2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV
Only 14 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 14 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 | 36 |
| 2018 | 14 |
| 2019 | 31 |
| 2020 | 21 |
| 2021 | 62 |
| 2022 | 51 |
| 2023 | 70 |
| 2024 | 20 |
| 2025 | 10 |
| 2026 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 14 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
5 of 14 total reports mention: electrical system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY, WHERE IT HAD BEEN SINCE THE DAY BEFORE. IT WAS NOT POWERED ON IN ANYWAY, NOR WAS ANYTHING PLUGGED IN INSIDE. IN THE EARLY MORNING WE WERE MADE AWARE BY A NEIGHBOR THAT THE TRUCK WAS ON FIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180905
The contact owns a 2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that each time the doors were manually locked or unlocked, the vehicle started and turned off.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231006
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 80 MPH THE SPEEDOMETER FROZE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20090119
3 of 14 total reports mention: service brakes.
1 of 14 total reports mentions: tires.
1 of 14 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
1 of 14 total reports mentions: seats.
SAFETY TIMELINE
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, START
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 14, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, AND GMC AT 1-86
Campaign 05V055000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 05V055000 (power train) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2005 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 2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.