Cadillac Escalade · model year

2009 Cadillac Escalade

89 NHTSA complaints, 1 crash report, and 5 recall campaigns listed for this cohort. A VIN lookup is required to determine whether a specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

Complaints
89
Recalls
5

The verdict

The 2009 Cadillac Escalade posts above-average complaint volume among its own model-year siblings.

36th pctile
complaint volume, own model years
5
recall campaigns

The 2009CadillacEscalade carries 89 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 1 crash, 1 fire, 4 injuries, and 30 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

The most frequently selected component label in reports for the 2009 Escalade is air bags with 24 filings, followed by electrical system (14) and engine (9). Complaint categories reflect owner reports and intake categorization; they do not establish a defect pattern or cause. This cohort has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns listed below. Enter a VIN in NHTSA's official recall lookup to determine whether a specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

NHTSA currently has 10 investigation files overlapping the 2009 Escalade, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should read the complaint-by-year trend as report volume, not a causal diagnosis. Use the related-complaint feed and the official recall lookup when researching a specific vehicle.

89
Complaints
1
Crashes
1
Fires
4
Injuries
30
Deaths
F
PlainCars Safety Score
0/100
2009 Cadillac Escalade

PlainCars' own composite of NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings and rollover-risk assessment, each dimension normalized against the federal scale or the full national model-year corpus. Not an official NHTSA figure, and not a substitute for a specific vehicle's VIN-level recall check.

NHTSA Overall Rating N/A
Not rated
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program overall crash-test rating.
Front Crash N/A
Not rated
Frontal barrier crash-test rating.
Side Crash N/A
Not rated
Side barrier and pole crash-test rating.
Rollover Resistance N/A
Not rated
Static stability factor + dynamic rollover test rating.
Rollover Risk N/A
Not reported
NHTSA single-vehicle rollover probability, dynamic test.

Total Complaints

89 filings

Crashes Reported

1 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
AIR BAGS24
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM14
ENGINE9
POWER TRAIN4
STEERING4
UNKNOWN OR OTHER4
EXTERIOR LIGHTING3
SUSPENSION3
SEATS3
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM3
TIRES2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC1
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS1
BACK OVER PREVENTION:WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT1

Recalls (5)

09V15400006/05/2009

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

GM IS RECALLING 27,188 MY 2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE HYBRID, ESCALADE ESV, AND ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SUBURBAN, TAHOE, TAHOE HYBRID, AND COLORADO; AND GMC YUKON, YUKON HYBRID, YUKON XL, AND CANYON VEHICLES. THE FUEL SYSTEM CONTROL MODULES MAY HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH AN ADHESIVE

21V05000005/02/2021

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL, and 2009-2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and Sierra 3500 vehicles originally s

21V05200005/02/2021

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the

21V05300005/02/2021

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaba

10V24000004/06/2010

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2009 BUICK, LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 BUICK ENCLAVE; CADILLAC CTS; MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL; SATURN OUT

Recent Complaints

20251028ENGINE

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.

Mileage: 180,000

20251028ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

Mileage: 180,000

20250329FatalENGINE

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

20250329FatalFUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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

20250329FatalELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

20250126ENGINE

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)

20240730ENGINE

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.

20240730SUSPENSION

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.

20240730POWER TRAIN

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.

20240516ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Low oil pressure causing engine failure, suspension issues constantly, limp mode won’t go off

20240516ENGINE

Low oil pressure causing engine failure, suspension issues constantly, limp mode won’t go off

20240516SEATS

Low oil pressure causing engine failure, suspension issues constantly, limp mode won’t go off

20230526AIR BAGS

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..

20230506AIR BAGS

N/A

20230506UNKNOWN OR OTHER

N/A

20230506LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

N/A

20220314ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:CRANK/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR

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.

Mileage: 117,000

20220223ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

 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 re

20220223ENGINE

 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 re

20220223VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

 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 re

Compare 2009CadillacEscalade to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

View all investigations

Vehicle Safety Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2009 Cadillac Escalade have?
The 2009 Cadillac Escalade has 89 NHTSA complaints, 1 crashes, 1 fires, 4 injuries, and 30 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2009 Cadillac Escalade?
Yes, the 2009 Cadillac Escalade has 5 recall(s). The most common affected component is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Cadillac Escalade?
The most-complained component for the 2009 Cadillac Escalade is AIR BAGS with 24 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and ENGINE.
Is the 2009 Cadillac Escalade safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Data vintage: August 2026. 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.

Every figure on PlainCars is rendered directly from NHTSA complaint and safety data, no number is typed in by an editor. This year-specific record is rendered from NHTSA ODI, recall, and NCAP rows for the 2009 Cadillac Escalade; no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of August 2026.