Is the 2012 Gmc DENALI reliable?

The 2012 Gmc DENALI has 10 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.0x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: OTHER problems.

What are common problems with the 2012 Gmc DENALI?

Top problems: OTHER (3 complaints, avg repair $500); AIR BAGS (2 complaints, avg repair $500); BODY/STRUCTURE (2 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2012 Gmc DENALI?

No recalls have been issued for the 2012 Gmc DENALI.

How much does it cost to insure a 2012 Gmc DENALI?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2012 Gmc DENALI is approximately $1,478/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2012 Gmc DENALI

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2012 Gmc DENALI has 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 10. The most common issue is other problems (30% of all complaints), specifically: crack in passenger side of dashboard....vehicle was statioary.

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 6)

OTHER

3 complaints

30%

• CRACK IN PASSENGER SIDE OF DASHBOARD....VEHICLE WAS STATIOARY
• THE DASH HAS CRACKED ABOVE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND BY THE AIR BAG. UNSURE WHEN IT ACCORDED. NOTICED IT WAS MAKING A SOUND AND IN 2 WEEKS HAS GOTTEN MUCH WORSE
• DASH CRACKS EVERYWHERE, ALL ATTACHMENT POINTS ARE CRACKING. NO APPARENT REASON OTHER THAN USING A UN U.V PROTECTED PLASTIC.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“CRACK IN PASSENGER SIDE OF DASHBOARD....VEHICLE WAS STATIOARY”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2012 Gmc DENALI

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,478

Full coverage / month

$123

Liability only / year

$611

vs US avg

-12%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1478

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Gmc DENALI Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

45K mi

Engine coolant

150K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

23K mi

Engine air filter

45K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

45K mi

Uses GM Oil Life System. Full-size trucks may have shorter differential and transfer case intervals if used for towing.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Gmc New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

6 yr / 100K mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Gmc. If you're buying a used 2012 DENALI, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Gmc dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 10 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
OTHER: CRACK IN PASSENGER SIDE OF DASHBOARD....VEHICLE WAS STATIOARY
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
AIR BAGS: DASH BOARD HAS CRACKED AROUND AIRBAG. CONCERNED THAT IF THERE WAS A COLLISION THAT TYE AIRBAG WOULD EXPLODE AND ENTIRE DASH WOULD EXPLODE WITH IT
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BODY/STRUCTURE: MY DASH IS CRACKING FOR NO APPARENT REASON. IT'S TO A POINT NOW OF NEEDING REPLACED AND HAS RAISED MY SAFETY CONCERN FOR MYSELF AND PASSENGER IF I WAS TO COME INVOLVED IN A CRASH BY BROKEN LARGE PLASTIC FRAGMENTS.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: WHEN THE VEHICLE IS AT 50 60 OR ANY SPEED - THE TACHOMETER JUMPS AND THE CAR SURGES FEELS LIKE IT GOING TO STOP
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)