Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
2011 Cadillac Escalade HybridRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 49 owner complaints for the 2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid. Most complaints involve air bags (34) and structure (3). The EPA rates it 21 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
Combined MPG
21mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
49
Top: air bags
Fuel cost / yr
$2,950est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
49 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2011 – Mar 2025
- Air bags34
- Structure3
- Power train2
- Suspension2
- Electrical system2
- Service brakes2
- Seat belts1
- Traction control system1
- Electronic stability control (esc)1
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, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Air bags
34 reports
“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.”
Structure
3 reports
“THE REAR LIFT DOOR ACCESS UNLOCKS ON IT'S OWN FREQUENTLY. THE WHOLE REAR DOOR LIFTED OPEN WHILE I WAS DRIVING. *TR”
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”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Engines
- 6.0L 8-cyl hybrid
- Transmissions
- Automatic (variable gear ratios)
- Drive
- Rear-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escalade Hybrid 2WD Auto (variable gear ratios), 8 cyl, 6.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 23 | 21 | $2,950 | 423 |
| Escalade Hybrid 4WD Auto (variable gear ratios), 8 cyl, 6.0 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 23 | 21 | $2,950 | 423 |
- 21mpg comb.
- 21mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5Cadillac Escalade Hybrid SUV AWD
- Frontal crash
- 5 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 3 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 22.8%
Overall
4 / 5
Cadillac Escalade Hybrid SUV RWD
- Frontal crash
- 5 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 3 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 24.6%
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2011 Escalade Hybrid questions
How many recalls does the 2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 9, 2026.
What are the most common 2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid problems?
Owners filed 49 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (34), structure (3), power train (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid get?
The EPA rates the 2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid at 21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
How safe is the 2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid 4 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026