CarRecallDB

2004 Cadillac Escalade recalls and problems

2 recalls and 69 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2004 Cadillac Escalade.

2
recalls
69
owner complaints
10
complaints mentioning a crash
6
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2004 Cadillac Escalade recalls

Seat belts: rear/other

NHTSA campaign 05V163000 · reported April 22, 2005 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 1,359,824 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Service brakes, hydraulic

NHTSA campaign 04V045000 · reported February 4, 2004 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 68,875 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jul 20, 2025 · Exterior lighting

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…

Mar 18, 2025 · Unknown or other · crash reported

Unknown

Jan 29, 2025 · Electrical system

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.

Jan 22, 2025 · Structure

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…

Feb 28, 2024 · 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…

Escalade model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2001 0301
2002 1115127
2003 48144
2004 269106
2005 24331
2006 21910
2007 4230137

Across all years, the 2007 Escalade has the most complaints (230). All Cadillac Escalade years →

Questions

Does the 2004 Cadillac Escalade have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2004 Cadillac Escalade, the most recent reported on April 22, 2005 (Seat belts: rear/other). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Cadillac Escalade?
Owners have filed 69 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (20 complaints), followed by service brakes (17).
How many 2004 Cadillac Escalade complaints mention a crash or fire?
10 of 69 complaints report a crash and 6 a fire; 27 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received July 20, 2025.