2004 Cadillac Escalade Esv: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 22 owner complaints on record; most reports concern electrical system; the 2003 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Feb 2004
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that the ABS and traction stability warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and was diagnosed with needing the shocks and struts replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and was awaiting a response. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jun 2021
“I had a badly corroded brake line rupnture and nearly wrecked. I took it to the dealership and after 2 days they say they won't fix it. They say they are not familiar with lines routed through the frame, or between frame and body. They recommend a full body removal and they refused. Faulty trans modules and peeling/leaking stock rims.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jan 2018
“Radio sound goes in and out. Also door chime does or doesn't work right along with it. It could be a short or the bcm from what I can see. Also sometimes the sunroof leaks”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2016
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owned a 2004 cadillac escalade esv. While driving approximately 30 mph, the preceding vehicle stopped abruptly and caused the contact to swerve and crash into a pole. The air bags did not deploy and there were no injuries. The vehicle was towed and deemed destroyed by the insurance company. A police report was not filed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 cadillac escalade esv. While driving at 58 mph in the rain, a deer jumped in front of the vehicle. As a result, the contact crashed into two tree stumps and the vehicle flipped over. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained head and neck injuries that required medical attention. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the failure was unable to be determined. The failure mileage was unknown.”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2015
“The steering was very hard to turn.then the power steering fluid was leaking. Brakes are locking up. But right before all that happened the airbag light went off. Its never been hit or hit anything. The truck was purchased in nov.2012. We got a carfax with the vehicle, it was clean, I looked for recalls and 4 appeared, I also called cadillac, spoke to a dealer and the woman said my VIN number has never been recalled, I stated it was in 2004 it was recalled and all the things it was recalled for was what was happening now..at times it was making a noise shifting from park to drive. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2013
“Tl*the contact owns a 2004 cadillac escalade esv. While driving and making a right turn on a bumpy road, the front end clunked and sounded as if it were coming apart. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the intermediate shaft was the cause of the failure. The contact called the manufacturer who stated that the vehicle was outside the warranty and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.”Owner report · Suspension · Jun 2010
“Premature fuel pump failure with no error code or warning. Occurred on a low traffic area having no collision or injuries. Veh is 2004 cadillac escalade esv with 67 k miles. Total loss of power controls. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · May 2010
“Vehicle has defective speedometer that sticks and will dealer and gm will not cover under recall lawsuit. Too many miles. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2008
“Speedometer sticks and is not accurate. There is a policy set up to fix only those vehicles under 70000 miles. Why is my vehicle being excluded? I have 88,000 miles on my 2004 cadillac escalade esv. The dealer, key cadillac in edina minnesota will not cover the repair. A broken speedometer that has been proven to be a manufacturer defect is a safety issue. A recall of this problem is justified. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2008
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND PASSENGER VANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, ?PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS.? SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH AN OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION BRAKE HYDRO-BOOST HOUSING RELIEF VALVE BORE.
Remedy: DEALERS ARE TO REPLACE THE HYDRO-BOOST RELIEF VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 18, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; GMC AT 1-866-996-9463; OR HUMMER AT 1-866-486-6376.
How other years compare
Check your exact Escalade Esv by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Cadillac Escalade Esv reliable?
NHTSA has 22 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2004 Cadillac Escalade Esv. The most complained-about area is electrical system.
Does the 2004 Cadillac Escalade Esv have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.