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2008 Cadillac Escalade

The Verdict

61 Solid Pick

The 2008 Cadillac Escalade has 167 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are electrical (120 complaints) and body (23 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 61/100, it earns a "Solid Pick" rating. If you're shopping for a Cadillac Escalade, consider the 2001 model year which has 98% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2001 has 98% fewer complaints

View the 2001 Cadillac Escalade dashboard →

61

Klunk Score: Solid Pick

Fewer complaints than most vehicles. Generally dependable, but check the top problems below.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
2000301115225
200111010
20024654201712
2003342827194
20041822411210
200561020178
200645681
2007587156548
2008230120186
20099134122
2010722932
20111424512
2012741041
201360614
2014401140
2015295143321
2016314173118
20171515113113
2018234102
2019502161
202011182
20211236503
2022204632
20238331005
2024231313
202501481

By Category

Electrical
120
Body
23
Engine
18
Transmission
6

By Severity

1
72
2
80
3
1
4
14

Worst Problems

Complaints

Engine 1

Truck goes into limp mode, reduced power, stuck in second gear, stabilitrak and engine lights. Took it to the Cadillac dealership and after 3100 dollars in repairs the truck is still doing it. If the high level techs can’t figure it out after 2000 in labor it’s should be a recall item.

18mo ago
Body 2

Oil pump car shuts off while idling

20mo ago
Electrical 1

The contact owns a 2008 Cadillac Escalade EXT. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The infotainment display displayed a message indicating that the air bags were off, potentially compromising vehicle safety. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to provide a cause for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V050000 (Air Bags) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but was unable to assist. The failure mileage was 123,000.

34mo ago
Body 1

Tire size 285/45r22 got into freeway this morning and the outer sidewall just separated on the lr tire no warning, tires looked good 7/32 tread left even wear and tire pressure was correct. The other tires look good on the outside but so did the one that came apart the car has tpms and the tires were never run low or had any repairs. The outside tread block at the sidewall peeled off the tire

40mo ago
Engine 2

Well driving, fuel indications went out and car started to do rough idling with poorer fuel economy. Upon inspection, wiring harness by driveshaft on the driver side got caught in the driveshaft and destroyed wiring.

52mo ago
Electrical 1

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 Cadillac Escalade EXT. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number 21V052000 (Air Bags) however, upon contacting the dealer, he was informed that the repair might cause the dashboard to crack. The contact was then informed that he would have to sign a waiver to ensure that the dealer would not be held responsible for any damages to the vehicle. The manufacturer was then notified of the issue and confirmed that the dealer would not be held responsible for any cracks or damages to the dashboard. The contact declined to sign the waiver and the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer should cover the cost of the dashboard because of the recall. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

55mo ago
Electrical 4

Side Impact air bags did not deployed on side impact. Available for inspection. Got hit from the side and air bags did not deployed. Driver did not received protection from the crash. The problem has not been confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. Vehicle was seen by the police at the crash site. The component has not been inspected. There were no warning signs or messages or symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. Became aware of the air bag deployment failure after the side impact crash.

58mo ago
Engine 2

The contact owns a 2008 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that since purchasing the vehicle, the "Service Traction Control" and "Service Stabili-trak" message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact was informed by the auction that the failure was due to the low air pressure on the driver’s side rear tire. The contact stated while exiting a parking lot, the steering wheel locked-up. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and stated that no issues were found. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated once. The vehicle was taken to another mechanic who diagnosed that the oil sensor and oil pressure switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 165,286.

60mo ago
Engine 2

I STARTED MY VEHICLE ONE AFTERNOON TO A TAPPING SOUND DINING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I CHECKED MY OIL, WHICH WAS GOOD THEN SCHEDULE TO HAVE MY TRUCK LOOKED AT BY A MECHANIC. HE STARTED THAT THE LIFTERS AND BEARINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE ALWAYS HAD THE OIL AND OTHER FLUIDS CHANGED REGULARLY SO I DON'T UNDERSTAND THE EXPENSIVE REPAIR. THE MECHANIC RECOMMEND A TREATMENT THAT WOULD GIVE ME TIME TO SAVE FOR THE REPAIR OF THE REPLACEMENT OF MY ENGINE. I NOW HEAR THAT ENGINE FAILURE IS COMMON IN THIS VEHICLE. WHY IS THERE NOT A RECALL TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THESE MASSIVE BILL OF A PART THAT WAS PROPERLY TAKEN CARE OF. MY VEHICLE IS STILL TAPPING AND IS NOW STARTING A SLIGHT JERK WHILE DRIVING AND A DELAY WHEN STARTING UP.

66mo ago
Electrical 2

REMEDY FOR THE PASSENGER AIRBAG HAS TAKEN WAY TOO LONG BECAUSE OF GM FIGHTING IT. IT IS VERY UNSETTLING AND UNSAFE FEELING EVERYTIME I DRIVE MY AFFECTED VEHICLE. PLEASE REMEDY SOON!

66mo ago
Engine 4

THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, IT WAS TREMBLING FOR A MONTH PRIOR TO THE LIGHT. THEN PEPBOYS COULD NOT FIND PROBLEM. RESET ELECTRICAL PANEL. A WEEK LATER BRAKE STABILIZER LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK TO OCEAN CADILLAC IN MIAMI. THE ENGINE WAS SMOKING, KNOCKING AND ABOUT TO GO ON FIRE. IT LOST PRESSURE AND I CALLED INSURANCE FLATBED.. AFTER FUEL PUMP REPLACED AND $1200 LATER.. PICKED UP AND DROVE OFF. 15 MINUTES LATER ENGINE VIBRATING & SMOKING AS SERVICE DEPT CLOSED. THEY GAVE ME A LOANER CAR, AND SAID FUEL PUMP BLOWN OUT FROM ENGINE MALFUCTION.. OTHER OWNERS, SAME MODEL, TOLD ,ME A COMMON PROBLEM THAT GM REPAIRS FOR FREE SINCE ON RECALL. THE DELEARSHIP NOW SAYS 4,000 BILL TO FIX THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM. THIS SHOULD BE COVERED BY GM WHO DOES NOT ANSWER THE PHONE. TWO MONTHS GOING BACK AND FORTH THE DELEARSHIP AND NO MORE MONEY TO GIVE 4,000 TO THE ENGINE WHICH IS ON RECALL & RESPONSIBILITY OF GM MOTORS.

68mo ago
Electrical 4

AIRBAG RECALL: MAY HAVE DEFECTIVE AIRBAGS. EX: BEEN IN A COUPLE COLLISIONS AND NO RESPONSE FROM BAGS.

68mo ago
Electrical 2

WAITING ON FOLLOWUP TO THIS RECALL SINCE 2016 BUT THE MANUFACTURER DOESN'T HAVE A REMEDY YET FOR THIS AIRBAGS THAT POSE A SAFETY RISK OF BURSTING OVERTIME. MY VEHICLE IS MY DAILY DRIVER SO I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THIS. I SAW IN THE NEWS ABOUT THIS TODAY SO AM FOLLOWING UP ON THE RECALLS.

68mo ago
Electrical 1

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V381000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. HANLEES DAVIS CHEVROLET (4989 CHILES RD, DAVIS, CA 95618) WAS CONTACTED AND MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

68mo ago
Electrical 1

I SAW ON TV THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON THE TAKATA AIRBAG. I CALLED 866-982-2339. TO SEE WHEN THEY COULD REPAIR. REPLACE MY AIRBAGS. THEY TOLD ME THAT I NEEDED TO CHECK WITH NH TSH. SO I AM FILING A COMPLAINT DOESN'T SOUND LIKE THEY WANT TO HELP ME. THEY GAVE ME THE RUN-AROUND THEY CUT ME OFF FOUR TIMES. I HAVE BEEN ON THE PHONE FOR OVER AN HOUR WITH NO SUCCESS.

68mo ago
Engine 2

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER RED NOLAND CADILLAC INC. (990 MOTOR CITY DR, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80905) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND DETERMINED THAT THE SPARK PLUGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT THE SPARK PLUGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE SPARK PLUGS WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS APPROXIMATELY 177,000.

70mo ago
Body 1

PURCHASED 4 BRAND NEW LEXANI THIRTY TIRES WITH WHEELS, AND LESS THAT 200 MILES THE ENTIRE FRONT OF MY TIRE BLEW OUT DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. WAITED 3 WEEKS FOR NEW TIRE TO COME, AND LESS THAN A WEEK THE NEW TIRE AND ALSO ANOTHER TIRE HAS CHUNKS COMING OFF OF THEM.

70mo ago
Electrical 1

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V381000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT CALLED MOORE CADILLAC LOCATED AT 9177 W. BROAD ST, RICHMOND, VA 23294, AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT YET 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. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

71mo ago
Electrical 2

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL UPON START OF HIS VEHICLE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN 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. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 180,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

71mo ago
Body 1

ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS THE ACCELERATOR HAS STUCK AND ACCELERATED. ONLY STANDING ON THE BRAKE GRADUALLY BROUGHT VEHICLE TO A STOP WITH ENGINE STILL REVVING. THIS CONTINUED FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES BEFORE IT STOPPED AND DROVE NORMAL. AFTER PARKING AND STARTING UP THE ENGINE AGAIN THE ACCELERATOR STUCK AGAIN FOR A PERIOD OF 30 MINUTES. AFTER LETTING THE TRUCK SIT FOR 2 DAYS IT RAN FINE TOT HE MECHANIC WHO COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS. I DRIVE ON MOUNTAIN TRAILS AND ROADS WITH STEEP CLIFFS SO NO FUN FIGHTING THIS BIG TRUCK UP AND DOWN THE MOUNTAIN, NOT TO MENTION MY BRAKES WERE BURNING UP

72mo ago

167 total

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