall is still open. Stated mileage in these complaints is limited, ranging from about 10,000 to 30,000 miles, and some complaints do not list mileage.
What to check: Enter the VIN on the NHTSA recall lookup to confirm whether any airbag recall is open, and ask a dealer for the remedy status and parts availability before buying.
An excerpt from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Takata recall I cant understand, why the delay? I own a 2010 model for almost eight years I have been driving a potential car bomb its either a recall or not”
NHTSA complaint #11045106, filed 2017-11, 10,000 miles - Engine
Sudden engine shutdown or power loss while driving
Mentioned in 4 of 40 sampled complaints
Owners describe the engine shutting off or losing power while driving, sometimes with reduced-power or stability control messages on the display. In some cases power steering and power brakes were also reduced, and in some cases the engine restarted after waiting several minutes. An owner said an independent mechanic found the valve lifters needed replacement, but the stall returned after the repair. Stated mileage varies widely, from very low mileage to over 140,000 miles, and several events were reported at highway speeds.
What to check: Ask for a scan of stored diagnostic trouble codes and check the service history for any engine repairs related to stalling or lost power.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“As we are driving down the interstate our yukon loses all power, engine turns off, stability control message comes up, tire pressure sensor message comes up. We pulled over to the side of the road and try refiring the engine. It feels like the engine is about to jump out from under the hood. We turn it off and wait about 5 minutes. Start the engine back up after waiting and it drives ok, but engine light is on. This has happened to us twice in two days time.”
NHTSA complaint #11080043, filed 2018-03, 20 miles“Driving 40mph in traffic and the engine turned off by itself, no power steering or brakes at this point, I was able to stop the vehicle in traffic and put my hazards on while I tried to figure out what happened. The vehicle was acting as if it was still on and would not restart, I still had power to everything and the dashboard was displaying several error messages. Stabilitrack, traction control and engine reduced power and also the check engine light was on. Vehicle would not restart. …”
NHTSA complaint #10586190, filed 2014-05, 65,000 miles
Buying note. A buyer considering this model year may want to look closely for dashboard cracks, confirm the airbag recall status for the specific VIN, and ask for records of any stalling or power-loss repairs before purchase.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 40 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 53 consumer complaints for the 2010 GMC Yukon Denali. 39 of the complaints include a mileage, and 21% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 79,000 miles. Of all complaints, 5 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 1,375 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 6 GMC Yukon Denali model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 43 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Other or unknown28 53%
- Air bags21 40%
- Body and structure13 25%
- Engine6 11%
- Wheels2 3.8%
- Brakes1 1.9%
- Steering1 1.9%
Example complaints
Other or unknown: “Cracked dash, I believe it's a safety issue. If I were involved in an accident I feel it would cause shrapnel to be fly everywhere. Very sharp plastic would fly as any passenger especially if the faulty air bags went off.”
NHTSA complaint #11152073, filed 2018-11, 80,000 milesAir bags: “I purchased a 2010 Yukon Denali and the dashboard started cracking. It started as a small crack that was barely noticed and is now a large crack across the dash between the air vents. I have since learned that several other consumers are dealing with the same defect in yukon models manufactured since 2010. This is potentially very dangerous if the airbags deploy and the dash comes off in several sharp pieces as shown in the takata recall issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10819884, filed 2016-01, 49,522 milesBody and structure: “I bought a 2010 Yukon Denali and the dash started cracking all the way to the airbag. It started as one small crack and is now all the way across the dash at the instrument panel. Upon investigating it I found that several thousand others are dealing with the same dangerous defect in yukon and tahoe vehicles dated 2007-2014 models. Gm refuses to acknowledge this or recall this. This could be potentially very dangerous if the airbag is deployed and the dash comes off in several sharp pieces. …”
NHTSA complaint #10701831, filed 2015-03, 52,000 milesEngine: “Truck started making metal on metal sound. Engine block was cracked and anti-freeze was bleeding into oil. Mechanic and dealership agreed new engine was needed. Cost - $8,000. Truck had 103,000 miles - warranty expired at 100,000. We had been experiencing oil problems since nov. 2014 when we were still under warranty- oil was gunky despite being changed each time. Dealership called Gmc and Gmc refused to budge on the warranty. …”
NHTSA complaint #10692952, filed 2015-03, 103,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
21% of the 39 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 56,454 and 90,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2010 GMC Yukon Denali version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yukon Denali 1500 AWD | 6.2L 8-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 13 | 20 | 15 | $4,450 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2010 GMC Yukon Denali in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,375 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11027601Jan 8, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11025755Nov 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit…
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- 11021792Aug 7, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming…
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11019693Jun 9, 2025Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
Other model years of the GMC Yukon Denali
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 12 | 41,100 | 0 | 4 | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2016 | 18 | 55,000 | 0 | 4 | — | — | Rising |
| 2015 | 73 | 58,000 | 0 | 4 | — | 85 · More | Stable |
| 2013 | 29 | 58,000 | 0 | 4 | 15 | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2012 | 28 | 62,000 | 0 | 4 | 15 | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2011 | 96 | 75,000 | 0 | — | 15 | 74 · More | Stable |
| 2010 | 53 | 79,000 | 0 | — | 15 | 43 · Typical | Stable |
| 2009 | 46 | 75,500 | 0 | — | 14 | 63 · Typical | Stable |
| 2008 | 58 | 70,000 | 0 | — | 14 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 120 | 90,000 | 0 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2006 | 21 | 77,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2005 | 49 | 79,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2004 | 109 | 74,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 72 | 94,426 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 29 | 82,870 | 0 | — | 12 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 35 | 96,000 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 18 | 98,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1999 | 27 | 105,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All GMC Yukon Denali model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2010 GMC Yukon Denali?
Owners of this model year most often report plastic dashboard panels that crack, often starting as a small crack that spreads over time. The issues reported most often: Dashboard cracks near the airbag; Airbag recall remedy delays (Takata); Sudden engine shutdown or power loss while driving.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2010 GMC Yukon Denali have?
NHTSA recorded 53 consumer complaints for the 2010 GMC Yukon Denali as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2010 GMC Yukon Denali is reported most often?
Other or unknown is named most often, in 28 complaints (53% of the total), followed by air bags with 21.
Has the 2010 GMC Yukon Denali been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2010 GMC Yukon Denali get?
The EPA rates the 2010 GMC Yukon Denali (Yukon Denali 1500 AWD, 6.2L 8-cyl · flex-fuel) at 15 mpg combined, 13 city and 20 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,450 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2010 GMC Yukon Denali reported?
Among the 39 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 79,000 miles and the middle half falls between 56,454 and 90,000 miles; 21% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.