2011 Cadillac Escalade Ext: True Cost, Problems & Verdict
52 NHTSA owner complaints · 4 recalls · data-computed verdict. No opinions — public data only.
Reviewed by the MotorJury data desk · 2 sources · Last updated 2026-08-20
52 NHTSA owner complaints · 4 recalls · data-computed verdict. No opinions — public data only.
Complaints per year on the road: 3.47
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…
-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.
Tl* takata recall. the contact owns a 2011 cadillac escalade. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 21v050000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. the contact called devan lowe inc cadillac gmc lincoln (al-77 & steele station rd, attalla, al 35954, (256) 344-4832) where it was confirmed that the part was not available. the contact stated that the manufacturer exc…
What the community is saying right now.
| Campaign | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| 21V050000 | Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator | General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, … |
| 21V054000 | Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator | General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Taho… |
| 11V007000 | Suspension:Rear:Axle:Spindle | GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, COLORADO, EXPRESS, S… |
| 14V827000 | Electrical System:Ignition | General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silver… |
Re-priced automatically from your country's retail fuel, electricity and parts indices — change country in the bar at the top. Estimates; see methodology.
The most-reported issue in NHTSA complaint data is Air Bags (37 complaints in our indexed sample).
Our data verdict is BUY with a reliability score of 75/100, computed from 52 NHTSA complaints and 4 recall campaigns. See the verdict card for the top reasons.
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaign(s) for the 2011 Cadillac Escalade Ext, 3 of them touching fire, crash or stall risk, the most recent recorded 05/02/2021. Check this car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you buy.
Fuel, maintenance band and depreciation — computed from public data in 10 seconds.
Open the true-cost calculatorComplaints & 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.