2026 GMC Sierra EV Denali - Things aren’t going so well.

[IveBeenRued]

A few months ago, I bought a 2026 GMC Sierra EV Denali and had been very impressed with the truck from many aspects. The power, range, quietness, and overall driving dynamics have been great. It is a good truck around our farm and it was dirt cheap to commute with when my wife needed my usual commuter mobile.

Unfortunately, a number of things have gone wrong with the machine; mostly trim, but some more major things.

The list:
1. Passenger side chrome trim not fully attached on running board.
2. Rear passenger side window gasket not installed correctly (it was folded in on itself).
3. Steering wheel had to get replaced because the factory missed several stitches and the leather was coming apart off the spokes.
4. Bottom of the driver seat leather cover had to be replaced because the bottom cushion cover wouldn’t stay attached.
5. Front driver side strut had to be replaced because it was misassembled causing the bearing to bind up.
6. Now, just as of last night, the dealer tried starting it up and it threw a high voltage error. They diagnosed it as something wrong with the battery heating system. No ETA on parts but the truck has been in the shop for 3.5 weeks thus far because of the strut issue.

Pretty bad for only having 3200 miles on her.

 

[dogememe]

Bummer

Hope they can sort it out quick. GM EVs are pretty reliable in my personal experience.

And the Sierra EV Denali is IMO one of the best looking vehicles ever made.

You don’t have to share but how much did you pay in comparison to MSRP after accounting for rebates and dealer discount?

 

[IveBeenRued]

Bummer

Hope they can sort it out quick. GM EVs are pretty reliable in my personal experience.

You don’t have to share but how much did you pay in comparison to MSRP after accounting for rebates and dealer discount?

MSRP was $79,995. I paid $68,845 before TTL. It was a cash deal.

 

[crashz]

Wow, not bad on the price. I was expecting over $100k due to the Denali badge. But sorry to hear of the troubles. Seems like assembly quality is horrible. I'm surprised it made it out of the factory like that.

 

[IveBeenRued]

Wow, not bad on the price. I was expecting over $100k due to the Denali badge. But sorry to hear of the troubles. Seems like assembly quality is horrible. I'm surprised it made it out of the factory like that.

Same here. The trim issues were small enough that I didn’t notice it during the prepurchase walk around and test drive but eventually I noticed everything. The suspension and driveline issues popped up over time.

 

[cptbarkey]

My brother's Cybertruck took a year to get several recalls and issues solved. It can throw its own disco party though, and argue with you if you ask it to.

 

[IveBeenRued]

MSRP was $79,995. I paid $68,845 before TTL. It was a cash deal.

Oh, and I should have mentioned this earlier. This is the extended range model with 416 miles of EPA estimated range. In moderate temps, I was getting closer to 460 miles but then in sub 20 degree temps I was getting closer to 375.

 

[dogememe]

MSRP was $79,995. I paid $68,845 before TTL. It was a cash deal.

Nice!

 

[Rand]

Sounds pretty nice.
I am still considering an EV for second vehicle, but not due to replace the hyundai for another 3 years or so.

Will definitely be shopping for a vehicle and budget EV will be on the list.
as I dont trust the transmission or engine on the hyundai after the 10yr/100k mile warranty.

Need 200+ miles range in cold weather. and low 30's max price
other than that not a big list as it will be secondary vehicle for errands and commuter.

 

[97prizm]

My brother's Cybertruck took a year to get several recalls and issues solved. It can throw its own disco party though, and argue with you if you ask it to.

Did he ever get it bought back? Many Cybertruck owners had their trucks bought back or exchanged.

 

[hemitom]

If the big 3 want to survive I believe that quality control has to dramatically improve absolutely no reason for a vehicle to leave the factory with quality control issue's that this one did

 

[IveBeenRued]

Today marks the 31st consecutive day that the truck has been out of commission. Anyone know of any good lemon law attorneys that deal with Virginia? If you do, please PM me their info.

 

[alarmguy]

Today marks the 31st consecutive day that the truck has been out of commission. Anyone know of any good lemon law attorneys that deal with Virginia? If you do, please PM me their info.

I’m not so sure you need an attorney, check out this website for Virginia.

I know a family member who had an electric Mustang replaced under the lemon lawn, but that was New York State and no attorney was needed

I suspect the same for VA, they give you some direction. Good luck, I’d be freaked out, hope it all works out ok.

https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/general/lemon-law

https://www.oag.state.va.us/consumer-protection/index.php/tips-info2?view=article&id=158
—-

 

[I<3oil]

Ford GM quality job #1

 

[97prizm]

Today marks the 31st consecutive day that the truck has been out of commission. Anyone know of any good lemon law attorneys that deal with Virginia? If you do, please PM me their info.

Lemon laws vary by state. Most states require the manufacturer to make it right within 3-4 attempts. After that they have to take it back. Not sure about how long they have it.

 

[mrsilv04]

Any vehicle that you buy, is nothing more than a collection of parts and assemblies that were produced by the lowest responsible bidder.

 

[PontiacHO]

It’s sad that we pay an exorbitant price for bottom shelf quality and reliability. I’m not sure there’s any manufacturers that are currently building anything (trucks) but what’s been highlighted in this post. As long as the dealers are selling-moving them off the lot in spite of these issues, the manufacturers won’t change their ways. If the entire truck buying population of the United States could organize a 90 day period of not buying any trucks I believe at least the prices would drop. Since junk is being built, the prices need to be corrected.

 

[Ursatdx]

I was amazed at the sticker price. Really thought it would be
much higher being a Denali. Shame about the issues.

 

[jghall00]

Sorry about the issues you've experienced. Definitely way too many for a vehicle with that price. There have been a few issues related to the high voltage errors. There's a valve restriction that limits flow and some vehicles have had issues with the refrigerant fill level. Unfortunately many dealerships are not proficient in repairing these vehicles yet so you often have to stay on them for repairs. Hopefully you can get the issues resolved so you can enjoy your purchase.

Perhaps try searching one of the Sierra EV forums to see if anyone else with this issue got a resolution. Many dealerships just replace the entire pack, but I suspect they don't know how to troubleshoot appropriately.

 

[cheesepuffs2]

If the big 3 want to survive I believe that quality control has to dramatically improve absolutely no reason for a vehicle to leave the factory with quality control issue's that this one did

They’re headed right back the way they were pre-bankruptcy era. Complacency and cost-cutting that disrupts the customer experience. They had a nice resurgence after 2008 where they seemed serous for a bit, but now it seems like all three of them are just lost.