Is the 2008 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 2008 Cadillac Escalade EXT?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 64% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 Cadillac Escalade EXT have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

2008 Cadillac Escalade EXT

○ Not enough data

2008 Cadillac Escalade EXT
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:55:11.878Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 14
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 3
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

2008: 14 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 14 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Air bags

9 of 14 total reports mention: air bags.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

My 2008 Cadillac Escalade EXT hit on drivers side wheel well and drivers side door, I have two curtain airbags on this side and they did not deploy.

NHTSA ODI report, 2010-05-10

The contact owns a 2008 Cadillac Escalade EXT. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-14

Recall on parts with no remedy

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-22

Electrical system

4 of 14 total reports mention: electrical system.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Heated seat control module connection overheated from poor electrical connection and started fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-01-14

Also filed under Seats

Im writing because there is a serious issue with the headlights and all other lightings on the truck just going out which is a safety issues which can cause an accident and unwanted tickets. Please handle this asap.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-01-19

Electronic door lock actuator failed to lock/unlock door from remote. When attempting to unlock the rear driver door using the remote, the electronic lock failed to unlock the door.

NHTSA ODI report, 2011-11-09

Also filed under Structure

Structure

2 of 14 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing body.

Latches/locks/linkages

2 of 14 total reports mention: latches/locks/linkages.

Seats

1 of 14 total reports mentions: seats.

FIRE

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

I
2008-02-04Preliminary evaluationClosed 2008-06-12 Non-crash engine compartment fires
I
2008-06-12Engineering analysisClosed 2008-09-08 Non-crash engine compartment fires
R

2008-09-12Electrical system08V441000 GM is recalling 857,735 my 2006-2008 Buick lucerne; Cadillac DTS; hummer H2; my 2007-2008 Cadillac escalade, escalade esv, Escalade EXT; Chevrolet avalanche, silverado, suburban, tahoe; GMC acadia…

Remedy: Dealers will install a wire harness with an in-line fuse free of charge. The recall began on September 12, 2008. Owners may contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080; Cadillac at 1-800-982-2339 or…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2010-06-11Electrical system10V240000 GM is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Buick, lucerne; Cadillac DTS; hummer H2; model year 2008-2009 Buick enclave; Cadillac CTS; model year 2007-2009 Cadillac escalade, escalade esv, escalade…

Remedy: Dealers will permanently disable and remove the heated washer fluid module. An updated page for the owner manual will be provided and inserted in the owner manual to document that the feature has…

Check if this car was fixed →
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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
R

2021-09-20Air bags21V052000 General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL...

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 23, 2021.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2008 Cadillac Escalade EXT — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 9 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.
Structure: 2 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 08V441000 · Electrical system
Recall 10V240000 · Electrical system
Recall 21V050000 · Air bags
Recall 21V052000 · Air bags

FAQ

Is the 2008 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 2008 Cadillac Escalade EXT?: The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 64% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Cadillac Escalade EXT have?: 4 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.