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2005 Cadillac Escalade

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2005 Cadillac Escalade do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 47.5.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

30 reports with mileage · 13 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 7 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

3 crash reports1 fire reports2 injury reports

What owners actually said

43 reports
Mileage unknown · Jul 1, 2015
Service BrakesSteering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CADILLAC ESCALADE. WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE BRAKES AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10731537

180,000 miles · Dec 10, 2014
Air BagsElectrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CADILLAC ESCALADE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE SPEEDOMETER DISPLAYED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING 20 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. IN ADDITION, THE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CADILLAC ESCALADE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE SPEEDOMETER DISPLAYED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING 20 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

NHTSA ODI #10663397

126,144 miles · Feb 26, 2014
Electrical System

WITHOUT ANY PRIOR PROBLEM THE SPEEDOMETER BEGAN TO STICK AND NOT DISPLAY PROPER SPEEDS AND NEVER GOES BACK TO ZERO EVEN WHEN VEHICLE IS OFF. ALSO, AFTER THIS BEGAN THE OTHER GAUGES ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BEGAN TO GIVE NO/FALSE READINGS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10565964

95,000 miles · Nov 18, 2013
Engine

I HAVE TWO CRACKED EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS. I HAVE READ THAT THOUSANDS OF SIMILAR VEHICLES HAVE THIS SAME CONDITION. I HAVE AN INTERMITTENT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT THAT IT WON'T PASS EMISSIONS. I AM ALSO WORRIED OF WHERE IT IS LOCATED, THAT IT MAY CAUSE A FIRE. I WOULD THINK GM SHOULD HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO FIX THIS DEFECT DUE TO TH…

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I HAVE TWO CRACKED EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS. I HAVE READ THAT THOUSANDS OF SIMILAR VEHICLES HAVE THIS SAME CONDITION. I HAVE AN INTERMITTENT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT THAT IT WON'T PASS EMISSIONS. I AM ALSO WORRIED OF WHERE IT IS LOCATED, THAT IT MAY CAUSE A FIRE. I WOULD THINK GM SHOULD HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO FIX THIS DEFECT DUE TO THE EPA VIOLATION & SAFETY RISK THAT IT POSSES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10552744

55,000 miles · Nov 11, 2013
Electrical SystemEngine

FROM PARKED POSITION PLACED KEY IN IGNITION AND STARTED CAR. ALL WARNING LIGHT (TRACTION CONTROL, EMERGENCY BRAKE, SERVICE STABILITY, ETC) REMAINED ILLUMINATED AND DID NOT GO OFF. ATTEMPTED TO TURN OFF CAR AND IGNITION WAS STUCK IN "ON" POSITION. COULD NOT TURN CAR OFF OR REMOVE KEY FROM IGNITION. VEHICLE HAD FULL POWER AND …

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FROM PARKED POSITION PLACED KEY IN IGNITION AND STARTED CAR. ALL WARNING LIGHT (TRACTION CONTROL, EMERGENCY BRAKE, SERVICE STABILITY, ETC) REMAINED ILLUMINATED AND DID NOT GO OFF. ATTEMPTED TO TURN OFF CAR AND IGNITION WAS STUCK IN "ON" POSITION. COULD NOT TURN CAR OFF OR REMOVE KEY FROM IGNITION. VEHICLE HAD FULL POWER AND WAS ABLE TO GET HOME EVEN THOUGH WARNING LIGHTS ACTIVATED. ONCE HOME, HAD TO TRY NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO GET VEHICLE TO TURN OFF. FINALLY, HAD TO UNHOOK BATTERY, PULL FUEL PUMP RELAY, AND PULL WIRES OUT OF COMPUTER IN ORDER TO GET ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING. HAVING TO TOW TO SHOP FOR REPAIRS. POSSIBLE STEERING WHEEL CLOCK SPRING IS STUCK. IF IT IF THE CLOCK SPRING, THIS WILL BE THE SECOND TIME THAT WE HAVE HAD TO REPLACE IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10551722

132,000 miles · Oct 15, 2013
Service Brakes

DRIVING AT 35 MPH CAR PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME SLAMMED ON BRAKES CAR STOPPED DASH BOARD LIT UP WITH VARIOUS WARNING LIGHTS. AS I TOOK OFF I WENT TWO BLOCKS PUT ON BRAKES HAD NO BRAKES.THE FRONT BRAKE LINE WAS TOTALLY CORRODED THROUGH AND ALL BRAKE FLUID HAD DRAINED OUT.AFTER CHECKING LINE FOUND OUT ENTIRE FRONT BRAKE LINE FROM …

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DRIVING AT 35 MPH CAR PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME SLAMMED ON BRAKES CAR STOPPED DASH BOARD LIT UP WITH VARIOUS WARNING LIGHTS. AS I TOOK OFF I WENT TWO BLOCKS PUT ON BRAKES HAD NO BRAKES.THE FRONT BRAKE LINE WAS TOTALLY CORRODED THROUGH AND ALL BRAKE FLUID HAD DRAINED OUT.AFTER CHECKING LINE FOUND OUT ENTIRE FRONT BRAKE LINE FROM LEFT WHEEL TO RIGHT WHEEL IS CORRODED .CADILLAC IS CLAIMING TO MANY MILES WILL NOT STAND BEHIND IT.THE CARS ORIGINAL BATTERY HAS OUTLASTED BRAKE LINES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10547901

180,000 miles · Sep 17, 2013
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control

WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AND BEGAN TO COAST. THE TRANSMISSION ACTIVE INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON. LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10543999

55,500 miles · Sep 8, 2013
Service Brakes

AT HOME IN THE DRIVEWAY, STARTED THE ENGINE AND PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. THE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND A BRAKE FAILURE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON IN THE VEHICLE. UNDER THE VEHICLE THERE WAS A LARGE POOL OF BRAKE FLUID AND A LEAK FROM ONE OF THE BRAKE PIPES UNDER THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. ON CLOSER INSPECTION …

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AT HOME IN THE DRIVEWAY, STARTED THE ENGINE AND PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. THE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND A BRAKE FAILURE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON IN THE VEHICLE. UNDER THE VEHICLE THERE WAS A LARGE POOL OF BRAKE FLUID AND A LEAK FROM ONE OF THE BRAKE PIPES UNDER THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. ON CLOSER INSPECTION IT WAS FOUND THAT THE BRAKE LINE HAD RUSTED BADLY OVER A SECTION LENGTH OF AROUND ONE FOOT IN LENGTH, AND COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH, SUDDENLY GIVEN WAY - LUCKILY WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A STANDSTILL. THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN A SALTY ENVIRONMENT OTHER THAN NORMAL VIRGINIA WINTER ROAD SALT, OR USED OFF ROAD. *LN

NHTSA ODI #10542533

143,000 miles · Jul 24, 2013
Engine

TWO EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS HAVE SHEARED OFF CAUSING AN EXHAUST LEAK ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ENGINE WHERE THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD MEETS THE ENGINE. THIS WILL POSSIBLY LEAD TO EMISSIONS FAILURE AND HIGH REPAIR COST FOR ME THE OWNER. IT WILL ALSO HARM THE ENVIRONMENT BY THE EXHAUST EXITING PRIOR TO GOING THROUGH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER O…

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TWO EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS HAVE SHEARED OFF CAUSING AN EXHAUST LEAK ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ENGINE WHERE THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD MEETS THE ENGINE. THIS WILL POSSIBLY LEAD TO EMISSIONS FAILURE AND HIGH REPAIR COST FOR ME THE OWNER. IT WILL ALSO HARM THE ENVIRONMENT BY THE EXHAUST EXITING PRIOR TO GOING THROUGH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER OR MUFFLER. INTERNET RESEARCH SHOWS THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10531666

68,932 miles · Jul 8, 2013
Service Brakes

THE EMERGENCY/PARKING BRAKE RELEASE MECHANISM HAS BROKEN TODAY. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS MECHANISM HAS FAILED. IT WAS REPLACED WITH A GM OEM PURCHASED FROM THE DEALER ON 8-13-2011. THIS VEHICLE HAS 68932 MILES ON IT AND WE ARE THE ORIGINAL OWNERS. THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A DESIGN FAILURE IN THIS PART. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10523687

Official recalls

2

05V163000 · Seat Belts:rear/other

Apr 22, 2005

ON CERTAIN CREW CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE 2ND ROW CENTER OCCUPANT SEAT BELT ROUTING MAY MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO POSITION THE LAP PORTION OF THE SAFETY BELT LOW AROUND THE HIPS OF OCCUPANTS, ESPECIALLY SMALLER OCCUPANTS, SEATED IN THIS POSITION. APPROPRIATE USE OF A CHILD SEAT OR BOOSTER SEAT, AS RECOMMENDED FOR SMALL CHILDREN, DOES IMPROVE THE FIT CONDITION FOR THIS USER GROUP. IN ADDITION TO INSTRUCTIONS ON PROPER INFANT AND YOUNG CHILD RESTRAINT (WITH CHILD SEATS OR BOOSTERS), SPECIAL VERBIAGE FOR RESTRAINING OLDER CHILD IS INCLUDED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. ALSO, THE SUGGESTED SEAT BELT FIT/ROUTING FOR ADULTS, IRRESPECTIVE OF SEATING POSITION, IS DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL TEXT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A LAP PORTION OF THE SEAT BELT ROUTING THAT IS NOT LOW AND SNUG ON THE HIPS CAN ALLOW THE LAP BELT TO RIDE UP ON AN OCCUPANT'S ABDOMEN INSTEAD OF FITTING LOW AROUND THEIR HIPBONES, AND THEREFORE, CAN EXPOSE THEM TO MORE RISK OF ABDOMINAL AND INTERNAL ORGAN INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL CUT OPEN THE GUIDE LOOP, REMOVE A PORTION OF THE LOOP, AND THEN THE REMAINING TWO SIDES SHOULD BE FOLDED OVER AND SECURED WITH A RETAINER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 21, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, OR HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493.

05V055000 · Power Train:manual Transmission:shift Pattern Indicator

Feb 14, 2005

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE VEHICLE MAY MOVE IN AN UNINTENDED DIRECTION RESULTING IN POSSIBLE INJURY TO OTHERS OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE.

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.