Problems › Cadillac › 2010 Escalade
2010 Cadillac Escalade Problems & Owner Complaints
Age-normalised, this year draws ~2.5 complaints per year on the road — ranking 10 of 15 Cadillac Escalade years we track (1 = most complaints per year).
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What owners report
Air Bags is the most-reported problem area on the 2010 Cadillac Escalade, cited in 25 of 43 filed complaints (58%).
Electrical System is next (6 complaints, 14%), followed by Engine (3), Equipment (2), Exterior Lighting (2).
No complaint for this vehicle reports a crash, fire, injury or death.
Complaints by vehicle system
Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2010 Cadillac Escalade, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 43.
Air Bags 25
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V050000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED IMPERIAL VALLEY CHEVROLET BUICK GMC CADILLAC (602 WAKE AVE, EL CENTRO, CA 92243) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY NEITHER HAD THE TOOLS NOR THE PROCEDURE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY KNEW NOTHING ABOUT THE RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSFERRED TO ANOTHER NUMBER HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO RESPONSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT TH…”
NHTSA complaint #11404990, 2021
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 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 MICHAEL CADILLAC (5787 N BLACKSTONE AVE, FRESNO, CA 93710) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.”
NHTSA complaint #11403575, 2021
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V381000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. A LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11324991, 2020
Electrical System 6
“Tubo problema en k a lus derecha delantera l”
NHTSA complaint #11724236, 2023
“My son was driving home from work down Highway 288 in Houston and the car just died and did not start. The door locks were going up and down like it was trying to reset and lock the car. I had it fixed and they said it was the fuel pump was out. We had the fuel pump fixed and a new battery put in. Would this cause it to loose power immediately and the door locks to go crazy?”
NHTSA complaint #11560641, 2023
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CADILLAC ESCALADE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED AT ONCE AND THE DOORS BEGAN LOCKING AND UNLOCKING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE BATTERY CABLES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10730361, 2015
Engine 3
“The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated with an abnormal sound. The contact changed the spark plugs, wires and coils however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the lifters to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11418274, 2021
“EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS SHRED OFF CAUSING ENGINE MISFIRE. LEADING TO A VERY COSTLY REPAIR. MECH. SAID THAT THIS HAPPENS ON ALL THE GM OF A SIMILAR DESIGN, AT HIGHWAY SPEED DON'T NOTICE THE ROUGHNESS. WHEN YOU COME TO A STOP AND CAN REALLY FEEL THE CYLINDER MISS FIRING. FAULT CODE SAID NUMBER WAS MIS-FIRING. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11324215, 2020
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CADILLAC ESCALADE. WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE WOULD EXHIBIT AN ABNORMAL TAPPING SOUND WHICH WOULD BECOME LOUDER AS THE SPEED WAS INCREASED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PISTON WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10724842, 2015
Unknown Or Other 3
“AT A STOPLIGHT ON AN OVERPASS THE CAR SHUT OFF AND WOULDN'T RESTART FOR 10 MINUTES. AFTER IT RESTARTED AND WE CONTINUED TO DRIVE AND GET ON THE HIGHWAY. THE CAR SHUTOFF WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. POWER STEERING WAS COMPLETELY LOST. WE WERE ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. AFTER 5 MINUTES OR SO CAR RESTARTED. THERE WAS A CADILLAC DEALER WITHIN 10 MILES SO WE CONTINUED ON TO TRY AND GET THERE. THE CAR SHUTOFF AGAIN GETTING OFF THE HIGHWAY ON THE EXIT RAMP AND AGAIN LOST POWER STEERING. AGAIN WAITED FOR 5 MINUTES THE CAR RESTARTED. SAME THING HAPPENED PULLING INTO THE DEALER…”
NHTSA complaint #11268957, 2019
“WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN MAY AND NOTICED THE FIRST CRACK A FEW MONTHS LATER AND THIS MORNING FEB 16 2017 I SEE THE 2ND CRACK. I AM AFRAID IF I HAVE A WRECK, THE PIECE IS GOING TO FLY OFF AND DAMAGE AIRBAG OR SLICE THE FACE OF THE DRIVER. PLEASE FIX THIS ISSUE!!!! THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY WHEN CRACKS FORMED.”
NHTSA complaint #10954997, 2017
“I CALLED ALL THE DEALERS LISTED ON YOUR WEB SITE TO HAVE THE AIR BAGS REPLACED BUT THEY SAID THEY DONT HAVE THE PART AND CANT GET IT RK CHEV TOLD ME TO GO TO A CADILLAC DEALER AND THEY DONT HAVE IT SO WHAT DO I DO, ALSO THE ENGINE HAS ATICKING NOISE SINCES THE TIME I GOT THE CAR AND THEY SAY ITS NOTHING BUT IT STILL DOING IT TICKING AND THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT”
NHTSA complaint #11041831, 2014
Equipment 2
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V050000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED IMPERIAL VALLEY CHEVROLET BUICK GMC CADILLAC (602 WAKE AVE, EL CENTRO, CA 92243) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY NEITHER HAD THE TOOLS NOR THE PROCEDURE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY KNEW NOTHING ABOUT THE RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSFERRED TO ANOTHER NUMBER HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO RESPONSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT TH…”
NHTSA complaint #11404990, 2021
“2010 CADILLAC ESCALADE WAS DELIVERED TO THE FIRST RETAIL CUSTOMER BY A FRANCHISED GENERAL MOTORS DEALER WITH OUT THE OWNER MANUAL AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING SAFETY AND OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON JANUARY 21, 2011. TO DATE GM HAS FAILED TO SUPPLY THE REQUESTED OWNERS MANUAL. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10402542, 2011
Exterior Lighting 2
“Tubo problema en k a lus derecha delantera l”
NHTSA complaint #11724236, 2023
“I HAVE ENCOUNTERED THESE "BLUE" LIGHTS MANY TIMES WHILE TRAVELING. THEY ARE VERY VERY HARD TO SEE INTO FROM THE ONCOMING VEHICLE. I UNDERSTAND THAT THEY HAVE BEEN AROUND A WHILE AND AM SURPRISED THEY HAVE NOT BEEN DISCONTINUES. I KEEP THINKING TO MY SELF, "WHAT IF ALL VEHICLES HAD THESE?" WE WOULD HAVE A LOT MORE CRASHES. I THINK YOU SHOULD CONSIDER TAKING THEM OFF THE AUTO COMPANIES THAT ARE SELLING THEM. IT'S GOOD FOR THE DRIVER BUT BAD FOR THE ON COMING VEHICLES. PLEASE CONSIDER RESENDING THESE BLUE LIGHTS ON CARS AND TRUCKS. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10308890, 2010
Power Train 2
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CADILLAC ESCALADE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V050000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED IMPERIAL VALLEY CHEVROLET BUICK GMC CADILLAC (602 WAKE AVE, EL CENTRO, CA 92243) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY NEITHER HAD THE TOOLS NOR THE PROCEDURE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY KNEW NOTHING ABOUT THE RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSFERRED TO ANOTHER NUMBER HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO RESPONSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT TH…”
NHTSA complaint #11404990, 2021
“WHILE DRIVING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM BEGINS TO SHUT OFF AND ON, CAUSING TRANSMISSION TO FAIL, DASH BOARD FLUCTUATION, RADIO AND GPS RESET, POWER LOCKS TO OPEN AND CLOSE, ECT. WHILE OCCURRING, VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE AND JERKS BASED ON TRANSMISSION ENGAGING AND DISENGAGING CONTINUOUSLY.”
NHTSA complaint #10724475, 2015
Service Brakes 2
“Tubo problema en k a lus derecha delantera l”
NHTSA complaint #11724236, 2023
“SOMETIMES WHILE BRAKING IT NEEDS MUCH MORE FORCE, MEANING I HAVE TO PUSH THE BRAKE ALL THE WAY DOWN. ALSO IT FEELS LIKE THEY STICK AT TIMES. I SAW THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE 2015-2018 FOR THIS ISSUE BUT IT MAY GO BACK FURTHER.”
NHTSA complaint #11378411, 2019
Tires 2
“The contact owns a 2010 Cadillac Escalade equipped with Uniroyal Tires, Tire Line: PAW Touring, Tire Size: 285/45/R22, DOT Number: (Unavailable). The contact stated that upon inspection, it was discovered that all four tires had experienced tread separation and the steel belts were exposed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 9,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11530836, 2023
“TIRES LOSING AIR DUE TO POOR CHROMING PROCESS, AKA PAINT ON RIMS, FAKE CHROME PAINT IS PEELING OFF ON INSIDE OF RIMS, (SINCE GM DOESN'T LIKE TO RUSTCOAT ANY OF THEIR PARTS TO SAVE A COUPLE $) CAUSING TIRES NOT TO SEAL TO RIM, AS WELL VALVE STEM HOLE IS NO LONGER ROUND DUE TO FLAKING PAINT AND AIR IS ESCAPING HERE AS WELL. THIS COULD LEAD TO TIRE BLOWOUTS AND PROBABLY HAS, AND WAS PROBABLY BLAMED ON THE TIRE OR ROAD HAZARDS THAT WEREN'T THERE. I HAVE CONTACTED GM AND CADILLAC AND THEY ONLY THINK THEIR PARTS SHOULD LAST AS LONG AS EXTRA WARRANTY YOU PAY FOR. SO 3 YEARS. AFTER THAT, ALL PARTS ARE…”
NHTSA complaint #10678167, 2015
Wheels 2
“TIRES LOSING AIR DUE TO POOR CHROMING PROCESS, AKA PAINT ON RIMS, FAKE CHROME PAINT IS PEELING OFF ON INSIDE OF RIMS, (SINCE GM DOESN'T LIKE TO RUSTCOAT ANY OF THEIR PARTS TO SAVE A COUPLE $) CAUSING TIRES NOT TO SEAL TO RIM, AS WELL VALVE STEM HOLE IS NO LONGER ROUND DUE TO FLAKING PAINT AND AIR IS ESCAPING HERE AS WELL. THIS COULD LEAD TO TIRE BLOWOUTS AND PROBABLY HAS, AND WAS PROBABLY BLAMED ON THE TIRE OR ROAD HAZARDS THAT WEREN'T THERE.”
NHTSA complaint #10953825, 2017
“TIRES LOSING AIR DUE TO POOR CHROMING PROCESS, AKA PAINT ON RIMS, FAKE CHROME PAINT IS PEELING OFF ON INSIDE OF RIMS, (SINCE GM DOESN'T LIKE TO RUSTCOAT ANY OF THEIR PARTS TO SAVE A COUPLE $) CAUSING TIRES NOT TO SEAL TO RIM, AS WELL VALVE STEM HOLE IS NO LONGER ROUND DUE TO FLAKING PAINT AND AIR IS ESCAPING HERE AS WELL. THIS COULD LEAD TO TIRE BLOWOUTS AND PROBABLY HAS, AND WAS PROBABLY BLAMED ON THE TIRE OR ROAD HAZARDS THAT WEREN'T THERE. I HAVE CONTACTED GM AND CADILLAC AND THEY ONLY THINK THEIR PARTS SHOULD LAST AS LONG AS EXTRA WARRANTY YOU PAY FOR. SO 3 YEARS. AFTER THAT, ALL PARTS ARE…”
NHTSA complaint #10678167, 2015
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 1
“- TAKATA RECALL...STILL AWAITING REPLACEMENT!!! - SHOCKS WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. TOOK VEHICLE TO LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT MY WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED SO I WAS CHARGED FOR THE REPAIRS WHEN IN FACT MY WARRANTY WAS STILL IN EFFECT”
NHTSA complaint #11054481, 2013
Forward Collision Avoidance 1
“SOMETIMES WHILE BRAKING IT NEEDS MUCH MORE FORCE, MEANING I HAVE TO PUSH THE BRAKE ALL THE WAY DOWN. ALSO IT FEELS LIKE THEY STICK AT TIMES. I SAW THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE 2015-2018 FOR THIS ISSUE BUT IT MAY GO BACK FURTHER.”
NHTSA complaint #11378411, 2019
Latches/Locks/Linkages 1
“SECOND LEMON FROM THE TEXAS PLANT. FIRST WAS 07 GMC YUKON WITH MASSIVE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THIS NEW CADILLAC, ALSO MADE IN ARLINGTON, HAS HAD SEVERAL ISSUES WITH THE SAME REAR PASS DOOR, DOOR LATCH, WINDOW SEALS AND WARPED DOOR FRAME. AFTER MULTIPLE TRIPS TO DEALER THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. BOTH AUTO RUNNING BOARD MOTORS HAVE NEEDED REPLACING AND PARTS HAVE BEEN CHANGED OUT SEVERAL TIMES. AFTER A FEW THOUSAND MILES ALL 8 LIFTERS IN THE ENGINE NEEDED REPLACING AND NOW THE TRUCK IS SLUGGISH AND "OUT OF SYNC". THE AIR CONDITIONER WENT OUT AFTER A FEW HUNDRED MILES AND REQUIRED AN ENTIRE NEW HVAC…”
NHTSA complaint #10471789, 2011
Seats 1
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CADILLAC ESCALADE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE DRIVER SEAT DROPPED BACK WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE SEAT FAILED TO RETURN TO NORMAL POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT RECLINER MECHANISM FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000. UPDATED 09/21/16.*JB”
NHTSA complaint #10893074, 2016
Structure 1
“SECOND LEMON FROM THE TEXAS PLANT. FIRST WAS 07 GMC YUKON WITH MASSIVE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THIS NEW CADILLAC, ALSO MADE IN ARLINGTON, HAS HAD SEVERAL ISSUES WITH THE SAME REAR PASS DOOR, DOOR LATCH, WINDOW SEALS AND WARPED DOOR FRAME. AFTER MULTIPLE TRIPS TO DEALER THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. BOTH AUTO RUNNING BOARD MOTORS HAVE NEEDED REPLACING AND PARTS HAVE BEEN CHANGED OUT SEVERAL TIMES. AFTER A FEW THOUSAND MILES ALL 8 LIFTERS IN THE ENGINE NEEDED REPLACING AND NOW THE TRUCK IS SLUGGISH AND "OUT OF SYNC". THE AIR CONDITIONER WENT OUT AFTER A FEW HUNDRED MILES AND REQUIRED AN ENTIRE NEW HVAC…”
NHTSA complaint #10471789, 2011
Suspension 1
“- TAKATA RECALL...STILL AWAITING REPLACEMENT!!! - SHOCKS WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. TOOK VEHICLE TO LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT MY WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED SO I WAS CHARGED FOR THE REPAIRS WHEN IN FACT MY WARRANTY WAS STILL IN EFFECT”
NHTSA complaint #11054481, 2013
Vehicle Speed Control 1
“WHILE DRIVING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM BEGINS TO SHUT OFF AND ON, CAUSING TRANSMISSION TO FAIL, DASH BOARD FLUCTUATION, RADIO AND GPS RESET, POWER LOCKS TO OPEN AND CLOSE, ECT. WHILE OCCURRING, VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE AND JERKS BASED ON TRANSMISSION ENGAGING AND DISENGAGING CONTINUOUSLY.”
NHTSA complaint #10724475, 2015
How we read this (methodology)
How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2010 Cadillac Escalade draws about 2.5 complaints per year on the road, ranking 10 of 15 among the Cadillac Escalade model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).
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Related
Data source: U.S. NHTSA (nhtsa.gov). SaveVIN surfaces public recall data and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.