2005 Cadillac Escalade Esv: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 14 owner complaints on record; most reports concern service brakes.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Feb 2005
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 cadillac escalade esv. While driving approximately 65 mph and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle would not stop and the brake pedal extended to the floor. The contact drove onto the shoulder to avoid crashing into oncoming vehicles. During the incident, the brake light illuminated. The contact, who was an independent mechanic, inspected the vehicle and discovered that the rear brake lines were corroded and no brake fluid was present. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 230,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Sep 2015
“The drivers heated seat button turns off and on when pushed but this time it stayed on, it over heated and it burnt a small hole in the seat as I was driving... The passenger heated seat does the same but did not burn hole ... *tr”Owner report · Seats · Apr 2015
“Brakes completely went out while driving my children to school. Brake line rust busted the brake lines. This was out of no where and could have killed someone. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Aug 2014
Show 4 more owner reports
“Faulty fuel gauge. We had been complaining of the faulty fuel gauge since we leased the care and then subsequently bought it. It will occasionally just shut off when previously showing a full tank then go to empty or anywhere in between. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Apr 2011
“2005 cadillac escalade esv.. Intermittent service air bag message. After doing an internet search of the problem I found hundreds of owners of similar gm vehicles 2003 to 2005 with the same problem. Not knowing if your air bag is working is a scary situation. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 2010
“While driving down the road at approximately 80 mph the speedometer froze. When I pulled onto an exit ramp an came to a complete stop the gauge feel to zero but when I started to drive the gauge would not move, it stayed on zero for the remainder of my drive. Onstar could not figure out the issue. I have not had time to take it to a dealer yet. I was wondering if there was a recall or tsb for this issue. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2009
“Dt*: the contact stated while using the dvd player and then switching to the radio, cd or satellite, the speaker volume increases to a deafening level. The vehicle has been seen by the service dealer, who was able to duplicate the problem, but a remedy was unavailable to correct the problem.”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2006
When filing, owners marked a crash in 0 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT." UNDER CERTAIN VEHICLE STARTING CONDITIONS, THE SHIFT LEVER POSITION INDICATOR LOCATED IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER MAY NOT ILLUMINATE. IF THE SHIFT LEVER POSITION INDICATOR DOES NOT ILLUMINATE, THE DRIVER MAY NOT KNOW WHICH GEAR THE VEHICLE IS IN.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 14, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
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 2005 Cadillac Escalade Esv reliable?
NHTSA has 14 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2005 Cadillac Escalade Esv. The most complained-about area is service brakes.
Does the 2005 Cadillac Escalade Esv have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning power train:manual transmission:shift pattern indicator. 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.