RoadVitals

2004 Cadillac Escalade

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
69
Latest Jul 20, 2025
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest Dec 17, 2007
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
16
27 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 69 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2004 Cadillac Escalade, most frequently naming the electrical, brakes and driver assistance categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 752 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.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Electrical2122.8%
  • Brakes1920.7%
  • Driver assistance77.6%
  • Airbags77.6%
  • Interior & seats55.4%
  • Fuel system55.4%
  • Exterior lighting55.4%
  • Engine44.3%

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

4 campaigns cover this model year

View all 4

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.gov
07E106000

WHEELS:HUB

Dec 17, 2007
130,000 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL REPLACEMENT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WITH THE BRAND NAMES: NATIONAL, CARQUEST P/NOS. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, AND 515060, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 2006, AND DECEMBER 20, 2007, SOLD FOR LIGHT DUTY AND MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS. THE INBOARD RETENTION NUT USED TO MAINTAIN HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY CAN LOOSEN RESULTING IN AN ABS LIGHT INDICATION, NOISE, AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION.
The risk: WHEEL SEPARATION CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE HUB ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 7, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL TOLL-FREE AT 877-489-6659.
FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATIONView on NHTSA.gov
06E043000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

May 19, 2006
88,303 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
The risk: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
05V163000

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER

Apr 22, 2005
1,359,824 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN CREW CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE 2ND ROW CENTER OCCUPANT SEAT BELT ROUTING MAY MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO POSITION THE LAP PORTION OF THE SAFETY BELT LOW AROUND THE HIPS OF OCCUPANTS, ESPECIALLY SMALLER OCCUPANTS, SEATED IN THIS POSITION. APPROPRIATE USE OF A CHILD SEAT OR BOOSTER SEAT, AS RECOMMENDED FOR SMALL CHILDREN, DOES IMPROVE THE FIT CONDITION FOR THIS USER GROUP. IN ADDITION TO INSTRUCTIONS ON PROPER INFANT AND YOUNG CHILD RESTRAINT (WITH CHILD SEATS OR BOOSTERS), SPECIAL VERBIAGE FOR RESTRAINING OLDER CHILD IS INCLUDED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. ALSO, THE SUGGESTED SEAT BELT FIT/ROUTING FOR ADULTS, IRRESPECTIVE OF SEATING POSITION, IS DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL TEXT.
The risk: A LAP PORTION OF THE SEAT BELT ROUTING THAT IS NOT LOW AND SNUG ON THE HIPS CAN ALLOW THE LAP BELT TO RIDE UP ON AN OCCUPANT'S ABDOMEN INSTEAD OF FITTING LOW AROUND THEIR HIPBONES, AND THEREFORE, CAN EXPOSE THEM TO MORE RISK OF ABDOMINAL AND INTERNAL ORGAN INJURY.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL CUT OPEN THE GUIDE LOOP, REMOVE A PORTION OF THE LOOP, AND THEN THE REMAINING TWO SIDES SHOULD BE FOLDED OVER AND SECURED WITH A RETAINER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 21, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, OR HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.Manufacturer number 05037View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 69
Exterior lighting
Filed Jul 20, 2025

When this device is used to replace the Flasher Module (my had failed so I ordered this replacement from Amazon) I found that the brake light circuit to any trailer connected tot he vehicle would no longer work. Under further research on Amazon via reviews and other online sources, I found that all of the Chinese clone parts have this same failure mode. Since most people check trailer lights with Directionals or 4 Way flashers, they would not be aware of the failure of the brake (stop) lamps not working on the trailer leading to critical dangerous situation if they need to slow as the driver behind them is likely to rear end the trailer due to the failure of the stop lamps to light.

NHTSA ID
11674809
Incident
Jan 9, 2025
Driver assistance
Filed Mar 18, 2025
Crash reported8 injuries reported

Unknown

NHTSA ID
11648934
Incident
Mar 15, 2023
Electrical
Filed Jan 29, 2025

I don’t know all I stopped driving it because it is not shifting right and I can’t ark it for some reason . I have to leave it in reverse and then turn off and put rocks so it does not move. Not safe, one day I drive 30 minutes later it is this way.

NHTSA ID
11639247
Incident
Jan 6, 2025
Body & structureBrakesSuspension
Filed Jan 22, 2025

At speeds of 50 mph and above, my vehicle does the death wobble. Any time I hit a tiny crack in the road, going higher speeds. The person that sold he this car knew it did not pass emissions in September 2024 and I bought it in November 2024. A dealership checked car fax for me after I bought it. And this person rolled back the odometer also. I found this out after I purchased it.

NHTSA ID
11637676
Incident
Jan 1, 2025
Fuel system
Filed Feb 28, 2024

Searching of Google results indicates this is a known problem with these vehicles. I am unable to put fuel/gas in the tank because the vapor safety system fails! Having to replace the entire vapor purge and canister assembly is very costly when this known safety hazard should have been taken care of by the manufacturer.

NHTSA ID
11574499
Incident
Aug 1, 2023
BrakesElectricalEngine
Filed Dec 23, 2022

so when I give it some gas the blower Moter for the ac /heat with go Fater then when the rpms go down the fan goes down with it same with the lights they flicker. i had changed the brake pads an rotors an blew compressed air on the caliper an seen a pin hole on the rubber seal.

NHTSA ID
11498643
Incident
Jul 22, 2022
Driver assistanceElectricalSuspension
Filed Dec 1, 2022

When driving it feels like I'm slowing down when I'm not. The lights inside, the headlights, & on dashboard flicker & sometimes go out while driving. My seatbelts on the driver, back seat behind driver not working. The driver seat does not adjust so I can position myself correctly. The truck rocks side to side while driving as if it will tip over on its side if I drive over 30. I just recently acquired the truck within the last few months and I need to be on the road driving my babies around. I love the truck andu problems with it sounds and drive like it's all a safety issue. Please let me know if these issues are covered to be fixed.

NHTSA ID
11495611
Incident
Dec 1, 2022
ElectricalSeat belts
Filed Feb 14, 2020

I HAVE MULTIPLE RECALLS THAT ARE OLDER, BUT STILL SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF CORRECT? I'LL TAKE SCREENSHOTS AND SEND THEM. THANK YOU

NHTSA ID
11309294
Incident
Jan 1, 2004

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

PIT6446

This PI Communicates information to ensure Memory Recall is enabled to ensure memory mirrors return to set position after curbview assist is used.

PIP5601C

This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.

PIP5358D

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.

PIP4723J

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester  and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.

PIT5099H

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.

PIT5099H

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.

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

Cadillac Escalade by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026153053.6
2025141147.6
2024432360.4
20231254363.8
2022734371.3
2021609471.6
2020132065.2
2019250052.5
2018211044.5
2017502052.8
2016884163.5
2015959162.8
2014202162.2
2013174156.1
2012203155.3
2011496151.1
2010383149.6
2009585155.3
20081364358.1
20072304363.4
2006192041.5
2005434056.3
2004Viewing694056.9
2003816156.6
20021153363.7
2001313—
2000714362.2
1999395461.5

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.