2004 Cadillac Escalade

Routine

Owners filed 69 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the service brakes. It has been recalled 4 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

50 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,00090,000 miles; the median is 84,489 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Service Brakes15
000
Electrical System12
130
Air Bags6
5011
Seats4
021
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel4
000
Vehicle Speed Control3
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission3
100
Fuel/Propulsion System3
000
Unknown or Other2
108
Steering2
000

4 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Wheels › Hub07E106000
Filed Dec 17, 2007130,000 vehiclesFederal-Mogul Corporation

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.

Risk. WHEEL SEPARATION CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

Fuel System, Gasoline06E043000
Filed May 19, 200688,303 vehiclesHoneywell International, Inc.

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.

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.

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).

Seat Belts › Rear/Other05V163000
Filed Apr 22, 20051,359,824 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

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.

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.

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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic04V045000
Filed Feb 4, 200468,875 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND PASSENGER VANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, ?PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS.? SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH AN OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION BRAKE HYDRO-BOOST HOUSING RELIEF VALVE BORE.

Risk. CONSEQUENTLY, THE VALVE O-RING SEAL MAY FRACTURE. STEERING EFFORTS MAY BE SLIGHTLY INCREASED WHILE BRAKING OR PARKING. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, A FRACTURED SEAL MAY REQUIRE A SLIGHT INCREASE IN THE APPLIED BRAKE PEDAL EFFORT TO ACHIEVE THE SAME VEHICLE DECELERATION RATE AS PRIOR TO THE SEAT FRACTURE.

Remedy. DEALERS ARE TO REPLACE THE HYDRO-BOOST RELIEF VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 18, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; GMC AT 1-866-996-9463; OR HUMMER AT 1-866-486-6376.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal › Flasher Unit
Filed Jul 20, 2025WI

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.

Unknown or OtherCrash8 injured
Filed Mar 18, 2025CA

Unknown

Electrical System
Filed Jan 29, 2025CA

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.

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 22, 2025CO

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.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 28, 2024FL

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.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 23, 2022RI

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.

Suspension
Filed Dec 1, 2022CA

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.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 14, 2020FL

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

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Oct 9, 2019200 milesMN

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

Electrical System
Filed Sep 25, 2019234,000 milesMI

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.

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 9, 2019186,000 milesMD

BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE FROM A DEALER AND CANNOT GET IT INSPECTED DUE TO THE ISSUES WITH THE ABS AND STEERING SENSORS.REPLACED ABS MODULE AND AM STILL HAVING TROUBLE WITH IT. THE DEALER WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING TO RESOLVE ANY OF THESE ISSUES BECAUSE I BOUGHT IT AS IS AND THEY REFUSED TO GIVE ME ANY KIND OF WARRANTY AND HAD ME SIGN AN AFFIDAVIT STATING SO.WHEN I LEFT THE DEALERSHIP I HAD TO FUEL UP AND HIT THE BRAKES AND COULD BARELY GET IT STOPPED.FOUND A LOT OF BAD BRAKE LINES AND THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 28, 2018200,030 milesWI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC ESCALADE. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, ANOTHER MOTORIST ALERTED THE CONTACT THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE DEALER (PIETROSKE CHEVROLET, 4000 GRAND AVE, MANITOWOC, WI 54220, (920)-445-8134) WAS CONTACTED TO SCHEDULE A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS UNDER THE VIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,030. *TT UPDATED 11/30/18*JB

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed May 18, 201862,000 milesNC

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.

Service Brakes
Filed May 3, 201896,959 milesNY

DURING ROUTINE REPAIR WORK TRANSMISSION LINES, BREAK LINES AND POWER STEERING LINES HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THEY WERE ROTTEN OR BADLY LEAKING. IN ADDITION, FUEL PUMP, REAR BACKING PLATES AND POWER STEERING AND TRANSMISSION COOLER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO ROT.

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 17, 201745,104 milesNJ

2004 CADILLAC ESCALADE WITH 45,104 MILES. 2ND OWNER. HAD TO PANIC STOP ON LOCAL HIGHWAY EXIT RAMP WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS COMING WRONG WAY ON THE RAMP. HAD A TO AVOID OTHER VEHICLE TO RIGHT OF RAMP AND AGGRESSIVELY APPLY BRAKES TO AVOID ACCIDENT AT APPROXIMATELY 15-25 MPH. ANTI-LOCK BRAKES PULSATED AND STOPPED THE VEHICLE FOLLOWED BY BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSING TO FLOOR. CONTINUED TO PROCEED AND BRAKES AGAIN GOING TO FLOOR. DETERMINED THAT BRAKE LINES FAILED AND FRONT DRIVERS SIDE OF VEHICLE, COMPLETELY EMPTYING BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER CAUSING LOSS OF FRONT AND REAR BRAKE SYSTEMS. WAS ABLE TO PROCEED ON EMERGENCY BRAKE SINCE HOME WAS WITHIN A MILE AND HALF. AT HOME, FILLED THE MASTER CYLINDER IN DRIVEWAY AND DID STATIONARY TEST OF SYSTEM. ENGINE STARTED, BRAKES AGAIN GO TO FLOOR AND MASSIVE BRAKE LEAK OCCURRED ON DRIVER'S SIDE BY LEADING EDGE OF FRONT DOOR AT TRUCK FRAME SPILLING FLUID ON GROUND AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER/EXHAUST SYSTEM. HAVE READ IN NEW YORK TIMES THIS IS AN ISSUE ON GM LIGHT TRUCKS AND GM REFUSES TO RECALL. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY DEFECT THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED.

Air BagsCrash3 injured
Filed Aug 31, 2017120,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 CADILLAC ESCALADE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A BRICK WALL. DURING THE CRASH, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, BUT DID NOT INFLATE. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT AND REAR SEAT BELTS MALFUNCTIONED AND DID NOT SECURE THE PASSENGERS. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A LEFT LEG LACERATION AND LEFT SHOULDER INJURY. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE CHEST AND RIGHT KNEE AND THE REAR PASSENGER SUSTAINED FIVE FRACTURED VERTEBRAE. NO FURTHER INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER (INTEGRITY GM OF CHATTANOOGA, TN) WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 3, 2017165,890 milesIN

THE STRONG ODOR OF. FUEL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. STRONG WHEN DRIVING. WE FIND NO GAS ON THE GROUND LEAKING. WE HAVE MADE SURE THE GAS CAP IS SECURE. IT IS GETTING 14MPG.

SeatsFire
Filed Jan 10, 2017232,000 milesTN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC ESCALADE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, REAR PASSENGER SEAT BECAME HOT AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DESTROYED, ONLY THE SEAT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 232,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 3, 2017120,000 milesIL

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.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Apr 12, 2016148,964 milesCA

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

20 of 69 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2007
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202631300Do not drive
202520100Routine
202447200Routine
2023135400Routine
202282410Routine
202171910Routine
202014210Routine
201925000Routine
201821110Routine
201751210Routine
201689430Do not drive
201597930Do not drive
201420210Routine
201318410Routine
201220300Routine
201149600Routine
201038300Routine
2009585110Fatalities reported
2008136450Routine
2007230470Above average
200619200Routine
200543410Routine
2004 — this page69460Routine
200381640Routine
2002115370Routine
20013110Routine
200071430Routine
199939510Routine

Compare every Escalade year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Dec 17, 2007. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.