Problems · NHTSA complaints
2009 Cadillac Escalade problems
Owners filed 61 complaints about the 2009 Cadillac Escalade with NHTSA between Jun 2009 and Oct 2025. The most-cited component is air bags (26).
Complaints
61
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
People reported injured
Deaths
10
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Air bags26
- Electrical system14
- Engine9
- Power train4
- Steering4
- Exterior lighting4
- Fuel/propulsion system3
- Suspension3
- Seats3
- Tires3
- Vehicle speed control3
- Structure3
- Lane departure1
- Engine and engine cooling1
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 8, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
2
2
1
0
1
1
6
8
6
12
6
4
2
2
2
3
3
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 2 |
| 2010 | 2 |
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2012 | 0 |
| 2013 | 1 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2015 | 6 |
| 2016 | 8 |
| 2017 | 6 |
| 2018 | 12 |
| 2019 | 6 |
| 2020 | 4 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 3 |
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.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Air bags
26 reports1 crash3 related recalls
“Observed information on dashboard stating service Air Bag...it was told that my car has a Takarta brand air bag ..is there a recall for this airbag ? If so can I be sent a notification..”
Electrical system
14 reports1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2009 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the battery was drained. The contact called AAA, who had installed the battery incorrectly. The battery was replaced. While driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle started to shake. The vehicle lost motive power with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who determined that the system needed to be reset, and the vehicle was working as designed. The failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the cylinder head was cracked, and the air compressor needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.”
Engine
9 reports
“COMPLETE Submitted on: Thu Jan 06 2022 Claim number: [XXX] Residential zip code: [XXX] Residential state: MO ITEM 1 Brand & model: Safeco claims Age of item: 55.00 Original price: 185055014 Description: Jennifer Steele Condition: below average Note: ITEM 2 Brand & model: Identity theft investigation Age of item: 43.50 Original price: 63051 Description: Cyber scout Condition: above average Note: ITEM 3 Brand & model: 4023 fawn hollow drive Age of item: 30.50 Original price: 46414319 Description: Sabrina Köhler Condition: average Note: ITEM 4 Brand & model: 5571 Cheryl’s Age of item: 20.92 Original price: 137783 Description: GMC pick u Condition: new Note: ITEM 5 Brand & model: House spawn towel Age of item: 63.00 Original price: 631271888 Description: CN 2402/Moep 12/08 Condition: new Note: ITEM 6 Brand & model: Chesterfield airport road Age of item: 37.00 Original price: 3148492888 Description: National security committee Condition: new Note: [XXX] Age NCY in C K R IN HARLEY DAVISON GRAND IS RD SA IN TL O U I SMO ITEM 7 Brand & model: GMC Denali truck Age of item: 13.00 Original price: 327161312 Description: 1500serria Condition: below average Note: New tires replaced many upgrades”
Power train
4 reports
“After driving car all day off and on, it suddenly went into limp mode. Multiple misfires. Service traction t control and service stabilitrak warnings. Engine light flashing. Car had oil. Replaced oil pressure sensor. Replaced spark plugs. Wires. And coils. Will not clear misfire and won’t go out of limp mode. $7500 fix. This is ridiculous. I have heard of 15 others with the same issue.”
Steering
4 reports
“THE TRUCK WAS STATIONARY AND OIL AND POWER STERING FLUIDS WAS ON MY CARPORT. I HAVE CHECKED FOR PROBLEMS ON THE INTERNET AND MORE THAN A FEW IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THE SAME SUV.”
Exterior lighting
4 reports
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE STABILITY TRACTION CONTROL AND SERVICE STABILITY RACK WARNING INDICATORS KEPT RANDOMLY ILLUMINATING. ALSO, THE BRAKE LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAD TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON TO RESET THE COMPUTER SYSTEM; HOWEVER, THE WARNING INDICATORS CONTINUED FLASHING. AN UNKNOWN DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS WAITING ON A RESPONSE. THE VEHICLE WAS RECEIVED AS A TRADE-IN FROM A 2004 CADILLAC ESCALADE THAT EXHIBITED THE SAME FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.