Problems · NHTSA complaints

2011 Cadillac Escalade Esv problems

Owners filed 62 complaints about the 2011 Cadillac Escalade Esv with NHTSA between Apr 2011 and Mar 2025. The most-cited component is air bags (39).

Complaints
62
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
3
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Air bags39
  2. Structure7
  3. Electrical system4
  4. Power train2
  5. Suspension2
  6. Service brakes2
  7. Seats2
  8. Equipment2
  9. Tires1
  10. Seat belts1
  11. Fuel/propulsion system1
  12. Traction control system1
  13. Electronic stability control (esc)1
  14. Exterior lighting1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20113
20121
20130
20141
20151
20165
201720
20189
20198
20207
20212
20222
20230
20241
20252

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Air bags

39 reports2 related recalls
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V050000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED DEVAN LOWE INC CADILLAC GMC LINCOLN (AL-77 & STEELE STATION RD, ATTALLA, AL 35954, (256) 344-4832) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 29, 2021Air bagsODI 11405449

Structure

7 reports
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE LOCKED AND THE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE FELL OFF. THE CONTACT HAD TO EXIT THE VEHICLE USING THE PASSENGER DOOR. THE DEALER (POTAMKIN CADILLAC OF MANHATTAN, 706 11TH AVE, NEW YORK, NY 10019) REPLACED THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLES. SEVEN MONTHS LATER, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE WITH THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,488. *BF UPDATED 8/28/18*JB”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 20, 2017StructureODI 11055741

Electrical system

4 reports1 related recall
“-Driver seat would not heat or cool. -When troubleshooting, discovered a melted wire and burnt plug. Could have caused fire. Various others online had the exact issue. There should be a recall. -Not reproduced or confirmed by dealer. The damage is visible, not necessary to take in. -Not inspected, see photos. -No warning lights.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 15, 2022Electrical systemODI 11456840

Power train

2 reports
“The Transmission , the vehicle came to a sudden stop while driving, confirmed by a mechanic, no it has not been inspected by insurance or others accident was avoided, no warnings lights, transmission began to jump in gear like a lunge forward. Double checked it and it would not go forward then it would let you reverse only and then it will not go forward or reverse. The vehicle had to be towed. Engine starts fine but can't drive”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 21, 2025Power trainODI 11649775

Suspension

2 reports1 related recall
“Swaybar mount is ripped from the frame. Only on the passenger side”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 21, 2022SuspensionODI 11480393

Service brakes

2 reports
“WHEN COMING TO A STOP AND BRAKING (AT LIGHTS AND STOP SIGNS) VEHICLE SOMETIMES FEELS LIKE IT SLIPS THEN BRAKES KICK IN. BEEN HAPPENING FOR A LONG TIME NOW. ITS VERY COMPARABLE TO THE RECALL ON THE 2015-2017 MODELS THAT WERE AFFECTED. ALSO ANOTHER COMMON ISSUE I HAVE IS THE POWER FROM THE CIGARETTE LIGHTERS GOING OUT PLENTY OF TIMES. **ON ANOTHER NOTE IT ISN'T JUST ONE SET DATE AS IT IS ASKING BELOW**”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 20, 2020Electrical system, Service brakesODI 11300535
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.