2004 Cadillac Escalade Esv Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2004 Cadillac Escalade Esv, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical622.2%
- Airbags414.8%
- Transmission311.1%
- Brakes311.1%
- Other / unspecified311.1%
- Powertrain (other)27.4%
- Steering27.4%
- Fuel system27.4%
- Heating & air conditioning13.7%
- Suspension13.7%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
RADIO SOUND GOES IN AND OUT. ALSO DOOR CHIME DOES OR DOESN'T WORK RIGHT ALONG WITH IT. IT COULD BE A SHORT OR THE BCM FROM WHAT I CAN SEE. ALSO SOMETIMES THE SUNROOF LEAKS
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE PRECEDING VEHICLE STOPPED ABRUPTLY AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO SWERVE AND CRASH INTO A POLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED DESTROYED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV. WHILE DRIVING AT 58 MPH IN THE RAIN, A DEER JUMPED IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO TWO TREE STUMPS AND THE VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD AND NECK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
HAD MY ESCALADE ESV IN SEVERAL TIMES FOR SERVICE ON THE TRANSMISSION, AT 122,000 MY 3RD AND OVERDRIVE BAND BROKE LEAVING ME STRANDING IN GILROY CALIFORNIA, NOT A BAD PLACE REALLY NICE PEOPLE. WROTE A LETTER TO THE CHAIRMAN OF GM, RECEIVED A PHONE CALL FROM SOMEONE NAMED AMY, AND HERE IS THE DIALOGUE: I AM SORRY THIS HAPPEN WE CAN'T DO ANYTHING, NO WONDER GM IS LOSING MARKET SHARE. *TR
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 NEEDED. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that the ABS and traction stability warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and was diagnosed with needing the shocks and struts replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and was awaiting a response. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
I HAD A BADLY CORRODED BRAKE LINE RUPNTURE AND NEARLY WRECKED. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND AFTER 2 DAYS THEY SAY THEY WON'T FIX IT. THEY SAY THEY ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH LINES ROUTED THROUGH THE FRAME, OR BETWEEN FRAME AND BODY. THEY RECOMMEND A FULL BODY REMOVAL AND THEY REFUSED. FAULTY TRANS MODULES AND PEELING/LEAKING STOCK RIMS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAD A BADLY CORRODED BRAKE LINE RUPNTURE AND NEARLY WRECKED. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND AFTER 2 DAYS THEY SAY THEY WON'T FIX IT. THEY SAY THEY ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH LINES ROUTED THROUGH THE FRAME, OR BETWEEN FRAME AND BODY. THEY RECOMMEND A FULL BODY REMOVAL AND THEY REFUSED. FAULTY TRANS MODULES AND PEELING/LEAKING STOCK RIMS.
MY 2004 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV, THE FACTORY CHROME WHEELS HAVE RUSTED AND PEELED AND INTERFERES WITH SAFETY SENSORS ASSOCIATED WITH TIRES. THIS HAS BEEN A PROGRESSIVE PROBLEM SINCE THE FIRST TIME THE TIRES WERE ROTATED AT 6 MONTHS. THE MANUFACTURER HAS REFUSED TO CORRECT THE ONGOING PROBLEM. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAD A BADLY CORRODED BRAKE LINE RUPNTURE AND NEARLY WRECKED. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND AFTER 2 DAYS THEY SAY THEY WON'T FIX IT. THEY SAY THEY ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH LINES ROUTED THROUGH THE FRAME, OR BETWEEN FRAME AND BODY. THEY RECOMMEND A FULL BODY REMOVAL AND THEY REFUSED. FAULTY TRANS MODULES AND PEELING/LEAKING STOCK RIMS.
THE LEFT REAR WHEEL BEARING FAILED ON A NEW 2004 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS WENT ON AND THE A SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL MESSAGE ON THE DASH. THERE WAS NO NOISE OR WARNING PRIOR. AFTER THE BEARING SEIZED, THE AXEL SNAPPED AND THE ONLY THING HOLDING THE WHEEL ON WAS THE BRAKE CALIPER. THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE ENTIRE REAR AXEL, DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY. I HAVE HEARD OF WHEEL FAILURES ON CHEVROLET AVALANCHE TRUCK'S ALSO (SAME CHASSIS). MY CONCERN IS THAT THERE IS A COMPONENT PROBLEM WITH THE WHEEL BEARING ON THESE TRUCKS WHICH COULD BE CATASTROPHIC. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE STEERING WAS VERY HARD TO TURN.THEN THE POWER STEERING FLUID WAS LEAKING. BRAKES ARE LOCKING UP. BUT RIGHT BEFORE ALL THAT HAPPENED THE AIRBAG LIGHT WENT OFF. ITS NEVER BEEN HIT OR HIT ANYTHING. THE TRUCK WAS PURCHASED IN NOV.2012. WE GOT A CARFAX WITH THE VEHICLE, IT WAS CLEAN, I LOOKED FOR RECALLS AND 4 APPEARED, I ALSO CALLED CADILLAC, SPOKE TO A DEALER AND THE WOMAN SAID MY VIN NUMBER HAS NEVER BEEN RECALLED, I STATED IT WAS IN 2004 IT WAS RECALLED AND ALL THE THINGS IT WAS RECALLED FOR WAS WHAT WAS HAPPENING NOW..AT TIMES IT WAS MAKING A NOISE SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE. *TR
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 FAILURE WITHIN THE STEERING GEAR BOX BEFORE THE RECALL REPAIR COULD BE PERFORMED. THE REPAIR WOULD COST $1,100. THE CONTACT ASKED IF SHE COULD GET A SECOND OPINION AT A REPAIR SHOP, BUT THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT TAKE THE OPINION OF ANOTHER MECHANIC INTO CONSIDERATION, IF THEY WERE NOT AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 57,790 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,699. UPDATED 02/05/09 *BF UPDATED 02/09/09. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE STEERING WAS VERY HARD TO TURN.THEN THE POWER STEERING FLUID WAS LEAKING. BRAKES ARE LOCKING UP. BUT RIGHT BEFORE ALL THAT HAPPENED THE AIRBAG LIGHT WENT OFF. ITS NEVER BEEN HIT OR HIT ANYTHING. THE TRUCK WAS PURCHASED IN NOV.2012. WE GOT A CARFAX WITH THE VEHICLE, IT WAS CLEAN, I LOOKED FOR RECALLS AND 4 APPEARED, I ALSO CALLED CADILLAC, SPOKE TO A DEALER AND THE WOMAN SAID MY VIN NUMBER HAS NEVER BEEN RECALLED, I STATED IT WAS IN 2004 IT WAS RECALLED AND ALL THE THINGS IT WAS RECALLED FOR WAS WHAT WAS HAPPENING NOW..AT TIMES IT WAS MAKING A NOISE SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE. *TR
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
WE HAVE A 2004 CADILLAC ESCALADE. A FEW WEEKS AGO THE RIGHT REAR SEAT WARMER CAUGHT ON FIRE. WE TOOK IT TO THE CLOSEST DEALERSHIP AND THEY BAGGED IT WHILE IT WAS STILL SMOKING AND PUT OIT BACK IN CAR AND SPRAYED FREBREEZE IN THE CAR AND SENT US ON OUR WAY AS IF NOTHING HAPPENED AT ALL. THEY DID NOT EVEN GIVE US SOMETHING STATING WE WERE THERE. MY BIGGEST CONCERN IS HAVING IT FIXED AND LETTING OTHERS KNOW SO THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN TO ANYONE ELSE.OUR DAUGHTER WAS ASLEEP ON TOP OF TWO PILLOWS LAYING ON THE SEAT.NOW EVERYTHING IS DRAGGING SUCH AS ALL THE WINDOWS. IT IS ACTING UP BAD. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV. WHILE DRIVING AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN ON A BUMPY ROAD, THE FRONT END CLUNKED AND SOUNDED AS IF IT WERE COMING APART. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUTSIDE THE WARRANTY AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .