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2011 Cadillac Escalade ESV: True Cost, Problems & Verdict

62 NHTSA owner complaints · 0 recalls · data-computed verdict. No opinions — public data only.

Reviewed by the MotorJury data desk · 2 sources · Last updated 2026-08-20
Cadillac Escalade ESV
Photo: Wikimedia Commons · open the model page
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Owner complaints: 62 filed with NHTSA

Complaints per year on the road: 4.13

Air Bags39Structure7Unknown Or Other5Electrical System4Power Train2Suspension2

What owners say

Verbatim reports filed with the United States safety regulator (NHTSA) by owners of this exact model year. Public record.

The Transmission , the vehicle came to a sudden stop while driving, confirmed by a mechanic, no it has not been inspected by insurance or others accident was avoided, no warnings lights, transmission began to jump in gear like a lunge forward. Double checked it and it would not go forward then it would let you reverse only and then it will not go forward or reverse. The vehicle had to be towed. Engine starts fine but…
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac Escalade ESV equipped with Michelin Tires, Tire Line: Radial X, Tire Size: 285/45/R22, DOT Number: B90L-7LNX4818. The contact stated that after a visual inspection of all tires, he observed delamination and thread separation on the sidewalls and driving surface of the tires. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufactu…
-Driver seat would not heat or cool. -When troubleshooting, discovered a melted wire and burnt plug. Could have caused fire. Various others online had the exact issue. There should be a recall. -Not reproduced or confirmed by dealer. The damage is visible, not necessary to take in. -Not inspected, see photos. -No warning lights.

Recalls: 0 campaigns

CampaignComponentSummary

True cost of ownership

Fuel (your region) $0
Maintenance band (your region) $1,734$3,402
Estimated running cost this year (age 15) $3,402

Re-priced automatically from your country's retail fuel, electricity and parts indices — change country in the bar at the top. Estimates; see methodology.

02468101214$3,402vehicle age (years)
fuel/energy + maintenance band (annual, USD, estimate)

Run your own numbers in the true-cost calculator →

Other Cadillac Escalade ESV years

2011 2012201320142015

Best & worst Escalade ESV years — full table →

FAQ

What is the most common problem with the 2011 Cadillac Escalade ESV?

The most-reported issue in NHTSA complaint data is Air Bags (39 complaints in our indexed sample).

Is the 2011 Cadillac Escalade ESV a good used car to buy?

Our data verdict is BUY with a reliability score of 93/100, computed from 62 NHTSA complaints and 0 recall campaigns. See the verdict card for the top reasons.

What will a 2011 Cadillac Escalade ESV really cost YOU per year?

Fuel, maintenance band and depreciation — computed from public data in 10 seconds.

Open the true-cost calculator

Data sources

Complaints & recalls: NHTSA · Fuel economy: EPA fueleconomy.gov · Scoring: our published methodology.
Maintenance bands are industry-average estimates (AAA Your Driving Costs, CarMD index) — labeled estimates, not measurements. Last updated: 2026-08-20.

93RELIABILITY / 100
BUY
  • 62 NHTSA complaints on record (4.1/yr of exposure)
  • 0 recall campaigns, 0 touching safety-critical systems

How this score is computed →

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