2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT
Only 11 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 11 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 11
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2004
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2004: 11 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 22 |
| 2003 | 15 |
| 2004 | 11 |
| 2005 | 5 |
| 2006 | 0 |
| 2007 | 16 |
| 2008 | 14 |
| 2009 | 3 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 3 |
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2013 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Only 11 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Electrical system
5 of 11 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and wiring.
Show complaint excerpts
The air bag light came on, the consumer went to the dealer. The ignition was turned on/off to see if it would go off. The vehicle was left at the dealers the next morning. The airbag light went on again the next week.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-07-15
Also filed under Air bags
Service brakes
3 of 11 total reports mention: service brakes.
Show complaint excerpts
Left rear brake lines rusted through at the wheel area. Significant fluid leakage. Lines for both rear brakes had to be replaced.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-05-14
Suspension
1 of 11 total reports mentions: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT. The contact stated that while driving approximately 3 MPH, the rear shocks snapped without warning.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-03-04
Power train
1 of 11 total reports mentions: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
1ST incident 1) I was going to park in a spot between two building, only large enough for one vehicle. I came down the road, which has a decline to it, and turned right, into the parking spot.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-05-05
Fuel/propulsion system
1 of 11 total reports mentions: fuel/propulsion system.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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…
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2004-09-18Structure04V129000 On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the galvanized steel tailgate support cables that retain the tailgate in the full open (Horizontal) position may corrode, weaken, and eventually…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the cables. Interim owner notification began on April 7, 20004. The recall began on September 24, 2004, when replacement parts were available, and will continue through…
Buy-smart checklist
2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Suspension: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 04V045000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 04V129000 · Structure
FAQ
- Is the 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT 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 EXT?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 45% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT have?
- 2 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.