RoadVitals

2004 Cadillac Escalade Electrical Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the electrical system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Electrical reportsComplaints 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.
21
Latest Jan 29, 2025
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
30%
of 69 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
4
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2004 Cadillac Escalade submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 21 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming electrical

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

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
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
Electrical
Filed Oct 9, 2019
Fire reported

MY TRUCK STARTED ON FIRE SMOKE STARTED UNDER GLOVE BOX!, THEN FLAMES STARTED AND THE WHOLE TRUCK BURNED UP! I WAS JUST DRIVING ION THE HIGHWAY!! LUCKY TO BE ALIVE TO TELL THE STORY

NHTSA ID
11267534
Incident
Oct 1, 2019
Mileage
200 mi
ElectricalExterior lightingSeat belts
Filed Sep 25, 2019

HEADLIGHTS AND BALLETS BEEN REPLACED 3TIMES.. THEY COMES ON ONLY WHEN NOT DRIVING THEN I START DRIVING THEN ALL THE LIGHTS START FLICKERING. SEATBELT IN REAR WAS REPAIRED TWICE BUT WONT RETRACT AFTER UNBUCKLEING.

NHTSA ID
11258241
Incident
Sep 1, 2019
Mileage
234,000 mi
Electrical
Filed May 18, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC ESCALADE. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE STEPPER MOTOR FOR THE INSTRUMENT GAUGE CLUSTER DASHBOARD FAILED. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE SPEEDOMETER, FUEL GAUGE, AND TACHOMETER TO DISPLAY THE INCORRECT READINGS AND FAIL COMPLETELY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER (HENDRICK AND CARREY CADILLAC, 101 TEAM HENDRICK WAY #101, CARY, NC 27511) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A KNOWN ISSUE; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT MISSED THE SPECIAL ROLL OUT PROGRAM TO GET THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT BACK TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000.

NHTSA ID
11096721
Incident
May 1, 2007
Mileage
62,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jan 3, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC ESCALADE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO READ THE SPEEDOMETER AND THE GAUGES DISPLAYED THE INCORRECT SPEED, FUEL, AND RPM INFORMATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000.

NHTSA ID
10939280
Incident
Jan 7, 2016
Mileage
120,000 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Apr 12, 2016
Fire reported

I WAS THE OWNER OF A 2014 CADILLAC ESCALADE. ON AUGUST 26, 2015, WHILE DRIVING I PLUGGED IN MY CELL PHONE CHARGER INTO THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER. SPARKS AND SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE DASHBOARD. I PULLED OVER TO A SIDE STREET. NO SOONER THAN I WAS ABLE TO GET OUT, THE ENTIRE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE, THE DOORS,SEATS, CONSOLE BURST INTO FLAMES. THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE AS WELL. THIS WAS A DEVASTATING INCIDENT TO ENDURE. I AM LUCKY TO BE ALIVE

NHTSA ID
10855173
Incident
Aug 26, 2015
Mileage
148,964 mi
Electrical
Filed Apr 6, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC ESCALADE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, IT FAILED TO START AND THE KEY REMAINED IN THE START POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 178,000.

NHTSA ID
10703935
Incident
Feb 10, 2015
Mileage
178,000 mi
Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed Jan 8, 2015

VEHICLE IS NO LONGER PROVIDING SPEED READOUT WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION OR GAUGE IS INOPERATIVE AT RANDOM. MY VEHICLE IS 11 YEARS OLD BUT HAS LESS THAN 20,000 ORIGINAL MILES (MOST ARE HIGHWAY). 19,800 TO BE EXACT. DEALER INDICATES GM WILL NOT AUTHORIZE A FIX AT NO COST UNDER THEIR SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT #07187C. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND I FAIL TO SEE HOW HAVING SIMPLE TIME PASSAGE ON A LOW MILEAGE VEHICLE IS CAUSE FOR NOT BACKING THE PRODUCT. LOOKS LIKE THEY KNOW THEY HAVE A PROBLEM AND JUST DON'T WANT TO PAY TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. THEY ARE USING TIME PASSAGE AS A WAY TO SIDE STEP CORRECTING THE ISSUE ON A PART THAT THEY KNOW TO BE DEFECTIVE. A PART THEY KNOW FAILS. A PART THAT PROVIDES THE OPERATOR WITH FEEDBACK SO SAFE OPERATION AND CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE CAN BE MAINTAINED. I DO NOT KNOW THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE WHEN I FIRST NOTICED THE ISSUE, HOWEVER I WAS ON A HIGHWAY IN SNOWY CONDITIONS... *TR

NHTSA ID
10671020
Incident
Jan 5, 2015
Mileage
19,800 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Dec 3, 2013
Crash reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A GUARD RAIL. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000.

NHTSA ID
10554721
Incident
Nov 30, 2013
Mileage
108,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jan 18, 2011
Fire reported

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC ESCALADE. A PENNY FEEL BETWEEN THE CONSOLE AND THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER AND CAUSED A SHORT IN THE WIRING. THE CONTACT DISCONNECTED THE WIRING AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE ENTIRE WIRING SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER SHOULD BE LOCATED IN A DIFFERENT POSITION IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE ENTIRE VEHICLE COULD HAVE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

NHTSA ID
10377039
Incident
Jan 13, 2011
Mileage
120,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jul 24, 2010

MY 2004 CADILLAC ESCALADE WANTS TO SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING. THE SYSTEM IS RESETTING ITS SELF, CAUSING MY CAR TO STALL, THE ALTERNATOR GAUGE IS FLUCTUATING BACK AND FORTH. *TR

NHTSA ID
10345068
Incident
Jul 24, 2010
Mileage
70,821 mi
Electrical
Filed Mar 20, 2009

I AM THE OWNER OF A 2004 CADILLAC ESCALADE AND MY SPEEDOMETER HAS QUIT WORKING IT STARTED MALFUNCTIONING/STICKING, NOT SHOWING CORRECT SPEED ON APPROXIMATELY FEBRUARY 27, 09 AS OF TODAY IT HAS QUIT WORKING ALL TOGETHER. WHEN I CALLED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP (RED NOLAND CADILLAC) I WAS ADVISED THE COST TO REPAIR THE SPEEDOMETER CLUSTER WOULD BE APPROXIMATELY $370. AND BECAUSE I HAVE APROX 72,000 MILES ON MY VEHICLE THE SPECIAL BULLETIN THAT WAS ISSUED BY GM HAS EXPIRED. I ASKED THE DEALERSHIP IF THERE WERE ANY EXCEPTIONS TO THE SPECIAL BULLETIN SINCE I AM ONLY 2,000 MILES OVER THE THRESHOLD, I WAS TOLD THAT IF I WAS THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE VEHICLE THEY COULD HELP ME, BUT SINCE I AM NOT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO FOR ME. *TR

NHTSA ID
10262577
Incident
Feb 27, 2008
Mileage
720,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Feb 23, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL ON THE VEHICLE BECAME INOPERABLE, INCLUDING THE SPEEDOMETER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS; HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND STATED THAT CADILLAC WOULD REPLACE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FOR FREE ON VEHICLES WITH LESS THAN 75,000 MILES. THE CONTACT DID NOT KNOW IF HIS VEHICLE FIT THE CRITERIA. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 88,100.

NHTSA ID
10259630
Incident
Feb 10, 2009
Mileage
88,100 mi
Electrical
Filed Nov 10, 2008

2004 CADILLAC ESCALADE SPEEDOMETER IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. TWO OTHER ESCALADE OWNERS OF THE SAME YEAR WHO ARE NEIGHBORS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. SPEEDOMETER SPENDS AROUND AND YOU ARE UNABLE TO DETERMINE YOUR SPEED. *TR

NHTSA ID
10248383
Incident
Nov 7, 2008
ElectricalInterior & seatsExterior lighting
Filed Jun 13, 2007

BAD LEASE ON 2004 CADILLAC ESCALADE CUSTOMER STATES THAT THE CAR WAS DAMAGED AT PURCHASE AND WAS NOT TOLD AND WANTS A REIMBURSEMENT**CC THE CONSUMER AND HIS WIFE COMPLAINED OF THE POORLY DESIGNED LEATHER SEATS. THE SEATS WERE FRAYED. THE CD P LAYER HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT DIDN'T RECOGNIZE THE DISCS. THE CONSUMER ALSO COMPLAINED ABOUT THE PAINT PEELING. THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR MIRROR LIGHT WAS INOPERATIVE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BULB. (LAWYER WROTE IN ON BEHALF OF COMPLAINTS). *JB

NHTSA ID
10194290
Incident
Sep 30, 2004
Electrical
Filed Jan 25, 2007

TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH THE SPEEDOMETER WOULD READ 100 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IF HE WERE AT A STOP THE SPEEDOMETER WOULD READ 120 MPH. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS. THE SPEEDOMETER EVENTUALLY STOPPED REGISTERING ANY SPEED. THE SPEEDOMETER WAS DIAGNOSED AS BEING FAULTY AND WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS NO LONGER IN POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE.*AK UPDATED 02/22/07. *JB

NHTSA ID
10180683
Incident
Jan 24, 2007
Mileage
48,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Dec 14, 2005

CONSUMER COMPLAINT REGARDING DEFECTIVE 2004 CADILLAC ESCALADE HORN. *TS THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER HAS TRIED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM 4 TIMES. *JB

NHTSA ID
10146403
Incident
Jan 1, 1901
Driver assistanceElectricalInterior & seats+1 more
Filed Sep 13, 2005

DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE 2004 CADILLAC ESCALADE WAS HAVING AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. THE SPEEDOMETER FAILED ALONG WITH THE RPMS, THE LEVERS WERE MISREADING THE INFORMATION. THE LIGHTS WERE BLINKING ON AND OFF AND BECAME VERY DIM AND YELLOWISH. THE BRIGHT LIGHTS WERE VERY DIM ALSO. THE INSTRUMENTS ON STEERING WHEEL WERE GETTING VERY WARM, AND THEY WERE NOT SUPPOSE TO, SPECIFICALLY STATED THE CONSUMER. THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM WAS HAVING PROBLEMS READING INFORMATION. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE REPAIR SHOP. THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER HAS CALLED GM, AND THEY WILL NOT CALL THE CONSUMER BACK. THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN FIXED AT THIS POINT. THE CONSUMER HAS AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE CHECKED WITHIN THE NEXT WEEK. *AK

NHTSA ID
10136307
Incident
Jul 4, 2005
Mileage
23,000 mi

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.

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Data sources

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