2004 Cadillac Escalade
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Cadillac › Escalade › 2004
These records cover every 2004 Cadillac Escalade. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2004 Cadillac Escalade. Newest first.
Certain federal-mogul replacement wheel hub assemblies with the brand names: national, carquest p/nos. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, and 515060, shipped between january 23, 2006, and december 20, 2007, sold for light duty and medium duty trucks. the inboard retention nut used to maintain hub bearing assembly can loosen resulting in an ABS…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Wheel separation can result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Federal-mogul will notify customers and will replace the hub assembly free of charge. the recall began on february 7, 2008. owners can contact federal-mogul toll-free at 877-489-6659.
Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n g3727, with date codes x52911 through x60801 sequentially or x600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing manufactured from october 18, 2005, through march 21, 2006, sold for use on the vehicles listed above and on certain school buses. (to see the school bus engine sizes…
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition may cause an inadequate seal at the connection, potentially leading to a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
Remedy
Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. the recall began on october 18, 2006. owners may contact fram customer service at 1-800-890-2075 (option 1).
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Certain sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and passenger vans fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 135, ?passenger car brake systems.? some of these vehicles were produced with an out-of-specification brake hydro-boost housing relief valve bore.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Consequently, the valve o-ring seal may fracture. steering efforts may be slightly increased while braking or parking. under certain driving conditions, a fractured seal may require a slight increase in the applied brake pedal effort to achieve the same vehicle deceleration rate as prior to the seat fracture.
Remedy
Dealers are to replace the hydro-boost relief valve. the recall began on june 18, 2004. owners should contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339; chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438; GMC at 1-866-996-9463; or hummer at 1-866-486-6376.
Owner complaints
69 complaints10 involved a crash6 involved a fire27 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Exterior lighting › Turn signal › Flasher unit
When this device is used to replace the Flasher Module (my had failed so I ordered this replacement from Amazon) I found that the brake light circuit to any trailer connected tot he vehicle would no longer work. Under further research on Amazon via reviews and other online sources, I found that…
When this device is used to replace the Flasher Module (my had failed so I ordered this replacement from Amazon) I found that the brake light circuit to any trailer connected tot he vehicle would no longer work. Under further research on Amazon via reviews and other online sources, I found that all of the Chinese clone parts have this same failure mode. Since most people check trailer lights with Directionals or 4 Way flashers, they would not be aware of the failure of the brake (stop) lamps not working on the trailer leading to critical dangerous situation if they need to slow as the driver behind them is likely to rear end the trailer due to the failure of the stop lamps to light.
- Forward collision avoidance › Warnings · Unknown or other
Unknown
- Electrical system · Unknown or other
I don’t know all I stopped driving it because it is not shifting right and I can’t ark it for some reason . I have to leave it in reverse and then turn off and put rocks so it does not move. Not safe, one day I drive 30 minutes later it is this way.
- Service brakes · Structure › Body · Suspension
At speeds of 50 mph and above, my vehicle does the death wobble. Any time I hit a tiny crack in the road, going higher speeds. The person that sold he this car knew it did not pass emissions in September 2024 and I bought it in November 2024. A dealership checked car fax for me after I bought it. And this person rolled back the odometer also. I found this out after I purchased it.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Searching of Google results indicates this is a known problem with these vehicles. I am unable to put fuel/gas in the tank because the vapor safety system fails! Having to replace the entire vapor purge and canister assembly is very costly when this known safety hazard should have been taken care of by the manufacturer.
- Electrical system · Engine · Service brakes
so when I give it some gas the blower Moter for the ac /heat with go Fater then when the rpms go down the fan goes down with it same with the lights they flicker. i had changed the brake pads an rotors an blew compressed air on the caliper an seen a pin hole on the rubber seal.
- Electrical system · Suspension · Vehicle speed control
When driving it feels like I'm slowing down when I'm not. The lights inside, the headlights, & on dashboard flicker & sometimes go out while driving. My seatbelts on the driver, back seat behind driver not working. The driver seat does not adjust so I can position myself correctly. The truck rocks…
When driving it feels like I'm slowing down when I'm not. The lights inside, the headlights, & on dashboard flicker & sometimes go out while driving. My seatbelts on the driver, back seat behind driver not working. The driver seat does not adjust so I can position myself correctly. The truck rocks side to side while driving as if it will tip over on its side if I drive over 30. I just recently acquired the truck within the last few months and I need to be on the road driving my babies around. I love the truck andu problems with it sounds and drive like it's all a safety issue. Please let me know if these issues are covered to be fixed.
- Electrical system · Seat belts · Unknown or other
I have multiple recalls that are older, but still should be taken care of correct? I'll take screenshots and send them. Thank you
- Electrical system
My truck started on fire smoke started under glove box!, then flames started and the whole truck burned up! I was just driving ion the highway!! Lucky to be alive to tell the story
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Seat belts
Headlights and ballets been replaced 3times.. They comes on only when not driving then I start driving then all the lights start flickering. seatbelt in rear was repaired twice but wont retract after unbuckleing.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Service brakes · Suspension
Bought this vehicle from a dealer and cannot get it inspected due to the issues with the ABS and steering sensors.replaced ABS module and am still having trouble with it. The dealer would not do anything to resolve any of these issues because I bought it as IS and they refused to give me any kind…
Bought this vehicle from a dealer and cannot get it inspected due to the issues with the ABS and steering sensors.replaced ABS module and am still having trouble with it. The dealer would not do anything to resolve any of these issues because I bought it as IS and they refused to give me any kind of warranty and had me sign an affidavit stating so.when I left the dealership I had to fuel up and hit the brakes and could barely get it stopped.found a lot of bad brake lines and the ABS light came on
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2004 cadillac escalade. While driving 25 mph, another motorist alerted the contact that fuel was leaking from the fuel tank. The dealer (pietroske chevrolet, 4000 grand ave, manitowoc, wi 54220, (920)-445-8134) was contacted to schedule a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 cadillac escalade. While driving 25 mph, another motorist alerted the contact that fuel was leaking from the fuel tank. The dealer (pietroske chevrolet, 4000 grand ave, manitowoc, wi 54220, (920)-445-8134) was contacted to schedule a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there were no recalls under the vin. The failure mileage was 200,030. *Tt updated 11/30/18*jb
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
TL* the contact owns a 2004 cadillac escalade. While driving 50 mph, the stepper motor for the instrument gauge cluster dashboard failed. The failure caused the speedometer, fuel gauge, and tachometer to display the incorrect readings and fail completely. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 cadillac escalade. While driving 50 mph, the stepper motor for the instrument gauge cluster dashboard failed. The failure caused the speedometer, fuel gauge, and tachometer to display the incorrect readings and fail completely. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer (hendrick and carrey cadillac, 101 team hendrick way #101, cary, nc 27511) and was informed that the failure was a known issue; however, the contact missed the special roll out program to get the vehicle repaired. The manufacturer stated that nothing could be done and referred the contact back to the dealer. The failure mileage was 62,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system · Service brakes · Steering
During routine repair work transmission lines, break lines and power steering lines had to be replaced because they were rotten or badly leaking. In addition, fuel pump, rear backing plates and power steering and transmission cooler needed to be replaced due to rot.
- Service brakes
2004 cadillac escalade with 45,104 miles. 2ND owner. Had to panic stop on local highway exit ramp when another vehicle was coming wrong way on the ramp. Had a to avoid other vehicle to right of ramp and aggressively apply brakes to avoid accident at approximately 15-25 mph. Anti-lock brakes…
2004 cadillac escalade with 45,104 miles. 2ND owner. Had to panic stop on local highway exit ramp when another vehicle was coming wrong way on the ramp. Had a to avoid other vehicle to right of ramp and aggressively apply brakes to avoid accident at approximately 15-25 mph. Anti-lock brakes pulsated and stopped the vehicle followed by brake pedal depressing to floor. Continued to proceed and brakes again going to floor. Determined that brake lines failed and front drivers side of vehicle, completely emptying brake master cylinder causing loss of front and rear brake systems. Was able to proceed on emergency brake since home was within a mile and half. At home, filled the master cylinder in driveway and did stationary test of system. Engine started, brakes again go to floor and massive brake leak occurred on driver's side by leading edge of front door at truck frame spilling fluid on ground and catalytic converter/exhaust system. Have read in new york times this IS an issue on gm light trucks and gm refuses to recall. This IS a major safety defect that should be addressed.
- Air bags · Seat belts
TL* the contact owned a 2004 cadillac escalade. While driving approximately 30 mph, the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a brick wall. During the crash, the air bags deployed, but did not inflate. In addition, the front and rear seat belts malfunctioned and did not secure the…
TL* the contact owned a 2004 cadillac escalade. While driving approximately 30 mph, the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a brick wall. During the crash, the air bags deployed, but did not inflate. In addition, the front and rear seat belts malfunctioned and did not secure the passengers. The driver sustained a left leg laceration and left shoulder injury. The front passenger sustained injuries to the chest and right knee and the rear passenger sustained five fractured vertebrae. No further information was available. The vehicle was destroyed and towed. A police report was filed. The cause of the failures was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer (integrity gm of chattanooga, tn) were notified of the failures. The vin was not available. The failure mileage was 120,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system
The strong odor of. Fuel inside and outside of the vehicle. Strong when driving. We find no gas on the ground leaking. We have made sure the gas cap IS secure. It IS getting 14mpg.
- Seats
TL* the contact owns a 2004 cadillac escalade. While driving 65 mph, rear passenger seat became hot and caught on fire. The contact was able to pull over and extinguish the fire. There were no injuries. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not destroyed, only the seat. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 232,000.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2004 cadillac escalade. While driving various speeds, the contact was unable to read the speedometer and the gauges displayed the incorrect speed, fuel, and rpm information. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
- Electrical system · Engine
I was the owner of a 2014 cadillac escalade. On august 26, 2015, while driving I plugged in my cell phone charger into the cigarette lighter. Sparks and smoke started coming from underneath the dashboard. I pulled over to a side street. No sooner than I was able to get out, the entire cabin of the…
I was the owner of a 2014 cadillac escalade. On august 26, 2015, while driving I plugged in my cell phone charger into the cigarette lighter. Sparks and smoke started coming from underneath the dashboard. I pulled over to a side street. No sooner than I was able to get out, the entire cabin of the vehicle, the doors,seats, console burst into flames. The engine was on fire as well. This was a devastating incident to endure. I am lucky to be alive
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2004 cadillac escalade. While attempting to start the vehicle, it failed to start and the key remained in the start position. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 178,000.
- Air bags
I have a serious safety concern for older model cadillac escalade's air bags. I own a 2004 cadillac escalade that has been well maintained. the airbags were deployed at full speed without cause while I was parked, idling. If I was driving, I could have been killed or caused other innocent people…
I have a serious safety concern for older model cadillac escalade's air bags. I own a 2004 cadillac escalade that has been well maintained. the airbags were deployed at full speed without cause while I was parked, idling. If I was driving, I could have been killed or caused other innocent people to be killed or injured. this defect has me wondering if this will be a safety issue for others with this vehicle. gm IS currently committed to only inspect the vehicle at this time. my expectation IS that they define root cause and repair the vehicle to a safe reliable vehicle. *tr
- Electrical system · Vehicle speed control
Vehicle IS no longer providing speed readout while vehicle IS in motion or gauge IS inoperative at random. My vehicle IS 11 years old but has less than 20,000 original miles (most are highway). 19,800 to be exact. Dealer indicates gm will not authorize a fix at no cost under their special coverage…
Vehicle IS no longer providing speed readout while vehicle IS in motion or gauge IS inoperative at random. My vehicle IS 11 years old but has less than 20,000 original miles (most are highway). 19,800 to be exact. Dealer indicates gm will not authorize a fix at no cost under their special coverage adjustment #07187c. This vehicle has been well maintained and I fail to see how having simple time passage on a low mileage vehicle IS cause for not backing the product. Looks like they know they have a problem and just don't want to pay to resolve the issue. They are using time passage as a way to side step correcting the issue on a part that they know to be defective. A part they know fails. A part that provides the operator with feedback so safe operation and control of the vehicle can be maintained. I do not know the speed of the vehicle when I first noticed the issue, however I was on a highway in snowy conditions... *tr
- Service brakes
On 8/13/2014 while approaching a red light on us route 22 in monroeville, pa.; at about 30 mph, my pedal went to the floor. I immediately shifted to low gear and applied the emergency brake. I was very lucky to not hit the vehicle in front of me, about 2 feet to spare. Pulled off road, opened hood…
On 8/13/2014 while approaching a red light on us route 22 in monroeville, pa.; at about 30 mph, my pedal went to the floor. I immediately shifted to low gear and applied the emergency brake. I was very lucky to not hit the vehicle in front of me, about 2 feet to spare. Pulled off road, opened hood, master cylinder low, puddle under driver's seat. As I was only 1/4 mile from my favorite mechanic and was on a level road, I put the 4 way flashers on, low gear, and proceeded at 5 mph to the service center. Only brakes I had was emergency, nothing at all from pedal ?????? What use IS a dual master when the line to the ABS bursts. This vehicle has 45K miles on the odometer, it may be 10 years old; but this should never happen on a vehicle in this condition, looks new, drives new. Repair to get back on the road was $274.01 but; mechanic informed me that all my lines were bad and should be replaced. I just had all the brake lines / flex hoses / and gee even the gas line were rusting thru replaced at a cost of $1323.32. So I've spent $1500.00 on brake / fuel line replacement. I as well as many of my friends were shocked at this failure, especially when we drive 50 60 year old triumph sports cars with original brake lines. Never have I experienced this type of failure. If I would have been traveling on a freeway at 65 or 70 and needed to stop I'D probably be dead, as well as whoever I may have hit in front of me. This IS a terrible problem and I have seen lots of folks with gm trucks complaining of this malady. *tr
- Service brakes
Drivers side brake line ruptured and leaking fluid. Brake lines on both sides of vehicle rusted. no brake pedal pressure. *tr
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11009156This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 11007744This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007743This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11006421GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
- 11006274This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the speedometer needle appears to be inaccurate. Dealer should advise the customer the specification for speedometer needle accuracy is +/- 2 MPH at any given speed when looking straight at the needle.
- 11004761This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 11000576This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10251887This bulletin advises the technician of possible location of an internal coolant leak from a specific cylinder head and location.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10249980This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately diagnose and repair. Technician will need to use Pico Oscilloscope Diagnostic Kit to effectively diagnosis vehicles. Technician should drive the vehicle will using the Pico Oscilloscope to record data. After the data is recorded it should be reviewed to determine the root cause of the concern. If a repair attempt made the concern better but not eliminated or had no affect at all, and are requesting assistance from General Motors Technical Assistance Center record another Pico file and save it to the computer. After the new Pico Oscilloscope data has been saved email the data to General Motors Technical Assistance Center in the subject line include ?Vibration? ?Business Associate Code? and the last 8 of the Vehicle Identification Number.
- 10249590This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10247780This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 10247747Speedometer Needle Accuracy Information
- 10247693Suspension.
- 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
- 10247552This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 10247093Speedometer Needle Accuracy Information.
- 10247092Speedometer Needle Accuracy Information
- 10246952Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246951Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246647Pre-Formed and Pre-Flared Hydraulic Brake Pipe Kits Now Available for Service
- 10246646Pre-Formed and Pre-Flared Hydraulic Brake Pipe Kits Now Available for Service
- 10246645Pre-Formed and Pre-Flared Hydraulic Brake Pipe Kits Now Available for Service
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10246624Car and Truck Fix it Right the First Time Issues
- 10245951Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls And Turn By Turn Inoperative In The United States.
- 10245950Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls In The United States
- 10245395This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.
- 10245332Suspension.
- 10244274This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
Every Cadillac Escalade model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.