2012 GMC Yukon Denali problems & reliability
28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 GMC Yukon Denali. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Unknown OR Other | 11 | 39% |
| Air Bags | 8 | 29% |
| Structure | 8 | 29% |
| Electrical System | 2 | 7% |
| Engine | 2 | 7% |
| Power Train | 1 | 4% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Mileage when problems occurred
Among the 23 complaints that included a usable odometer reading, the median reported incident mileage was 62,000 miles (middle 50% between 50,675 and 91,500 miles).
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“Dash is cracked and compromised in 2 places:. Middle clip is broken behind center speaker, and dash is cracked at the front left side of the passenger side airbag. Concerned about flying shards of broken dash plastic in the event the airbags deployed.”
Air Bags · filed Jul 6, 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 2012 gmc yukon denali. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated. The dealer (laroche chevrolet buick gmc cadillac, 900 us-290, brenham, tx 77833, (979) 836-6666) was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not included in a recall. The…”
Air Bags · filed Dec 10, 2018
“Key gets stuck in the ignition all the time. The truck goes into complete shut down of all electrical components, I mean absolutely no power. I can't even call on the blue on star button. I took it to walker gmc in alexandria, la on january 15, 2018 because the engine light was on. They said they fixed it and although…”
Electrical System · filed Jan 31, 2018
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Technical service bulletins
1,524 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2012 GMC Yukon Denali. The 10 most recent:
This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
PIT3271Q · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 1, 2026
This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
PIP6104 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 9, 2026
This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
PIP4902V · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 9, 2026
This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
PIP4902U · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 8, 2026
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 vibration conditions…
PIT5214G · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2025
New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
13598 · Other · issued Sep 9, 2025
This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
PIP4902T · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 14, 2025
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 on. Technician may…
PIC5650M · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 7, 2025
This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
PIP4902S · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 9, 2025
This service bulletin provides information on Tire Sidewall Irregularities.
25-NA-156 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 7, 2025
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns name the 2012 GMC Yukon Denali in our current data. Recalls may apply only to certain VIN ranges — always confirm with a VIN check.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2012 GMC Yukon Denali?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Owners most often reported problems around 62,000 miles — worth a pre-purchase inspection if the car is near that mileage.