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2004 Cadillac Escalade problems

The most common problem on the 2004 Cadillac Escalade is electrical system, typically around 88,100 miles. It has 1.4 times the complaints of a typical Escalade model year.

Typical year1.4x the typical complaints
Year score
54/100
Owner complaints
69
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
752
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
13-14mpg

The worst 2004 Cadillac Escalade problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Electrical
    20
  • Brakes
    19
  • Airbags
    7
  • Seats
    6
  • Fuel system
    5
  • Lights
    5
  • Acceleration
    4
  • Engine
    4
  • Steering
    4
  • Transmission
    4
  • Driver assistance
    3
  • Seat belts
    3
  • Suspension
    3
  • Body
    1
  • Tires
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2004 Cadillac Escalade

Fire or smoke 6

Recalls 2

Seat belts: rear/otherReported April 22, 2005 · 1,359,824 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.

Recall number 05V163000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulicReported February 4, 2004 · 68,875 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.

Recall number 04V045000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 2004 Cadillac Escalade

Technical service bulletins for the 2004 Cadillac Escalade 752

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 752 bulletins for the 2004 Cadillac Escalade

2004 Cadillac Escalade fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
5.3L 8‑cylRWD131714
6.0L 8‑cyl4WD121613

What 2004 Cadillac Escalade owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 20, 2025 · Lights · WI

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.

Filed Mar 18, 2025 · Driver assistance · CA · crash · 8 injuries

Unknown

Filed Jan 29, 2025 · Electrical · CA

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.

Filed Jan 22, 2025 · Body, Brakes · CO

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.

Filed Feb 28, 2024 · Fuel system · FL

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.

Filed Dec 23, 2022 · Brakes, Electrical · RI

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.

Filed Dec 1, 2022 · Acceleration, Electrical · CA

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.

Filed Feb 14, 2020 · Electrical, Seat belts · FL

I have multiple recalls that are older, but still should be taken care of correct? I'll take screenshots and send them. Thank you

Filed Oct 9, 2019 · Electrical · 200 miles · MN · fire

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

Filed Sep 25, 2019 · Electrical, Lights · 234,000 miles · MI

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.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2004 Cadillac Escalade before you buy

Compare the 2004 Cadillac Escalade

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Questions about the 2004 Cadillac Escalade

Is the 2004 Cadillac Escalade reliable?

Owners have filed 69 complaints about the 2004 Cadillac Escalade, 1.4 times a typical Escalade model year.

What is the 2004 Cadillac Escalade year score?

The 2004 Cadillac Escalade scores 54 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Cadillac Escalade: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

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

Electrical system, with 20 complaints, typically around 88,100 miles. Next is brakes (19).

How many recalls does the 2004 Cadillac Escalade have?

2 recalls, covering seat belts and service brakes, hydraulic.

What year does the Cadillac Escalade have the most electrical problems?

The Cadillac Escalade model years with the most electrical complaints are 2007 (34 complaints), 2003 (23 complaints) and 2008 (23 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2004 Cadillac Escalade get?

Official estimates for the 2004 Cadillac Escalade range from 13 to 14 mpg combined. The most efficient version (5.3L 8-cyl, RWD) gets 13 city and 17 highway.

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