54 of the 2,305 complaints filed about the Cadillac Escalade are about the lighting — 2% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2008.
54
Complaints
2%
Share of all complaints
1
Crashes
1
Fires
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER RESET, FLASHES AND THE TURN SIGNALS WILL STOP WORKING WHILE THE SYSTEM IS CYCLING OR RESTTING, WHILW CHANGING LANES OR IN A MIDDLE OF A TURN
NHTSA complaint #11745705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The driver-side headlight on my 2025 Cadillac Escalade failed while the vehicle was still under factory warranty. This is a critical safety component that significantly reduces nighttime visibility and creates a safety risk for both myself and other drivers on the road. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized GM/Cadillac service center, and the failure was confirmed. The warranty repair was approved; however, the replacement part has been placed on national backorder with no reasonable repair timeframe provided. I have now been dealing with this unresolved safety-related issue for nearly three weeks. Because the headlight assembly is a major safety component, the vehicle may not be safe or practical to operate at night or during poor weather conditions. Prior to the failure, there were warning/error messages related to the headlight system appearing on the dashboard. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by the dealer. The failed component should be available for inspection upon request through the servicing dealership. My concern is not only the headlight failure itself, but also the inability of the manufacturer to provide timely replacement parts for a critical safety-related system on a nearly new vehicle. This creates an ongoing safety concern and prolonged loss of use of the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11740405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The engine. I’m told my engine is not part of the recall but makes an extremely loud sound on start up. Been to dealer just for them to say the vehicle is not part of the recall. Recently called roadside assistance because the vehicle shut off in the middle of traffic. Took it back to dealer, Nothing they can do, just keep bringing it back! Now warranty has expired & sound is getting worse
NHTSA complaint #11727375 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Tubo problema en k a lus derecha delantera l
NHTSA complaint #11724236 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:FLASHER UNIT
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.
NHTSA complaint #11674809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Driving home going 60-70 miles an hour I lost power in the middle of the highway and cruised off to the emergency lane. Engine completely shut off out of nowhere. Spedeometer went down even though i was pressing the accelerator . Starter burned out as well. Dealership says there was metal in the engine. Ordered a new engine and that engine was also defected. Now going into my third engine. In less than 2 months. If traffic would have been worse the possibility of safely maneuvering to a emergency lane could be fatal. Also one of the day running lights on multiple 2021 escalades go off.
NHTSA complaint #11644365 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I started my Escalade and 5 minutes later I lost power which as the entire vehicle had no power. So I left it alone for an hour or so in my garage and I started up again and this time didn’t loose power. Everything appeared normal and working again. Than the next day I started it up and I had this popup message SD card has been removed press ok to exit navigation (when no SD card was removed). I also noticed that my backup camera, grid lines, or augmented reality has also intermittently not working on days. It sometimes works as normal and sometimes it does not. The message shows Service Augmented Reality System. The following next day, while I’m cruising on the highway the Escalade shifted into neutral when I was going 75 mph and had no mechanical power. So I pulled over stoped the vehicle and shut it off. Restarted after 15 minutes and it operated normally. I’m worried about Safety since it shifted to neutral at highway speed and lost mechanical power, along with other power issues which is extremely dangerous. This vehicle either is a lemon or there is a unknown manufacturing defect and in both cases needs to be replaced due to egregious safety concern.
NHTSA complaint #11596072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
When reversing this huge SUV, there is no visibility. Currently, I have to keep pressing my brakes to get the red light to see little however it is not enough. I have taken it to the 2 different Cadillac Escalade dealership and they keep giving it back to me that it is working properly. This has been a problem since I bought this car, unfortunately when we went to test drive it was in a very bright parking lot. During the day it is fine, however if I reverse at night and god forbid hit someone/something - GM will be liable as this should not be on the road and they refuse the fix this big safety concern. Please note this is a 7 passenger SUV- It is too big to lack reverse visibility.
NHTSA complaint #11558884 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
System Failed: Back up lights are not working. Safety Concern: Cannot reverse in dark and putting self, family and others in danger. Problem reproduced at dealership: Fred Beans Cadillac in Bucks County Pennsylvania. Dealership Response to problem: They said GM is aware of the issue and it is related to software issue, no ETA of when it will be fixed however telling me it is safe to drive. No warning lamps however do have a blue hour glass in backup camera (not sure if that is related). "Cannot see anything when reversing as no reverse lights are working". Please see picture, driveway lights are on, front headlights are on, but no lights are working for reverse.
NHTSA complaint #11506645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The low beam headlights are too bright. I get flashed constantly, and then some drivers leave their bright lights on, blinding me, and creating a dangerous driving situation. Almost crashed last night due to being blinded by oncoming vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11487241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Cadillac Escalade was struck in a rear end collision in Georgia. Driver of trailing car stated that the Escalade "suddenly stopped". After reviewing dash cam footage from the trailing car it can be seen that the Escalade was very slowly decelerating for ~4 seconds before suddenly stopping, the trailing driver did not react to the initial deceleration, only the sudden stop. Closer inspection of the footage suggests the non-standard brake lights of the Escalade contributed to the crash. The vertical stripes do not register as brake lights easily, especially as they blend into the structure of the vehicle. Screenshots of dashcam footage showing this are attached.
NHTSA complaint #11445717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SPEEDOMETER QUIT WORKING ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. ONLY AROUND 55,000 MILES ON VEHICLE. YOU CAN DRIVE IT AWHILE AND THEN IT QUITS WORKING. LET IT SIT FOR A FEW MINUTES AND IT WILL WORK AGAIN FOR A LITTLE WHILE AND QUIT AGAIN. NO OTHER GAUGES ARE AFFECTED YET. LAMP ASSEMBLY IS FADING FROM THE INSIDE OF THE LIGHT HOUSING.
NHTSA complaint #11394897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THE LIGHTING FOR THE GEAR INDICATOR DOESN'T WORK. I CANNOT TELL WHAT GEAR IT IS IS
NHTSA complaint #11374633 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
HEADLIGHTS CONTINUE TO FAIL AND GO OUT DUE TO LACK OF PROPER DESIGN. CONSTANTLY GETTING MOISTURE INSIDE OF THEM.
NHTSA complaint #11326721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11258241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CADILLAC ESCALADE. EVERY TIME THE CONTACT PARKED AND LOCKED THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKE LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ED MORSE CADILLAC TAMPA (101 E FLETCHER AVE, TAMPA, FL 33612, (813) 556-7287) FOUR TIMES WHILE UNDER THE WARRANTY. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SENSOR UNDER THE BRAKE PEDAL TWICE. DURING THE THIRD VISIT, THE DEALER REPLACED THE WIRES AFTER SPEAKING WITH THE MANUFACTURER; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE STILL PERSISTED. DURING THE FOURTH VISIT, THE DEALER KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR 28 DAYS, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000. THE VIN WAS INVALID.
NHTSA complaint #11243715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THIS COMPLAINT APPLIES TO THE 2017-2019 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE HEADLIGHTS ON THESE VEHICLES ARE BLINDINGLY BRIGHT -- ENOUGH TO BE A SAFETY HAZARD. THEY ARE WAY TOO BRIGHT IF THEY SHINE DIRECTLY IN YOUR EYES OR SIDE MIRROR WHILE DRIVING A CAR. THEY ARE AN UNUSUAL DESIGN, WITH VERTICALLY STACKED POINTS OF TINY INDIVIDUAL LIGHTS, WHICH I BELIEVE CAUSES THIS PROBLEM. I RECENTLY READ THAT PEDESTRIAN FATALITIES HAVE SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED LATELY, PARTICULARLY AT NIGHT. I BELIEVE THIS IS DUE TO THE INCREASINGLY BRIGHT SUV HEADLIGHTS, PARTICULARLY ON LUXURY SUV'S. THE ESCALADE IS THE WORST, DUE TO THE UNUSUAL LIGHT DESIGN; BUT OTHERS ARE ALMOST AS BAD. IF THEY SHINE IN YOUR EYES -- FOR EXAMPLE, DRIVING UPHILL AS ONE OF THESE IS COMING DOWN THE HILL IN THE OTHER LANE -- IT IS LITERALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE ANY PEDESTRIAN TO THE SIDES, PARTICULARLY IF THE PERSON IS WEARING BLACK. THIS HAPPENS FREQUENTLY AT ONE BUSY INTERSECTION IN MY TOWN. IF YOU WANT TO REDUCE PEDESTRIAN DEATHS, THERE NEEDS TO BE GREATER REGULATION OF THE BRIGHTNESS OF VEHICLE HEADLIGHTS, PARTICULARLY ON TRUCKS. THANK YOU FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF THESE COMMENTS.[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'
NHTSA complaint #11235177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SEEMS TO GET MOISTURE IN HEAD LIGHT AND I HAVE TO KEEP REPLACING THE BULBS.
NHTSA complaint #11231643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
ELECTRICAL PROBLEM
NHTSA complaint #11228906 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
INSTRUMENT PANEL GOES IN & OUT. CAN'T TELL HOW FAST YOU'RE GOING, WHAT GEAR YOU'RE IN, WHETHER YOU'RE IN PARK REVERSE DRIVE. WAS TOLD PREVIOUS RECALL 08V441000 WAS ISSUED 8/28/2008 ADDRESSED THIS ISSUE. DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING. DEALER CAN'T GET NEW PART TO REPLACE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER WILL GO OUT WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING ALONG OR PARKED.
NHTSA complaint #11202969 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.