2004 Cadillac Escalade Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2004 Cadillac Escalade.

20032005
Complaints
99
Crashes
14
Fires
7
Injuries
40
Fatalities
—
Recalls
0

Worst 2004 Cadillac Escalade Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#117 complaints

Brakes

Avg mileage:91,214 mi
#215 complaints

Electrical Faults

Avg mileage:100,990 mi
Crash-related:1
Fires:3
#37 complaints

Airbags

Avg mileage:75,000 mi
Crash-related:6
Considering a 2004 Cadillac Escalade?

Check the actual VIN — every car is different.

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

Check VIN Free

All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2004 Cadillac Escalade.

Brakes
17
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
91,214
Electrical Faults
15
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
3
Avg Miles
100,990
Airbags
7
complaints
Crashes
6
Fires
—
Avg Miles
75,000
Instrument Cluster
4
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Fuel System
4
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Seat-Related Issues
4
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
2
Avg Miles
—
Unintended Acceleration
4
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Engine Problems
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Avg Miles
—
Automatic Transmission
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Seat Belt Issues
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Steering Defects
3
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Suspension Failures
3
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Headlight/Taillight Failures
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Exterior Lighting:Headlights
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Seats:Front Assembly:Seat Heater/Cooler
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
1
Avg Miles
—
Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Electrical System:Horn
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Electronic Stability Control
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Electronic Stability Control:Automatic (Asc)
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Other Equipment
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Equipment:Electrical:Navigational System(Global Positioning System)
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Equipment:Electrical:Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc.
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Exterior Lighting:Turn Signal:Flasher Unit
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Gasoline Fuel System
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Transmission / Drivetrain
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2004 Cadillac Escalade. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Other Cadillac Escalade Years

1999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026

2004 Cadillac Escalade — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2004 Cadillac Escalade reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2004 Cadillac Escalade has 99 NHTSA complaints, 14 crash-related, and 0 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Brakes with 17 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2004 Cadillac Escalade?
Top reported problems: Brakes (17 complaints, avg 91,214 mi); Electrical Faults (15 complaints, avg 100,990 mi); Airbags (7 complaints, avg 75,000 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2004 Cadillac Escalade?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 92,064 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2004 Cadillac Escalade?
NHTSA complaints for the 2004 Cadillac Escalade include 14 crash-related reports, 7 fire reports, 40 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2004 Cadillac Escalade have any recalls?
No NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the 2004 Cadillac Escalade as of the latest data sync. Verify by VIN for the most current status — new recalls can be issued years after a model year ships.
Should I buy a 2004 Cadillac Escalade?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Cadillac Escalade reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

Check Your Specific 2004 Cadillac Escalade

Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.

Check Any VIN — $4.99