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FaultScore report

2014 GMC Sierra Denali problems

Owners have filed 19 complaints about the 2014 GMC Sierra Denali with NHTSA between 2017 and 2021. The largest single group is the brakes. Across this model's run it ranks 11 of 14 worst.

Read the complaints What breaks Worst years for the GMC Sierra Denali All 2014 cars
B

FaultScore 29/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the GMC Sierra Denali.

How this is worked out

The numbers

19

Complaints

0

Crashes reported

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries reported

62,248 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

22%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 43 vs 50 Severity 0 vs 50 Early failure 38 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 43
Against the median year of the GMC Sierra Denali. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 38
22% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2014 compares with every other GMC Sierra Denali

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2014 GMC Sierra Denali

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Other & Unspecified 4 21.1%

Median failure at 55,000 miles

Brakes 4 21.1%

Median failure at 58,000 miles

Body & Structure 2 10.5%

Median failure at 42,748 miles

Airbags 2 10.5%

Median failure at 79,408 miles

Wheels 1 5.3%

Median failure at 49,850 miles

Fuel & Propulsion 1 5.3%

Median failure at 78,000 miles

Lights 1 5.3%

Median failure at 22,000 miles

Acceleration & Cruise Control 1 5.3%

Median failure at 69,000 miles

Suspension 1 5.3%

Median failure at 69,000 miles

Transmission & Drivetrain 1 5.3%

Median failure at 69,000 miles

Engine & Cooling 1 5.3%

Median failure at 78,000 miles

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 1 5.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 1 5.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 4 22.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 8 44.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 3 16.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 1 5.6%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Aug 2017 peak 3 Jan 2021

NHTSA investigations into the 2014 GMC Sierra Denali

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

1 investigation is still open.

EA21002 Opened 17 Sep 2021 Still open AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 22,000 miles Reno, NV

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

HEADLIGHTS ARE EXTREMELY DIM MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO SEE AT NIGHT OUT IN RAINY CONDITIONS CAUSING A HUGE SAFETY PROBLEM WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT. CAN BARELY SEE WHEN MAKING LEFT OR RIGHT HAND TURNS AS WELL CAUSING A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE AT NIGHT WITH PEDESTRIANS ARE IN A DARK CROSSWALK.

NHTSA complaint #11386642 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 99,320 miles Coral Springs, FL

AIR BAGS

NEED A RECALL FOR AIR BAGS VEHICLE STATIONARY

NHTSA complaint #11376021 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 69,000 miles Abingdon, MD

POWER TRAIN

WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED OR ACCELERATING THE BACK OF THE TRUCK WILL VIOLENTLY VIBRATE.AT TIME IT IS ALMOST UNCONTROLLABLE AND BECOMES VERY HARD TO STEER. I SO I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE AND IT SEEMS THAT THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS EXACT ISSUES WITH 2014 TO 2019 CHEVY AND GMC TRUCKS. I JUST HAD THE ALIGNMENT DONE AND BRAND NEW TIRES PUT ON IT THE TRUCK 6-22-20. NOW THE TRUCK SHAKES EVEN MORE THEN IT DID BEFORE.

NHTSA complaint #11330205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 69,000 miles Abingdon, MD

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED OR ACCELERATING THE BACK OF THE TRUCK WILL VIOLENTLY VIBRATE.AT TIME IT IS ALMOST UNCONTROLLABLE AND BECOMES VERY HARD TO STEER. I SO I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE AND IT SEEMS THAT THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS EXACT ISSUES WITH 2014 TO 2019 CHEVY AND GMC TRUCKS. I JUST HAD THE ALIGNMENT DONE AND BRAND NEW TIRES PUT ON IT THE TRUCK 6-22-20. NOW THE TRUCK SHAKES EVEN MORE THEN IT DID BEFORE.

NHTSA complaint #11330205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 69,000 miles Abingdon, MD

SUSPENSION

WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED OR ACCELERATING THE BACK OF THE TRUCK WILL VIOLENTLY VIBRATE.AT TIME IT IS ALMOST UNCONTROLLABLE AND BECOMES VERY HARD TO STEER. I SO I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE AND IT SEEMS THAT THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS EXACT ISSUES WITH 2014 TO 2019 CHEVY AND GMC TRUCKS. I JUST HAD THE ALIGNMENT DONE AND BRAND NEW TIRES PUT ON IT THE TRUCK 6-22-20. NOW THE TRUCK SHAKES EVEN MORE THEN IT DID BEFORE.

NHTSA complaint #11330205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 109,000 miles Hinckley, IL

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 GMC SIERRA DENALI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING SHE HEARD A SQUEAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE BRAKES. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CALIPER AND BRAKE PADS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AFTER HAVING IT FOR A YEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000.

NHTSA complaint #11326342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Milford, CT

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

BRAKING SYSTEM FAILURE AT LOW SPEEDS.

NHTSA complaint #11233118 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 20 miles Collierville, TN

SERVICE BRAKES

WHEN AT SLOW SPEEDS, BRAKES GET HARD AND HAVE TO PUT A LOT OF PRESSURE TO STOP THE TRUCK.

NHTSA complaint #11223155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 70,000 miles Tulsa, OK

SERVICE BRAKES

IF THE BRAKES ARE PUMPED 2-3 TIMES THE PEDDLE WILL BECOME REALLY FIRM AND HARD TO PRESS. WHEN THIS OCCURS THE TRUCK WILL NOT STOP. YOU HAVE TO STAND ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH BOTH FEET TO GET THE TRUCK TO STOP. PRETTY UNNERVING FOR A 75K MIKE TRUCK STILL UNDER DRIVETRAIN WARRANTY BUT NOT COVERED. I USE THIS TRUCK FOR WORK AND HAULING MY KIDS. I DON'T LIKE HAVING MY KIDS IN THIS VEHICLE!

NHTSA complaint #11187199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 46,000 miles Easthampton, MA

SERVICE BRAKES

VACUUM PUMP FAILURE WAS NOTICED WHEN PARALLEL PARKING. AFTER HITTING BRAKE SEVERAL TIMES THEY STOPPED WORKING. TOOK EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF FORCE TO STOP VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #11170676 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 65,000 miles Kernersville, NC

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

AC CONDENSER SYSTEM FAILURE, LEAKS; MANY GM OWNERS ARE REPORTING THIS SAME EXACT ISSUE.

NHTSA complaint #11118976 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 78,000 miles Concord, NH

ENGINE

I STARTED MY TRUCK AND NOTICED A HEAVY SMELL OF GASOLINE COMING FROM THE HVAC VENTS. I STEPPED OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED A LARGE PUDDLE OF (FUEL) GASOLINE ON THE PAVEMENT AND A CONSTANT DRIP OF (FUEL) GASOLINE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE MOTOR. I PROCEEDED TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND CONTACT MY LOCAL GM DEALER FOR ASSISTANCE.

NHTSA complaint #11118585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 78,000 miles Concord, NH

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I STARTED MY TRUCK AND NOTICED A HEAVY SMELL OF GASOLINE COMING FROM THE HVAC VENTS. I STEPPED OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED A LARGE PUDDLE OF (FUEL) GASOLINE ON THE PAVEMENT AND A CONSTANT DRIP OF (FUEL) GASOLINE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE MOTOR. I PROCEEDED TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND CONTACT MY LOCAL GM DEALER FOR ASSISTANCE.

NHTSA complaint #11118585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 26,000 miles RIO Rancho, NM

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

DASH CRACKED AT LESS THAN 26000 MILES 4 YEARS OLD

NHTSA complaint #11078597 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 26,000 miles RIO Rancho, NM

STRUCTURE:BODY

DASH CRACKED AT LESS THAN 26000 MILES 4 YEARS OLD

NHTSA complaint #11078597 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 55,000 miles North Dighton, MA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

MY TRUCK IS SHAKING AT SPEEDS 65+MPH. I RECENTLY HAD MY FRONT END ALLIGNED AND TIRES REBALANCED STILL THE SAME SHAKING IS OCCURING. IT IS TO THE POINT THAT IT IS UNCOMFORTABLE TO DRIVE AND DANGEROUS.

NHTSA complaint #11073551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 59,496 miles Martinez, GA

AIR BAGS

WHILE DETAILING MY TRUCK ON OCTOBER 30, 2017 I DISCOVERED A CRACK ON THE DASH ABOUT AN INCH AND A HALF LONG RUNNING FROM THE TOP LEFT OF THE AIRBAG COVER TOWARDS THE DEFROSTER VENT . TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICING ON OCTOBER 31, 2017 AND THEY STATED TO CONTACT GMC CARES THAT THEY WERE FAMILIAR WITH THIS KIND OF PROBLEM. I CALLED GMC THEY STATED THEY WERE UNAWARE OF THIS PROBLEM ON MY MAKE AND MODEL TRUCK. THEY STATED THAT I NEEDED TO CONTACT THE DEALER AND HAVE THE DEALER CONTACT GMC. THE DEALER TOLD ME TO CONTACT GMC. AFTER DOING A QUICK SEARCH ON THE INTERNET I DISCOVERED THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM THAT GMC HAS BEEN AWARE OF AND IS NOT FIXING AND APPARENTLY THIS WILL ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE AS TIME GOES BY. THE SAFETY CONCERN I HAVE IS IT SO CLOSE TO THE AIRBAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE THAT IF THE AIRBAG DEPLOYS IN A CRASH WILL CAUSE SHARDS OF BROKEN DASH TO FLY AROUND IN THE CAB INJURING THE PASSENGERS..

NHTSA complaint #11041659 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 59,496 miles Martinez, GA

STRUCTURE:BODY

WHILE DETAILING MY TRUCK ON OCTOBER 30, 2017 I DISCOVERED A CRACK ON THE DASH ABOUT AN INCH AND A HALF LONG RUNNING FROM THE TOP LEFT OF THE AIRBAG COVER TOWARDS THE DEFROSTER VENT . TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICING ON OCTOBER 31, 2017 AND THEY STATED TO CONTACT GMC CARES THAT THEY WERE FAMILIAR WITH THIS KIND OF PROBLEM. I CALLED GMC THEY STATED THEY WERE UNAWARE OF THIS PROBLEM ON MY MAKE AND MODEL TRUCK. THEY STATED THAT I NEEDED TO CONTACT THE DEALER AND HAVE THE DEALER CONTACT GMC. THE DEALER TOLD ME TO CONTACT GMC. AFTER DOING A QUICK SEARCH ON THE INTERNET I DISCOVERED THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM THAT GMC HAS BEEN AWARE OF AND IS NOT FIXING AND APPARENTLY THIS WILL ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE AS TIME GOES BY. THE SAFETY CONCERN I HAVE IS IT SO CLOSE TO THE AIRBAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE THAT IF THE AIRBAG DEPLOYS IN A CRASH WILL CAUSE SHARDS OF BROKEN DASH TO FLY AROUND IN THE CAB INJURING THE PASSENGERS..

NHTSA complaint #11041659 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 49,850 miles Ithaca, NY

WHEELS

CHROME WHEEL CORROSION. CRITICAL LOCATION AROUND VALVE STEM CREATING AIR LEAK IN VALVE STEM. COULD CREATE LOW ENOUGH PRESSURE TO EFFECT HANDLING IN EMERGENCY SITUATION. LUCKILY MINE WAS A SLOW LEAK, BUT THE ONLY FIX IS WHEEL REPLACEMENT AT EXTREME COST AND A LENGTHY REPLACEMENT PROCESS LEAVING THE OWNER WITH CHOICE OF UNSAFE USE, OR LOSING USE OF THE VEHICLE DURING THE PROCESS. INITIAL FIRST AID WAS TO CLEAN THE STEM HOLE OF CORROSION, USE A SEALANT AROUND THE NEW VALVE STEM, WITH NO GUARANTEE OF A SAFE FIX AND AN UPCOMING 2 WEEK TRIP TO UPPER ONTARIO CANADA IN FULLY LOADED VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #11012225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.