2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV
Only 22 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 22 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 12 |
| 2004 | 22 |
| 2005 | 14 |
| 2006 | 5 |
| 2007 | 39 |
| 2008 | 17 |
| 2009 | 6 |
| 2010 | 4 |
| 2011 | 13 |
| 2012 | 3 |
| 2013 | 2 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 8 |
| 2016 | 15 |
| 2017 | 38 |
| 2018 | 15 |
| 2019 | 32 |
| 2020 | 21 |
| 2021 | 71 |
| 2022 | 54 |
| 2023 | 83 |
| 2024 | 22 |
| 2025 | 13 |
| 2026 | 8 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 22 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
6 of 22 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and horn.
5 of 22 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission and axle assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
I HAD A BADLY CORRODED BRAKE LINE RUPNTURE AND NEARLY WRECKED. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND AFTER 2 DAYS THEY SAY THEY WON'T FIX IT. THEY SAY THEY ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH LINES ROUTED THROUGH THE FRAME, OR BETWEEN FRAME AND BODY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180120
Also filed under WHEELS and SERVICE BRAKES
WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, SMOKE STARTED TO COME OUT FROM THE BACK AND SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER NOTICED OIL SPLATTERED ALL OVER THE TRUNK AND THE ROAD WHEN THEY PULLED OVER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040430
4 of 22 total reports mention: air bags.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE PRECEDING VEHICLE STOPPED ABRUPTLY AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO SWERVE AND CRASH INTO A POLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160425
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV. WHILE DRIVING AT 58 MPH IN THE RAIN, A DEER JUMPED IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO TWO TREE STUMPS AND THE VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150602
ON JULY 16TH, 2005; I WAS INVOLVED IN A LIFE CHANGING, SINGLE VEHICLE AUTO ACCIDENT. I STRUCK A HILL WITH THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WITH ENOUGH EXCESSIVE FORCE TO FLIP THIS CADILLAC ESCALADE HEAD FIRST.
NHTSA ODI report, 20051011
3 of 22 total reports mention: wheels.
3 of 22 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
SAFETY TIMELINE
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND PASSENGER VANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, ?PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS.? SOME OF THESE V
Remedy: DEALERS ARE TO REPLACE THE HYDRO-BOOST RELIEF VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 18, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; GMC AT 1-866-996-9463; OR HUM
Campaign 04V045000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V045000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.