2011 Cadillac Escalade ESV
Only 13 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 13 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 13
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2011
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2011: 13 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 13 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Air bags
5 of 13 total reports mention: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
Takata recall issued 5/2016BY mail to my house. NHTSA#: 16V381 recall 49151. Called hoehn Buick Cadillac in carlsbad, ca. Replied that GM hadn't sent out partsyet. Called again & went to dealer on 11/21/2016 & finally 9/19/2017. Same story.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-06
Takata recall GM says vehicle is safe to drive. I don't feel safe in the vehicle though I have no other options. I have four daughters ages 4 to 10 years old. Their safety is paramount to me.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-09-04
Structure
4 of 13 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing door and hatchback/liftgate.
Show complaint excerpts
The rear hatch was opened with the automatic button, it raised to the open position. As I was putting in our stroller the hatch fell and struck me in the head.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-09-04
2011 Cadillac Escalade ESV 26771 power rear cargo door is a serious safety hazard.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-04-24
Also filed under Equipment
Seats
2 of 13 total reports mention: seats.
Show complaint excerpts
Heated seat module and wiring melted. Fire concerns. Many vehicles affected
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-25
Also filed under Electrical system
Equipment
2 of 13 total reports mention: equipment.
Show complaint excerpts
2011 Cadillac Escalade ESV 26771 power rear cargo door is a serious safety hazard.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-04-24
Electrical system
2 of 13 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
Connector to seat control module located under passenger seat shorted out and melted without fuse interruption. Melted connector found when heated seat function stopped working.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-01-08
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2011-01-11Suspension11V007000 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…
Remedy: Dealers will install a new rear axle cross pin free of charge. The safety recall began on January 11, 2011. Owners may contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, GMC at…
-
R
2011-07-25Steering11V339000 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…
Remedy: GM dealers will inspect and ensure that the intermediate steering shaft bolts are tightened to the proper specification. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about July 13, 2011. Owners…
-
R
2015-02-12Electrical system14V827000 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.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the ignition lock housing, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 12, 2015.
-
R
2021-03-01Air bags21V050000 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,...
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 22, 2021.
-
R
2021-05-11Air bags21V054000 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...
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 25, 2021.
-
I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Buy-smart checklist
2011 Cadillac Escalade ESV — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Seats: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 11V007000 · Suspension
- Recall 11V339000 · Steering
- Recall 14V827000 · Electrical system
- Recall 21V050000 · Air bags
- Recall 21V054000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2011 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 2011 Cadillac Escalade ESV?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2011 Cadillac Escalade ESV have?
- 5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.