2004 Cadillac Escalade
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 39 |
| 2000 | 71 |
| 2001 | 3 |
| 2002 | 115 |
| 2003 | 81 |
| 2004 | 69 |
| 2005 | 43 |
| 2006 | 19 |
| 2007 | 230 |
| 2008 | 136 |
| 2009 | 58 |
| 2010 | 38 |
| 2011 | 49 |
| 2012 | 20 |
| 2013 | 18 |
| 2014 | 20 |
| 2015 | 96 |
| 2016 | 89 |
| 2017 | 51 |
| 2018 | 21 |
| 2019 | 25 |
| 2020 | 14 |
| 2021 | 70 |
| 2022 | 82 |
| 2023 | 133 |
| 2024 | 46 |
| 2025 | 20 |
| 2026 | 29 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
30% of complaints: electrical system — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and interior/under dash.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
MY TRUCK STARTED ON FIRE SMOKE STARTED UNDER GLOVE BOX!, THEN FLAMES STARTED AND THE WHOLE TRUCK BURNED UP! I WAS JUST DRIVING ION THE HIGHWAY!! LUCKY TO BE ALIVE TO TELL THE STORY
NHTSA ODI report, 20191009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A GUARD RAIL. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED TO ILLUMINATE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20131203
Also filed under ENGINE
28% of complaints: service brakes — 19 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
DURING ROUTINE REPAIR WORK TRANSMISSION LINES, BREAK LINES AND POWER STEERING LINES HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THEY WERE ROTTEN OR BADLY LEAKING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180503
Also filed under FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
12% of complaints: air bags — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing inflator module.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I HAVE A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN FOR OLDER MODEL CADILLAC ESCALADE'S AIR BAGS. I OWN A 2004 CADILLAC ESCALADE THAT HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED. THE AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED AT FULL SPEED WITHOUT CAUSE WHILE I WAS PARKED, IDLING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150204
INVOLVED IN A HORRIFIC AUTO ACCIDENT WITH OTHER VEHICLE. HIT IN FRONT PASSENGER & FRONT PART OF VEHICLE (BY RADIATOR AREA) AT HIGH SPEED. EST.SPEED APPROX. 45-55 MPH WITH NO SKID MARKS, OTHER VEHICLE STOPPED WHEN IT HIT US.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050613
9% of complaints: seats — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing seat heater/cooler.
FIRE INJURY7% of complaints: exterior lighting — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing headlights and flasher unit.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE NEW MODEL YEAR 03 AND 04 CADILLAC ESCALADE SUVS HAVE TOO HIGHLY MOUNTED AND POORLY DESIGNED AND OR MIS ADJUSTED HEADLIGHTS CAUSING BLINDING GLARE TO ON COMING DRIVERS OR DRIVERS IN FRONT OF THESE VEHICLES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20031230
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 V
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 HUM
Campaign 04V045000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN CREW CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE 2ND ROW CENTER OCCUPANT SEAT BELT ROUTING MAY MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO POSITION THE LAP PORTION OF THE SAFETY BELT LOW AROUND THE HIPS OF
Remedy: DEALERS WILL CUT OPEN THE GUIDE LOOP, REMOVE A PORTION OF THE LOOP, AND THEN THE REMAINING TWO SIDES SHOULD BE FOLDED OVER AND SECURED WITH A RETAINER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 21, 200
Campaign 05V163000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURE
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
Campaign 06E043000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL REPLACEMENT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WITH THE BRAND NAMES: NATIONAL, CARQUEST P/NOS. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, AND 515060, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 2006, AND
Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE HUB ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 7, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL TOLL-FREE AT 877-489-6659.
Campaign 07E106000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2004 Cadillac Escalade — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (19 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V045000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05V163000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E106000 (wheels) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2004 Cadillac Escalade reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Cadillac Escalade is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Cadillac Escalade?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Cadillac Escalade have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.