MYRModel Year Report

2008 Cadillac Escalade

◆ Worse than typical
2008 Cadillac Escalade
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:41:37.783Z

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than 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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
136
Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 2008

Investigations
3

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Air bags

54% of complaints

Complaints per year

1999: 39 complaints 1999 2000: 71 complaints 2001: 3 complaints 2002: 115 complaints 2003: 81 complaints 2003 2004: 69 complaints 2005: 43 complaints 2006: 19 complaints 2007: 230 complaints 2008: 136 complaints 2008 136 2009: 58 complaints 2010: 38 complaints 2011: 49 complaints 2012: 20 complaints 2013: 18 complaints 2014: 20 complaints 2015: 98 complaints 2015 2016: 89 complaints 2017: 51 complaints 2018: 21 complaints 2019: 25 complaints 2019 2020: 14 complaints 2021: 78 complaints 2022: 86 complaints 2023: 142 complaints 2023 2024: 50 complaints 2025: 21 complaints 2026: 37 complaints 2027: 1 complaint 2027
1999: 39 complaints 1999 2000: 71 complaints 2001: 3 complaints 2001 2002: 115 complaints 2003: 81 complaints 2003 2004: 69 complaints 2005: 43 complaints 2005 2006: 19 complaints 2007: 230 complaints 2008: 136 complaints 2008 136 2009: 58 complaints 2010: 38 complaints 2011: 49 complaints 2011 2012: 20 complaints 2013: 18 complaints 2013 2014: 20 complaints 2015: 98 complaints 2015 2016: 89 complaints 2017: 51 complaints 2017 2018: 21 complaints 2019: 25 complaints 2019 2020: 14 complaints 2021: 78 complaints 2021 2022: 86 complaints 2023: 142 complaints 2023 2024: 50 complaints 2025: 21 complaints 2025 2026: 37 complaints 2027: 1 complaint 2027
1999: 39 complaints 1999 2000: 71 complaints 2001: 3 complaints 2001 2002: 115 complaints 2003: 81 complaints 2003 2004: 69 complaints 2005: 43 complaints 2005 2006: 19 complaints 2007: 230 complaints 2008: 136 complaints 2008 136 2009: 58 complaints 2010: 38 complaints 2011: 49 complaints 2011 2012: 20 complaints 2013: 18 complaints 2013 2014: 20 complaints 2015: 98 complaints 2015 2016: 89 complaints 2017: 51 complaints 2017 2018: 21 complaints 2019: 25 complaints 2019 2020: 14 complaints 2021: 78 complaints 2021 2022: 86 complaints 2023: 142 complaints 2023 2024: 50 complaints 2025: 21 complaints 2025 2026: 37 complaints 2027: 1 complaint 2027

2008: 136 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
199939
200071
20013
2002115
200381
200469
200543
200619
2007230
2008136
200958
201038
201149
201220
201318
201420
201598
201689
201751
201821
201925
202014
202178
202286
2023142
202450
202521
202637
20271

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

54% · 74 reports
CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Airbag recall: may have defective airbags. Ex: been in a couple collisions and no response from bags.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-11-24

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, she unexpectedly crashed into a snow mound. The air bags deployed although there was no significant impact to the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-12-16

After I left my girlfriend house I got on the interstate and started traveling to work. I was on interstate 59 south and 20 west for about 15 minutes. The conditions outside were cold and dry.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-01-13

Electrical system

17% · 23 reports

Most commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

First I would like to note that this is the second time this issue has occurred.that being said you can understand why a person would be frustrated when they dish out an estimated 700 dollars for repairs only to be facing the same issue no more than...

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-11-07

Also filed under Seats

2008 Cadillac Escalade.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-02-08

Truck goes into limp mode, reduced power, stuck in second gear, stabilitrak and engine lights. Took it to the Cadillac dealership and after 3100 dollars in repairs the truck is still doing it.

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-01-23

Also filed under Engine

Engine

10% · 13 reports
FIRE

Exterior lighting

9% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing headlights.

Seats

5% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing mid/rear assembly and seat heater/cooler.

FIRE

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. ▮
    2008Complaint volume 136 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. I
    2008-02-04Preliminary evaluationClosed 2008-06-12 Non-crash engine compartment fires
  3. I
    2008-06-12Engineering analysisClosed 2008-09-08 Non-crash engine compartment fires
  4. 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 →

  5. 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 →

  6. 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 →

  7. I
    2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
  8. 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 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Air bags: 74 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 23 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 13 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
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2008 Cadillac Escalade reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Cadillac Escalade is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Cadillac Escalade?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 54% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Cadillac Escalade 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.