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2004 Cadillac Escalade EXTProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 11 owner complaints about the 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints111 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage55kElectrical system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 10, 2015. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT has problems

11 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 system50
Service brakes30
Equipment10
Fuel/propulsion system10
Power train11
Air bags10
Suspension10
Engine10

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

2 recalls

2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT 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

Tailgate: hinge and attachments

Recall 04V-129 · Mar 17, 2004 · 3,662,211 vehicles

Risk. ANYONE SITTING OR STANDING ON THE HORIZONTAL SURFACE OF THE TAILGATE WHEN BOTH CABLES FRACTURED COULD BE INJURED BY FALLING FROM THE TAILGATE.

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

2004 vs. every other Escalade EXT 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 EXT median. How we score

'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT safety ratings

2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What Escalade EXT owners report

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

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.
Complaint 10667123 · Dec 18, 2014 · 55,000 miles
I HAVE A 2004 ESCALADE EXT AND APPROX. 1 YEAR AGO THE SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING. I CONTACTED CADILLAC AND WAS TOLD IT WAS MY PROBLEM AS THE WARRANTY WAS UP. I JUST READ IN A CAR MAGAZINE THAT MY YEAR OF ESCALADE IS LISTED AS A BAD VEHICLE TO PURCHASE DUE TO SPEEDOMETER BREAKDOWNS. CADILLAC WANTS…
Complaint 10559095 · Jan 8, 2014
PASSLOCK SECURITY SYSTEM FAILURE - VEHICLE TRIES TO START THEN STOPS FIRING. PASSLOCK LIGHT COMES ON AND CANNOT START VEHICLE FOR 10 - 20 MINUTES. THIS HAS OCCURRED 7 TIMES IN 15 MONTHS BEGINNING AT 55K MILES. I HAVE READ SEVERAL COMPLAINTS FROM OWNERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. DEALER REPAIRS ARE…
Complaint 10320454 · Mar 17, 2010 · 55,000 miles

Own a 2004 Escalade EXT?

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