- The problem
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone A." Additionally GM is recalling certain 2011-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL and 2011-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL and 2010-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 25, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed to 40 VIN owners on May 11, 2021. A second owner notification letter was mailed to all other owners on January 24, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328800.
Vehicle safety record
2011 Cadillac Escalade Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 65 complaints about the 2011 Cadillac Escalade with NHTSA, most often about the airbags (42) and the body, doors & structure (7). Those complaints describe 3 injuries. It is covered by 6 recalls, the latest in February 2021 for the inflator module. For comparison, the 2010 has 43 and the 2012 has 26.
NHTSA data checked
BFewer problems than a typical Escalade year, for its age
#115 most complained-about 2011 vehicle
- Complaints
- 65
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 3
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2011 Cadillac Escalade problems
Share of all 65 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2011 Cadillac Escalade recalls 6
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL, and 2009-2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and Sierra 3500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 22, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 1, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328760.
- The problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra LD, Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the ignition lock actuator may bind, making turning the key difficult or causing the ignition to get stuck in the "Start" position.
- The risk
- If stuck in the "Start" position, the ignition may suddenly snap back into the "Accessory" position, causing a loss of engine, steering, and braking power, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. If the vehicle is in a crash, the air bags may not deploy, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
- The fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the ignition lock housing, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 12, 2015. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14696 for the original equipment, and 14912 for the service replacement parts.
- The problem
- Gm is recalling certain model year 2011cadillac escalade, escalade esv; chevrolet silverado hd, silverado ld, suburban, tahoe; and gmc sierra hd, sierra ld, yukon, and yukon xl vehicles. The intermediate steering shaft attaching bolts may not have been tightened to the proper specification.
- The risk
- This could allow the joints to separate, and the driver could experience loss of steering increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Gm dealers will inspect and ensure that the intermediate steering shaft bolts are tightened to the proper specification. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about july 13, 2011. Owners may contact cadillac at 1-800-458-8006, chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and gmc at 1-866-996-9463.
- The problem
- General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 cadillac escalade, escalade esv, escalade ext; chevrolet avalanche, colorado, express, silverado, suburban, tahoe; and gmc canyon, sierra, savana, yukon and yukon xl vehicles. The rear axle cross pins were not properly heat treated and could fracture and become displaced within the rear axle. Should the pin shift out of position, it could create an interference condition and cause the rear axle to lock.
- The risk
- The driver may not be able to maintain directional control of the vehicle and a crash could occur without warning.
- The fix
- Dealers will install a new rear axle cross pin free of charge. The safety recall began on january 11, 2011. Owners may contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463 and at the owner center at www.Gmownercenter.Com.
- The problem
- General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 cadillac escalade ext, chevrolet avalanche, silverado ld and gmc sierra ld vehicles. The rear axle cross pins were not properly heat treated and could fracture and become displaced within the rear axle. Should the pin shift out of position, it could create an interference condition and cause the rear axle to lock.
- The risk
- The driver may not be able to maintain directional control of the vehicle and a crash could occur without warning.
- The fix
- Dealers will install a new rear axle cross pin free of charge. The safety recall began on january 11, 2011. Owners may contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463 and at the owner center at www.Gmownercenter.Com.
What owners say
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65 complaints about the 2011 Cadillac Escalade
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 3.
The Transmission , the vehicle came to a sudden stop while driving, confirmed by a mechanic, no it has not been inspected by insurance or others accident was avoided, no warnings lights, transmission began to jump in gear like a lunge forward. Double checked it and it would not go forward then it would let you reverse only and then it will not go forward or reverse. The vehicle had to be towed. Engine starts fine but can't drive
The whole transmission kept jerking and finally went totally out. I only have 189,000
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac Escalade ESV equipped with Michelin Tires, Tire Line: Radial X, Tire Size: 285/45/R22, DOT Number: B90L-7LNX4818. The contact stated that after a visual inspection of all tires, he observed delamination and thread separation on the sidewalls and driving surface of the tires. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Swaybar mount is ripped from the frame. Only on the passenger side
-Driver seat would not heat or cool. -When troubleshooting, discovered a melted wire and burnt plug. Could have caused fire. Various others online had the exact issue. There should be a recall. -Not reproduced or confirmed by dealer. The damage is visible, not necessary to take in. -Not inspected, see photos. -No warning lights.
the top of the dash cover cracked. There was no reason, it just cracked.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 cadillac escalade. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 21v050000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called devan lowe inc cadillac gmc lincoln (al-77 & steele station rd, attalla, al 35954, (256) 344-4832) where it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Nothing has happened other than there is a current airbag recall on this vehicle. Many other makes and models also have this takata airbag issue and they have been fixed/or replaced and the recall is lifted. Yet cadillac/gm is still refusing to have this done so I am currently driving a vehicle which the nhtsa says it not safe yet cadillac says it is and no one has taken the step forward to remedy this problem. My husband recently passed away in a horrifying manner and all I want to do is give my stepson who lives...
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in canada (i live in los angeles) I just want to give my stepson his fathers truck and because no one wished to solve this problem I am unable to do this. I simply cannot understand how the nhtsa can allow us to drive a vehicle they deem to be unsafe yet not force cadillac/gm to solve this problem they feel is no problem. Can you imagine the possible lawsuit that could be placed against cadillac/gm and nhtsa if anyone was to get seriously injured because none of you took the step forward to force to have this issue solved just like toyota, bmw, tesla, saab and so many others have done. Someone needs to do something rather than allow this issue to sit in a state of limbo as "incomplete/remedy not available. And what a name a person would make for themselves to push this to be solved. Some has to help me, please! I just want my stepson to have his fathers truck..Please help me!!!!
Just checked vin # and said 0 unrepaired recalls. Does this mean they meed to be fix or that my vehicle isnt affected and is it is affceted where or what can I do about it.
The rear lift door access unlocks on it's own frequently. The whole rear door lifted open while I was driving. *Tr
NO REMEDY FOR AIR BAG RECALL - RECALL ISSUED IN 2016. *TR
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 cadillac escalade. The contact stated that the front driver side seat belt locking mechanism was defective and failed to be securely latched. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer tom kelly cadillac (811 ave of autos, fort wayne in) was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 188,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 cadillac escalade. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v381000 (air bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact contacted massey cadillac - north orlando 4241 n john young pkwy, orlando, fl 32804 where they informed the contact that the parts was available. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and informed the contact that they was waiting for nhtsa response. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the air bags warning light illuminated continuously. *Bf vehicle has been repaired.*Jb
When coming to a stop and braking (at lights and stop signs) vehicle sometimes feels like it slips then brakes kick in. Been happening for a long time now. Its very comparable to the recall on the 2015-2017 models that were affected. Also another common issue I have is the power from the cigarette lighters going out plenty of times. **On another note it isn't just one set date as it is asking below**
My vehicle has a recall on it for the takata airbags. I spoke to general motors (conversation #[[redacted]]) and they said there is nothing that can be done until nhtsa provides a solution. The fact remains I am driving a vehicle with an outstanding recall that I can't get fixed. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tt
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 cadillac escalade. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v381000 (air bags). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer and was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and did not assist. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
My vehicle is part od a takata air bag recall and gm refuses to do anything about it. I have called periodically asking when the repair would happen and was told it is being phased in and I will get a notice.I just called again and the new answer is that gm doesn't think they should have to replace this and will not do anything until their objection can be resolved. They will not commit to replacing my recalled airbag.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 cadillac escalade. The contact received a recall notice for nhtsa campaign number: 16v381000 (air bags). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called devoe cadillac (4100 tamiami trail n, naples, fl 34103, (888) 571-5034) and was informed that the parts were not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and provided case numbers: 95436748446 and 83462162907. No further assistance was provided. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 cadillac escalade. The contact stated that nhtsa campaign number: 16v381000 (air bags) exceeded a reasonable amount of time for repair. The contact received the recall notice in may of 2016. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that additional testing was completed by a third party, and the vehicles were considered safe. The dealer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
It is clearly outlined on the gm and nhtsa websites that my specific vehicle has a defective airbag by the takata corporation based on a finding in 2016. I do not understand why I am not allowed to make my vehicle safe and must "wait" per the gm website which states recall status is: incomplete. Remedy not yet available. What do I need to do to get the airbags replaced with safe ones in order to make my vehicle safe for me and my family to drive in? Let this be notice that if anything happens to me or my...
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family due to the three (3) year delay and current remedy of "not yet available" to make my vehicle safe I will take all appropriate legal action against all parties involved!! I want my vehicle approved to be repaired!!
Door handle for all doors break off with or without an motor vehicle collision. Self-extracation from vehicle is unlikely without repair
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 cadillac escalade esv. The contact stated that the manufacturer failed to provide the remedy and part within a reasonable time frame for nhtsa campaign number: 16v381000 (air bags). Massey cadillac north orlando (4241 n john young pkwy, orlando, fl 32804, 1-866-439-5891) was unable to schedule a recall repair appointment within a reasonable time frame because the part was not available for over two years. The manufacturer was contacted to address part availability several times. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 cadillac escalade. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v381000 (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 repair. Devoe cadillac (4100 tamiami trail n, naples, fl 34103, (239) 298-7627) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
I am told that there is a takata airbag issue with no remedy. I would like to have it replaced as this safety risk could cause me serious harm.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 cadillac escalade. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v381000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Cadillac Escalade: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 106 | 9 | D |
| 2014 | 20 | 2 | A |
| 2013 | 19 | 4 | A |
| 2012 | 26 | 3 | A |
| 2011 | 65 | 6 | B |
| 2010 | 43 | 3 | A |
| 2009 | 58 | 5 | D |
| 2008 | 167 | 4 | D |
| 2007 | 286 | 4 | F |
2011 Cadillac Escalade vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Cadillac Escalade | 65 | 6 | B | |
| 2011 Ford Expedition | 71 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 2011 Nissan Armada | 40 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 2011 Lincoln Navigator | 9 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser | 0 | 5 | C | Compare |
| 2011 Toyota Sequoia | 0 | 7 | C | Compare |
| 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe | 0 | 5 | C | Compare |
| 2011 Chevrolet Suburban | 0 | 3 | B | Compare |
| 2011 GMC Yukon | 0 | 5 | C | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2011 Cadillac Escalade
Does the 2011 Cadillac Escalade have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2011 Cadillac Escalade: inflator module (February 2021); inflator module (February 2021); ignition (December 2014); linkages (June 2011) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Cadillac Escalade?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the airbags (42), body, doors & structure (7), electrical system (4).
How many complaints has the 2011 Cadillac Escalade had?
65 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on April 24, 2011 and the latest on March 21, 2025. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 3 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2011 Cadillac Escalade a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 62 out of 100 (grade B: fewer problems than a typical Cadillac Escalade year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Cadillac Escalade years have the most complaints?
2007 (286), 2008 (167), 2023 (146). See every Cadillac Escalade year compared.
What should I do if my 2011 Cadillac Escalade has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data