repaired · 2023 Q1
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
2008 Cadillac Escalade ESVProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 17 owner complaints about the 2008 Cadillac Escalade ESV, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-050 the manufacturer reports only 28% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through February 5, 2021. Updated daily. Photo: Bull-Doser, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2008 Cadillac Escalade ESV has problems
17 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
12Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
2Electrical system
2Vehicle speed control
1Engine
1Power train
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 12 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 2 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 |
| Power train | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2008 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.
repaired · 2023 Q3
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
no report yet
Electrical system
Risk. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE HEATED WASHER MODULE TO IGNITE AND A FIRE MAY OCCUR.
no report yet
Electrical system
Risk. THIS MAY CAUSE OTHER ELECTRICAL FEATURES TO MALFUNCTION, CREATE AN ODOR, OR CAUSE SMOKE INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
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
2008 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
2008 Cadillac Escalade ESV safety ratings
2008 Cadillac Escalade ESV 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Rollover: 3 stars (23.7% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
3 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2008 Cadillac Escalade ESV, and the recalls they led to.
- NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRESLed to recall 08V-441
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
- NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRESNo recall
In owners' words
What Escalade ESV owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
TAKATA RECALL. I CONTACTED GUARANTY CHEVROLET IN SANTA ANA CA AND TUSTIN CADILLAC TO HAVE MY TAKATA AIR BAG REPLCED AND WAS TOLD THERE ARE NO AVAILABLE PARTS.
TAKATA RECALL. WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THIS RECALL? MY 2008 CADILLAC IS IN LIMBO AS GM DRAGS ITS FEET WITH PETITIONS TO AVOID THE WHOLE ISSUE. TO MAKE MATTERS EVEN WORSE, I HAVE IMPORTED THIS VEHICLE INTO CANADA AND CAN NOT REGISTER OR LEGALLY DRIVE IT UNTIL ALL OF THE RECALLS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED.…
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V383000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL…
Own a 2008 Escalade ESV?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.