Reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers, shown in full
Data refreshed
Complaints on fileComplaints 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.
58
Latest Oct 28, 2025
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.
2
Filed in the last 12 monthsReports filed with NHTSA in the trailing 365 days. Recent volume reflects attention and vehicle age as much as anything else.
1
Reports on file since Jun 23, 2009
What this page shows
Our database holds 58 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2009 Cadillac Escalade. Each one is a report filed by an owner or driver and published by NHTSA without most of them being verified. A complaint is not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. Narratives are shown exactly as filed.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaints, most recent first
Showing 1–25 of 58 · page 1 of 3
ElectricalEngine
Filed Oct 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2009 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the battery was drained. The contact called AAA, who had installed the battery incorrectly. The battery was replaced. While driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle started to shake. The vehicle lost motive power with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who determined that the system needed to be reset, and the vehicle was working as designed. The failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the cylinder head was cracked, and the air compressor needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
NHTSA ID
11696026
Incident
Oct 4, 2025
Mileage
180,000 mi
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Mar 29, 2025
10 deaths reported
COMPLETE Submitted on: Thu Jan 06 2022 Claim number: [XXX] Residential zip code: [XXX] Residential state: MO ITEM 1 Brand & model: Safeco claims Age of item: 55.00 Original price: 185055014 Description: Jennifer Steele Condition: below average Note: ITEM 2 Brand & model: Identity theft investigation Age of item: 43.50 Original price: 63051 Description: Cyber scout Condition: above average Note: ITEM 3 Brand & model: 4023 fawn hollow drive Age of item: 30.50 Original price: 46414319 Description: Sabrina Köhler Condition: average Note: ITEM 4 Brand & model: 5571 Cheryl’s Age of item: 20.92 Original price: 137783 Description: GMC pick u Condition: new Note: ITEM 5 Brand & model: House spawn towel Age of item: 63.00 Original price: 631271888 Description: CN 2402/Moep 12/08 Condition: new Note: ITEM 6 Brand & model: Chesterfield airport road Age of item: 37.00 Original price: 3148492888 Description: National security committee Condition: new Note: [XXX] Age NCY in C K R IN HARLEY DAVISON GRAND IS RD SA IN TL O U I SMO ITEM 7 Brand & model: GMC Denali truck Age of item: 13.00 Original price: 327161312 Description: 1500serria Condition: below average Note: New tires replaced many upgrades
NHTSA ID
11651505
Incident
Apr 6, 2020
Engine
Filed Jan 26, 2025
Lifter failure resulting in a bent pushrod, camshaft, and piston damage. The engine was very dirty like the oil changes were neglected. I always changed the oil in 5,000 mile increments or less depending on driving conditions. The owners manual and oil filler specifies Mobil 1 5W30 oil. When I was working I always had the shop next door change the oil with Mobil 1. After I retired in 2019, I had the nearby GM dealer change the oil. I was unaware that they were substituting DEXOS oil which is not what the owners manual or fill cap specifies for this vehicle. This resulted in premature engine failure. With DEXOS you could be getting oil that is inferior to Mobil 1 full synthetic. See [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ID
11638601
Incident
Jan 5, 2024
EnginePowertrain (other)Suspension
Filed Jul 30, 2024
After driving car all day off and on, it suddenly went into limp mode. Multiple misfires. Service traction t control and service stabilitrak warnings. Engine light flashing. Car had oil. Replaced oil pressure sensor. Replaced spark plugs. Wires. And coils. Will not clear misfire and won’t go out of limp mode. $7500 fix. This is ridiculous. I have heard of 15 others with the same issue.
NHTSA ID
11605346
Incident
Jun 8, 2024
ElectricalEngineInterior & seats
Filed May 16, 2024
Low oil pressure causing engine failure, suspension issues constantly, limp mode won’t go off
NHTSA ID
11589117
Incident
May 16, 2024
Airbags
Filed May 26, 2023
Observed information on dashboard stating service Air Bag...it was told that my car has a Takarta brand air bag ..is there a recall for this airbag ? If so can I be sent a notification..
NHTSA ID
11523952
Incident
May 26, 2023
AirbagsDriver assistance
Filed May 6, 2023
N/A
NHTSA ID
11520734
Incident
May 4, 2023
Engine
Filed Mar 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle was shuddering with an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over and turned off and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was notified of an engine misfire due to a faulty camshaft sensor. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 117,000.
NHTSA ID
11456671
Incident
Mar 7, 2022
Mileage
117,000 mi
Driver assistanceElectricalEngine
Filed Feb 23, 2022
1 injury reported
For approx. the past 6 months, the radio has been cutting out several times during my daily commute. On occasion, a message would appear saying Stabilitrack is off. Saturday, it cut out and stayed off for more than 30 minutes and did it several more times. Everytime the radio cuts out, the door locks started locking and unlocking on their own, the air conditioning, cooled front seats, and defrost turns on and the seats the airbag off light came on, and a warning message saying service stability system came on, plus the engine was revving without power and I was worried I was going to lose all electrical and control, so I pulled off the We have ran several diagnostic but found no error code messages and nothing wrong with the vehicle. When I was talking to them, the system was acting normally. I have taken the car to the dealership and my local family mechanic shop. We have paid extensively to change the grounding wire, battery, cables, fuses and other grounding components to resolve this issue. It is very dangerous and has caused my family to jerk and sometimes be hit in the process. It has died on the highway and creates an extreme possibility for accident to others, if this continues to occur. I typically would not reach out in this manner and I would just replace the vehicle, but through further research, others have also had this problem, reported it on the Cadillac forum and we have not been added to the previous electrical recall or gotten resolutions. This is my last resort before this becomes a fatality for some owner.
NHTSA ID
11453580
Incident
Feb 23, 2022
Airbags
Filed Mar 9, 2021
Crash reported1 injury reported
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT IMPACT WHICH RESULTED IN THE CONTACT LOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A POLE. NO FURTHER DETAILS WERE AVAILABLE IN REGAURDS TO THE CRASH. THE CONTACTS WIFE WHO WAS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SUSTAINED WHIPLASH AND DID NOT SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO (WHITMORE'S WRECKER SERVICES INC 600 W GREENWOOD AVE, WAUKEGAN, IL 60087 (847) 623-7080). UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V052000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.
NHTSA ID
11400034
Incident
Mar 1, 2021
Mileage
150,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Mar 3, 2021
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V052000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. ARROWHEAD CADILLAC (8310 W BELL RD, GLENDALE, AZ 85308, (623) 455-6910) WAS CONTACTED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE AND REQUESTED THAT THE VEHICLE NOT BE DRIVEN UNTIL REPAIRED. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ID
11398891
Incident
Mar 1, 2021
Airbags
Filed Nov 24, 2020
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V381000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED TAYLOR MOTORS, INC. (2525 CHURN CREEK RD, REDDING, CA 96002; (530) 410-6816) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *BF*JB
NHTSA ID
11376137
Incident
Nov 1, 2019
Electrical
Filed Sep 10, 2020
WHILE DRIVING THE BLIND SPOT INDICATOR FAILS INTERMITTENTLY.
NHTSA ID
11354303
Incident
Sep 2, 2020
Mileage
96,900 mi
AirbagsBody & structure
Filed Jun 4, 2020
I HAVE THREE SEPARATE SITUATIONS WITH MY 2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE PLATINUM. THE UPPER DASH CLOSER TO THE WINDOW IS CRACKED ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE. ALSO THE CADILLAC ESCALADE WOODGRAIN SIGN LOCATED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DASHBOARD IS CRACKED AS WELL. IS THIS A DEFECT? MY VEHICLE IS TYPICALLY STORED IN THE GARAGE BUT YET AND STILL MY DASHBOARD IS CRACKED. LASTLY, I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM CADILLAC REGARDING THE RECALL/REPLACEMENT AIRBAGS BACK IN 2015. I CALLED LINDSAY CADILLAC OF ALEXANDRIA TO SCHEDULE A REPLACEMENT; HOWEVER, THEIR RESPONSE IS THERE NO AIRBAGS AVAILABLE. ANY ASSISTANCE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. *TR
NHTSA ID
11327229
Incident
May 1, 2020
Mileage
108,200 mi
EngineSteering
Filed Feb 8, 2020
THE TRUCK WAS STATIONARY AND OIL AND POWER STERING FLUIDS WAS ON MY CARPORT. I HAVE CHECKED FOR PROBLEMS ON THE INTERNET AND MORE THAN A FEW IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THE SAME SUV.
NHTSA ID
11307946
Incident
Feb 8, 2020
Mileage
120,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Nov 14, 2019
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V381000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED CREST CADILLAC (LOCATED AT 6280 STATE HWY 121, FRISCO, TX 75034, 469-919-5551) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA ID
11280136
Incident
May 27, 2016
Airbags
Filed Oct 27, 2019
RECALL STATUSRECALL INCOMPLETE, REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE BY GM I HAVE AN AIRBAG RECALL WITHOUT SOLUTION. WE HAVE NO EXPLOSION OR INJURIES YET.
NHTSA ID
11271321
Incident
Oct 27, 2019
Mileage
60,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Aug 14, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED ON MARCH 14, 2019, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000. *BF*JB
NHTSA ID
11243844
Incident
Mar 14, 2019
Mileage
200,000 mi
Engine
Filed Aug 13, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE. WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, THE VEHICLE SEIZED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START ON OCCASION AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR HAD BEEN ILLUMINATED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO EARNHARDT BUICK GMC (6501 CENTENNIAL CENTER BLVD, LAS VEGAS, NV 89149, 702-951-8200), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 209,000.
NHTSA ID
11243774
Incident
Aug 12, 2019
Mileage
209,000 mi
Steering
Filed Mar 23, 2019
LOST ALL POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT ANY WARNING FROM THE ERROR CODE SYSTEM. COULD HAVE BEEN A FATALITY OR CAUSED ONE.I WAS DRIVING ON A TWO LANE ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH. THIS VEHICLE HAS ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING. I HAVE THE REPAIR INVOICE AND THAT UNIT WAS CORRODED.
NHTSA ID
11191090
Incident
Sep 11, 2018
Mileage
93,600 mi
Airbags
Filed Jan 15, 2019
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V381000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (CHARLIE OBAUGH CHEVROLET BUICK GMC, 410 LEE JACKSON HWY, SUITE A, STAUNTON, VA 24401, (540) 324-4449) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *TT ATTACHED RECALL NOTICE. *JB
NHTSA ID
11170215
Incident
May 27, 2016
Airbags
Filed Dec 25, 2018
THE AIR BAG HAS NOT BEEN RELACED. GOING ON 2 YEARS SINCE THE RECALL.
NHTSA ID
11163334
Incident
May 27, 2016
Airbags
Filed Oct 22, 2018
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V381000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ID
11141754
Incident
Jul 1, 2016
BrakesDriver assistanceElectrical
Filed Oct 10, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE STABILITY TRACTION CONTROL AND SERVICE STABILITY RACK WARNING INDICATORS KEPT RANDOMLY ILLUMINATING. ALSO, THE BRAKE LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAD TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON TO RESET THE COMPUTER SYSTEM; HOWEVER, THE WARNING INDICATORS CONTINUED FLASHING. AN UNKNOWN DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS WAITING ON A RESPONSE. THE VEHICLE WAS RECEIVED AS A TRADE-IN FROM A 2004 CADILLAC ESCALADE THAT EXHIBITED THE SAME FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA ID
11139500
Incident
Aug 28, 2017
Mileage
100,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Jun 29, 2018
TAKATA RECALL. MY WIFE DRIVES THIS VEHICLE DAILY WITH OUR TWO CHILDREN. THE AIRBAG LIGHT HAS RANDOMLY COME ON AND OFF FOR THE PAST 2 YEARS. NOW IT IS PERMITTEDLY ON, WITH THE 'SERVICE AIRBAG' ALSO ON THE INFORMATION CENTER. AS A SAFETY ISSUE WE FILL THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY, WHICH I'M SURE HAS BEEN EXPRESSED BY MANY OTHERS WHO HAVE THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA ID
11104660
Incident
Jun 2, 2016
Mileage
101,000 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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