AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
2011 Cadillac Escalade Esv
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 13 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2011 Cadillac Escalade Esv, most frequently naming the airbags, body & structure and other / unspecified categories. 5 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 1,430 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 2011 | 2 | 2 |
| Sep 2012 | 1 | 3 |
| Sep 2016 | 1 | 4 |
| Jan 2017 | 2 | 6 |
| Mar 2017 | 1 | 7 |
| Nov 2017 | 2 | 9 |
| Apr 2018 | 1 | 10 |
| Mar 2019 | 1 | 11 |
| Jun 2019 | 1 | 12 |
| Jun 2024 | 1 | 13 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Airbags529.4%
- Body & structure423.5%
- Other / unspecified211.8%
- Electrical211.8%
- Interior & seats211.8%
- Fuel system15.9%
- Tires & wheels15.9%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
5 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac Escalade ESV equipped with Michelin Tires, Tire Line: Radial X, Tire Size: 285/45/R22, DOT Number: B90L-7LNX4818. The contact stated that after a visual inspection of all tires, he observed delamination and thread separation on the sidewalls and driving surface of the tires. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
- NHTSA ID
- 11592176
- Incident
- Jun 3, 2024
DOOR HANDLE FOR ALL DOORS BREAK OFF WITH OR WITHOUT AN MOTOR VEHICLE COLLISION. SELF-EXTRACATION FROM VEHICLE IS UNLIKELY WITHOUT REPAIR
- NHTSA ID
- 11228510
- Incident
- Jun 30, 2019
- Mileage
- 141,000 mi
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER FAILED TO PROVIDE THE REMEDY AND PART WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V381000 (AIR BAGS). MASSEY CADILLAC NORTH ORLANDO (4241 N JOHN YOUNG PKWY, ORLANDO, FL 32804, 1-866-439-5891) WAS UNABLE TO SCHEDULE A RECALL REPAIR APPOINTMENT WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME BECAUSE THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR OVER TWO YEARS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED TO ADDRESS PART AVAILABILITY SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
- NHTSA ID
- 11189891
- Incident
- May 27, 2016
I AM GETTING ERROR 2135 THROTTLE POSITION THE TRUCK ENGINE INCREASE IN POWER THEN THE REDUCED POWER LIGHTS COMES ON. I SEEN A RECALL # 11273B BUT NOT SURE IF IT IS STILL IN AFFECT HOW WOULD I FIND OUT ALSO HAVE SEEN OTHER RECALLS NOT SURE IF I CAN GET THEM I DIDN'T HAVE THE CAR WHEN SOME OF THE RECALLS CAME OUT
- NHTSA ID
- 11083907
- Incident
- Apr 8, 2018
- Mileage
- 15,555 mi
HEATED SEAT MODULE AND WIRING MELTED. FIRE CONCERNS. MANY VEHICLES AFFECTED
- NHTSA ID
- 11048341
- Incident
- Jun 4, 2017
- Mileage
- 114,000 mi
TAKATA RECALL ISSUED 5/2016BY MAIL TO MY HOUSE. NHTSA#: 16V381 RECALL 49151. CALLED HOEHN BUICK CADILLAC IN CARLSBAD, CA. REPLIED THAT GM HADN'T SENT OUT PARTSYET. CALLED AGAIN & WENT TO DEALER ON 11/21/2016 & FINALLY 9/19/2017. SAME STORY. SPOKE TO GM VINCE LOVE. VINCE LOVE.
- NHTSA ID
- 11043952
- Incident
- Sep 19, 2017
TAKATA RECALL I HAD MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS WITH TWO OF THE LOCAL CADILLAC DEALERS TO GET THE RECALL SOLVED BUT CONTINUE TO GET THE SAME RESPONSE; "THE RECALL ISN'T A SAFETY ISSUE!" AS OF YET, THERE HAS BEEN NO CONTACT MADE BY ANY OF THE DEALERS ON GETTING THE MATTER RESOLVED AND INSTEAD SOME OF THE SALES DEPARTMENT REPRESENTATIVES ARE MAKING OFFERS FOR ME TO TRADE IN OR SALE THEM OUR VEHICLE. WE AVERAGE OVER 20,000 MILES A YEAR TRAVELING AS A FAMILY AND MY FEAR AND CONCERN ARE THAT ONE DAY OUR SAFETY AND SECURITY MAY BE PLACED IN JEOPARDY DUE TO A KNOW MATTER THAT SHOULD HAD BEEN RESOLVED TIMELY. SO FAR THERE HAD BEEN NO INCIDENTS BUT I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO BE DRIVING A VEHICLE THAT'S DEEM TO BE UNSAFE DUE TO MANUFACTURERS REASONS.
- NHTSA ID
- 10957995
- Incident
- Mar 2, 2017
TAKATA RECALL .I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE. THIS IS TRAVELING VEHICLE SO IT WOULD NORMALLY BE ON HIGHWAYS AT OVER 50 MILES AN HOUR. QUESTION WOULD I BE SAFER TO HAVE THIS DISCONNECTED? WHO COULD DO THIS. I LIKE MOST PEOPLE CAN NOT AFFORD TO TRADE VEHICLES AND REALLY WOULD RATHER NOT. NOW THE CASE IS SETTLED WIT TAKATA. THAT'S JUST GREAT BUT IT DOES NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. IF I PAID TO HAVE IT REPLACED CAN I GET REIMBURSED AT SOME POINT. .NOW THE CASE IS SETTLED I EXPECT SOME MANUFACTURER NEEDS TO SUPPLY HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF THESE. WHAT WOULD YOUR PROFESSIONAL OPINION BE AS TO HOW LONG IT WOULD TAKE FOR THE VEHICLES TO BE REPAIR. HOW MUCH LESS IS MY VEHICLE WORTH AT THIS POINT DUE TO THIS ISSUE. YOU KNOW THEY COMPLAIN ABOUT GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION, WELL THIS IS JUST ANOTHER CASE THAT WE NEED SOMEONE TO LOOK OUT FOR US SINCE COMPANIES ARE GREEDY AND WILLING TO PROVIDE FALSE DATA TO DOWN STEAM MANUFACTURES TO SUPPLY THEM PRODUCTS. SUGGESTION TO MOTIVATE REPAIRS : CUT SALARIES OF TOP 20 EXECUTIVES TO 1/3 OF THEIR PAY UNTIL ALL VEHICLES REPAIRED. THIS WILL GET THEIR ATTENTION. FINING THE COMPANIES DOES NOT EFFECT THE EXEC.S AS MUCH AS DIRECT FINANCIAL IMPACT WOULD ON THEIR LIVELY HOOD. THEY MAKE THE DECISIONS THIS WOULD MAKE THEM MORE DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME AND SERVICE
- NHTSA ID
- 10945254
- Incident
- Jan 14, 2017
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
This PI Communications information on an alternative product dealers can use to perform 19-NA-255: Wax Coating on Frame Peeling, Metal Shows Corrosion/Rusting due to issue with getting product from current supplier listed in the bulletin.
This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit vibration conditions without utilizing the support of General Motors Technical Assistance Center. If valid vibration frequency or Road Force Variation data has been collected and a repair attempt does not correct the customer complaint, contact General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further support. For any vehicles that remains unrepaired after being at the dealer for three days or more and a related bulletin or PI is not found, contact General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further support.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 2025 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 42.7 |
| 2024 | 20 | 2 | 3 | 60.9 |
| 2023 | 73 | 4 | 3 | 66.3 |
| 2022 | 52 | 4 | 3 | 63.9 |
| 2021 | 65 | 10 | 4 | 71.6 |
| 2020 | 21 | 2 | 0 | 64.9 |
| 2019 | 32 | 1 | 0 | 55.6 |
| 2018 | 14 | 1 | 0 | 56.2 |
| 2017 | 37 | 1 | 0 | 56.3 |
| 2016 | 15 | 3 | 1 | 55.3 |
| 2015 | 8 | 6 | 1 | — |
| 2014 | 0 | 2 | 1 | — |
| 2013 | 2 | 4 | 1 | — |
| 2012 | 3 | 3 | 1 | — |
| 2011Viewing | 13 | 5 | 1 | 59.3 |
| 2010 | 4 | 3 | 1 | — |
| 2009 | 6 | 5 | 1 | — |
| 2008 | 17 | 4 | 3 | 55.7 |
| 2007 | 39 | 4 | 3 | 58.8 |
| 2006 | 5 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2005 | 14 | 1 | 0 | 41.3 |
| 2004 | 22 | 1 | 0 | 42.7 |
| 2003 | 12 | 1 | 0 | 36.5 |
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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.