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
- 22
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2004
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2004: 22 complaints
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 | 34 |
| 2020 | 22 |
| 2021 | 74 |
| 2022 | 57 |
| 2023 | 89 |
| 2024 | 22 |
| 2025 | 14 |
| 2026 | 11 |
Known problem areas
Only 22 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Electrical system
6 of 22 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and horn.
Power train
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, 2018-01-20
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, 2004-04-30
Air bags
4 of 22 total reports mention: air bags.
Show 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, 2016-04-25
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, 2015-06-02
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, 2005-10-11
Wheels
3 of 22 total reports mention: wheels.
Service brakes
3 of 22 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2004-06-18Service brakes, hydraulic04V045000 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…
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…
Buy-smart checklist
2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 4 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 04V045000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.