Cadillac ESCALADE ESV problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
518 owner complaints analyzed
42 distinct recall campaigns
60,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2003 to 2026 model years. Data snapshot: . 174 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 251 of 518 complaints (48.5%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 60 | 11.6% |
| Engine operation | 58 | 11.2% |
| Transmission and shifting | 56 | 10.8% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 48 | 9.3% |
| Steering behavior | 27 | 5.2% |
| Fuel system concerns | 8 | 1.5% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Engine | 251 |
| Power Train | 84 |
| Electrical System | 73 |
| Air Bags | 53 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 41 |
| Service Brakes | 34 |
| Unknown Or Other | 34 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 23 |
Engine: 251; Power Train: 84; Electrical System: 73; Air Bags: 53; Fuel/Propulsion System: 41; Service Brakes: 34; Unknown Or Other: 34; Engine And Engine Cooling: 23
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 49 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 26 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 29 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 27 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 33 |
| 150,000 and above | 10 |
Under 25,000: 49; 25,000 to 49,999: 26; 50,000 to 74,999: 29; 75,000 to 99,999: 27; 100,000 to 149,999: 33; 150,000 and above: 10
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (49). 344 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 2 |
| 2005 | 4 |
| 2006 | 4 |
| 2007 | 2 |
| 2008 | 10 |
| 2009 | 6 |
| 2010 | 9 |
| 2011 | 5 |
| 2012 | 7 |
| 2013 | 2 |
| 2014 | 9 |
| 2015 | 15 |
| 2016 | 15 |
| 2017 | 24 |
| 2018 | 25 |
| 2019 | 22 |
| 2020 | 11 |
| 2021 | 12 |
| 2022 | 14 |
| 2023 | 21 |
| 2024 | 13 |
| 2025 | 153 |
| 2026 | 133 |
2004: 2; 2005: 4; 2006: 4; 2007: 2; 2008: 10; 2009: 6; 2010: 9; 2011: 5; 2012: 7; 2013: 2; 2014: 9; 2015: 15; 2016: 15; 2017: 24; 2018: 25; 2019: 22; 2020: 11; 2021: 12; 2022: 14; 2023: 21; 2024: 13; 2025: 153; 2026: 133
Pattern summary
Engine leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 60 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 58 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 56 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10626261 · 2014-08-19 (August 19, 2014)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV. WHEN THE CONTACT DROVE IN REVERSE AND ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD NOISE. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE LINES FRACTURED DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DIRECTLY RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V045000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT …
Owner-reported narrative. 86,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10626261 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10766335 · 2015-09-21 (September 21, 2015)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO DECELERATE. THE ABS AND TRACTION ACTIVITY WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HYDRO-BOOST FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V045000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE APPROXIMAT…
Owner-reported narrative. 120,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10766335 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10168185 · 2006-09-13 (September 13, 2006)
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, LIGHTNING STRUCK THE EXTERIOR ANTENNA FOR THE ON-STAR SYSTEM DISRUPTING THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SERVICE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED.
Owner-reported narrative. 60,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10168185 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10414768 · 2011-07-22 (July 22, 2011)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 60 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE RESTARTED AND THE WAS TOWED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS FAULTY. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP BUT THE REPAIR DID NOT REMEDY THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO STALL WHILE DRIVING AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP SIX TIMES BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE CONTA…
Owner-reported narrative. 198,900 miles reported. Look up ODI 10414768 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10071898 · 2004-04-30 (April 30, 2004)
WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, SMOKE STARTED TO COME OUT FROM THE BACK AND SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER NOTICED OIL SPLATTERED ALL OVER THE TRUNK AND THE ROAD WHEN THEY PULLED OVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP, AND INDICATED THAT THE SERVO WASN'T INSTALLED PROPERLY AT THE FACTORY, WHICH RESULTED IN TRANSMISSION TO LEAK OIL. *LA
Owner-reported narrative. 1,400 miles reported. Look up ODI 10071898 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10177217 · 2006-12-28 (December 28, 2006)
TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT WOULD GO INTO GEAR WITH THE IGNITION BEING IN THE ACCESSORY POSITION WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE BRAKE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS SON WAS IN THE VEHICLE THE KEY WAS ON ACCESSORY POSITION, AND THE CHILD PULLED THE GEAR SHIFT INTO REVERSE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STRIKE ANOTHER VEHICLE. WHEN HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY STATED TO THE CONTACT THAT, THE REASON THAT YOU CAN PULL THE GEAR SHIFT IS IN CASE YOU NEED TO TOW THE VEHICLE, SO YOU CAN SET IT IN NEUTRAL. CONTACT CAN PROVIDE PICTURES IF NEEDE…
Owner-reported narrative. 29,800 miles reported. Look up ODI 10177217 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10352547 · 2010-08-29 (August 29, 2010)
2004 ESCALADE ESV; SPEEDOMETER AT ABOUT 70,000 MILES BEGAN TO GO HAYWIRE, SOMETIMES STICKING ON 0MPH OTHER TIMES ON 140MPH. AFTER A FEW DAYS OF THIS IT STOPPED WORKING ALL TOGETHER. I TOOK THE CAR INTO A DEALERSHIP FOR AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE AND TOLD THEM TO PLEASE LOOK AT THE SPEEDOMETER BECAUSE ITS NOT WORKING. THEY REFUSED TO FIX IT SAYING IT HAD MORE THAN 70,000 MI...THAT WAS 2008 AND IT HASN'T WORKED SINCE. I ESTIMATE MY SPEED BY THE TACHOMETER (NOT SAFE)...ORIGINAL BROKEN PART IS STILL INSTALLED...I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE. *TR…
Owner-reported narrative. 72,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10352547 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10178666 · 2007-01-14 (January 14, 2007)
STEERING/CROSS BAR/AXEL- BEEN IN FOR SERVICE 10 + TIMES. CAR STEERING GOES OUT. CAR MAKES CRACKLING NOISES WHILE TURNING. *NM
Owner-reported narrative. 100 miles reported. Look up ODI 10178666 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10255189 · 2009-01-15 (January 15, 2009)
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED ISSUES WITH THE STEERING IN THE VEHICLE WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK. SHE NOTICED THAT THE POWER STEERING WOULD LOCK UP, CAUSING HER TO WRESTLE WITH THE STEERING WHEEL TO PARK AND MOVE THE WHEEL TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE GREAT EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED IN REFERENCE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V045000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). SHE WAS REFERRED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO REPAIR A FAILU…
Owner-reported narrative. 57,699 miles reported. Look up ODI 10255189 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10331296 · 2010-05-19 (May 19, 2010)
PREMATURE FUEL PUMP FAILURE WITH NO ERROR CODE OR WARNING. OCCURRED ON A LOW TRAFFIC AREA HAVING NO COLLISION OR INJURIES. VEH IS 2004 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV WITH 67 K MILES. TOTAL LOSS OF POWER CONTROLS. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 67,849 miles reported. Look up ODI 10331296 at NHTSA ↗
Recalls by model year
All campaigns in the snapshot affecting each model year, including recalls announced years later.
Recall campaigns
Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 3 |
| 2011 | 5 |
| 2012 | 3 |
| 2013 | 4 |
| 2014 | 2 |
| 2015 | 6 |
| 2016 | 3 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2018 | 1 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2021 | 10 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 3 |
2010: 3; 2011: 5; 2012: 3; 2013: 4; 2014: 2; 2015: 6; 2016: 3; 2017: 1; 2018: 1; 2019: 1; 2020: 2; 2021: 10; 2022: 4; 2023: 4; 2024: 2; 2025: 1; 2026: 3
Year-by-year records
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Change in recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 12 | 1 | Not available |
| 2004 | 22 | 1 | 0 |
| 2005 | 14 | 1 | 0 |
| 2006 | 5 | 1 | 0 |
| 2007 | 39 | 4 | +3 |
| 2008 | 17 | 4 | 0 |
| 2009 | 6 | 5 | +1 |
| 2010 | 4 | 3 | -2 |
| 2011 | 13 | 5 | +2 |
| 2012 | 3 | 3 | -2 |
| 2013 | 2 | 4 | +1 |
| 2014 | 0 | 2 | -2 |
| 2015 | 8 | 6 | +4 |
| 2016 | 15 | 3 | -3 |
| 2017 | 37 | 1 | -2 |
| 2018 | 15 | 1 | 0 |
| 2019 | 32 | 1 | 0 |
| 2020 | 21 | 2 | +1 |
| 2021 | 71 | 10 | +8 |
| 2022 | 54 | 4 | -6 |
| 2023 | 85 | 4 | 0 |
| 2024 | 22 | 2 | -2 |
| 2025 | 13 | 1 | -1 |
| 2026 | 8 | 3 | +2 |