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For a truck that costs as much as some luxury SUVs, you’d expect the GMC Sierra Denali 1500 to nail the basics. And yet, that’s exactly where some owners are finding themselves let down. I was reminded of this the other day while scrolling through replies on my X account. I came across a comment that stood out for its simple frustration around a problem that’s been unresolved for over a year. It came from a user named @Ronnie73168524, and it had to do with something you’d think would be pretty solid in 2024: the backup camera.
Here’s what Ronnie shared: “Here is a video of my back up camera in the evening. This is using it when there are no outside lights. It does not work well at all and I have went to the dealership several times. Been going on for a year and they said there is no fix.”
The fact that this has been ongoing for over a year makes it more than just a one-off annoyance as it’s a lingering quality issue. Plus, backup cameras aren’t just a luxury add-on anymore. They’ve been federally required on all new vehicles sold in the U.S. since 2018. That means if the camera doesn’t work reliably, especially at night when visibility matters most, it fails to deliver on one of its most basic safety promises.
The Denali’s Premium Image at Risk
What’s even more surprising is that Ronnie owns the Denali trim, which sits at the top of GMC’s lineup. His truck, powered by the 6.2L V8, represents a significant investment. This is the same powertrain platform that has recently been the subject of concern among owners, with some wondering whether GM might replace every L87 6.2L engine in Silverado and Sierra models. So when a vehicle like this starts falling short, even on something as basic as a camera, it calls into question how much of that premium is actually going toward reliability.
Let’s not forget, the Denali trim isn’t just about towing or luxury touches. It’s supposed to represent GMC’s flagship tech and engineering. Features like HD Surround Vision, trailer-view cameras, and parking assist systems are marketed as part of the reason this truck commands such a high price. But as Ronnie’s experience shows, if these systems can’t perform when it matters most, those features become more of a liability than an asset.
Why Backup Cameras Fail in the Dark
From what Ronnie describes, the issue appears specifically in dark environments. This could possibly be due to weak reverse lighting, subpar low-light sensors, or even poor calibration in the processing software. Whatever the root cause, a dealership response of “there’s no fix” doesn’t just reflect poorly on that specific service department, but it undermines confidence in the brand as a whole.
And that’s the essence of owning a truck like the Denali. It’s not just about checking boxes or impressing at the valet. It’s about real-world usability—whether you’re on a job site at 6 AM, reversing into a dimly lit driveway, or towing equipment in less-than-ideal conditions. If those foundational systems aren’t delivering, then the premium price tag starts to lose meaning fast.
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Where Innovation Does Deliver
Some newer owners are sharing stories that give us a glimpse into where the real value of innovation lies. A GMC Sierra EV Max Range owner recently shared that their truck is going to cut their fuel costs by 90% thanks to solar charging at home. That’s the kind of real-world practicality people want. Not just bells and whistles, but meaningful benefits that improve daily use are certainly on the rise with GMC’s EV’s.
But when owners encounter recurring issues that dealerships chalk up to “unsolvable,” it sends a different message. It says that even as these trucks become more tech-heavy, accountability for those systems might not be keeping pace. In Ronnie’s case, a year of complaints hasn’t resulted in a fix or even an alternative solution. Just a shoulder shrug.
That’s why I can’t help but reflect on how different the experience is from what these vehicles are advertised to be. Trucks like the Sierra Denali are marketed as rugged, dependable, and packed with smart tech. But smart tech isn’t smart if it doesn’t adapt to everyday challenges, from backup cameras all the way to engine reliability. And rugged doesn’t mean much either when customer support doesn’t step in to correct a flaw that compromises basic functionality.
Key Takeaways
- Backup cameras are legally required and should work reliably, even in low-light conditions. Poor night performance is a real hazard.
- Premium trims like Denali are sold on the promise of technology and convenience, and when those features don’t work properly, the value proposition quickly erodes.
- Telling a customer “there’s no fix” without offering alternatives creates frustration and distrust, especially when the issue affects daily usability and has persisted for over a year.
- Stories like Ronnie’s reveal a growing gap between what’s advertised and what’s delivered, reminding us that high-tech features are only as good as the support behind them.
- The fundamentals still matter most. Whether it’s a 6.2L V8 under the hood or an HD camera on the tailgate, they need to work consistently in everyday driving.
Tell Us Your Thoughts
Have you ever had a recurring issue with your backup camera or other tech features that your dealership couldn’t fix?
And do you think truck brands are focusing too much on luxury and not enough on reliability?
Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you.
Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.
Image Sources: Aram Krajekian’s X Account and GMC’s gallery, respectively.
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Source: torquenews.com
