2008 Cadillac Escalade 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 2008 Cadillac Escalade, 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
- Airbags7443.5%
- Electrical2313.5%
- Engine158.8%
- Exterior lighting127.1%
- Driver assistance95.3%
- Interior & seats84.7%
- Powertrain (other)63.5%
- Body & structure63.5%
- Tires & wheels52.9%
- Fuel system31.8%
- Other / unspecified31.8%
- Suspension31.8%
- Visibility10.6%
- Heating & air conditioning10.6%
- Steering10.6%
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
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Side Impact air bags did not deployed on side impact. Available for inspection. Got hit from the side and air bags did not deployed. Driver did not received protection from the crash. The problem has not been confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. Vehicle was seen by the police at the crash site. The component has not been inspected. There were no warning signs or messages or symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. Became aware of the air bag deployment failure after the side impact crash.
REMEDY FOR THE PASSENGER AIRBAG HAS TAKEN WAY TOO LONG BECAUSE OF GM FIGHTING IT. IT IS VERY UNSETTLING AND UNSAFE FEELING EVERYTIME I DRIVE MY AFFECTED VEHICLE. PLEASE REMEDY SOON!
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Truck goes into limp mode, reduced power, stuck in second gear, stabilitrak and engine lights. Took it to the Cadillac dealership and after 3100 dollars in repairs the truck is still doing it. If the high level techs can’t figure it out after 2000 in labor it’s should be a recall item.
Well driving, fuel indications went out and car started to do rough idling with poorer fuel economy. Upon inspection, wiring harness by driveshaft on the driver side got caught in the driveshaft and destroyed wiring.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Truck goes into limp mode, reduced power, stuck in second gear, stabilitrak and engine lights. Took it to the Cadillac dealership and after 3100 dollars in repairs the truck is still doing it. If the high level techs can’t figure it out after 2000 in labor it’s should be a recall item.
The contact owns a 2008 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that since purchasing the vehicle, the "Service Traction Control" and "Service Stabili-trak" message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact was informed by the auction that the failure was due to the low air pressure on the driver’s side rear tire. The contact stated while exiting a parking lot, the steering wheel locked-up. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and stated that no issues were found. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated once. The vehicle was taken to another mechanic who diagnosed that the oil sensor and oil pressure switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 165,286.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
HEADLIGHTS CONTINUE TO FAIL AND GO OUT DUE TO LACK OF PROPER DESIGN. CONSTANTLY GETTING MOISTURE INSIDE OF THEM. *TR
SEEMS TO GET MOISTURE IN HEAD LIGHT AND I HAVE TO KEEP REPLACING THE BULBS.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS THE ACCELERATOR HAS STUCK AND ACCELERATED. ONLY STANDING ON THE BRAKE GRADUALLY BROUGHT VEHICLE TO A STOP WITH ENGINE STILL REVVING. THIS CONTINUED FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES BEFORE IT STOPPED AND DROVE NORMAL. AFTER PARKING AND STARTING UP THE ENGINE AGAIN THE ACCELERATOR STUCK AGAIN FOR A PERIOD OF 30 MINUTES. AFTER LETTING THE TRUCK SIT FOR 2 DAYS IT RAN FINE TOT HE MECHANIC WHO COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS. I DRIVE ON MOUNTAIN TRAILS AND ROADS WITH STEEP CLIFFS SO NO FUN FIGHTING THIS BIG TRUCK UP AND DOWN THE MOUNTAIN, NOT TO MENTION MY BRAKES WERE BURNING UP
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE NAVIGATION, RADIO, AND TIME LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND FLASHED ON AND OFF. AFTER THE CONTACT RETURNED HOME AND PARKED THE VEHICLE, IT ROLLED BACKWARDS, DRAGGING PART OF THE CONTACT'S CLOTHING AND THE SAFETY SEAT THAT WAS IN HER HAND. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL HERSELF AND THE SAFETY SEAT AWAY FROM THE ROLLING VEHICLE BEFORE IT CRASHED INTO A TREE IN FRONT OF THE NEIGHBOR'S HOUSE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISES ON HER LEFT LEG AND LEFT ARM. THE CONTACT SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE THE DOCTOR IN THREE DAYS. THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED AND DRIVEN BACK TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS WAITING FOR AN EVALUATION OF THE DAMAGES BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 119,000.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
USING REMOTE START CAUSED THE HEATED SEATS TO BURN OUT. THERE WAS AN ODOR OF ELECTRICAL BURNING. THE CONTROL MODULE UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT HAS VISIBLE SIGNS OF BURNING OR BURNT OUT. THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL AS THIS IS CLEARLY A FIRE HAZARD. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND REMOTE START USED.
LIGHTING WE OWN TWO ESCALADES FROM 2008 AND HAVE THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM IN BOTH CARS. CONDENSATION IN THE HEADLIGHTS AND BURN THEM OUT WE WERE QUOTED $1,000 FOR EACH HEADLIGHT TO FIX MIN!!! HEATED SEATS ARE OUT IN BOTH TRUCKS RIMS ARE PITTED AND PEALING. HAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE RIMS WEEKS AFTER ROLLING OUT OF THE SHOWROOM SO DISAPPOINTED
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Truck goes into limp mode, reduced power, stuck in second gear, stabilitrak and engine lights. Took it to the Cadillac dealership and after 3100 dollars in repairs the truck is still doing it. If the high level techs can’t figure it out after 2000 in labor it’s should be a recall item.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE NAVIGATION, RADIO, AND TIME LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND FLASHED ON AND OFF. AFTER THE CONTACT RETURNED HOME AND PARKED THE VEHICLE, IT ROLLED BACKWARDS, DRAGGING PART OF THE CONTACT'S CLOTHING AND THE SAFETY SEAT THAT WAS IN HER HAND. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL HERSELF AND THE SAFETY SEAT AWAY FROM THE ROLLING VEHICLE BEFORE IT CRASHED INTO A TREE IN FRONT OF THE NEIGHBOR'S HOUSE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISES ON HER LEFT LEG AND LEFT ARM. THE CONTACT SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE THE DOCTOR IN THREE DAYS. THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED AND DRIVEN BACK TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS WAITING FOR AN EVALUATION OF THE DAMAGES BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 119,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
AIRBAG RECALL: MAY HAVE DEFECTIVE AIRBAGS. EX: BEEN IN A COUPLE COLLISIONS AND NO RESPONSE FROM BAGS.
GM HAS MANUFACTURED DEFECTS/DESIGN FAILURES INTO NUMEROUS PARTS IN MY 2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT. THE DOOR HANDLES ALL BROKE OFF APPARENTLY BECAUSE THEY USED WEAK PLASTIC PARTS. THE ENGINE IS STALLING AND WON'T START (POSSIBLY DUE TO CAM SHAFT SENSOR AND DEFFECTIVE CAM SHAFT OR FUEL CONTROL MODULE THEY DID A RECALL ON AND NEVER FIXED ON MY CAR)...APPARENTLY THE OIL SENSOR GOES 1ST AND THEN THE CAM SHAFT AND OIL PRESSURE ISSUES COME NEXT...BUT THIS IS CAUSED BY A DEFECTIVE CAM SHAFT IN THE 1ST PLACE...VERY DANGEROUS AND BOUND TO LEAVE YOU STRANDED OR CAUSE AN ACCIDENT! AS FOR STEERING, THE POWER RACK & PINION IS DESIGNED TO START LEAKING REQUIRING A NEW $450+ PART PLUS LABOR TO PUT IN AS THERE IS NO WAY TO STOP THE POWER STEERING LEAKAGE...FINALLY, THE HEAD LIGHTS GO OUT AND GM COULD NOT HAVE MADE IT ANY HARDER TO REPLACE THEM NOR MORE EXPENSIVE- REQUIRING FRONT BUMPER REMOVAL AND USUALLY A RESULT OF THEIR DEFECTIVE WATERPROOFING OF THE LIGHT AND BALLAST! (I PUT 1/19 BELOW BUT THESE PROBLEMS HAVE DEVELOPED OVER THE LAST YEAR OF SO RIGHT AROUND THE 100,000 MILE MARKER)
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
Tire size 285/45r22 got into freeway this morning and the outer sidewall just separated on the lr tire no warning, tires looked good 7/32 tread left even wear and tire pressure was correct. The other tires look good on the outside but so did the one that came apart the car has tpms and the tires were never run low or had any repairs. The outside tread block at the sidewall peeled off the tire
PURCHASED 4 BRAND NEW LEXANI THIRTY TIRES WITH WHEELS, AND LESS THAT 200 MILES THE ENTIRE FRONT OF MY TIRE BLEW OUT DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. WAITED 3 WEEKS FOR NEW TIRE TO COME, AND LESS THAN A WEEK THE NEW TIRE AND ALSO ANOTHER TIRE HAS CHUNKS COMING OFF OF THEM.
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
Well driving, fuel indications went out and car started to do rough idling with poorer fuel economy. Upon inspection, wiring harness by driveshaft on the driver side got caught in the driveshaft and destroyed wiring.
THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, IT WAS TREMBLING FOR A MONTH PRIOR TO THE LIGHT. THEN PEPBOYS COULD NOT FIND PROBLEM. RESET ELECTRICAL PANEL. A WEEK LATER BRAKE STABILIZER LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK TO OCEAN CADILLAC IN MIAMI. THE ENGINE WAS SMOKING, KNOCKING AND ABOUT TO GO ON FIRE. IT LOST PRESSURE AND I CALLED INSURANCE FLATBED.. AFTER FUEL PUMP REPLACED AND $1200 LATER.. PICKED UP AND DROVE OFF. 15 MINUTES LATER ENGINE VIBRATING & SMOKING AS SERVICE DEPT CLOSED. THEY GAVE ME A LOANER CAR, AND SAID FUEL PUMP BLOWN OUT FROM ENGINE MALFUCTION.. OTHER OWNERS, SAME MODEL, TOLD ,ME A COMMON PROBLEM THAT GM REPAIRS FOR FREE SINCE ON RECALL. THE DELEARSHIP NOW SAYS 4,000 BILL TO FIX THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM. THIS SHOULD BE COVERED BY GM WHO DOES NOT ANSWER THE PHONE. TWO MONTHS GOING BACK AND FORTH THE DELEARSHIP AND NO MORE MONEY TO GIVE 4,000 TO THE ENGINE WHICH IS ON RECALL & RESPONSIBILITY OF GM MOTORS.
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
LIGHTING WE OWN TWO ESCALADES FROM 2008 AND HAVE THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM IN BOTH CARS. CONDENSATION IN THE HEADLIGHTS AND BURN THEM OUT WE WERE QUOTED $1,000 FOR EACH HEADLIGHT TO FIX MIN!!! HEATED SEATS ARE OUT IN BOTH TRUCKS RIMS ARE PITTED AND PEALING. HAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE RIMS WEEKS AFTER ROLLING OUT OF THE SHOWROOM SO DISAPPOINTED
WE HAVE HAD TO REPLACE FOUR WHEELS NOW NEED A FIFTH DUE TO LEAKING AIR PRESSURE. NO HELP FROM CADILLAC. JUST BUY ANOTHER WHEEL. THEY ARE JUNK. CONSTANTLY ADDING AIR. NOW ONE IS COMPLETELY FLAT. TIRES ARE IN EXCELLENT CONDITION.
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
The contact owns a 2008 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that since purchasing the vehicle, the "Service Traction Control" and "Service Stabili-trak" message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact was informed by the auction that the failure was due to the low air pressure on the driver’s side rear tire. The contact stated while exiting a parking lot, the steering wheel locked-up. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and stated that no issues were found. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated once. The vehicle was taken to another mechanic who diagnosed that the oil sensor and oil pressure switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 165,286.
THE TRUCK WAS IN MOTION ON STREET AND ON FREEWAY, THE SPEED DROPS AND IT FEELS LIKE IT'S GOING TO CUT OFF. THE WINDOWS WILL NOT GO UP OR DOWN, THE RADIO SHUTS OFF AND, ALL THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS ARE ON. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 3 SEPARATE TIMES (TWICE THIS YEAR) DIFFERENT DATES. THERE SHOULD BE 3 PICTURES SHOWN OF THAT. -LAST WEEK THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START, THE BATTERY IS 1 YR. OLD- GOOD, THE RADIO WOULD NOT COME ON, INTERIOR LIGHTS ALL WORKED. TOWED TO A SHOP DIAGNOSTIC WAS THE PASSENGER AIRBAG MODULAR. THE AIRBAG LIGHT STILL WON'T GO OFF. -WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN 2015 THE SERVICE SUSPENSION ALERT WAS ON, THE DEALER (SUBURBAN CADILLAC IN STERLING HEIGHTS, MI) SAID "DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT RIGHT NOW", THIS YEAR THERE THE TRUCK STARTED MAKING A BUZZING NOISE. EVERY MECHANIC DIAGNOSIS SOMETHING DIFFERENT. OF COURSE THE WARRANTY RAN OUT BEFORE IT STARTED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO OPERATE DUE TO CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE. THE CONTACT THEN STATED THAT THE MOISTURE CAUSED THE BULBS AND THE BALLAST TO FAIL. THE CONTACT CONTACTED CADILLAC OF NORWOOD ((781) 762-5900, 700 BOSTON PROVIDENCE HWY, NORWOOD, MA 02062) WHERE THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER REFUSED SERVICE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
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
HEATED SEAT CONTROL MODULE CONNECTION OVERHEATED AND COMPLETELY MELTED ON DRIVERS SIDE AND THERE WAS NO INDICATION THAT THIS HAD TAKEN PLACE NOR HAVE I EVER RECEIVED ANY TYPE OF WARNING FROM GM THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO A GREAT NUMBER OF OTHER CUSTOMERS HAVING THIS SAME POOR ELECTRICAL ISSUES THAT MOST ENDED UP STARTING A FIRE. I WAS HAVING MY OIL CHANGED AT THE GM DEALERSHIP, AND ASKED THEM TO CHECK AS TO WHY MY HEATED SEATS WERE NO LONGER WORKING. THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS PARTIALLY MELTED, SO IT COULD HAVE STARTED A FIRE AS WELL. THE REPAIR COST FOR THIS PROBLEM WAS ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS AND I WASN'T ABOUT TO PAY JUST FOR THE SAME THING TO HAPPEN AGAIN OR CONSTANTLY WORRY IF REPAIRED, WAS IT GONNA CAUSE A FIRE NEXT TIME. I STILL ENDED UP PAYING TO HAVE THEM SEARCH THE PROBLEM AND PAY TO DISCONNECT THE MODULE COMPLETELY. $800 PLUS DOLLARS TO REPAIR , MOSTLY LABOR DUE TO THE FACT THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO REMOVE THE SEAT TO REPLACE THE MODULE. HA!, THEY DISCONNECT THE BURNT UP MODULES WITHOUT TAKING MY SEAT OUT, SERIOUSLY??? SHOULD I BE WORRIED ABOUT THE HEATED STEERING AS WELL?!?!. AFTER REVIEWING HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME CIRCUMSTANCE , CADILLAC SHOULD BE DOING SOMETHING ABOUT THIS. YOU CAN BET THAT I'M VERY FURIOUS ABOUT THIS AND I EXPECT AN ANSWER BACK WITH AN EXPLANATION. SINCERELY, [XXX] REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CC *TR
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
GM HAS MANUFACTURED DEFECTS/DESIGN FAILURES INTO NUMEROUS PARTS IN MY 2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT. THE DOOR HANDLES ALL BROKE OFF APPARENTLY BECAUSE THEY USED WEAK PLASTIC PARTS. THE ENGINE IS STALLING AND WON'T START (POSSIBLY DUE TO CAM SHAFT SENSOR AND DEFFECTIVE CAM SHAFT OR FUEL CONTROL MODULE THEY DID A RECALL ON AND NEVER FIXED ON MY CAR)...APPARENTLY THE OIL SENSOR GOES 1ST AND THEN THE CAM SHAFT AND OIL PRESSURE ISSUES COME NEXT...BUT THIS IS CAUSED BY A DEFECTIVE CAM SHAFT IN THE 1ST PLACE...VERY DANGEROUS AND BOUND TO LEAVE YOU STRANDED OR CAUSE AN ACCIDENT! AS FOR STEERING, THE POWER RACK & PINION IS DESIGNED TO START LEAKING REQUIRING A NEW $450+ PART PLUS LABOR TO PUT IN AS THERE IS NO WAY TO STOP THE POWER STEERING LEAKAGE...FINALLY, THE HEAD LIGHTS GO OUT AND GM COULD NOT HAVE MADE IT ANY HARDER TO REPLACE THEM NOR MORE EXPENSIVE- REQUIRING FRONT BUMPER REMOVAL AND USUALLY A RESULT OF THEIR DEFECTIVE WATERPROOFING OF THE LIGHT AND BALLAST! (I PUT 1/19 BELOW BUT THESE PROBLEMS HAVE DEVELOPED OVER THE LAST YEAR OF SO RIGHT AROUND THE 100,000 MILE MARKER)
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 .