Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Our database contains 9 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2020 GMC Sierra Denali, most frequently naming the engine, brakes and driver assistance categories. 355 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
When owners filed reports about this model year
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 2020 | 2 | 2 |
| Dec 2020 | 1 | 3 |
| Apr 2021 | 1 | 4 |
| Nov 2021 | 1 | 5 |
| Apr 2023 | 1 | 6 |
| Nov 2023 | 1 | 7 |
| Nov 2025 | 1 | 8 |
| Jun 2026 | 1 | 9 |
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
No recalls in our database for this model year
That does not guarantee a specific vehicle is unaffected — recalls are issued against VINs, and new campaigns are announced regularly. Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov.
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted about the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,500.
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra Denali. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle shut off unexpectedly. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact made several attempts to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to restart. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer where a diagnostic test was performed. The contact was later informed that the engine had seized due to engine bearing failure, and the contact was provided an estimate for a new engine. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and linked the recall to the failure. The manufacturer was notified about the failure and the recall, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra Denali. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the Adaptive Cruise Control feature became inoperable. The contact stated that when the vehicle got too close to another vehicle, the Adaptive Cruise Control feature failed to activate as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 6,700. The VIN was unavailable.
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra Denali. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH at night, the vehicle stalled and the “Shift to Neutral and Restart Vehicle” message was displayed. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle and was unable to visibly see the roadway. The contact was able to park on the side of the road. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to his residence, and then to the local dealer the next day, where the vehicle was diagnosed with needing the starter to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact's father owns a 2020 GMC Sierra Denali 3500. The contact stated that while his father was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with a cylinder #1 misfire. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to Wackerli Auto Center (1363 N Holmes Ave, Idaho Falls, ID 83401) on numerous occasions and diagnosed with a faulty sensor. The dealer replaced the sensor; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000. The VIN was unavailable.
BRAKES SQUEAK. STARTED ABOUT 3000 MILES. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO DEALER SEVERAL TIMES.
KNOCKING COMING FROM ENGINE - NOTICEABLE UNNECESSARY NOISE IN WHICH DEALER CAN NOT FIX THE PROBLEM
TWO ISSUES BROKEN VALVE SPRING CAUSED ENGINE TO SHUT DOWN, SECOND SERVICE BRAKE, BRAKE FAILURE LIGHT, SERVICE ESC, SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE MESSAGES CAUSING BRAKE FAILURE
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
PI to help diagnose A/C concern
This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
This Preliminary information communicates to the field on how to diagnosis a GPS issue with the Telematic module with no DTC'ss
This Preliminary information communicates to the field on how to diagnosis a GPS issue with the Telematic module with no DTC's
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.