Problems · NHTSA complaints
2011 Cadillac Escalade problems
Owners filed 65 complaints about the 2011 Cadillac Escalade with NHTSA between Apr 2011 and Mar 2025. The most-cited component is air bags (42).
Complaints
65
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
3
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Air bags42
- Structure7
- Electrical system4
- Power train2
- Suspension2
- Service brakes2
- Seats2
- Equipment2
- Tires1
- Seat belts1
- Fuel/propulsion system1
- Traction control system1
- Electronic stability control (esc)1
- 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 8, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
3
1
0
1
1
5
21
11
8
7
2
2
0
1
2
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 3 |
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2017 | 21 |
| 2018 | 11 |
| 2019 | 8 |
| 2020 | 7 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 2 |
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
42 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.”
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”
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.”
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”
Suspension
2 reports2 related recalls
“Swaybar mount is ripped from the frame. Only on the passenger side”
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**”
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.