What 295 owners told NHTSA about the 2021 GMC Yukon Denali Xl 1500

Vehicle: 2021 GMC Denali Mileage: ~48,000 miles Purchase Price: $62,000 Issue: Airbags & crash sensors failed to deploy Complaint Text: I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2021 GMC Denali. I was involved in a rear-end collision at approximately 45 mph, where I struck another vehicle straight on from behind. The impact was severe enough to total my vehicle, yet no airbags deployed, and no forward collision warning or crash sensor systems activated. This is especially concerning because this vehicle was previously involved in a front-end collision (not my fault) and underwent extensive repairs. I was assured all systems were repaired and functioning properly. Additionally, my vehicle had completed recall work related to safety systems prior to this crash. This is the second front-end crash involving this vehicle where airbags failed to deploy. Given the speed and severity of the impact, airbags should have deployed. The failure of these systems placed my life at serious risk. The vehicle has since been totaled and taken by insurance, but I am requesting that this failure be formally investigated as a potential safety defect in the airbag and sensor systems. I am extremely concerned that the vehicle’s safety systems were either defective or not properly restored following repairs and recalls.

NHTSA ODI 11706440

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that upon the start of the vehicle, the vehicle independently reversed without warning upon touching the gear shifter. The vehicle first reversed into a cement barrier and then lunged forward into an intersection while she repeatedly depressed her brake pedal to no avail. The contact managed to call 911 and while speaking with an operator, she was able to regain control of the vehicle. The contact crashed into a parked vehicle as well as a barrier during the failure. Once the contact regained control of the vehicle, she pulled into a gas station where she was met by police. A police report was filed. The contact suffered mental anguish as a result of the failure. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer where they were unable to duplicate or diagnose the failure. The vehicle was then towed to an independent body shop where it remained in their possession. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11516354