Total Complaints
63 filings
CADILLAC ESCALADE · model year
63 NHTSA complaints, 5 crash reports, and 4 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2005CADILLACESCALADE carries 63 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 5 crashes, 2 fires, 4 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2005 ESCALADE is electrical system with 10 filings, followed by air bags (8) and service brakes (7). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 4 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 10 investigation files overlapping the 2005 ESCALADE, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
63 filings
Crashes Reported
5 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 10 |
| AIR BAGS | 8 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 7 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 6 |
| POWER TRAIN | 6 |
| ENGINE | 5 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 2 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 2 |
| EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER | 1 |
| AIR BAGS:FRONTAL | 1 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM | 1 |
| POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT | 1 |
| PARKING BRAKE | 1 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 1 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP | 1 |
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
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
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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 CE
WHEELS:HUB
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 M
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:SHIFT PATTERN INDICATOR
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT." UNDER CERTAIN VEHICLE STARTING CONDITIONS, THE SHIFT
Brake/abs system locked up on me and I couldnât stop. I accidentally hit someone from behind and was proven to be an accident. My traction light my abs light and my brake light all came on at the same time right before I wrecked. The suv swerves over to the other lane randomly while on the interstate and does stop on time. Every time I fuel up gas leaks out from somewhere and its pumps gas really slow and takes so long
Brake/abs system locked up on me and I couldnât stop. I accidentally hit someone from behind and was proven to be an accident. My traction light my abs light and my brake light all came on at the same time right before I wrecked. The suv swerves over to the other lane randomly while on the interstate and does stop on time. Every time I fuel up gas leaks out from somewhere and its pumps gas really slow and takes so long
The contact owns a 2005 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while refueling, the gasoline was spilling out of the filler neck. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The failure mileage was unknown.
While driving down the road under any condition the brakes start to apply themselves ultimately leading the vehicle to not being able to pull itself. The more throttle you give it the more the brakes apply. I believe this is the same as the 2002-2004 chevy hydro boost recall. Also around the same time the resistor for the blower motor caught fire while driving down the road.
While driving down the road under any condition the brakes start to apply themselves ultimately leading the vehicle to not being able to pull itself. The more throttle you give it the more the brakes apply. I believe this is the same as the 2002-2004 chevy hydro boost recall. Also around the same time the resistor for the blower motor caught fire while driving down the road.
The contact owns a 2005 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving 62 MPH, he heard an abnormal sound coming from the sunroof. The contact stated while attempting to exit the highway, the sunroof detached from the vehicle and hit the road. The contact drove to nearby auto glass repair shop. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact drove another vehicle to the local dealer and was informed that the sunroof was not the original equipment but was an aftermarket sunroof. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V427000 (Equipment). The vehicle was not repaired. The contact attempted to speak with a representative from Webasto Product North America, Inc. manufacturer but was not successful. The failure mileage was approximately 235,000.
Mileage: 235,000
The contact owns a 2005 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while driving 62 MPH, he heard an abnormal sound coming from the sunroof. The contact stated while attempting to exit the highway, the sunroof detached from the vehicle and hit the road. The contact drove to nearby auto glass repair shop. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact drove another vehicle to the local dealer and was informed that the sunroof was not the original equipment but was an aftermarket sunroof. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V427000 (Equipment). The vehicle was not repaired. The contact attempted to speak with a representative from Webasto Product North America, Inc. manufacturer but was not successful. The failure mileage was approximately 235,000.
Mileage: 235,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER LIGHT FAILED TO ILLUMINATE DURING THE DAYTIME. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DURING NIGHT TIME DRIVING, THE GEAR SHIFTER LIGHT OPERATED AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V055000 (POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,000.
Mileage: 126,000
SPEEDOMETER QUIT WORKING ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. ONLY AROUND 55,000 MILES ON VEHICLE. YOU CAN DRIVE IT AWHILE AND THEN IT QUITS WORKING. LET IT SIT FOR A FEW MINUTES AND IT WILL WORK AGAIN FOR A LITTLE WHILE AND QUIT AGAIN. NO OTHER GAUGES ARE AFFECTED YET. LAMP ASSEMBLY IS FADING FROM THE INSIDE OF THE LIGHT HOUSING.
Mileage: 55,000
SPEEDOMETER QUIT WORKING ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. ONLY AROUND 55,000 MILES ON VEHICLE. YOU CAN DRIVE IT AWHILE AND THEN IT QUITS WORKING. LET IT SIT FOR A FEW MINUTES AND IT WILL WORK AGAIN FOR A LITTLE WHILE AND QUIT AGAIN. NO OTHER GAUGES ARE AFFECTED YET. LAMP ASSEMBLY IS FADING FROM THE INSIDE OF THE LIGHT HOUSING.
Mileage: 55,000
I WAS DRIVING AND THE VEHICLE WAS ACTING LIKE IT DIDN'T WANT TO SWITCHES INTO THE NEXT GEAR. TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS EMPTY. FILLED IT UP AND THE NEXT DAY IT STILL HAS THE SAME ISSUE.
THE LIGHTING FOR THE GEAR INDICATOR DOESN'T WORK. I CANNOT TELL WHAT GEAR IT IS IS
Mileage: 198,000
THE LIGHTING FOR THE GEAR INDICATOR DOESN'T WORK. I CANNOT TELL WHAT GEAR IT IS IS
Mileage: 198,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT STATED THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ON THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO ILLUMINATE AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT SIMILAR VEHICLES WERE INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V055000 (POWER TRAIN) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. CADILLAC OF NEW ORLEANS LOCATED AT (3100 LIME ST, METAIRIE, LA 70006) WAS CONTACTED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
MY AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING AND HAS REMAINED ON. IT IS ON WHILE IDLING AND DRIVING. IT NEVER GOES OFF. THERE WAS NO COLLISION OR ANYTHING TO CAUSE IT TO COME ON. I FEAR THERE MIGHT BE SOMETHING FAULTY HAPPEN WHILE I DRIVE. ALSO I'VE BEEN HAVING ISSUES FUELING MY 2005 ESCALADE. IT WILL ONLY LET ME PUT IN $1.00 MAYBE $1.50 AT A TIME AND THE PUMP WILL KICK OFF. I'VE EVEN HAD GAS SPILL OUT WHILE THIS IS OCCURRING. THE GAS SPILL HAS HAPPENED TWICE AND THE FUEL TANK WAS ALMOST EMPTY. SO IT WASN'T OVERFILL. ALSO, MY AIR CONDITIONER, AT TIMES WILL JUST GET HOT WHILE DRIVING. IF I STOP AND TURN OFF THE VEHICLE AND TURN IT BACK ON, THE AIR WILL RETURN TO COLD. AND IT SMELLS LIKE BURNING WIRES. I HAVE BEEN ROUTINELY LOOKING TO SEE IF THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE THROUGH THIS WEBSITE.
MY AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING AND HAS REMAINED ON. IT IS ON WHILE IDLING AND DRIVING. IT NEVER GOES OFF. THERE WAS NO COLLISION OR ANYTHING TO CAUSE IT TO COME ON. I FEAR THERE MIGHT BE SOMETHING FAULTY HAPPEN WHILE I DRIVE. ALSO I'VE BEEN HAVING ISSUES FUELING MY 2005 ESCALADE. IT WILL ONLY LET ME PUT IN $1.00 MAYBE $1.50 AT A TIME AND THE PUMP WILL KICK OFF. I'VE EVEN HAD GAS SPILL OUT WHILE THIS IS OCCURRING. THE GAS SPILL HAS HAPPENED TWICE AND THE FUEL TANK WAS ALMOST EMPTY. SO IT WASN'T OVERFILL. ALSO, MY AIR CONDITIONER, AT TIMES WILL JUST GET HOT WHILE DRIVING. IF I STOP AND TURN OFF THE VEHICLE AND TURN IT BACK ON, THE AIR WILL RETURN TO COLD. AND IT SMELLS LIKE BURNING WIRES. I HAVE BEEN ROUTINELY LOOKING TO SEE IF THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE THROUGH THIS WEBSITE.
MY AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING AND HAS REMAINED ON. IT IS ON WHILE IDLING AND DRIVING. IT NEVER GOES OFF. THERE WAS NO COLLISION OR ANYTHING TO CAUSE IT TO COME ON. I FEAR THERE MIGHT BE SOMETHING FAULTY HAPPEN WHILE I DRIVE. ALSO I'VE BEEN HAVING ISSUES FUELING MY 2005 ESCALADE. IT WILL ONLY LET ME PUT IN $1.00 MAYBE $1.50 AT A TIME AND THE PUMP WILL KICK OFF. I'VE EVEN HAD GAS SPILL OUT WHILE THIS IS OCCURRING. THE GAS SPILL HAS HAPPENED TWICE AND THE FUEL TANK WAS ALMOST EMPTY. SO IT WASN'T OVERFILL. ALSO, MY AIR CONDITIONER, AT TIMES WILL JUST GET HOT WHILE DRIVING. IF I STOP AND TURN OFF THE VEHICLE AND TURN IT BACK ON, THE AIR WILL RETURN TO COLD. AND IT SMELLS LIKE BURNING WIRES. I HAVE BEEN ROUTINELY LOOKING TO SEE IF THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE THROUGH THIS WEBSITE.
BRAKE PEDDLE GOING TO THE FLOOR
Mileage: 250,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CADILLAC ESCALADE. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE DUE TO A HUB BEARING FAILURE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE DROVE OVER A CURB. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HERITAGE CHEVROLET BUICK OWINGS MILLS (11234 REISTERSTOWN RD, OWINGS MILLS, MD 21117, 1-(866) 730-3826) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE HUB BEARING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN MANUFACTURER SAFETY RECALL NUMBER: 07E-10B (HUB ASSEMBLY) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07E106000 (WHEELS). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AT AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR FACILITY. THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
AIRBAG LIGHT ON AND SAYS CHECK AIRBAGS
Electronic Brake Module Component Failure
Rear-View Camera Failure
Roof Skin Separation While Driving
IEE Passenger Sensing System Mats
REAR DRIVETRAIN COMPONENT FAILURE
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.