CADILLAC ESCALADE · model year

2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE

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.

53
Complaints
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE - NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE. Overall composite: 4.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 4.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 5.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 3.0 ★
NHTSA overall 4.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

53 filings

Crashes Reported

0 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 4/5 - Strong NCAP rating · Front: 5/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 3/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
AIR BAGS34
UNKNOWN OR OTHER4
SERVICE BRAKES2
SUSPENSION2
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS1
STRUCTURE:BODY1
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)1
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM1
SEAT BELTS1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION1
POWER TRAIN1

Recalls (6)

14V82700030/12/2014

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

11V33900028/06/2011

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.

10V64300017/12/2010

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

11V00700006/01/2011

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

21V05400005/02/2021

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,

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

Recent Complaints

20250321POWER TRAIN

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

20250318POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

The whole transmission kept jerking and finally went totally out. I only have 189,000

20220821SUSPENSION

Swaybar mount is ripped from the frame. Only on the passenger side

20220315ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

-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.

20210813UNKNOWN OR OTHER

the top of the dash cover cracked. There was no reason, it just cracked.

20210329AIR BAGS

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.

20201016AIR BAGS

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

20200920UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

20200622UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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

20200622STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

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

20200414AIR BAGS

NO REMEDY FOR AIR BAG RECALL - RECALL ISSUED IN 2016. *TR

Mileage: 50,000

20200221SEAT BELTS

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

20200210AIR BAGS

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

20200120SERVICE BRAKES

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

20200120ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

20191014AIR BAGS

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

20190925AIR BAGS

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.

20190923AIR BAGS

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

20190819AIR BAGS

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.

20190813AIR BAGS

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.

Compare 2011CADILLACESCALADE to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE have?
The 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE has 53 NHTSA complaints, 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE?
The 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 4/5, front crash rating of 5/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 3/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE?
Yes, the 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE has 6 recall(s). The most common affected component is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE?
The most-complained component for the 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE is AIR BAGS with 34 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include UNKNOWN OR OTHER and SERVICE BRAKES.
Is the 2011 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. The 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE has an NHTSA safety rating of 4/5. 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.

Vehicle Safety Guides

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.