Total Complaints
53 filings
CADILLAC ESCALADE · model year
53 NHTSA complaints, and 6 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
4 / 5 ★
New Car Assessment Program
The 2011CADILLACESCALADE carries 53 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 4/5 rating, with 5/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 3/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2011 ESCALADE is air bags with 34 filings, followed by unknown or other (4) and service brakes (2). 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 6 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 2011 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
53 filings
Crashes Reported
0 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| AIR BAGS | 34 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 4 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 2 |
| SUSPENSION | 2 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR | 2 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 2 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS | 1 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 1 |
| ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | 1 |
| TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM | 1 |
| SEAT BELTS | 1 |
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 1 |
| POWER TRAIN | 1 |
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra LD, Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the ignition lock actuator may bind, m
STEERING:LINKAGES
GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV; CHEVROLET SILVERADO HD, SILVERADO LD, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; AND GMC SIERRA HD, SIERRA LD, YUKON, AND YUKON XL VEHICLES. THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT ATTACHING BOLTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION.
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:SPINDLE
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT, CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO LD AND GMC SIERRA LD VEHICLES. THE REAR AXLE CROSS PINS WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND COULD FRACTURE AND BECOME DISPLACED WITHIN THE REAR AXLE. SHOULD THE PIN SHIFT OUT OF POSITION, IT CO
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:SPINDLE
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, COLORADO, EXPRESS, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; AND GMC CANYON, SIERRA, SAVANA, YUKON AND YUKON XL VEHICLES. THE REAR AXLE CROSS PINS WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND COULD FRAC
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS,
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
The Transmission , the vehicle came to a sudden stop while driving, confirmed by a mechanic, no it has not been inspected by insurance or others accident was avoided, no warnings lights, transmission began to jump in gear like a lunge forward. Double checked it and it would not go forward then it would let you reverse only and then it will not go forward or reverse. The vehicle had to be towed. Engine starts fine but can't drive
The whole transmission kept jerking and finally went totally out. I only have 189,000
Swaybar mount is ripped from the frame. Only on the passenger side
-Driver seat would not heat or cool. -When troubleshooting, discovered a melted wire and burnt plug. Could have caused fire. Various others online had the exact issue. There should be a recall. -Not reproduced or confirmed by dealer. The damage is visible, not necessary to take in. -Not inspected, see photos. -No warning lights.
the top of the dash cover cracked. There was no reason, it just cracked.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V050000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED DEVAN LOWE INC CADILLAC GMC LINCOLN (AL-77 & STEELE STATION RD, ATTALLA, AL 35954, (256) 344-4832) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NOTHING HAS HAPPENED OTHER THAN THERE IS A CURRENT AIRBAG RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE. MANY OTHER MAKES AND MODELS ALSO HAVE THIS TAKATA AIRBAG ISSUE AND THEY HAVE BEEN FIXED/OR REPLACED AND THE RECALL IS LIFTED. YET CADILLAC/GM IS STILL REFUSING TO HAVE THIS DONE SO I AM CURRENTLY DRIVING A VEHICLE WHICH THE NHTSA SAYS IT NOT SAFE YET CADILLAC SAYS IT IS AND NO ONE HAS TAKEN THE STEP FORWARD TO REMEDY THIS PROBLEM. MY HUSBAND RECENTLY PASSED AWAY IN A HORRIFYING MANNER AND ALL I WANT TO DO IS GIVE MY STEPSON WHO LIVES IN CANADA (I LIVE IN LOS ANGELES) I JUST WANT TO GIVE MY STEPSON HIS FATHERS TRUCK AND BECAUSE NO ONE WISHED TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM I AM UNABLE TO DO THIS. I SIMPLY CANNOT UNDERSTAND HOW THE NHTSA CAN ALLOW US TO DRIVE A VEHICLE THEY DEEM TO BE UNSAFE YET NOT FORCE CADILLAC/GM TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM THEY FEEL IS NO PROBLEM. CAN YOU IMAGINE THE POSSIBLE LAWSUIT THAT COULD BE PLACED AGAINST CADILLAC/GM AND NHTSA IF ANYONE WAS TO GET SERIOUSLY INJURED BECAUSE NONE OF YOU TOOK THE
JUST CHECKED VIN # AND SAID 0 UNREPAIRED RECALLS. DOES THIS MEAN THEY MEED TO BE FIX OR THAT MY VEHICLE ISNT AFFECTED AND IS IT IS AFFCETED WHERE OR WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT.
THE REAR LIFT DOOR ACCESS UNLOCKS ON IT'S OWN FREQUENTLY. THE WHOLE REAR DOOR LIFTED OPEN WHILE I WAS DRIVING. *TR
Mileage: 115,000
THE REAR LIFT DOOR ACCESS UNLOCKS ON IT'S OWN FREQUENTLY. THE WHOLE REAR DOOR LIFTED OPEN WHILE I WAS DRIVING. *TR
Mileage: 115,000
NO REMEDY FOR AIR BAG RECALL - RECALL ISSUED IN 2016. *TR
Mileage: 50,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT LOCKING MECHANISM WAS DEFECTIVE AND FAILED TO BE SECURELY LATCHED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER TOM KELLY CADILLAC (811 AVE OF AUTOS, FORT WAYNE IN) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT YET NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 188,000.
Mileage: 188,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF 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 CONTACT CONTACTED MASSEY CADILLAC - NORTH ORLANDO 4241 N JOHN YOUNG PKWY, ORLANDO, FL 32804 WHERE THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE PARTS WAS AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WAS WAITING FOR NHTSA RESPONSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAGS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. *BF VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED.*JB
WHEN COMING TO A STOP AND BRAKING (AT LIGHTS AND STOP SIGNS) VEHICLE SOMETIMES FEELS LIKE IT SLIPS THEN BRAKES KICK IN. BEEN HAPPENING FOR A LONG TIME NOW. ITS VERY COMPARABLE TO THE RECALL ON THE 2015-2017 MODELS THAT WERE AFFECTED. ALSO ANOTHER COMMON ISSUE I HAVE IS THE POWER FROM THE CIGARETTE LIGHTERS GOING OUT PLENTY OF TIMES. **ON ANOTHER NOTE IT ISN'T JUST ONE SET DATE AS IT IS ASKING BELOW**
Mileage: 85,000
WHEN COMING TO A STOP AND BRAKING (AT LIGHTS AND STOP SIGNS) VEHICLE SOMETIMES FEELS LIKE IT SLIPS THEN BRAKES KICK IN. BEEN HAPPENING FOR A LONG TIME NOW. ITS VERY COMPARABLE TO THE RECALL ON THE 2015-2017 MODELS THAT WERE AFFECTED. ALSO ANOTHER COMMON ISSUE I HAVE IS THE POWER FROM THE CIGARETTE LIGHTERS GOING OUT PLENTY OF TIMES. **ON ANOTHER NOTE IT ISN'T JUST ONE SET DATE AS IT IS ASKING BELOW**
Mileage: 85,000
MY VEHICLE HAS A RECALL ON IT FOR THE TAKATA AIRBAGS. I SPOKE TO GENERAL MOTORS (CONVERSATION #[XXX]) AND THEY SAID THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE UNTIL NHTSA PROVIDES A SOLUTION. THE FACT REMAINS I AM DRIVING A VEHICLE WITH AN OUTSTANDING RECALL THAT I CAN'T GET FIXED. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TT
Mileage: 110,598
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 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 VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
MY VEHICLE IS PART OD A TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL AND GM REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I HAVE CALLED PERIODICALLY ASKING WHEN THE REPAIR WOULD HAPPEN AND WAS TOLD IT IS BEING PHASED IN AND I WILL GET A NOTICE.I JUST CALLED AGAIN AND THE NEW ANSWER IS THAT GM DOESN'T THINK THEY SHOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THIS AND WILL NOT DO ANYTHING UNTIL THEIR OBJECTION CAN BE RESOLVED. THEY WILL NOT COMMIT TO REPLACING MY RECALLED AIRBAG.
Mileage: 169,000
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR 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 DEVOE CADILLAC (4100 TAMIAMI TRAIL N, NAPLES, FL 34103, (888) 571-5034) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBERS: 95436748446 AND 83462162907. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V381000 (AIR BAGS) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE IN MAY OF 2016. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT ADDITIONAL TESTING WAS COMPLETED BY A THIRD PARTY, AND THE VEHICLES WERE CONSIDERED SAFE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
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.