2004 Cadillac Escalade recalls and problems

The 2004 Cadillac Escalade has 2 safety recalls and 69 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Cadillac dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
69
Crashes / fires
10 / 6
Injuries / deaths
27 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2004 Cadillac Escalade vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2004 Cadillac Escalade recalls

Recall 05V-163: Seat Belts

Reported Apr 22, 2005 · 1,359,824 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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 improve the fit condition for this user group. In addition to instructions on proper infant and young child restraint (With child seats or boosters), special verbiage for restraining older child is included in the owner's manual. Also, the suggested seat belt fit/routing for adults, irrespective of seating position, is described in the owner's manual text.

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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 04V-045: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Feb 4, 2004 · 68,875 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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: 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.

Fix: 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.

2004 Cadillac Escalade problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System21
Service Brakes17
Air Bags8
Seats6
Exterior Lighting5
Unknown or Other5
Steering4
Power Train4
Vehicle Speed Control4
Fuel/Propulsion System4
Equipment3
Engine3

Most reported parts

  • Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 4
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 3
  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 2
  • Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler — 2
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1
  • Steering › Rack and Pinion — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 1
  • Electronic Stability Control › Automatic (Asc) — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 84,489 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2004 Cadillac Escalade complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Exterior Lighting · reported Jul 20, 2025
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…
Electrical System · reported Jan 29, 2025
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.
Structure · reported Jan 22, 2025
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 · reported Feb 28, 2024
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 · reported Dec 23, 2022
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.

Other Cadillac Escalade years

Compare all Cadillac Escalade years · All Cadillac models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Cadillac Escalade have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2004 Cadillac Escalade: 05V-163 (seat belts), 04V-045 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Cadillac Escalade?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (21 reports), followed by service brakes (17). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 84,489 miles.

Are Cadillac recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Cadillac dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.