2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 23%of 22 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 29,800miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV, 23% of the 22 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 29,800 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I had a badly corroded brake line rupnture and nearly wrecked. I took it to the dealership and after 2 days they say they won't fix it. They say they are not familiar with lines routed through the frame, or between frame and body. They recommend a full body removal and they refused. Faulty trans modules and peeling/leaking stock rims.”
NHTSA complaint #11063905, filed 2018-01, 173,000 miles“While driving at 65 MPH, smoke started to come out from the back and side of the vehicle. The consumer noticed oil splattered all over the trunk and the road when they pulled over. The vehicle was towed to a dealership, and indicated that the servo wasn't installed properly at the factory, which resulted in transmission to leak oil.”
NHTSA complaint #10071898, filed 2004-04, 1,400 miles“The left rear wheel bearing failed on a new 2004 Cadillac Escalade Esv while driving on the freeway. The ABS and traction control warning lights went on and the a service traction control message on the dash. There was no noise or warning prior. After the bearing seized, the axel snapped and the only thing holding the wheel on was the brake caliper. The nearest dealership replaced the entire rear axel, differential assembly. I have heard of wheel failures on chevrolet avalanche truck's also (same chassis). …”
NHTSA complaint #10107628, filed 2005-01, 6,000 miles“- the contact stated that would go into gear with the ignition being in the accessory position without depressing the brake. The contact stated that while his son was in the vehicle the key was on accessory position, and the child pulled the gear shift into reverse, causing the vehicle to strike another vehicle. When he took the vehicle to the dealership they stated to the contact that, the reason that you can pull the gear shift is in case you need to tow the vehicle, so you can set it in neutral. Contact can provide pictures if needed.”
NHTSA complaint #10177217, filed 2006-12, 29,800 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 10222770Sep 16, 2022This service bulletin provides information on OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification.
- 10224273Sep 1, 2022This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the…
- 10220319Sep 1, 2022This diagnostic tip advises the tech not to separate the flexplate from the torque convertor or damage my occur if the engine is started while diagnosing for noise from the…
- 10113325Jan 12, 2017This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on the steps to diagnose and repair vehicles that may have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 9% |
| 2025 | 4 | 29% |
| 2024 | 4 | 18% |
| 2023 | 20 | 22% |
| 2022 | 13 | 22% |
| 2021 | 12 | 16% |
| 2020 | 2 | 9% |
| 2019 | 9 | 26% |
| 2018 | 1 | 7% |
| 2017 | 9 | 24% |
| 2016 | 5 | 33% |
| 2015 | 1 | 13% |
| 2008 | 1 | 6% |
| 2007 | 5 | 13% |
| 2006 | 1 | 20% |
| 2005 | 2 | 14% |
| 2004 | 5 | 23% |
Other parts of the 2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV
6 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsWheels
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology