2016 Gmc Sierra Denali problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Service Brakes (7) · Steering (6) · Power Train (4)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Gmc Sierra Denali model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
29 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (1,276)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Unknown Or Other 2026-09-26 · PIT5698F · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this pi provides diagnostics tips on how the lin bus works and how to diagnosis it.
Unknown Or Other 2026-09-04 · PIP4902W · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email gds2 session logs into technical assistance.
Unknown Or Other 2026-07-21 · PIT5099J · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
pi to help diagnose a/c concern
Unknown Or Other 2026-04-01 · PIT3271Q · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
Unknown Or Other 2026-03-09 · PIP6104 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a gds2 session log and upload to a technical assistance case in cx connect.
Unknown Or Other 2026-03-09 · PIP4902V · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email gds2 session logs into technical assistance.
Showing the 6 most recent of 1,276 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2025-01-29 · Visibility:defroster/Defogger/Hvac System · 120,000 mi“the contact owns a 2016 gmc sierra denali. the contact stated while driving 10 mph, the rear windshield exploded without impact. the contact stated that the rear fogger had been activated independently. there were no injuries sustained. there was water located in the third taillight. the contact noticed there was mold and mildew in the taillight. t…”
2021-03-11 · Unknown Or Other · 115,200 mi“while driving 70mph on highway sunroof exploded. screen was in place so glass shards did not enter the cabin. there was not an overpass nor large trucks in the area to be caused by debris or thrown rocks.…”
2021-03-09 · Steering · 80,000 mi“excessive slop and uncontrollable, unintended steering shifts causing vehicle to unexpectedly and suddenly veer out of lane of travel related to defective lash adjustment steering box…”
2020-10-11 · Service Brakes · 77,000 mi“apparently, the 8 speed automatic transmission has issues with wiring harness and hard shifting which the manufacturer has 18 service bulletins out on yet still will not recall and fix problems. also the brake system is faulty and unsafe it loses pressure and even braking at various speeds. after taking it to the dealership they can not figure ou…”
2020-09-02 · Steering · 54,000 mi“since i've owned this vehicle i have had transmission problems. once it went from 70 to 20 on the highway.. it kicks or jerks at any speed... especially going slow.. the shifting is horrible!!! the feeling of it losing power again like it did could cause serious damage to the transmission and unselfish and passengers.. i don't trust it on the highw…”
2020-08-27 · Steering · 56,000 mi“1) rear driver side seatbelt would not retract when unbuckled. seatbelt had to be manually fed back in so that the belt didn't dangle or get shut in the door. repaired at dealership on june 18, 2020 at roughly 55-56,000 miles. 2) truck is currently shaking when driving and has tendencies to shake violently at times. i'm currently just shy of …”
2020-07-06 · Wheels · 45,000 mi · 💥 crash“hit post at parking speed an wheel split into two sections…”
2020-04-20 · Electrical System · 40,000 mi“i have diesel 3500 1fuel tank the fuel gauge doesn't always come on and if does it may take several miles before it begins to work. or sometimes it may just quit. then other time it may work just fine. there seems to be a problem. the problem did not start till i turned about 40,000 i have about 42,000 now. if it works today then if it set for an…”
2020-02-05 · Visibility/Wiper · 94,000 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2016 gmc sierra denali. the contact stated after placing the vehicle into reverse, within approximate 2 feet the vehicle made an abnormal loud noise. the contact looked into the backup camera and noticed smoke. the contact exited the vehicle he notice shattered glass. the rear passenger window was fractured. the vehicle was n…”
2020-01-16 · Power Train · 48,000 mi“truck lurched uncontrolled for several feet when placed in reverse gear.…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.