Total Complaints
21 filings
CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT · model year
2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT
21 NHTSA complaints, 2 crash reports, and 4 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2008CADILLACESCALADE EXT carries 21 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 2 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injury, 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 2008 ESCALADE EXT is air bags with 9 filings, followed by electrical system (4) and structure:body (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 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 2008 ESCALADE EXT, 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.
21
Complaints
2
Crashes
2
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
Crashes Reported
2 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Complaints vs. fleet median (215)
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
Complaints by Component
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| AIR BAGS | 9 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 4 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 2 |
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES | 2 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 2 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 1 |
| SEATS | 1 |
Recalls (4)
08V44100028/08/2008
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
GM IS RECALLING 857,735 MY 2006-2008 BUICK LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MY 2007-2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL, SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MY 2008 BUICK ENCLAVE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WIP
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
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
20230914AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2008 Cadillac Escalade EXT. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The infotainment display displayed a message indicating that the air bags were off, potentially compromising vehicle safety. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to provide a cause for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V050000 (Air Bags) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but was unable to assist. The failure mileage was 123,000.
Mileage: 123,000
20211227AIR BAGS
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 Cadillac Escalade EXT. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number 21V052000 (Air Bags) however, upon contacting the dealer, he was informed that the repair might cause the dashboard to crack. The contact was then informed that he would have to sign a waiver to ensure that the dealer would not be held responsible for any damages to the vehicle. The manufacturer was then notified of the issue and confirmed that the dealer would not be held responsible for any cracks or damages to the dashboard. The contact declined to sign the waiver and the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer should cover the cost of the dashboard because of the recall. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
20190114FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM
HEATED SEAT CONTROL MODULE CONNECTION OVERHEATED FROM POOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTION AND STARTED FIRE.
Mileage: 100,000
20190114FireSEATS
HEATED SEAT CONTROL MODULE CONNECTION OVERHEATED FROM POOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTION AND STARTED FIRE.
Mileage: 100,000
20180107AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL I DO NOT WANT THE VEHICLE. I WOULD LIKE A CREDIT TOWARDS A NEW CADILLAC.
20171229AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL - HAVE BEEN CONTACTING OUR DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES SINCE RECEIVING THE RECALL NOTICE REQUESTING NEW AIRBAGS. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN RESPONDING THAT THE RECALL IS STILL NOT REQUIRED, THAT THE MANUFACTURER WAS FIGHTING THE RECALL. WE HAVE EVEN STATED THAT WE WOULD LIKE TO PAY FOR THE REPLACEMENTS AND GET A REIMBURSEMENT LATER. HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. ARE ON A WAITING LIST. SINCE WE WERE JUST WANTING OUR FREE REPLACEMENTS, WE WERE NOT TOO CONCERNED ABOUT THE BANKRUPTCY. HAD IT ON OUR CALENDAR FOLLOW UP BEFORE 2018. CHECKED THE WEBSITE TODAY, TURNS OUT THE DEADLINE WAS THE 27TH OF DECEMBER. WE DON'T WANT TO BE IN A LAWSUIT. WE JUST WANT OUR CAR TO BE SAFE. WE EVEN ASKED THAT OUR AIRBAGS BE DISCONNECTED UNTIL THE PARTS ARE AVAILABLE AND WERE TOLD THAT THIS IS NOT POSSIBLE. ANY HELP POSSIBLE? THANK YOU.
20171127AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT. 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. DAVID TAYLOR CADILLAC IN HOUSTON, TEXAS 77074 WAS MADE AWARE OF THE RECALL AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
20171122AIR BAGS
RECALL ON PARTS WITH NO REMEDY
20170819CrashUNKNOWN OR OTHER
HAD A FRONT END COLLISION WITH NO DEPLOYMENT.
20170801AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V381000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (AUTONATION CADILLAC WEST PALM BEACH LOCATED AT 2101 45TH ST, WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33407; (561) 291-6025) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
20170620AIR BAGS
TAMARA RECALL. SERVICE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON. DEALER SAID THEY CAN NOT FIX THE RECALLED ITEM BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURER IS NOT PROVIDING THE REPLACEMENT PART. HELP!
20140119ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
IM WRITING BECAUSE THERE IS A SERIOUS ISSUE WITH THE HEADLIGHTS AND ALL OTHER LIGHTINGS ON THE TRUCK JUST GOING OUT WHICH IS A SAFETY ISSUES WHICH CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AND UNWANTED TICKETS. PLEASE HANDLE THIS ASAP. *TR
Mileage: 89,500
20140119UNKNOWN OR OTHER
IM WRITING BECAUSE THERE IS A SERIOUS ISSUE WITH THE HEADLIGHTS AND ALL OTHER LIGHTINGS ON THE TRUCK JUST GOING OUT WHICH IS A SAFETY ISSUES WHICH CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AND UNWANTED TICKETS. PLEASE HANDLE THIS ASAP. *TR
Mileage: 89,500
20140119EXTERIOR LIGHTING
IM WRITING BECAUSE THERE IS A SERIOUS ISSUE WITH THE HEADLIGHTS AND ALL OTHER LIGHTINGS ON THE TRUCK JUST GOING OUT WHICH IS A SAFETY ISSUES WHICH CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AND UNWANTED TICKETS. PLEASE HANDLE THIS ASAP. *TR
Mileage: 89,500
20111109STRUCTURE:BODY
ELECTRONIC DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR FAILED TO LOCK/UNLOCK DOOR FROM REMOTE. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO UNLOCK THE REAR DRIVER DOOR USING THE REMOTE, THE ELECTRONIC LOCK FAILED TO UNLOCK THE DOOR. THE ELECTRONIC LOCK NO LONGER RESPONDS TO SIGNALS FROM THE REMOTE OR THE DOOR BUTTON AND MUST BE MANUALLY LOCKED/UNLOCKED. *TR
Mileage: 33,500
20111109ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ELECTRONIC DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR FAILED TO LOCK/UNLOCK DOOR FROM REMOTE. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO UNLOCK THE REAR DRIVER DOOR USING THE REMOTE, THE ELECTRONIC LOCK FAILED TO UNLOCK THE DOOR. THE ELECTRONIC LOCK NO LONGER RESPONDS TO SIGNALS FROM THE REMOTE OR THE DOOR BUTTON AND MUST BE MANUALLY LOCKED/UNLOCKED. *TR
Mileage: 33,500
20111109LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
ELECTRONIC DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR FAILED TO LOCK/UNLOCK DOOR FROM REMOTE. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO UNLOCK THE REAR DRIVER DOOR USING THE REMOTE, THE ELECTRONIC LOCK FAILED TO UNLOCK THE DOOR. THE ELECTRONIC LOCK NO LONGER RESPONDS TO SIGNALS FROM THE REMOTE OR THE DOOR BUTTON AND MUST BE MANUALLY LOCKED/UNLOCKED. *TR
Mileage: 33,500
20111109STRUCTURE:BODY
ELECTRONIC DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR FAILED TO LOCK/UNLOCK DOOR FROM REMOTE. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO UNLOCK THE REAR DRIVER DOOR USING THE REMOTE, THE ELECTRONIC LOCK FAILED TO UNLOCK THE DOOR. THE ELECTRONIC LOCK NO LONGER RESPONDS TO SIGNALS FROM THE REMOTE OR THE DOOR BUTTON AND MUST BE MANUALLY LOCKED/UNLOCKED. *TR
Mileage: 37,898
20111109ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ELECTRONIC DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR FAILED TO LOCK/UNLOCK DOOR FROM REMOTE. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO UNLOCK THE REAR DRIVER DOOR USING THE REMOTE, THE ELECTRONIC LOCK FAILED TO UNLOCK THE DOOR. THE ELECTRONIC LOCK NO LONGER RESPONDS TO SIGNALS FROM THE REMOTE OR THE DOOR BUTTON AND MUST BE MANUALLY LOCKED/UNLOCKED. *TR
Mileage: 37,898
20111109LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
ELECTRONIC DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR FAILED TO LOCK/UNLOCK DOOR FROM REMOTE. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO UNLOCK THE REAR DRIVER DOOR USING THE REMOTE, THE ELECTRONIC LOCK FAILED TO UNLOCK THE DOOR. THE ELECTRONIC LOCK NO LONGER RESPONDS TO SIGNALS FROM THE REMOTE OR THE DOOR BUTTON AND MUST BE MANUALLY LOCKED/UNLOCKED. *TR
Mileage: 37,898
Compare 2008CADILLACESCALADE EXT to Similar Vehicles
NHTSA Investigations 1 Open
PE24011Preliminary EvaluationOpen
Electronic Brake Module Component Failure
PE22006Preliminary EvaluationClosed
Rear-View Camera Failure
PE19001Preliminary EvaluationClosed
Roof Skin Separation While Driving
EQ11001EQClosed
IEE Passenger Sensing System Mats
EA07017Engineering AnalysisClosed
REAR DRIVETRAIN COMPONENT FAILURE
Frequently Asked Questions
How many complaints does the 2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT have?▼
The 2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT has 21 NHTSA complaints, 2 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT?▼
Yes, the 2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT has 4 recall(s). The most common affected component is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT?▼
The most-complained component for the 2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT is AIR BAGS with 9 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and STRUCTURE:BODY.
Is the 2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT 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.
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.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.