2011 Cadillac ESCALADE problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
49 owner complaints analyzed
6 distinct recall campaigns
104,762 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2011 model year. Data snapshot: . 16 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 34 of 49 complaints (69.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission and shifting | 2 | 4.1% |
| Braking behavior | 2 | 4.1% |
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 |
|---|---|
| Air Bags | 34 |
| Unknown Or Other | 4 |
| Electrical System | 2 |
| Service Brakes | 2 |
| Structure:Body:Door | 2 |
| Suspension | 2 |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 |
| Exterior Lighting:Headlights | 1 |
Air Bags: 34; Unknown Or Other: 4; Electrical System: 2; Service Brakes: 2; Structure:Body:Door: 2; Suspension: 2; Electronic Stability Control (Esc): 1; Exterior Lighting:Headlights: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 2 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 4 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 1 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 7 |
| 150,000 and above | 2 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 2; 50,000 to 74,999: 4; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 7; 150,000 and above: 2
100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (7). 33 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 |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2016 | 4 |
| 2017 | 15 |
| 2018 | 8 |
| 2019 | 6 |
| 2020 | 7 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2025 | 2 |
2011: 1; 2014: 1; 2015: 1; 2016: 4; 2017: 15; 2018: 8; 2019: 6; 2020: 7; 2021: 2; 2022: 2; 2025: 2
Pattern summary
Air Bags leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 2 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 2 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 11648933 · 2025-03-18 (March 18, 2025)
The whole transmission kept jerking and finally went totally out. I only have 189,000
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11648933 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11649775 · 2025-03-21 (March 21, 2025)
The Transmission , the vehicle came to a sudden stop while driving, confirmed by a mechanic, no it has not been inspected by insurance or others accident was avoided, no warnings lights, transmission began to jump in gear like a lunge forward. Double checked it and it would not go forward then it would let you reverse only and then it will not go forward or reverse. The vehicle had to be towed. Engine starts fine but can't drive
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11649775 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10865896 · 2016-05-19 (May 19, 2016)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE BRAKES BECAME INOPERABLE AND THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUSPENSION FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 46,000. UPDATED 08/22/16*LJ *CN
Owner-reported narrative. 46,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10865896 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11300535 · 2020-01-20 (January 20, 2020)
WHEN COMING TO A STOP AND BRAKING (AT LIGHTS AND STOP SIGNS) VEHICLE SOMETIMES FEELS LIKE IT SLIPS THEN BRAKES KICK IN. BEEN HAPPENING FOR A LONG TIME NOW. ITS VERY COMPARABLE TO THE RECALL ON THE 2015-2017 MODELS THAT WERE AFFECTED. ALSO ANOTHER COMMON ISSUE I HAVE IS THE POWER FROM THE CIGARETTE LIGHTERS GOING OUT PLENTY OF TIMES. **ON ANOTHER NOTE IT ISN'T JUST ONE SET DATE AS IT IS ASKING BELOW**
Owner-reported narrative. 85,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11300535 at NHTSA ↗