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2005 Cadillac Escalade ESVProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 14 owner complaints about the 2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints142 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage128kElectrical system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 6, 2023. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV has problems

14 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system51
Service brakes30
Power train20
Fuel system, gasoline10
Seat belts11
Seats10
Service brakes, hydraulic10
Tires10
Air bags10
2 other systems20

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Manual transmission: shift pattern indicator

Recall 05V-055 · Feb 14, 2005 · 7,194 vehicles

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Cadillac.

Best & worst years

2005 vs. every other Escalade ESV year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Escalade ESV median. How we score

'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV safety ratings

2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV 4-DR. w/SAB; w/updated ESC in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Rollover: 3 stars (21.9% risk)
  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What Escalade ESV owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

The contact owns a 2005 Cadillac Escalade ESV. The contact stated that each time the doors were manually locked or unlocked, the vehicle started and turned off. The alarm alert warning light and the tire pressure monitor warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent…
Complaint 11548629 · Oct 6, 2023 · 188,000 miles
THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY, WHERE IT HAD BEEN SINCE THE DAY BEFORE. IT WAS NOT POWERED ON IN ANYWAY, NOR WAS ANYTHING PLUGGED IN INSIDE. IN THE EARLY MORNING WE WERE MADE AWARE BY A NEIGHBOR THAT THE TRUCK WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE WAS IN THE PASSENGER SIDE DASHBOARD AREA AND THE CENTER…
Complaint 11124518 · Sep 5, 2018 · 128,000 miles
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
Complaint 10712862 · Apr 25, 2015 · 131,000 miles

Own a 2005 Escalade ESV?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.